In-training exam

[doc2bee101]

Hello all,
I was just wondering if residents can be terminated as a result of performances on the in-training exam. Thanks.

 

[Winged Scapula]

Hello all,
I was just wondering if residents can be terminated as a result of performances on the in-training exam. Thanks.

They can be. It depends on the program and their requirements. There are no global rules preventing programs from doing so if there are other issues which would lead a resident to be fired.

I am told that some specialties are more "hardline" about in-training examinations - for example, in Surgery it is a required examination and many programs will use scores to determine who advances, who is put on probation and who is fired. Others may not be so invested in resident performance on what is supposed to be a self-assessment examination.

 

[Smurfette]

Technically it is against the RRC 'rules' to fire a resident solely based on ITE scores. At least for general surgery this is a rule, and I am assuming it carries over to other specialties.

In reality, it is often used to determine advancement/probation/non-renewal, etc. But technically there needs to be other things documented in your file to justify an unfavorable decision.....if the ACGME/RRC asks. In my program, they didn't care---meet minimum score criteria or probation; if in following year fails to meet criteria: non-advancement (fired or mandatory research year hoping to get score above minimum). However, I don't know how things were documented.

Excerpt from p. 19 of the ACGME surgery program requirements (click here: for the entire document)

Assessment should specifically monitor the resident's knowledge
by use of a formal exam such as the American Board of Surgery
In Training Examination (ABSITE) or other cognitive exams. Test
results should not be the sole criterion of resident knowledge, and
should not be used as the sole criterion for promotion to a
subsequent PG level.