RESUMO
Introduction The American Board of Surgery (ABS) plays a pivotal role in certifying surgeons in the United States, with the American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE) serving as a critical assessment tool for general surgery residents aspiring for certification. The aim of this study is to compare the performance of international medical graduates (IMGs) to their domestic counterparts and assess the impact of different medical degrees on ABSITE scores. Notably, ABSITE scores often dictate the trajectory of a surgical career, including opportunities for fellowship placements in specialized fields such as plastic surgery. Methods This study focused on general surgery residents enrolled at Marshall University from 2014 to 2022. Data encompassing ABSITE scores, TrueLearn quiz percentages, and TrueLearn mock exam results were collected for analysis. Descriptive statistics summarized sample characteristics, and linear mixed models were employed to address correlations. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Statistical Analysis System (SAS) (version 9.4; SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA), with significance defined by a two-sided test with p < 0.05. Results Among the 48 participants, comprising 24 non-international medical graduates (nIMGs) and 24 IMGs, IMGs demonstrated superior performance across various metrics. They exhibited higher quiz percentages (67% vs. 61%; p = 0.0029), mock Exam 1 scores (64% vs. 58%; p = 0.0021), mock Exam 2 scores (66% vs. 58%; p = 0.0015), ABSITE scores (560 vs. 505; p = 0.010), and ABSITE percentages (74% vs. 68%; p = 0.0077) compared to nIMGs. Analysis between Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) and Doctor of Medicine (MD) participants revealed no statistically significant differences in performance metrics, highlighting the comparability of these medical degrees in the context of ABSITE scores and related assessments. Discussion/conclusion This study underscores the superior performance of IMGs over nIMGs in ABSITE examinations, shedding light on the critical role of ABSITE scores in shaping surgical careers. Higher scores correlate with enhanced opportunities for coveted fellowship placements, particularly in specialized fields like plastic surgery. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for resident training and navigating the competitive landscape of surgical sub-specialization. Future research endeavors can delve deeper into the factors influencing ABSITE performance, thereby facilitating the development of targeted interventions to support residents in achieving their career aspirations.
RESUMO
Introduction The American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE) is a critical tool in assessing surgical residents' readiness for board certification and clinical practice. While various factors influencing ABSITE performance have been examined, the impact of innovative educational resources, such as TrueLearn, remains underexplored. TrueLearn's adaptive learning algorithms and comprehensive question banks offer a promising adjunct to traditional study methods. This study investigates the relationship between TrueLearn utilization and ABSITE performance among general surgery residents. Methods This retrospective study, ethically approved by the Marshall University Institutional Review Board (IRB No. 2097669-1), analyzed the performance of general surgery residents at Marshall University from 2014 to 2022. Data were collected on ABSITE scores. Additionally, quiz percentages (Quiz %) and scores from two mock exams (Exam 1 and Exam 2), all provided by the TrueLearn platform, were included in the analysis. Descriptive statistics summarized the sample characteristics. Linear mixed models were employed to examine the associations between TrueLearn engagement and ABSITE performance, accounting for the correlated nature of the data and addressing any missing data at random. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Statistical Analysis System (SAS, version 9.4; SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC), with significance defined as a p-value < 0.05. Results The study cohort included 58 residents from 2016 to 2022. Linear mixed model analysis revealed significant positive correlations between TrueLearn Quiz %, Exam 1 scores, and Exam 2 scores with ABSITE performance. A 1% increase in Quiz % was associated with a 0.77-point rise in ABSITE scores (95% CI: 0.65, 0.89; p < 0.0001). For Exam 1, each point increase corresponded to a 6.36-point increase in ABSITE scores (95% CI: 5.01, 7.7; p < 0.0001), while Exam 2 scores showed a 3.8-point increase per point (95% CI: 2.74, 4.86; p < 0.0001). Discussion and conclusion Our findings underscore the significant impact of TrueLearn engagement on ABSITE performance, with higher quiz percentages and mock exam scores predictive of better ABSITE outcomes. This suggests that regular use of TrueLearn's educational resources enhances residents' knowledge and exam readiness. These results advocate for the integration of innovative educational tools such as TrueLearn into surgical training programs to optimize study strategies and improve exam performance. However, the study's retrospective design and single-institution focus limit the generalizability of the findings. Future research should explore these relationships in diverse settings and specialties and consider additional factors influencing ABSITE performance. This study highlights the positive association between TrueLearn utilization and ABSITE performance among general surgery residents, emphasizing the importance of innovative educational resources in surgical training. By enhancing engagement with platforms such as TrueLearn, surgical programs can improve residents' readiness for high-stakes examinations, ultimately contributing to the development of proficient surgical practitioners.
