Differential attainment at the Intercollegiate Membership of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons (MRCS) examination according to gender, ethnicity, age and socioeconomic factors

R. Ellis, P. A. Brennan, A. J. Lee, D. S. G. Scrimgeour, J. Cleland

Research output: Contribution to journalAbstractpeer-review

Abstract

Abstract
Introduction
The lack of diversity at senior and leadership positions in surgery highlights concerns that some groups of individuals face barriers to progression in surgical training. This study aimed to investigate whether there is group-level differential attainment (DA) at MRCS, a mandatory postgraduate examination for UK surgical trainees.

Methods
All UK graduates attempting MRCS Part A (n=5,780) and Part B (n=2,600) between 2013–2019 were identified using the UK Medical Education Database. Univariate associations with MRCS performance were identified using chi-squared tests. Multiple logistic regression identified independent predictors of first-attempt MRCS success, adjusted for medical school performance.

Results
We found statistically significant differences in MRCS pass rates according to gender, ethnicity, graduate status, childhood socioeconomic status and educational background (all P
Conclusion
We found significant DA at MRCS that cannot be attributed to learner deficit. Royal Colleges and training institutions now need to identify and address the causes of these attainment differences to facilitate equitable career progression for surgical trainees.

Take-home message
We found significant DA at MRCS that cannot be attributed to learner deficit. Royal Colleges and training institutions now need to identify and address the causes of these attainment differences to facilitate equitable career progression for surgical trainees.
Original languageEnglish
Article numberO009
Number of pages1
JournalBritish Journal of Surgery
Volume109
Issue numberSupplement 4
Early online date22 Jul 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2022

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