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Which Filterable ERAS Metrics Predict Success in US Pediatric Residency? A Multisite Cohort Study
Jessica DeBord1, Oluwatosin Igenoza2, Michela Garabedian3
1is an Associate Professor, Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, and Director, Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Residency, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
Journal of Graduate Medical Education
|August 15, 2026
Summary
Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS) membership and USMLE Step 2 CK scores predict pediatric residency success. GHHS membership demonstrated a stronger association with resident performance ratings than Step 2 CK scores.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Residency Training
- Pediatrics
Background:
- United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) scores predict performance on standardized tests but their role in residency success is unclear.
- USMLE scores are commonly used to filter residency applicants.
- The predictive value of Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) metrics for residency success requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if key ERAS metrics predict success in pediatric residency.
- To measure residency success using Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Pediatrics Milestone (PM) ratings.
Main Methods:
- Data from 518 residents across 10 pediatric programs in 2020 were analyzed.
- Metrics included medical degree type, medical school location, Alpha Omega Alpha and Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS) membership, USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) scores, and Step 2 Clinical Skills pass/fail.
- Primary outcome was mean PM ratings.
Main Results:
- Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS) membership was positively associated with overall PM performance (B=0.15, P=.009).
- USMLE Step 2 CK scores also showed a positive association with overall PM performance (B=0.06, P=.007).
- GHHS membership had a larger effect size than Step 2 CK across all PM domains, including Medical Knowledge, Patient Care, and Professionalism.
Conclusions:
- Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS) membership is a strong predictor of success in pediatric residency.
- USMLE Step 2 CK scores also predict success, but to a lesser extent than GHHS membership.
- These findings suggest that holistic review of applicants, including honor society membership, may enhance residency selection.
