Relationships between performance in medical school and first postgraduate year

Data from a longitudinal study of Jefferson Medical College graduates were analyzed to determine levels of clinical competence in the first postgraduate year and relationships between postgraduate ratings and performance during medical school. Ratings were obtained on knowledge, data-gathering skills, clinical judgement, and professional attitudes from the hospitals in which the graduates received their training. Significant relationships were found among three levels of performance in medical school and postgraduate ratings and in all four competence areas. Relationships were strongest at the highest and lowest performance levels. It is concluded that in a substantial number of cases good and poor performance in the first postgraduate year can be predicted on the basis of information already available to the medical school faculty.