Comparing Board Examination Scores Between Pediatric Residents in Continuity Clinics at Different Sites

Objective: Determine if there is a difference in medical knowledge between pediatric residents attending continuity clinic at a community-based center versus those attending an academic center, as measured by the American Board of Pediatrics In-Training Exam (in-training exam) and the American Board of Pediatrics Certification Exam (certification exam).

Methods: A retrospective evaluation of in-training and certification exam scores of pediatric residents enrolled at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin was performed. Test scores of the group of residents participating in a community-based continuity clinic were compared to those residents attending an academic center continuity clinic.

Results: There were no statistically significant differences in mean test scores for each of the 3 years of residency training on the in-training exam or board certifying exam after graduation. In-training exam scores significantly predicted certification exam scores, and there were significant increases in the in-training exam scores throughout residency, irrespective of clinic location.

Conclusion: This study shows no difference between residents participating in a communitybased continuity clinic and those participating in an academic center continuity clinic in objective outcomes as measured by scores on the American Board of Pediatrics In-Training Exam and the American Board of Pediatrics Certifying Exam.