Speciality training in rheumatology: Promotion, repetition and dropout rates in the city of Buenos Aires

Objectives

To evaluate the trajectory of students enrolled in the specialty training in rheumatology.

Methods

Retrospective analysis (2009–2016). Promotion, repetition, and dropout rates were determined. Analysis was performed to define variables associated with academic success.

Results

Out of 119 students, the actual promotion rate was 66.4%, 11.8% failed an exam (at least) and completed the course after the stipulated time, and the dropout rate was 7.6%.

Among residents, the promotion rate was 82.5% vs. 48.2% among the rest (p < 0.001), the lagging students’ repetition rate was 3.2% vs. 21.4% among the rest (p 0.005), and the dropout rate was 3.2% vs. 12.5% among the rest (p = 0.06). A higher average score in medical school increased the chances of success in the postgraduate programme (OR 3.41 CI 95% 2.0–6.4; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The residency was associated with higher rates of academic success in postgraduate studies. The average score in medical school can help identify students at risk of failure.