Early experience with a combined surgical and obstetrics/gynecology clerkship: We do get along

In 2012, the Ohio State University College of Medicine (OSUCOM) implemented a new undergraduate medical curriculum. We compare outcomes of a third year traditional clerkship format to a combined Surgery and Obstetrics/Gynecology ‘ring’. Performance outcomes of 4 consecutive classes were compared between pre- (2014, 2015) and post-curricular revision (2016, 2017). Three hundred ninety-one students consented use of their educational data for research. We examined medical knowledge (NBME scores, USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK scores) and student satisfaction between pre- and post-curricular revision. Results demonstrated no statistically significant difference in the Obstetrics/Gynecology NBME shelf examination. Surgery NBME and USMLE Step 2 scores were increased and statistically significant but satisfaction of both disciplines was higher pre-curricular revision. Medical knowledge outcomes in this combined ’ring’ were similar to or higher than performance in previous years'. Future analyses are needed to assess the impact of OSUCOM curricular revision. •Early analysis of combined surgery and obstetrics/gynecology 3rd year clerkship.•Standardized test performances (NBME/USMLE) similar to traditional clerkship.•Student perceptions less positive with novel combined clerkship model.•Future analyses needed to enhance student experience and teaching methods.