Selection factors among international medical graduates and psychiatric residency performance.
OBJECTIVE
The authors examine the association between the selection factors used in a psychiatric residency program and subsequent clinical and academic performance among international medical graduate (IMG) candidates.


METHODS
The authors completed a retrospective review of application files and residency evaluations of 50 IMG residents who completed the 4-year psychiatry training in a university-affiliated program from July 1994 through June 2004.


RESULTS
United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 and personal interview appear associated with residents' performance determined by the program director's ranking. Standardized examinations before (USMLE Step 1 and 2) and during the residency (PRITE) were significantly correlated (USMLE 1, r=0.37; USMLE 2, r=0.40, p<0.003). Personal interview scores and psychotherapy treatment session evaluations were also significantly associated (r=0.38, p<0.003).


CONCLUSIONS
Further research is necessary to determine predictive factors related to psychiatric residents' performance, especially among IMGs. Adjusting current selection criteria may result in better outcomes for training programs and future psychiatrists.
Shiroma
Paulo R
PR
Geriatric Psychiatry Clinic, Mental Health Service Line, Minneapolis VA Medical Center, MN, USA. Paulo.Shiroma@va.gov
Alarcon
Renato D
RD
D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D005550:Foreign Medical Graduates / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000193:education* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012570:School Admission Criteria / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014481:United States