Anatomy laboratory performance: A good predictor of academic performance within a graduate entry medical program?

Abstract

283B:5-8.) showed that the class rank in medical gross anatomy and the score on a gross anatomy comprehensive final examination were correlated with scores on the USMLE Step 1 examination. There appears to be no published work looking at the predictive validity of anatomy practical results to performance within a medical program. Summary of work: The current study investigates whether performance in anatomy practical examinations could be predictive of student performance within the four year, graduate entry medical program at Griffith University. Summary of results: The anatomy practical examination (part of Years 1 and 2 examinations) scores are significantly correlated (P<0.01) with the scores in the Doctor and Knowledge of Health and Illness (DKHI) theme (the scientific basis for medicine; accounting for 40-50% of the medical program) for all years of the program. Regression analyses showed that anatomy practical scores have high predictive value for performance in the DKHI theme in all years of the program. Conclusions: Anatomy practical scores appear to be good predictors for student performance in a medical program. Take-home messages: Laboratory work in anatomy is an important component of medical student training.