Factors associated with declining residency program pass rates on the ABIM certification examination

• Published in: The American journal of medicine Vol. 129; no. 7; pp. 759 - 765
• Main Authors: Willett, Lisa, MD, MACM, Halvorsen, Andrew J., MS, Adams, Michael, MD, Chacko, Karen, MD, Chaudhry, Saima, MD, McDonald, Furman S., MD MPH, Oxentenko, Amy S., MD, Swenson, Sara L., MD, Zaas, Aimee, MD, Arora, Vineet M., MD MAPP
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.07.2016; Elsevier Sequoia S.A
• Subjects: Certification; Certification - statistics & numerical data; Clinical Competence - statistics & numerical data; Internal Medicine; Internal Medicine - education; Internship and Residency; Knowledge; Medical residencies; Risk factors; United States; American Board of Internal Medicine Certification Examination; Internal Medicine residency training; Graduate Medical Education; residency accreditation
• ISSN: 0002-9343; 1555-7162
• DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2016.03.020

The American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) establishes uniform standards for physicians in practice. The ABIM certifies that internists demonstrate knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential for patient care. For initial certification, a physician must complete the requisite medical education and clinical training, and pass a high-stakes written examination. A physician's board certification status is publicly reported, and considered a measure of physician competence. Here, Willett et al identify program characteristics associated with program pass rates, explore reasons, and program response to the decline.