What biometric information is collected from a USMLE® candidate?

The biometric record contains some or all of the following information: a digitized representation of your fingerprint (the template), an image of your fingerprint, along with your name, address, telephone number (if provided), date of birth or age, identification document number, and a scanned copy of your identification document (such as your driver’s license), which includes your digitized photograph. The biometrics record is paired with ID information and information about your testing appointment session.

Source: http://www.usmleworldwide.com/blog/?p=109

Changes to Biometric Enabled Check-in Program at test centers

“Changes on June 21, 2012″


Beginning July 1, 2012, there will be changes in the retention period for biometric information obtained as part of the standard test day procedures for computer-based Step examinations at many Prometric test centers.  The changes will allow such information to be stored across USMLE Step exams.

The Biometric Enabled Check-in Program is designed to improve the security and integrity of the testing process.  For more detailed information about the Biometric Enabled Check-in Program, including the Privacy Notice for USMLE Candidates. Info about Biometric Enabled Check-In System.

Sources: http://www.usmleworldwide.com/blog/?p=100

Content Description

Introduction:


Usmle Step 1 consists of multiple-choice questions prepared by examination committees composed of faculty members, teachers, investigators, and clinicians with recognized prominence in their respective fields. Committee members are selected to provide broad representation from the academic, practice, and licensing communities across the United States and Canada. The test is designed to measure basic science knowledge. Some questions test the examinee’s fund of information per se, but the majority of questions require the examinee to interpret graphic and tabular material, to identify gross and microscopic pathologic and normal specimens, and to solve problems through application of basic science principles.

Usmle Step 1 is constructed from an integrated content outline that organizes basic science content according to general principles and individual organ systems. Test questions are classified in one of these major areas depending on whether they focus on concepts and principles that are important across organ systems or within individual organ systems.

Sections focusing on individual organ systems are subdivided according to normal and abnormal processes, principles of therapy, and psychosocial, cultural, and environmental considerations. Each examination covers content related to the traditionally defined disciplines of anatomy, behavioral sciences, biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology, and physiology, as well as to interdisciplinary areas including genetics, aging, immunology, nutrition, and molecular and cell biology. While not all topics listed in the content outline are included in every examination, overall content coverage is comparable in the various examination forms that will be taken by different examinees.

The Usmle Step 1 content outline describes the scope of the examination in detail but is not intended as a curriculum development or study guide. It provides a flexible structure for test construction that can readily accommodate new topics, emerging content domains, and shifts in emphasis. The categorizations and content coverage are subject to change. Broadly based learning that establishes a strong general understanding of concepts and principles in the basic sciences is the best preparation for the examination.

Sources: http://www.usmleworldwide.com/blog/?p=93

Usmle Step 1 – Overview

Usmle Step 1 assesses whether you understand and can apply important concepts of the sciences basic to the practice of medicine, with special emphasis on principles and mechanisms underlying health, disease, and modes of therapy. Usmle Step 1 ensures mastery of not only the sciences that provide a foundation for the safe and competent practice of medicine in the present, but also the scientific principles required for maintenance of competence through lifelong learning. Step 1 is constructed according to an integrated content outline that organizes basic science material along two dimensions: system and process.

Source: http://www.usmleworldwide.com/blog/?p=90

Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) review of minimum passing performance

“Changes on September 25, 2012″


The USMLE program recommends a minimum passing level for each Step examination. The USMLE Step Committees are responsible for establishing and monitoring these standards, and are asked to complete an in-depth review of each examination every three to four years.

The Step 2 Committee is scheduled to review the minimum passing level for the USMLE Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) examination at its meeting on December 18, 2012. In addition to meeting the requirement of a periodic in-depth review of standards, this effort is prompted by previously announced changes to the exam, which include a redesigned Communication and Interpersonal Skills sub-component as well as a redesigned Patient Note.

In the review, the Step 2 Committee will considered data from multiple sources, including:

• Results of content-based standard setting exercises conducted with three independent groups of physicians in 2012;
• Results of surveys of various groups (e.g., state licensing representatives, medical school faculty, samples of examinees) concerning the appropriateness of current pass/fail standards for Step examinations;
• Trends in examinee performance;
• Score precision and its effect on the pass/fail outcome.

The decision of the Step 2 Committee will be posted at the USMLE website. If the Committee determines that a change to the minimum passing level is appropriate, the new recommended minimum passing level will become effective for all examinees who take a Step 2 CS examination on or after January 1, 2013.

Source: http://www.usmleworldwide.com/blog/?p=84

Test-taking reminders for Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) examinees

“Changes on November 06, 2012″ 

In December 2011 USMLE announced a number of changes to the Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) examination program; these were implemented in mid-2012.

It is important for examinees to focus on the specific details of each case when interacting with standardized patients. Their actions should be guided by case details and by the information gathered from the standardized patient and from physical findings. Disregard for details of the case, as well as unfocused history questions or physical examination maneuvers, will likely make it difficult to manage testing time properly and may result in a lower score.

The December 2011 announcement also described changes to the Communication and Interpersonal Skills (CIS) subcomponent of the examination, which assesses an examinee’s performance in five functions. Examinees should be attentive to these functions throughout their interactions with the standardized patients.

In addition, the December 2011 announcement described changes to the patient note that is completed after each standardized patient encounter. Please note that examinees are expected to complete all components of the patient note. An incomplete patient note can result in a lower score.

The Comprehensive Review of the USMLE

Background:

 

The USMLE examination program was designed in the late 1980s and introduced during the period 1992 to 1994. The program replaced the NBME Part Examination program and the Federation Licensing Examination (FLEX) program, which were the widely accepted medical licensing examination programs at that time. While the content and design for the USMLE Step examinations have been continuously reviewed and refreshed, there had been no in-depth review of overall program design and structure since the sequence was first conceived. In 2004, the USMLE Composite Committee called for a comprehensive review of the entire USMLE program to determine if the mission and purpose of USMLE were effectively and efficiently supported by the current design, structure, and format of the USMLE.

The primary responsibility for this review was given to the Committee to Evaluate the USMLE Program (CEUP), reflecting perspectives of students, residents, fellows, Deans and Associate Deans, basic science and clinical faculty, international medical graduates, state medical boards, practicing physicians, and the public.

To inform CEUP, staff members used surveys and focus groups to gather information about the impact and relevance of the USMLE program from a wide range of individuals and organizations, including representatives from the medical licensing authorities, the US undergraduate and graduate education communities, and institutional and national leaders from the international medical education community

Source: http://www.usmleworldwide.com/blog/?p=73

Overview

Introduction :

 

The United States Medical Licensing Examination® (USMLE®) is a three-step examination for medical licensure in the United States and is sponsored by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners® (NBME®).

The Composite Committee, appointed by the FSMB and NBME, establishes policies for the USMLE program. Membership includes representatives from the FSMB, NBME, Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®), and the American public.

Changes in the USMLE program may occur after the release of this Bulletin. If changes occur, information will be posted at the USMLE website. You must obtain the most recent information to ensure an accurate understanding of current USMLE rules. If you are unable to access updated USMLE information via the Internet, you may contact the USMLE Secretariat in writing for updated information.

1. Purpose of the USMLE
2. The Three Steps of the USMLE
3. Examination Committees
4. Ownership and Copyright of Examination Materials
5. CBT – Computer Based Testing
6. Step 2 CS (Clinical Skills)

Source: http://www.usmleworldwide.com/blog/?p=66

Step 2 CS (Clinical Skills)

The clinical skills examination is a separately administered component of Step 2 and is referred to as Step 2 Clinical Skills, or Step 2 CS. The computer-based, multiple-choice component of Step 2 is referred to as Step 2 Clinical Knowledge, or Step 2 CK. USMLE Step 2 CS is administered at five regional test centers (CSEC Centers) in the United States.

Sources: http://www.usmleworldwide.com/blog/?p=62

CBT – Computer Based Testing

arts of the USMLE are administered by computer. Prometric provides scheduling and test centers for the computer-based components of the USMLE. Step 1 and Step 2 CK are given around the world at Prometric Test Centers (PTCs). Step 3 is given at PTCs in the United States and its territories only.

Source: http://www.usmleworldwide.com/blog/?p=59

Ownership and Copyright of Examination Materials

The examination materials used in the USMLE are copyrighted. If you reproduce and/or distribute any examination materials, by any means, including memorizing and reconstructing them, without explicit written permission, you are in violation of the rights of the owners. In addition to actions described under Indeterminate Scores and Irregular Behavior, every legal means available to protect USMLE copyrighted materials and secure redress against those who violate copyright law may be pursued.

Sources: http://www.usmleworldwide.com/blog/?p=57

Examination Committees

Examination committees composed of medical educators and clinicians prepare the examination materials. Committee members broadly represent the teaching, practicing, and licensing communities across the United States. At least two of these committees critically appraise each test item or case. They revise or discard any materials that are in doubt.

Sources: http://www.usmleworldwide.com/blog/?p=54

The Three Steps of the USMLE

Usmle Step 1: assesses whether you understand and can apply important concepts of the sciences basic to the practice of medicine, with special emphasis on principles and mechanisms underlying health, disease, and modes of therapy. Step 1 ensures mastery of not only the sciences that provide a foundation for the safe and competent practice of medicine in the present, but also the scientific principles required for the maintenance of competence through lifelong learning.

Usmle Step 2: assesses whether you can apply medical knowledge, skills, and understanding of clinical science essential for the provision of patient care under supervision and includes emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention. Step 2 ensures that due attention is devoted to principles of clinical sciences and basic patient-centered skills that provide the foundation for the safe and competent practice of medicine.

Usmle Step 3: assesses whether you can apply medical knowledge and understanding of biomedical and clinical science essential for the unsupervised practice of medicine, with emphasis on patient management in ambulatory settings. Step 3 provides a final assessment of physicians assuming independent responsibility for delivering general medical care.

Source: http://www.usmleworldwide.com/blog/?p=49

Purpose of the USMLE

In the United States and its territories (“United States” or “US”), the individual medical licensing authorities (“state medical boards”) of the various jurisdictions grant a license to practice medicine. Each medical licensing authority sets its own rules and regulations and requires passing an examination that demonstrates qualification for licensure. Results of the USMLE are reported to these authorities for use in granting the initial license to practice medicine. The USMLE provides them with a common evaluation system for applicants for medical licensure.

The USMLE assesses a physician’s ability to apply knowledge, concepts, and principles, and to demonstrate fundamental patient-centered skills, that are important in health and disease and that constitute the basis of safe and effective patient care. Each of the three Steps complements the others; no Step can stand alone in the assessment of readiness for medical licensure. Because individual medical licensing authorities make decisions regarding use of USMLE results, you should contact the jurisdiction where you intend to apply for licensure to obtain complete information. Also, the FSMB can provide general information on medical licensure.

USMLE Goals:

• To provide to licensing authorities meaningful information from assessments of physician characteristics—including medical knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes—that are important to the provision of safe and effective patient care.
• To engage medical educators and their institutions, licensing authority members, and practicing clinicians in the design and development of these assessments.
• To assure fairness and equity to physicians through the highest professional testing standards.

To continue to develop and improve assessments for licensure with the intent of assessing physicians more accurately and comprehensively

Source: http://www.usmleworldwide.com/blog/?p=43

Usmle Step 1 MCQ’s # 2

Title: Usmle Step 1 MCQ’s # 2
Subject: Behavioral Science

Q NO 2: A 25-year-old woman is brought to the hospital by her husband. The patient complains of severe pain and tenderness in her lower left abdomen. She is diagnosed with appendicitis and scheduled for an emergency appendectomy under general anesthesia. A 2nd year resident performs her surgery. Surgery reveals that the appendix is normal and without inflammation. However, the resident notices a large tumor attached to the patient’s left ovary At this point the resident’s best next course of action would be to do which of the following?

A. Biopsy the tumor and terminate the surgery
B. Excise as much of the tumor as possible without coming into contact with the ovary?
C. Exercising common standards of care, remove the patient’s ovary to eliminate the tumor
D. Seek permission to excise the tumor from the patient’s husband, who is sitting in the waiting room
E. Seek the advice of the supervising surgeon
F. Talk with the patient’s husband, who is in the waiting room, about how his wife would probably want to proceed

Explanation:
The correct answer is A. A competent patient has the right to make all treatment decisions for themselves, including refusal of treatment. If you can access the patient’s wishes by direct conversation, then this must be done. After woman recovers from the anesthesia, she is entitled to full informed consent including descriptions of the: 1) nature of the procedure, 2) the purpose or rationale, 3) the benefits, 4) the risks, and 5) the availability of alternatives. With this information presented, the patient herself can make what ever treatment decision seems best to her.

Excising the tumor (choice B) is treatment without the patient’s consent and permission.
Patient’s wishes, not” common standards of care” (choice C), are what guide treatment decisions. Only if we could not access the patient’s wishes in any way, AND the situation was critical, would we act using judgment as to what would be reasonable care.

Choices D and F are incorrect, because the woman has primary say over her own body. If she were in a coma of some duration, then we might ask the husband under the doctrine of substituted judgment. But here, we can wake her up and ask her directly.

The resident has all of the information required to know the correct actions to take without consulting a superior (choice E). In general, consulting a superior will be the wrong answer on the Step 1 exam.

Sources: http://www.usmleworldwide.com/blog/?p=39

Usmle Step 1 MCQ’s

Title: Usmle Step 1
Subject: Behavioral Science

Q NO 1: A 29-year-old man presents with a dramatic flourish to his physician’s office, dressed in a “flashy” manner, and describes having brief, superficial relationships. On his way out, he asks the nurse for
a date. Which of the following might also describe the patient?

A. Allows others to make decisions for him
B. Has a restricted range ob emotion
C. Is socially withdrawn
D. Is the “life of the party”
E. Participates in criminal behavior

Explanation:
The correct answer is D. This individual has histrionic personality disorder, characterized by acting in a theatrical manner, which would include being the center of attention at a party. Such individuals are sexually provocative and have difficulty maintaining intimate relationships.

This patient would not have difficulties in self-confidence that would warrant having others make decisions for him (choice A). This describes a patient with dependent personality disorder.

Instead of being limited in expression of feelings (choice B), such as a patient with schizoid personality disorder, this patient expresses feelings openly, often in a yew superficial manner.

This patient would be the opposite of being socially withdrawn (choice C), and would be more likely to be socially gregarious and lively. A patient with avoidant personality disorder would be more likely to be socially with drawn.

While at times they make choices that reflect impulsivity, patients with histrionic personality disorder are not more likely to engage in criminal behavior (choice E). Criminal behavior would more likely be seen in those with antisocial personality disorder.

Source:http://www.usmleworldwide.com/blog/?p=33

Attempt Limit for USMLE Examinations

All doctors wishing to practice medicine in the United States must take the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Exam), beyond who have graduated in that country or outside it. Medical graduates from outside the U.S. must take the USMLE before entering a residence or a research program. After approving the USMLE and received the certificate from the Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates Educational (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates – ECFMG) there is no distinction between foreign and American physicians when applying for residencies and other programs. In the perspective of attempt limits regarding the USMLE examinations, the http://blogs.askdoc-usmle.com provide the useful updates regarding that as per this blog, “Examinees who have made six or more attempts to pass a Step or Step component, including incomplete attempts, should be aware that all applications to register for additional attempts will not be processed unless they are submitted on or before December 31, 2012. This limit was first announced in August of [last year]. The effective date for the six-attempt limit depends upon whether an examinee has taken any Step or Step Component (including incomplete attempts) before January 1, 2012. Examinees who had NOT taken any Step or Step Component before January 1, 2012.

If you did not take any Step or Step Component before January 1, 2012, the six-attempt limit went into effect for all exam applications that you submitted on or after January 1, 2012. Examinees who have taken any Step or Step Component before January 1, 2012.

If you have taken any Step or Step Component (including incomplete attempts) before January 1, 2012, the six-attempt limit is in effect for all exam applications that you submit on or after January 1, 2013.  After that date, all attempts at a Step or Step Component will be counted toward the limit, regardless of when the exams were taken.” To have further detailed, a particular individual can go ‘Bulletin of Information’ section of this blog. There are several source provides a rich online environment where medical students can prepare their vital clinical examinations. These web sites offers preparatory exams direct medical professional assessments such as the USMLE Step 2 Clinical Skills. In the perspective of preparation USMLE Step 2 Clinical Skills there are several source on the web is a very comprehensive program with availability on convenience of taking courses online. There are several source offers a unique interactive experience that provides the opportunity to enhance learning and readiness of the medical examination candidates.

In the perspective of Review of Step 2 Clinical Skills. Evaluates if the applicant can demonstrate mastery of basic skills examination for essential patient care safely and effectively. There are three sub-components theme of the review of clinical skills step 2:

Another cutthroat advantage of these sources is that it uses only Board certified health professionals to develop and implement the contents. Web based USMLE courses are available in different lengths. Usually registration is simple and payments are accepted only PayPal to protect the subscriber information.

Sources:  http://www.usmleworldwide.com/blog/?p=30

USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) Minimum Passing Score

USMLE examinations are mandatory for all first and then a clinical internship, engage thereafter as a doctor. Preparation for USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge can be a stressful business. It comprises of multiple choice questions on clinical applications of medical knowledge divided on eight 44 question sets. It requires many hours of dedication. USMLE scores are unfortunately the only real way to a residency program can evaluate the qualifications of a candidate. For this reason, many students feel extreme pressure to get the highest score possible. This pressure is even greater on foreign graduates. For many, they begin to lag the United States without any clinical experience, a language barrier and many years of lay-off of a traditional classroom. But despite these obstacles, it is worth the challenge.

Most foreign graduates are married, have children and have a job, the usual scenario. The most important thing a student has to do is set a time line and transmit this timeline to your significant other very clearly and honestly. Without (or in some cases parents) your spouse’s full support you will not achieve your goal. They need to know how long it will take, where do you stand now and what is your plan. If you share this information with them openly and completely your trip will free ride, and especially you have zero stress from your life, which is invaluable, while preparing for the USMLE Step 2 in particular.

The score of USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge is reported in 2 digits and 3 digits scores. The minimum score required to pass this exam is 75 in the two digits score and 189 in 3 digits score; however, from 1st July 2012 the passing score is increased to 196. Good luck and work hard. Hard work always pays.

Sources: http://www.usmleworldwide.com/blog/?p=27

Effective Way To Get Through In USMLE

United States Medical Licensing Examination that is also knows a USMLE is step wise series of different examinations that is prerequisite to have the medical license in the jurisdiction of USA.  This examination is held under the sponsorship of Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners® (NBME®). It should be noticed that this step wise process is highly technical that required diligent attention to have the flying colors. In the perspective of USMLE, a candidate should adhere with the schedule and particular dates so that any possible discrepancy could be avoided.  To be the certified USMLE professional, one should prepare oneself with proper attention, preparation and scheduling that is inevitable otherwise to have this examination on the basis of trial basis will be just the loss of resources.

There are several positive, useful and authentic sources regarding the USMLE that can easily be extracted via the internet such as official websites of medical authorities and different types of blogs. A particular enthusiastic candidate should keep update so that he or she could be achieved what the planned.

In the perspective of getting the certifications on one go, there are several options regarding the preparation such as polishing the learning and skills via MCQs (multiple choice questions).  In that perspective, there are lots of online sources that offer such type of practices via on paid subscription or free to try. However, one aspect that should be seriously considered is the authenticity of particular resources because to have the flying colors and to be certified on one go proper, authentic and updated info is inevitable.

Sources: http://usmleworldwide.com/blog/?p=24

Preparing for USMLE

Like any other tertiary level students, those in the medical school develop a sense of freedom when they are accepted as they are. They take risks and develop the initiative they feel recognition, not so much on their own success but on their efforts to learn what to pass USMLE steps each one successfully. They spend time studying their USMLE lessons because it has accepted responsibility and believes in their control for their own USMLE success or failure. This sense of internal locus of control benefits medical students because of the leadership, effort and sustained motivation.

In addition, medical students undergoing effective review of USMLE appreciate the results of their efforts and learn to make adjustments according to the results of their efforts. They evaluate their strategies and modify their learning styles as they mature and develop into self-management and personal fulfillment. This sense of direction and accomplishment gives the feeling of self-esteem that makes a difference in involvement, effort and persistence to succeed in the USMLE. Indeed, you wonder what is inside the USMLE examination that creates these aptly prepared USMLE medical students, right?

There are a number of things that the medical license control programs initiated to help medical students. First, they receive the emotional support and other events, like the blink of an eye, a smile or praise. Safety and preparedness of medical students are considered to reread the lessons learned and planning activities. Their experience of success in small tasks builds their confidence.

Secondly, the examination mentors and facilitators play behavior that says “Prepare for USMLE is fun,” “You can do it”, or “You can succeed if you study hard.”Mentors show their own interest, enthusiasm and positive attitude that provide the motivation for participants in the review.

Third, the review program itself is a balanced combination of expertise in the areas required for USMLE and interpersonal relationships. Review session activities and experiences are well planned to promote the learning of control, problem solving, persistence and success – where students develop self-esteem.

Fourth, leadership mentors provide guidance and authority in the development of discipline and competence. Firm decisions, participation encouragement and cooperation is highly stressed. After all, these firm decisions and directions are genuine expression of concern for participants to review the USMLE.

Examining mentors and facilitators can help the medical student to persist in his task of control of reinforcement and teaching him to stick to his task. Activities and practice tests are provided which makes the student experience success at each stage in the same time, awareness of the student’s expectations.

While the medical student develops persistence, he gains confidence in himself and his ability to succeed. Ultimately, he learns to like engaging in important work and persist until it succeeds. This kind of experience will cultivate a fondness for the school, which is a very important factor for successful USMLE.

Source: http://www.usmleworldwide.com/blog/?p=14