The 2021 IAMSE Winter Webcast Audio Seminar Series concludes next week. In this five-part series, recognized experts from various stakeholder groups will present and discuss the impact of the decision to make Step 1 P/F, identify challenges to their respective programs and explore creative ways to address the consequences of this important medical education milestone. The fourth session in the series will feature Jack Boulet from the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER) and Robert Cain from the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM).
USMLE Step 1: Osteopathic and International Perspectives
Presenters: Jack Boulet, PhD and Robert Cain, DO
Session: February 4, 2021 at 12pm Eastern Time
On February 12, 2020, after extensive stakeholder discussion, the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) announced that the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 will transition to pass/fail. For program directors, the scores from this examination have been one of the most important factors in deciding which residency candidates to interview. The lack of scores will force changes to the residency selection process, some of which could have both positive and negative consequences for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and graduates of osteopathic medical schools. In Part I of this session, Dr. Boulet will discuss some of the relevant issues associated with the transition to Step 1 pass/fail and how they are likely to impact IMGs. He will also provide insights on how this change could help motivate the medical community to develop a more efficient and effective pathway for medical school graduates to transition to postgraduate training. In Part II, Dr. Cain will review the Osteopathic medical community reactions to USLME moving to Pass/Fail and the challenges of a dual licensing system.