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Using resident performance on Step 2 to predict surgical residency success.
Alexandra Jones1, Matthew Benns2, Russell Farmer3
1Price Institute of Surgical Research, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY; Hiram C. Polk, Jr. Department of Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY.
Surgery
|September 20, 2024
Summary
Performance on the Step 2 CK exam predicts lower scores on the American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination for surgical residents. However, Step 2 CK scores do not predict other adverse academic outcomes in surgical residency.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Training
- Academic Performance Metrics
Background:
- The Step 2 CK examination is a key metric in surgical residency applications and evaluations.
- Historically, board examination performance has been used to predict overall success in residency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if Step 2 CK scores can predict adverse academic outcomes in surgical residency.
- To determine the predictive value of Step 2 CK for various aspects of surgical training success.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from 92 surgical residents at a single institution.
- Normalization of Step 2 CK scores against cohort averages.
- Logistic regression to assess the correlation between Step 2 CK scores and adverse academic events.
Main Results:
- Lower Step 2 CK scores correlated with a higher likelihood of falling below the 25th percentile on the American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (P = .011).
- No significant correlation was found between Step 2 CK scores and passing board examinations, program withdrawal, mock oral failures, or selection as chief resident.
Conclusions:
- Step 2 CK scores are a significant predictor of performance on the American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination.
- Step 2 CK scores have limited predictive ability for other adverse academic outcomes in surgical residency, challenging its role as a sole predictor of overall success.
