OBGYN Specialty Qualifying Exam Score Improvement from 2018-2023

Abstract

Background: All US graduate OBGYN candidates must pass a Specialty Qualifying Exam, also known as the written board exam, before being able to take the Specialty Certifiying Exam, also known as the oral board exam. There has been emphasis on appropriate preparation. Introduction: This study’s aim was to review the Specialty Qualifying Exam results from graduating residents between the years 2018 and 2023. There has been a notable change through an improved didactic schedule. This included incorporating a question bank and test preparation throughout the year. Methods: The passage rate per graduating class year for Corewell Health East- Dearborn was compared in three-year windows. We compared the passage rate of 2018 to 2020 to the passage rate of 2021 to 2023. Study Design: The didactic schedule emphasized areas of weakness identified in the prior year, a gamified question bank, and test preparation was initiated at the beginning of the academic year. Residents were also given a personal analysis with areas of improvement from prior years and a faculty liaison. Results: From 2018 to 2020, the three-trend noted overall 73.7% passage rate, with an 83.3% first time passage rate and a 57.1% repeat test passage rate. Compared to the three-year trend from 2021 to 2023 resulting in a 100% overall passage rate, 100% first time passage rate and 100% repeat test passage rate. Discussion: Over six years, our residency didactic schedule and learning environment was revamped by our residents and faculty, and as a result, there has been improvement in the Specialty Qualifying Exam by our graduating residents. We have maintained our commitment to recruit residents with diverse backgrounds who have come from US MD, US DO and foreign medical schools. Conclusion: The improvement in scores will continue to guide future changes in our didactic schedule.