Do U.S. Medical Licensure Examination Step 1 Scores Correlate with Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology In-Training Examination Scores and American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology Written Examination Performance?

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the possible association between scores of >200 on U.S. Medical Licensure Examination (USMLE) step 1 and the Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology (CREOG) in-training examinations and the pass rate on the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) written examination. The USMLE step 1 and postgraduate year 1 to 4 CREOG in-training examination scores for the graduating chief residents in eight accredited obstetrics and gynecology residency programs were obtained. Performance on USMLE step 1 was correlated with ABOG examination performance and CREOG in-training examination scores. The correlations between USMLE step 1 and CREOG in-training examination scores and ABOG examination performance were analyzed by using the Spearman correlation coefficient. USMLE step 1 scores were significantly correlated with CREOG in-training examination scores (p < 0.000). None of the residents who scored >200 on USMLE step 1 and a mean of >200 on the CREOG in-training examinations failed the ABOG written examination. Program directors have used USMLE step 1 to identify trainees who are likely to perform well on the CREOG in-training examination. The CREOG in-training examination has been used to identify residents who are likely to pass the ABOG written examination. The results of this study document the strength of these associations.