title: Relationship between performance on part I of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery Certifying Examination and Scores on USMLE Steps 1 and 2.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study investigated the strength of the relationship between performance on Part I of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) Certifying Examination and scores on United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Steps 1 and 2.
  
  
  METHODS
  USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 scores on first attempt were matched with ABOS Part I results for U.S./Canadian graduates taking Part I for the first time between 2002 and 2006. Linear and logistic regression analyses investigated the relationship between ABOS Part I performance and scores on USMLE Step 1 and 2.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Step 1 and Step 2 individually each explained 29% of the variation in Part I scores; using both scores increased this percentage to 34%. Results of logistic regression analyses showed a similar, moderately strong relationship with Part I pass/fail outcomes: Examinees with low scores on Steps 1 and 2 were at substantially greater risk for failing Part I.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is continuing empirical support for use of Step 1 and Step 2 scores in selection of residents to interview for orthopedics residency positions.
authors.affiliation: National Board of Medical Examiners, 3750 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. dswanson@nbme.org
authors.forename: David B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Swanson
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sawhill
authors.forename: Kathleen Z
authors.initials: KZ
authors.lastname: Holtzman
authors.forename: S Deniz
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Bucak
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Morrison
authors.forename: Shepard
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hurwitz
authors.forename: G Paul
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: DeRosa
mesh_terms: D002568:Certification; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D008007:Licensure, Medical; D009985:Orthopedics; D014481:United States