Title: Latest USMLE Policy Changes | Medical School in Guyana - TAU
1THE THREE UPCOMING POLICY CHANGES IN THE USMLE
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2An Overview
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How many of you aware that there are a few
drastic policy changes in the United States
Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)? If you
aspire to practice medicine in the United States,
you must be aware of this USMLE program. USMLE,
co-sponsored by the Federation of State Medical
Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical
Examiners (NBME), is a three-step exam for
medical licensure to practice medicine in the
USA. On February 12, 2020, NBME and FSMB
announced the upcoming policy changes in the
USMLE. They had announced three policy changes to
provide high-quality assessments and to address
certain considerations.
3The curriculum of USMLE follows a professional
testing standard to provide fairness and equity
to examinees while providing vital data to
medical legislation and education. The USMLE
program engages with institutions and medical
educators, practicing clinicians, and licensing
authority members, in the development, design
and, constant development of these assessments.
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4The Step 1 exam of the USMLE is going to adopt
a Pass or Fail score reporting system, unlike
the traditional three-digit score reporting
system. However, Step 2 will retain the
three-digit score reporting system. (This policy
change will come into effect after January 1,
2022.)
The USMLE program is also implementing an
examination prerequisite for Step 2 Clinical
Skills. Specifically, all candidates will be
required to pass Step 1 to move on to Step 2.
(This policy change will come into effect after
March 1, 2021.)
The number of attempts will also be decreased
from six to four. (This USMLE attempt limit
policy will come into effect after January 1,
2021.).
5- The change in Step 1 score reporting will reduce
too much emphasis on USMLE performance and also
create a balance between student learning and
student well-being. - According to NBME and FSMB, the primary purpose
of these new policies is to enable the USMLE
program to deliver secure, high-quality
assessments and to address certain considerations
(e.g., exam safety and unintended consequences of
subsequent use of score). - The reduction in the number of attempts is to
protect the integrity of the USMLE and to match
the attempt limits imposed by state medical
boards.
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6Earlier, an impressive Step 1 score would place
you in higher regard while applying with medical
schools. Since that is no longer possible, the
change in the grading system will force medical
schools to look at other aspects of the
candidates profile with a keen eye. Elements
such as grades in clerkships, letters of
recommendation (LOR) in the specialty, and your
Step 2 score, which is still in the standard
three-digit format, will carry more weightage in
your profile for their consideration. Cracking
USMLE requires an intensive learning and
practicing. Certain medical universities
like Texila American University, Guyana
(Texila), offers in-built training along their
Doctor of Medicine program. Therefore, the USMLE
aspirants can start their preparation while doing
their medical degree. Besides, there will be
options to have clinical rotation in the USA that
will fetch you LOR. Or take up a Residency in
USA program that offers you LOR and better
clinical knowledge that will help you perform
well in the USMLE.
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7Earlier, an impressive Step 1 score would place
you in higher regard while applying with medical
schools. Since that is no longer possible, the
change in the grading system will force medical
schools to look at other aspects of the
candidates profile with a keen eye. Elements
such as grades in clerkships, letters of
recommendation (LOR) in the specialty, and your
Step 2 score, which is still in the standard
three-digit format, will carry more weightage in
your profile for their consideration. Cracking
USMLE requires an intensive learning and
practicing. Certain medical universities
like Texila American University, Guyana
(Texila), offers in-built training along their
Doctor of Medicine program. Therefore, the USMLE
aspirants can start their preparation while doing
their medical degree. Besides, there will be
options to have clinical rotation in the USA that
will fetch you LOR. Or take up a Residency in
USA program that offers you LOR and better
clinical knowledge that will help you perform
well in the USMLE.
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8- As of now, the medical community is split on this
decision of upcoming policy changes - Those in favor of Step 1 transitioning to a
pass-fail system - Those who like it to remain the same
- Those who are in favor of the change argue that
the difference in the grading system will reduce
the pressure on the students and promote an equal
playing field for those who wish to pursue a
higher tier specialty. - In contrast, those who are against it argue that
moving to a pass-fail system does not address the
underlying issue and could make the selection
process worse than it already is. Objectors also
point out that the scoring system is the only
objective measurement there is in the USMLE, and
removing it would negatively impact the - quality of residents in the selection process.
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9No matter which side you identify with, rest
assured that the medical residency landscape is
in for a change in the coming years. If you are
planning to attempt USMLE in the coming years,
the Step 1 exam may not be the primary area of
focus for selection.
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