Twenty incoming interns participated in this study. Half were asked to complete 96 FSC cases before internship orientation (ie, the experimental group). The other half did not receive FSC accounts (ie, the control group). During orientation, all interns completed an examination that was representative of the FSC cases. Interns completed a survey to assess the usefulness of the FSC cases. American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE) scores were also examined.
Interns in the experimental group completed an average of 71.1 cases before taking the examination and had higher median examination percent correct scores (<em>Pem> < .011). Interns rated the FSC cases as ¡°extremely helpful.¡± There were no differences in terms of ABSITE percentile rank or the basic science and clinical management sections of the ABSITE.
The FSC is a useful preparatory tool for interns when administered before starting internship; however, this benefit may not extend to the ABSITE.