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Evolution of the final fellowship examination
1Department of Surgery, Nelson Hospital, Nelson, New Zealand. allsun@xtra.co.nz
ANZ Journal of Surgery
|March 26, 2009
Summary
The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Fellowship examination has evolved significantly since 1934, becoming more structured and objective. Recent reviews indicate minor variations in outcomes between specialties, suggesting ongoing refinement is needed.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Assessment
- Professional Certification
Background:
- The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Final Fellowship examination has a long history dating back to 1934.
- The examination has adapted to evolving surgical specialty requirements, assessment techniques, and technology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the structure and outcomes of the Fellowship examination across nine surgical specialties.
- To identify factors contributing to variations in examination outcomes between specialties.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of examination structure, including common segments (two written papers, two clinical, three vivas) and specialty-specific variations.
- Review of examination outcomes from 2001-2007 to identify inter-specialty differences.
Main Results:
- The examination has become more structured and objective over the past decade, ensuring consistent assessment for candidates.
- A review of outcomes (2001-2007) revealed some variation between surgical specialties.
- Potential contributory factors to outcome variations include differences in examination structure and assessment processes between Specialty Courts of Examiners.
Conclusions:
- The Fellowship examination has undergone substantial evolution, aiming for fairness and appropriateness.
- While generally consistent, minor variations in outcomes suggest a need for continued refinement of assessment processes.
- Future evolution will likely incorporate increased emphasis on competence-based assessment during surgical training.
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