Poster3-10: VIDEO-RECORDED MOCK ORAL EXAMINATION PROGRAM FOR GENERAL SURGERY RESIDENTS IS ASSOCIATED WITH IMPROVED FIRST-TIME PASS RATES ON THE AMERICAN BOARD OF SURGERY CERTIFYING EXAMINATION
Mary K Kimbrough, MD1, Carol R Thrush, EdD1, James P Selig, PhD1, Jonathan A Laryea, MD1, Frederick R Bentley, MD1, John L Falcone, MD2; 1University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 2University of Louisville, Owensboro Health
Background: Successful performance on the American Board of Surgery Certifying Examination (CE) is important for a surgeon’s future career and also serves as a quality indicator for general surgery residency programs. To better prepare our residents for the CE, we implemented a new formal video-recorded mock oral examination (MOE) curriculum. To examine the program’s effectiveness, we employed a multi-year observational cohort design to compare first-time CE pass rates for MOE participants versus earlier program graduates who had no formal MOE training. We hypothesized that MOE participants would have improved CE pass rates.
Methods: Standardized test scores and CE pass rates for MOE participants were compared to historical controls. Binary logistic regression analysis controlling for USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 scores and ABSITE scores was used to examine CE pass/fail outcomes.
Results: From 2010-2013, 64.7% (11/17) of graduates passed the CE on the first attempt, whereas 90% (18/20) of the 2014-2017 graduates (MOE participants) passed on the first attempt (p=0.06). Only Step 2 scores differed significantly between the two groups, with the MOE participant group having statistically significant higher Step 2 scores (p = 0.03). Regression results showed that MOE participation was associated with increased odds for passing the CE (odds ratio = 19.86, p = 0.04). In the regression model, none of the prior standardized test scores were significant contributors in predicting CE pass/fail.
Conclusions: The study contributes empirical results supporting the value of mock oral exams. Even though the MOE participant group had higher Step 2 scores, this variable was not a significant factor in the adjusted regression to predict CE pass/fail status. Given the small sample, it is encouraging that MOE participation was a significant predictor in passing the CE. Overall, study results suggest the video-recorded MOE program improved first time pass rates on the CE.