The American Board of Surgery (ABS) General Surgery Certifying Examination (CE) is the last step toward board certification in general surgery. It is an oral exam during which candidates participate in three sessions, each conducted by a team of two examiners.
Following an analysis of data collected from examinees who attempted the general surgery CE in the 2016-2017 academic year, this study explored whether the exam scores and likelihood of passing the CE were influenced by the gender of examinees or examiners.
Research found that examinees received similar ratings and had similar likelihood of passing the CE regardless of examinee or examiner genders and different combinations of examiner gender pairs. Results indicate that CE ratings of examinees are not influenced by examinee or examiner gender, and that there was no evidence of examiner bias due to gender on the CE.
To view the study and its results, please visit the Science Direct website (available free of charge until May 12, 2019; after that, subscription required).
Mar. 25, 2019