289 - Passing the Pediatric Board Exam

Poster Number: 289
Publication Number: 289.421

Miguel Sanchez Acosta, SBH Health System, Bronx, NY, United States; Janine Adjo, SBH Health System, Bronx, NY, United States; David Rubin, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New Rochelle, NY, United States

Background: Pediatric Residency Program Directors have the awesome responsibility of developing competent Pediatricians that are prepared to pass the Pediatric Board Exam. It is imperative to create an approach to passing the Boards that is individualized and effective.

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of monthly Mock Pediatric Board Exams for improving examination passage rate while enhancing level of preparedness.

Design/Methods: July 2019, pediatric residents (n=17) at community, teaching hospital were given an outline of pediatric subjects to review. Residents used specific study materials to review all topics.
At the end of each academic block, residents completed a mandatory written board-like exam.
Residents completed a self-administered survey at the beginning and end of the academic year to assess their level of preparedness regarding the pediatric board exam and in-training exam.

Results: The average Pediatric Board Exam passing rate on first attempt from 2015 to 2019 was 46%. In 2018, 50% of our residents passed the board exam after the first attempt and in 2019, 60% passed. After implementing the Mock Board Exams, 100% passed in 2020.
Comparing pre and post Mock Board Exams showed a statistically significant increase of preparedness towards the Pediatric Board Exam from 16.7% to 83.3% in 3rd year residents. There was a significant decrease in residents feeling not prepared for the Board Exam from 40% to 0%. Regarding the pediatric In-Training Exam, the level of preparedness in 1st and 2nd year residents increased from 31.3% to 91%.Conclusion(s): Monthly Mock Board Exams accompanied by timely feedback and review, improved board-passing rates, while strengthening residents’ reported preparedness for the Pediatric Board Exam.