111 - Does type of internship predict American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation certification examination scores?

Physicians who completed categorical residency programs in PM&R had higher pass rates on Part I than physicians who completed advanced programs. Physicians who completed a categorical program had higher scaled scores on the Part II Examination than physicians who completed either a transitional or non-transitional advanced program but pass rates did not differ. Completing less than 3 months of training in internal medicine prior to starting PM&R was associated with lower Part I and Part II Examination scaled scores than completing 3 or more months. Physicians who completed six or more months of internal medicine had higher Part I and Part II Examination pass rates and scaled scores than physicians who completed six or more months in surgery.

Conclusions:

The experience of a resident during the PGY-1 year has potential impact on ABPMR initial board certification results. Residents who graduate from categorical residencies have higher pass rates on the Part I examination than those who complete a transitional internship and higher scaled scores on Part II than those who graduate from advanced programs. Participating in three months or more of internal medicine rotations is associated with better Part I and II examination results though further incremental gains were not seen beyond 5 months.  Although significant differences in outcomes were identified, the differences were relatively small and may support flexibility of choice for the PGY-1 experience. This data may inform future ACGME PGY-1 requirements, program director advice for residents and medical student choices related to internship year training.