Relationship of Medical Students' Pre-Matriculate Clinical Experience to Step I Medical Board Examination Scores

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between clinical experience obtained prior to admission to medical school and osteopathic medical school students' Step I COMLEX scores. The study sample consisted of 219 of the 1,986 total graduates of the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) program at the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences. Variables utilized for this study were pre-matriculate clinical experience, MCAT scores and Step I COMLEX scores. Medical experience was extracted from each student's initial school application and quantified into one of three categories: 1. No experience, 2. Volunteer experience and 3. Clinical experience. The MCAT scores were reported by the Association of American Medical Colleges and recorded on each applicant's application to OSU-CHS. The average of the three quantitative sub-scores (biological science, physical science and verbal reasoning) was extracted for each student. Step I board scores were obtained by each student during their second academic year and reported by the NBOME. A factorial analysis of variance was conducted via SPSS to determine the effects of level of medical experience, MCAT average and board scores. In support of previous findings, MCAT was significantly associated with high board scores. Although pre-matriculate clinical experience did not statistically affect Step I board scores, other benefits may be gleaned. Multiple variables are important when selecting quality medical school students. Both quantitative and qualitative measures such as MCAT and clinical experience can go hand in hand when ultimately producing a competent, confident physician. While MCAT and GPA may correlate highly with quantitative outcomes such as board scores, prior clinical experience may result in a more relaxed and motivated student.