title: Still under the microscope: can a surgical aptitude test predict otolaryngology resident performance?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Application to otolaryngology-head and neck surgery residency is highly competitive, and the interview process strives to select qualified applicants with a high aptitude for the specialty. Commonly employed criteria for applicant selection have failed to show correlation with proficiency during residency training. We evaluate the correlation between the results of a surgical aptitude test administered to otolaryngology resident applicants and their performance during residency.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective study at an academic otolaryngology-head and neck surgery residency program.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between 2007 and 2013, 224 resident applicants participated in a previously described surgical aptitude test administered at a microvascular surgical station. The composite score and attitudinal scores for 24 consecutive residents who matched at our institution were recorded, and their residency performance was analyzed by faculty survey on a five-point scale. The composite and attitudinal scores were analyzed for correlation with residency performance score by regression analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-four residents were evaluated for overall quality as a clinician by eight faculty members who were blinded to the results of surgical aptitude testing. The results of these surveys showed good inter-rater reliability. Both the overall aptitude test scores and the subset attitudinal score showed reliability in predicting performance during residency training.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The goal of the residency selection process is to evaluate the candidate's potential for success in residency and beyond. The results of this study suggest that a simple-to-administer clinical skills test may have predictive value for success in residency and clinician quality.
  
  
  METHODS
  4.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, U.S.A.
authors.forename: Eric J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Moore
authors.forename: Daniel L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Price
authors.forename: Kathryn M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Van Abel
authors.forename: Matthew L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Carlson
mesh_terms: D001077:Aptitude Tests; D002983:Clinical Competence; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000193:education* / Q000592:standards*; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000193:education* / Q000592:standards*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
keywords: Aptitude testing; dexterity testing; otolaryngology; resident selection