University of California San Francisco

Association of Demographic and Program Factors With ABS Qualifying and Certifying Examinations Pass Rates

UCSF Department of Surgery
December 16, 2019

Original Investigation

Association of Demographic and Program Factors With ABS Qualifying and Certifying Examinations Pass Rates
JAMA Surg. Published online October 16, 2019.
Heather L. Yeo, MD, MHS, MBA, MS; Patrick T. Dolan, MD, MS; Jialin Mao, MD, MS; Julie A. Sosa, MD, MA

Read Abstract

Key Points

Question  Is there an association between sociodemographic factors and American Board of Surgery board examination passage rates?

Findings  In this study of 662 individuals, trainees of Hispanic ethnicity were more likely to not attempt either of the board examinations (qualifying and certifying examinations), and examinees who were married with children were more likely to fail the examinations. White examinees were more likely to pass the qualifying examination on the first attempt; white examinees, non-Hispanic ethnicity examinees, and single women compared with women with children during internship were more likely to pass the certifying examination on the first attempt.

Meaning  In a national sample of trainees, we observed adverse impact based on sociodemographic factors on passing the board certification examinations that needs further exploration.

Interview with the Authors

Heather YaoJulie Ann Sosa MD MA FACS 144Interview with Heather Yeo, MD, MHS (left), and Julie Ann Sosa, MD, MA, FACS (right), authors of Association of Demographic and Program Factors With American Board of Surgery Qualifying and Certifying Examinations Pass Rates.





Tags:
Diversity Equity and Inclusion