USMLE STEP 1 SURVIVAL GUIDE

Overview Licensing Exams USMLE Step 1 Strategies for Success Content Application and Scheduling Strategies for Success Special Issues

Licensing Exams

To become licensed to practice medicine in the United States, one must: Earn a medical degree Pass several licensing examinations Complete one or more years of residency training Apply for licensure from a state medical licensing authority

The National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) www.nbme.org The NBME is an independent, not-for-profit organization that provides examinations for the health professions.

The United States Medical Licensing Examination™ (USMLE™) www.usmle.org The USMLE, co-sponsored and co-owned by the NBME and the Federation of State Medical Boards, is a three-step examination for medical licensure in the United States. Step 1 Step 2, Clinical Knowledge (CK) Step 2, Clinical Skills (CS) Step 3

The United States Medical Licensing Examination™ (USMLE™) The USMLE assesses one’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.

The United States Medical Licensing Examination™ (USMLE™) Results of the USMLE are reported to medical licensing authorities in the United States for their use in granting the initial license to practice medicine.

USMLE Step 1 Computer based examination Assesses whether medical students can understand and apply important concepts of the sciences basic to the practice of medicine. Step 1 is usually taken at the end of the second year of medical school.

USMLE Step 2 A two step examination that assesses whether students 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.

USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge A computer based exam consisting of multiple-choice questions that focus on the principles of clinical science that are deemed important for the practice of medicine under supervision in postgraduate training.

USMLE Step 2 Clinical Skills Uses standardized patients to test one’s ability to gather information from patients, perform physical examinations, and communicate findings to patients and colleagues. Usually taken during the fourth year Five test centers in the United States

USMLE Step 3 A computer based exam that assesses whether medical school graduates can apply the medical knowledge and understanding of biomedical and clinical science considered essential for the unsupervised practice of medicine. Step 3 is usually taken during or after the first year of postgraduate residency training.

UMMSM Requirements Students must pass Step 1 for promotion to the third year Students must take Step 2 CS and CK as a condition for graduation Passing Step 2 CS and CK is not a requirement for graduation

USMLE Step 1

Important Websites USMLE NBME Prometric Test Centers www.usmle.org www.nbme.org Prometric Test Centers www.prometric.com

2009 USMLE Bulletin http://www.usmle.org/General_Information/bulletin/2009.html

Step 1: Content Anatomy Behavioral sciences Biochemistry Microbiology Pathology Pharmacology Physiology Interdisciplinary topics, such as nutrition, genetics, and aging.

Step 1: Content Classifies test items along two dimensions, system and process System 40%–50% General principles 50%–60% Individual organ systems Process 30%–50% Normal structure and function 30%–50% Abnormal processes 15%–25% Principles of therapeutics 10%–20% Psychosocial, cultural, occupational and environmental considerations

Step 1: Format Step 1 has approximately 350 multiple-choice test items, divided into seven 60-minute blocks, administered in one eight-hour testing session. Step 1 consists of multiple-choice questions designed to measure basic science knowledge.

Step 1: Format Some questions test the examinee's fund of knowledge The majority of questions require the examinee to: interpret graphic and tabular material to identify gross and microscopic pathologic and normal specimens, to solve problems through application of basic science principles

Step 1: Format Step 1 includes only single one best answer test questions. Items consist of a statement or question followed by three to eleven response options arranged in alphabetical or logical order. Some questions involve interpretation of graphic or pictorial materials. Examinees are required to select the best answer to the question. Other options may be partially correct, but there is only ONE BEST answer.

Step 1: Reporting The number of test items you answer correctly is converted to two equivalent scores. The three-digit score The minimum passing score is 185. The mean score for first-time examinees from accredited U.S medical schools is in the range of 200 to 220 (SD +/- 20) The two-digit score Is derived from the three-digit score and is not a percentage score. Is used in score reporting because some medical licensing authorities require a "passing score of 75." A score of 75 always corresponds to the minimum passing score.

Application Process Review the 2009 USMLE Bulletin http://www.usmle.org/General_Information/bulletin/2009.html Complete your application materials and submit them online at www.nbme.org Request a 3 month eligibility period Receive a Scheduling Permit verifying your eligibility and authorizing you to schedule the examination

Application Process Follow the instructions on your Scheduling Permit to schedule your test date at a Prometric Test Center at www.prometric.com On the scheduled test date and at the scheduled time, bring to the test center your Scheduling Permit and the required identification. Take the test

2009 Fee = $495

Strategies for Success

Strategies for Success Game Plan Time Management Resource Management Study Strategy Test-Taking Skills

Strategies for Success Game Plan: Recommendations Read all info on the USMLE website Familiarize yourself with content of exam Once you develop a schedule and study strategy… stick to it! Don’t procrastinate Most of all…

Strategies for Success Game Plan: Recommendations Don’t distress … De-stress!!!

Strategies for Success Time Management Prolonged study ≠ better retention Develop daily schedule Keep reasonable study periods Set aside time to “decompress” Don’t forget fundamentals of maintaining health and wellness

Strategies for Success Resource Management You can’t review it all – so stick with what has worked for you! Class notes Videos Textbooks Board Review Books On-line materials Tutors

Strategies for Success Resource Management USMLE Prep Courses Kaplan Princeton Review Falcon Review USMLE World UMKC: Institute for Professional Preparation

Strategies for Success Resource Management USMLE Study Guides First Aid USMLE Step 1 USMLE Step 1 Secrets High-Yield Comprehensive USMLE Step 1 Review Underground Clinical Vignettes USMLE Step 1 BSS: Body Systems Review I USMLE Step 1 Recall: Buzzwords for Boards Rypins' Basic Sciences Review Kaplan USMLE Step 1 Home Study Program Rapid Review Series: USMLE Step 1 Deja Review: USMLE Step 1 Essentials Cracking the Boards: USMLE Step 1 Board Simulator: Normal and Abnormal Processes Laughing Your Way to Passing the USMLE Step-Up BSS: General Principles in the Basic Sciences Rypins' Q&A for Basic Sciences Review Blueprints Q&A USMLE Step 1 PreTest: Clinical Vignettes USMLE Step 1 USMLE Step 1 Made Ridiculously Simple PreTest Self-Assessment and Review Rapid Preparation for the USMLE Step 1 Lange Practice Tests for the USMLE Step 1 Research & Education Assn: USMLE Step 1 Lange Q&A: USMLE Step 1 Appleton & Lange Outline Review for USMLE Step 1 Laughing Your Way to Passing the USMLE

Strategies for Success Study Strategy: Study Smart, Not Hard You can’t know everything! Ask yourself, at this point in your career: What is vital information? What is recall information? What is “forget it” information?

Strategies for Success Study Strategy: Study Smart, Not Hard Be an active learner Use visual elements where possible Pick out relevant information Look for overlaps between subject areas Write questions rather than notes Use study groups… wisely! Assess – study – reassess

Strategies for Success Test-Taking Skills: Practice Exams NBME Comprehensive Basic Science Exams (free) – this spring, before and after the Transition Block

Strategies for Success Test-Taking Skills: Practice Exams USMLE Step 1 Orientation and Practice Materials http://www.usmle.org/Orientation/2009/menu.html The software has over 100 practice test items and a software tutorial Cost = Free

Strategies for Success Test-Taking Skills: Practice Exams USMLE – Computer Based Testing (CBT) practice session at the Prometric Test Center https://apps.nbme.org/CBTPSRegistrationWeb/jsp/usmle_CBTPS_registration.jsp The Practice Session is a maximum of 3.5 hours and is divided into three 1-hour blocks of 50 multiple-choice test items each. When you complete the session, you will receive a printed percent correct score Cost = $42

Strategies for Success Test-Taking Skills: Practice Exams University of Missouri - Kansas City (UMKC) Computer Based Tests http://www.umkc.edu/ipp/cbt.asp Diagnostic Exams (2) = $45 each The output from this test will assist in pinpointing weaknesses and strengths as you prepare for the exam Mock Board Cost = $45 Seven blocks, 50 questions per block, timed exam Provides a realistic day of testing. The test, once begun, requires up to eight hours for completion, just like the USMLE A comprehensive diagnostic report is produced to help the student focus his or her study time for maximum effectiveness

Strategies for Success Test-Taking Skills: Practice Exams NBME - Comprehensive Basic Science Self-Assessment http://www.nbme.org/programs-services/medical-students/sas/index.html Standard-Paced: four sections, 50 items each, up to one hour to complete each section Self-Paced: four sections, 50 items each, up to four hours to complete each section Immediate feedback, profiles indicate relative strengths and weaknesses Profiles similar to those Step 1 candidates receive Score interpretation guide provides approximate Step 1 corresponding total score to assessment score Cost = $45

Strategies for Success Handling “One best answer” questions Read each question carefully and understand what is being asked. Try to answer the question first, then look at the option list. alternatively, read each option carefully and eliminate those that are clearly incorrect. of the remaining options, select the one that is most correct. If unsure about an answer… guess!!! unanswered questions are automatically counted as wrong answers.

Strategies for Success Handling “One best answer” questions DON’T SKIP questions. If you don’t know it when you see it, you’re probably not going to get it later. DON’T spend too much time on an individual question. NEVER CHANGE your answer. SCAN for trigger phrases or words. GUESS consistently.

Strategies for Success Preparing for the Day of the Test Decompress a few days before the exam Check out the test center / confirm your test date Get all of your papers in order Get a good night’s rest

Risks for Failure Consistently marginal / poor academic performance during the first two years of medical school Prior history of problems with board type exams (MCAT, SAT). Performing poorly on mock exams Thinking you can’t fail Thinking you can’t pass Not putting in the time / effort to prepare.

Special Issues The Seven Year rule Testing accommodations http://www.usmle.org/Test_Accommodations/test_accommodations.html Irregular behavior When things go wrong

Summary: Strategies for Success Game Plan Manage Time Wisely Study smart, not hard! Manage resources Practice, practice, practice Take care of yourself

USMLE Step 1 Mean Scores: 2004 - 2008

USMLE Step 1 Pass Rates 2004 - 2008

YOU CAN DO IT!