Enhancing Geriatric Knowledge and Board Certification Outcomes Through AGS Pre-Conference Board Review Course

The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Board Review Course aims to enhance geriatric knowledge and increase the number of board-certified geriatricians. This study evaluated the feasibility of offering the course both virtually and in-person at a national conference and assessed whether participation improved confidence and supported board certification.

Between May 2021 and May 2022, 233 participants (196 virtual, 37 in-person) completed precourse and postcourse surveys. Participants included first-time test-takers and those seeking recertification through the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM), American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM), or Osteopathic Boards (AOBIM, AOBFP). Subgroup analyses compared virtual versus in-person formats and internal medicine (IM) versus family medicine (FM) backgrounds.

Of the 233 participants, 114 pursued initial certification, 70 recertification, and 49 had unspecified certification status. Postcourse follow-up showed 172 (74%) achieved board certification (167 ABIM or ABFM; 5 AOBIM or AOBFP), 28 remained uncertified, and 33 had unknown status. Confidence significantly improved, with pretest scores averaging 64.3 (2021) and 60.6 (2022), aligning with precourse self-assessments. Some discrepancies emerged between confidence and performance in geriatric syndromes and functional assessment. Course satisfaction was high, particularly with content delivery and board preparation.

Offering the AGS Board Review Course during the annual meeting was feasible and effective in boosting participants' confidence and supporting board certification, with pass rates comparable to national averages. These findings highlight the course's value and suggest future research should focus on optimizing delivery methods and addressing persistent knowledge gaps in geriatric education.