Hi everyone,
Last Friday, we sent out In-Training Examination (ITE) scores to all residents who took the test (PGY3s who scored at or above the 70th percentile last year were excused). Let’s discuss the test.
The ITE is low stakes- the results don’t affect promotion or graduation. Its sole purpose is to gauge medical knowledge. Solid scores correlate with passing the Boards. Your detailed report tells you where your knowledge is sound and where it’s lacking.
Most of you should be pleased with your score, but if you’re not, don’t worry. This is your chance to create a plan.
Your percentile compares your performance to other residents in your PGY year (see attached). As you progress through training, you need to answer more questions right to reach a given percentile. A PGY1 who gets 70% right would rank in the 87th percentile, but a PGY2 with 70% right would drop to the 61st percentile and a PGY3 would drop to the 48th. To stay in the 87th percentile, a resident would have to get 76% right as a PGY2 and 78% right as a PGY3.
Your personalized report will steer you to subspecialties needing extra study, like endocrinology or rheumatology. Within each subspecialty, you’ll see question topics that you answered incorrectly, like diagnosing the cause of hypokalemia or treating colonic pseudo-obstruction. If you scored globally low in a subspecialty (like hematology), you should read broadly in that area. If you did well but missed specific questions (like treating pseudo-obstruction), you can home in on those topics.
If you scored below the 40th percentile, your APD will work with you on a study plan. This plan may include referral to our education specialist, Dr. Jack Contessa, who does outstanding work with residents.
Whatever your score, please review your study plan. Internal Medicine requires familiarity with disorders you don’t see every day but still need to know about. For example, you may not have seen a patient with a thyroid nodule yet, but maybe you will tomorrow.
One of the best available study resources is MKSAP, which provides concise topic reviews and an extensive question bank, featuring realistic cases, focused answers, and links to explanatory text. In MKSAP, you can create flash cards, track errors, and upload your ITE report to direct your studying.
Purchasing MKSAP is a smart way to use your educational funds. You can get a discount by joining the ACP, which also entitles you to a subscription to the Annals of Internal Medicine. As I tell everyone, if you make it through MKSAP by the end of your PGY3 year, you’ll be well-positioned to pass the Boards. Many residents also use MKSAP to prepare for rotations, for example reading the liver chapter before starting Klatskin.
Overall, I’m pleased with this year’s ITE results, which testifies to our excellent teachers and your hard work. Let’s keep learning!
Enjoy your Sunday everyone. I’ll be heading out to the bike trail before returning to review applications for Tuesday’s interviews (one day down, thirteen to go).
Mark
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