Performance outcomes in anesthesiology residents completing categorical (anesthesia) or advanced (nonspecific) internship training

Background: The internship or first year (PGY 1) of anesthesiology training may be categorical (within anesthesiology), or obtained in more diverse settings. Revisions recently proposed in the training requirements incorporated the PGY 1 into the existing curriculum. Purposes: We studied whether this change improved measurable outcomes. Methods: There were 518 residents studied retrospectively from four institutions that offered entry following both Categorical and Other internships. Thus the training in clinical anesthesia was identical. Results: No differences were observed in percentile scores on the Anesthesiology In-Service Training Examination during clinical anesthesia training, the receipt of awards, board certification or time to certification, or in reports of unsatisfactory performance to the American Board of Anesthesiology. Categorical residents were more frequently appointed chief resident. Conclusions: Easily accessible performance measures may function as valuable aids in decision making, particularly when significant changes in curricula are contemplated. Data do not support the proposed changes in anesthesiology.