Selecting the Next Generation of Surgeons: General Surgery Program Directors and Coordinators Perspective on USMLE Changes and Holistic Approach

17Citations
Citations of this article
24Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.
Get full text

Abstract

Introduction: The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) was designed as a universal assessment tool for states to determine physician’s medical licensure's candidacy. Recent changes in the USMLE exam have changed the way future surgical residency candidate applications will be reviewed. The survey aimed to assess the effect of changes in USMLE exams—USMLE Step 1 pass/fail, complete dissolution of USMLE clinical skills exam, and the role of holistic review in future surgical residency candidacy selection. Methods: An anonymous online survey was created and distributed to general surgery program directors and coordinators across the USA. The survey aimed to assess attitudes toward changes to USMLE exams and the potential changes with a holistic review of candidate applications. Results: The response rate was 63.7%. Most program directors and coordinators disagree with changing USMLE Step 1 to a pass/fail scoring system. The majority felt that contacts, the medical school's name, and performance in clinical electives and sub-internships would hold more significance. They also believe that a holistic review of application will decrease socioeconomic discrepancies and promote a more diverse and inclusive resident cohort. Conclusion: Step 2 clinical knowledge (CK) will gain more importance in future residency matches because of the change in the scoring system of Step 1. The medical school's name, personal contacts, and clinical performance in rotations will hold more significance.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Aziz, H., Khan, S., Rocque, B., Javed, M. U., Sullivan, M. E., & Cooper, J. T. (2021). Selecting the Next Generation of Surgeons: General Surgery Program Directors and Coordinators Perspective on USMLE Changes and Holistic Approach. World Journal of Surgery, 45(11), 3258–3265. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-021-06261-7

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free