Board Exam Scores Predict Patient Outcomes: A Large-Scale Study

A new study from Harvard Medical School and the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) reveals a significant link between internal medicine board certification exam scores and patient outcomes. Patients of physicians scoring higher on the exam had lower 7-day mortality rates and readmission rates, suggesting the exam effectively assesses clinical competence. The study analyzed data from nearly 7,000 newly trained hospitalist physicians, controlling for factors like hospital resources and patient populations. While in-training milestone ratings showed no correlation with patient outcomes, the research highlights the importance of evidence-based assessment in physician training.