Pulmonary and Critical Care In-Service Training Examination Score as a Predictor of Board Certification Examination...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Pulmonary Medicine
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• In-service training examinations (ITEs) are common in combined pulmonary and critical care medicine fellowship programs.
• The predictive value of ITE scores for subspecialty board certification examination performance is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess if pulmonary and critical care medicine ITE scores predict performance on subspecialty certification exams.
• To determine if ITE scores predict performance independently of trainee demographics, program director ratings, and prior medical knowledge.

Main Methods:

• Fellowship program data and ITE scores were collected from 2008-2012.
• Data were matched with subsequent Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine Certification Examination scores.
• Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses identified predictors of examination scores and pass rates.

Main Results:

• Second-year fellow ITE scores and Internal Medicine Certification Examination scores were the strongest predictors of Pulmonary Disease Certification Examination scores.
• ITE scores were significant predictors of passing both Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine Certification Examinations.
• First-year fellow ITE scores showed comparable predictive value to second-year fellows' scores.

Conclusions:

• Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine ITE scores are independent and strong predictors of subspecialty certification examination performance.
• ITE scores outperform fellow demographics, program director ratings, and fellowship characteristics in predicting success.
• The ITE is a valuable tool for identifying fellow learning needs during subspecialty training.