An electronic orthopaedic in-training examination.

Following nearly 1 year of development, trials, surveys, and educational programs, in November 2009, the orthopaedic in-training examination (OITE) was successfully converted from the traditional print format and administered by DVD-ROM on local computers to more than 4,300 residents in 20 countries. A resident survey indicated a high level of satisfaction with the new examination. Questions with video and multislice image formats, presented as trial questions, performed well. Future versions of the OITE on DVD-ROM will eliminate some of the few difficulties experienced in 2009. The new electronic format offers excellent possibilities for improved imaging, the development of new and innovative questions, and an enhanced ability to approximate the practice environment-all of which can result in a better assessment of orthopaedic medical knowledge and an improved educational experience.