Evaluating the impact of Taiwan's medical education reform: A milestone-based comparison of two Ob-Gyn training models

OBJECTIVE: To compare competency outcomes between Taiwan's traditional 4-year and reformed 3-year obstetrics and gynecology (Ob-Gyn) residency programs implemented after the 2013 medical education reform. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-eight first-time examinees in the 2024 TAOG specialist examination were analyzed: 70 completed the traditional 7-year medical curriculum, followed by 1 year of PGY training and 4 years of Ob-Gyn residency; 28 followed the reformed 6-year medical curriculum, completed PGY1, transitioned into Ob-Gyn PGY2, and subsequently finished a 3-year residency. All candidates underwent milestone-based assessments across six ACGME core competencies. Examination pass rates and mean scores were compared. RESULTS: The 3-year group achieved a 100 % pass rate, compared with 92.9 % in the 4-year group. Mean exam scores were similar between groups (multiple choice 80.7 vs. 80.6; oral 72.9 vs. 71.0; image-based 55.9 vs. 55.9). Milestone assessments showed slightly higher scores in the 4-year group (overall 4.1 vs. 3.9), but differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The reformed 3-year program yielded competency and certification outcomes equivalent to the traditional 4-year pathway, supporting the feasibility of shortened, competency-based residency training in Taiwan.