Do U.S. medical licensure examination step 1 scores correlate with council on resident education in obstetrics and gynecology in-training examination scores and American board of obstetrics and gynecology written examination performance?
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to assess the possible association between scores of >200 on U.S. Medical Licensure Examination (USMLE) step 1 and the Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology (CREOG) in-training examinations and the pass rate on the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) written examination.


METHODS
The USMLE step 1 and postgraduate year 1 to 4 CREOG in-training examination scores for the graduating chief residents in eight accredited obstetrics and gynecology residency programs were obtained. Performance on USMLE step 1 was correlated with ABOG examination performance and CREOG in-training examination scores. The correlations between USMLE step 1 and CREOG in-training examination scores and ABOG examination performance were analyzed by using the Spearman correlation coefficient.


RESULTS
USMLE step 1 scores were significantly correlated with CREOG in-training examination scores (p < 0.000). None of the residents who scored >200 on USMLE step 1 and a mean of >200 on the CREOG in-training examinations failed the ABOG written examination.


CONCLUSIONS
Program directors have used USMLE step 1 to identify trainees who are likely to perform well on the CREOG in-training examination. The CREOG in-training examination has been used to identify residents who are likely to pass the ABOG written examination. The results of this study document the strength of these associations.
Armstrong
Alicia
A
Reproductive Biology and Medicine Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
Alvero
Ruben
R
Nielsen
Peter
P
Deering
Shad
S
Robinson
Randal
R
Frattarelli
John
J
Sarber
Kathleen
K
Duff
Patrick
P
Ernest
Joseph
J
D002983:Clinical Competence; D004521:Educational Measurement; D006176:Gynecology / Q000193:education* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000592:standards*; D008007:Licensure, Medical; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000193:education* / Q000592:standards; D013044:Specialty Boards; D013663:Teaching; D014481:United States