Association of Demographic and Program Factors With American Board of Surgery Qualifying and Certifying Examinations Pass Rates

Abstract

board certification requires passing both a written qualifying examination and an oral certifying examination. No studies have been conducted assessing the effect of sociodemographic variables on board passage rates.OBJECTIVE To evaluate if trainee sociodemographic factors are associated with board passage rates.

Trends in Race/Ethnicity Among Applicants and Matriculants to US Surgical Specialties, 2010-2018

“…Addressing the work environment experienced by residents who identify as URM may improve the resident experience as well as influence the encounters of medical students who identify as URM during their clinical rotations and their perception of surgery. 49 , 50 Studies about women identified that the environment of training affects why students choose to pursue surgery. 51 , 52 Recent reports detail the discrimination and harassment that individuals who identify as URM and women experience in surgical training, which has been disavowed by the American Surgical Assocation.…”

“The odds were stacked against me”: a qualitative study of underrepresented minorities in surgical training

“…Results from a United States national survey found that 31.9% reported discrimination based on gender and 16.6% reported racial discrimination. The largest source of racial discrimination came from patients and families 10,11 . Additionally, they encountered that half of their general surgery residents experienced workplace mistreatment, greatly increasing the risk of burnout and suicidal thoughts.…”

“…Recently, the implication of minority status in residency has been explored 10–13 . These studies found that minorities felt underappreciated and often have fewer positive relationships at work; the additional burden of discrimination leads to burnout, depression and even suicide amongst trainees and that intersectionality compounds these risks.…”

Women in specialty training: Challenges, decisions, or opportunities?

“…Previously the pass rate for the American Board Surgery Exams was highest in single women with no children but less for married women with children. 2 For men, the pass rate was highest in those who were partnered with the other groups not far behind. Is this related to support rooted in societal expectations?…”