title: An analysis of reflective writing early in the medical curriculum: The relationship between reflective capacity and academic achievement.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine the relationship between reflection, gender, residency choice, word count, and academic achievement among medical students.
  
  
  METHODS
  A modified version of the Reflection Evaluation for Learners' Enhanced Competencies Tool (REFLECT) was developed and used for this study (Cronbach's alpha of 0.86 with an intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] of 0.68). This was applied to writing samples about professionalism in gross anatomy from first-year medical students between 2005 and 2011. Four analysts reviewed and scored written reflections independently. Composite reflection scores were compared with gender, residency choice, length of written reflection, NBME® Gross Anatomy and Embryology Subject Examination scores, and final gross anatomy course.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Total of 319 written reflections were evaluated. Female students who pursued medicine specialties had the highest composite reflection scores (87 [27.2%]). Word count frequently correlated with reflection score (p < 0.0001). Students who performed well on the NBME® Gross Anatomy and Embryology Subject Examination tended to achieve high anatomy course grades (p < 0.0001). There was no statistically significant relationship between composite reflection scores and NBME® Gross Anatomy and Embryology Subject Examination scores (p = 0.16) or anatomy course grades (p = 0.90).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study suggests there are likely no correlations between reflective capacity and academic performance on tests of medical knowledge administered early in the medical curriculum.
authors.affiliation: a Mayo Clinic , USA .
authors.forename: Abigale L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Ottenberg
authors.affiliation: b Mayo Medical School , USA .
authors.forename: Dario
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Pasalic
authors.affiliation: c Davidson College , USA .
authors.forename: Gloria T
authors.initials: GT
authors.lastname: Bui
authors.affiliation: d Mayo Clinic College of Medicine , USA.
authors.forename: Wojciech
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Pawlina
mesh_terms: D002321:Career Choice; D003479:Curriculum; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000379:methods*; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D033262:Narration; D012737:Sex Factors; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*; D013850:Thinking; D013997:Time Factors