Early experience with a combined surgical and obstetrics/gynecology clerkship: We do get along.

BACKGROUND: In 2012, the Ohio State University College of Medicine (OSUCOM) implemented a new undergraduate medical curriculum. We compare outcomes of a third year traditional clerkship format to a combined Surgery and Obstetrics/Gynecology 'ring'.

METHODS: Performance outcomes of 4 consecutive classes were compared between pre- (2014, 2015) and post-curricular revision (2016, 2017).

RESULTS: Three hundred ninety-one students consented use of their educational data for research. We examined medical knowledge (NBME scores, USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK scores) and student satisfaction between pre- and post-curricular revision. Results demonstrated no statistically significant difference in the Obstetrics/Gynecology NBME shelf examination. Surgery NBME and USMLE Step 2 scores were increased and statistically significant but satisfaction of both disciplines was higher pre-curricular revision.

CONCLUSION: Medical knowledge outcomes in this combined 'ring' were similar to or higher than performance in previous years'. Future analyses are needed to assess the impact of OSUCOM curricular revision.