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.