STEP 1, STEP 2 or CREOG Scores- Which Exam Predicts Successful Passage of the Qualifying Examination? [15P]

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: 

The Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology (CREOG) is an objective measurement of medical knowledge. A score below 200 may identify those at risk for failing the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) Qualifying Exam. The aim of this study is to evaluate if there is a correlation between the Step 1, 2 (CK) and CREOG scores collectively with the passage of the ABOG Qualifying Exam on the first attempt and to identify a threshold score for passage.

METHODS: 

IRB approval was waived and data collected from twenty-seven residents over a ten year period. For each resident, the STEP 1, STEP 2, annual CREOG scores and self-reported passage of the ABOG Qualifying Exam were collected. Residents with missing data (n=2) were excluded. Simple logistic regression was used to investigate the effect of a single test score on predicting the likelihood of pass or fail on the ABOG Qualifying Examination. The associations between the examinations were evaluated using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.

RESULTS: 

USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 examinations had no significant effect on the outcome of the ABOG Qualifying examination (P<0.125 and P<0.544) respectively. PGY2 was a better predictor when compared to the PGY1 scores (P<.079) vs (P<.611). The mean score was 178.444 for PGY 3 and was the most significant factor in predicting passage or failure of the Qualifying Examination (P<.031).

CONCLUSION: 

A score of 170 or higher on the last two years of residency might be a good indicator of success on the ABOG Qualifying Examination.