ASSESSMENT OF THE RESIDENT IN-TRAINING EXAMINATION IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY

An integral component for the evaluation of resident's cognitive knowl edge is the examination developed under the auspices of the Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology (CREOG). We sought to assess the usefulness of this annual examination from the perspective of both residents and residency program directors. We were particular ly interested in comparing the contemporary use of this examination wi th the original intent of CREOG when the examination was developed in 1968. In addition, we were interested in determining the role of the e xamination in modifying educational programs. A questionnaire was mail ed to all program directors before the 1994 examination and given to a ll house staff when the examination was administered. The response rat e was 55 and 82%, respectively. Overall, the majority of residents (60 %) and program directors (58%) found the examination to be an accurate assessment of cognitive knowledge; feedback on examination results va ried widely, and residents used a variety of tools to prepare for the examination.