The purpose of this study was to provide data concerning the relationship between features of residency training and a test of cognitive achievement gathered at the end of residency. To accomplish this, data collected in the late 1970s by three national organizations were joined and analyzed with the aid of experts in internal medicine. Although graduate medical education has evolved since this information was gathered, it does provide a baseline for assessing the impact of changes on the cognitive skills of residents. The findings suggest that better program performance on the examination is associated with attracting more knowledgeable residents to begin with and that programs are able to maintain the advantage of their residents throughout training. Moreover, program characteristics have an impact on the cognitive skills of residents over and above what would be predicted by test scores at the end of medical school. Programs with better examination performance tend to provide residents an extensive, well-supervised educational experience stressing ambulatory care.

Canada↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Perceptions of the certification standards of the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Perceptions of the certification standards of the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) and the qualities of care provided by certified and non-certified practicing internists are reported from surveys of ABIM Board members, internal medicine program directors, and samples of third-year residents, practicing internists, nurses, and hospital administrators. ABIM pass rates were estimated accurately and viewed as appropriate. Physicians perceived the deficiencies of non-certifiable residents to be in clinical judgment and factual knowledge; non-physicians indicated deficiencies in humanistic qualities. The groups estimated that approximately 70% of all practicing internists and 37% of the non-certified internists they know provide excellent care while 15% of the certified internists give inappropriate care. Perceived deficiencies of internists giving low-quality care were nearly identical to those of non-certifiable residents. The results support ABIM's initial certification process and suggest that a written examination with well chosen standards would be useful for experienced internists.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Congenital scoliosis and urinary tract abnormalities: are intravenous pyelograms necessary?

One hundred patients with a diagnosis of congenital scoliosis were reviewed with regard to their urologic history, chemistries, and excretory urography. A 40% incidence of urologic abnormality was found in these asymptomatic patients. Twenty-five additional patients were evaluated by excretory urography and ultrasonography. Of six patients identified by ultrasonography as having abnormalities five had results confirmed by excretory urography. Urologic evaluation of all patients with congenital scoliosis is recommended; however, diagnostic ultrasonographic evaluations of the urinary tract have proven to be an acceptable alternative as an initial screening modality.

Female↗