Performance on the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine Certifying Examination 1986-2002 of various demographic groups and the impact of AOA reentry resolutions on allopathic-trained candidates taking the examination

The authors report the performance levels and pass rates of various candidate demographic groups and the effect on performance of delaying taking the certifying examination. They also report on the effect American Osteopathic Association reentry resolutions have on allopathic-trained candidates entering the osteopathic certification process in internal medicine. Included in the study were all candidates for the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine certifying examination for the period between 1986 and 2002. Investigators performed group analysis based on type of residency track leading to board eligibility, as well as on the number of retake candidates, candidates reestablishing board eligibility 6 or more years after completion of residency training, and allopathic-trained candidates. Results indicate that medicine-track candidates performed better than any other study demographic group, including allopathic-trained candidates. A delay in taking the certifying examination after completion of residency results in lower candidate performance and pass rates. Various AOA reentry resolutions have not been successful in the repatriating of allopathic internal medicine-trained candidates into the certification process. Candidates in larger training programs have similar mean performance levels and pass rates as candidates in smaller programs.