Predictors of Urology Resident Surgical Skills, Clinical-Communication Skills, Common Sense, and In-Service Scores

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate predictors of urology resident surgical skills, clinical-communication skills, common sense, and in-service scores. MethodsWe reviewed the Mayo Clinic experience with 49 urology residents who graduated between 2006 and 2016. Residents were independently scored 1-10 based on surgical skills, clinical-communication skills, and common sense by the Program Director and Associate Program Director. Discrepant scoring by >2 was resolved by the former Program Director. Associations of features from the medical student application with an excellent score (defined as 8-10) and in-service scores were evaluated with logistic and linear regression. ResultsDiscrepant scoring >2 was noted in only 1, 0, and 1 resident for surgical skills, clinical-communication skills, and common sense, respectively. The mean scores for surgical skills, clinical-communication skills, and common sense were 6.4, 7.1, and 7.0, respectively, and an excellent score was noted in 16 (33%), 19 (39%), and 24 (49%) residents, respectively. The strongest feature associated with an excellent score in each category was honors in all core clinical clerkships (p<0.05 for each). The mean percentile in-service score throughout residency was 84.2%. In a multivariable model, male sex (p=0.028), USMLE I (p=0.010) and II scores (p=0.001), 1+ publication before residency (p=0.018), and no negative interview comments (p=0.030) were associated with higher in-service scores. ConclusionsAn honors grade in all clinical clerkships during medical school is the strongest feature predictive of excellent surgical skills, clinical-communication skills, and common sense among urology residents. While USMLE scores are associated with in-service scores, they do not predict for clinical skills.