The Use of Part I National Board Scores in the Selection of Residents in Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology

Abstract

A survey of ophthalmology and otolaryngology residency program directors was conducted to determine the extent to which National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) Part I scores are used in selection of residents in these highly competitive specialty fields. Results from 218 completed questionnaires representing nearly 90% of all US ophthalmology and otolaryngology/head and neck surgery programs were analyzed. More than three fourths indicated that Part I NBME scores were used in selecting residents; more than half of the programs used these scores as a means to determine whom to interview. The direct use of NBME scores in the residency application process is widespread; however, such use of NBME scores is not consistent with the purposes of the National Board. The preeminent role of the faculty in the evaluation of medical students and in the assessment of their clinical competence needs emphasis.

Factors Influencing Pediatric Dental Program Directors’ Selection of Residents and Demographics of Current Directors

“…The current trend, according to our study, appears to show that academic factors are the most important elements that directors look at when exploring applicant letters. These results are similar to reports on medical [9][10][11][12][15][16][17] and oral surgery residencies. 20 Pediatric dentistry is the only dental specialty that is not technique-specific, i.e., the training and practice are limited by the patient's age rather than technique.…”

“…The applicant's score on the NBDE was the highest rated academic factor followed by clinical grades, dental school class rank, and dental school GPA (not significantly different from each other). Reports on medical residencies indicate an emphasis on National Board scores, 12,13 grades, 15,16 and class rank 15,17 during the selection process. The NBDE is currently the only standard method of comparatively evaluating dental students across the country.…”

“…There has been a wide range of discussion regarding the various aspects and validity of the selection process in medicine and dentistry. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] However, there has not been an article reporting the evaluation process of program directors of pediatric dentistry residencies/advanced education programs. Throughout this discussion, the terms "residency" and "advanced education program" in pediatric dentistry will be used synonymously.…”

How should unmatched otolaryngology applicants proceed?

“…The top three reasons why programs leaders determined that a repeat applicant did not match were poor interview (29%), low USMLE scores (23%), and nonallopathic medical pathway (23%). More than half of otolaryngology programs routinely use USMLE scores as a screening tool for choosing candidates to interview, and USMLE step 1 score has been found to be significantly related to otolaryngology residency program acceptance . Despite this common use of USMLE scores in application screening, a study by Chole and Ogden demonstrated that there was no correlation between USMLE step 1 scores and subsequent resident performance, as rated by faculty .…”

“…More than half of otolaryngology programs routinely use USMLE scores as a screening tool for choosing candidates to interview, and USMLE step 1 score has been found to be significantly related to otolaryngology residency program acceptance. 4,5 Despite this common use of USMLE scores in application screening, a study by Chole and Ogden demonstrated that there was no correlation between USMLE step 1 scores and subsequent resident performance, as rated by faculty. 6 Additionally, a nonallopathic surgical pathway has been demonstrated to decrease chances of matching.…”