Newly trained doctors who score well on their board certification exams have lower patient mortality rates, according to a study by Harvard Medical School and the American Board of Internal Medicine. Certification exams are shown to capture critical knowledge and skills necessary for physicians, leading to improved patient outcomes. This study, published in JAMA, found a strong link between higher exam scores and reduced risk of patient death or readmission. Surprisingly, periodic milestone ratings during residency did not show the same correlation with patient outcomes. The study highlights the importance of rigorous testing for future doctors and the need for evidence-based assessment tools in medical training programs.
https://hms.harvard.edu/news/resident-physicians-exam-scores-tied-patient-survival