Askdoc's USMLE Blog

Aiming for a 99: Importance of the Learning Phase

askdoc — Wed, 16 May 2012 02:09:23 +0000

Normally if you are a fresh graduate or third year medical student, you can skip the learning phase and proceed directly to mastery phase. While it is imperative for old graduates to go through a formal learning phase.

The exception is if you are aiming for a 99, then you need a formal learning phase. The reason is that to insure you get a 99, it is important that you have no weak points. Normally a fresh grad or third year medical student has retained enough concepts that they could pass this exam with just a short prep. But if you are aiming for a 99, the concepts you have retained from past studies may not be enough. And you may need to do a formal learning phase to make sure you understood all the topics that will come out in the exam, not just most of it.

However, it is possible to have a shorter learning phase than old graduates have to go through, as it is most probable that you still remember a significant number of the concepts tested in the exam. Therefore, if you are aiming for a 99, the extra effort can pay off in a higher score in the end.

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Update on Planned Changes to USMLE Step 3 Examination

meliza — Wed, 09 May 2012 04:39:59 +0000

The USMLE Composite Committee and USMLE parent organizations (the National Board of Medical Examiners and the Federation of State Medical Boards) recently approved plans to change the structure of USMLE. Step 3 will be the first examination impacted, with changes to this examination to occur no earlier than 2014.

The plans call for the division of Step 3 into two separate exams, each one day in length, focusing on different sets of competencies. The proposed examinations will continue to be administered by computer using multiple choice questions and computer simulations. The two examinations will be scored separately and examinees will be expected to pass each.

The first exam is expected to focus on whether an examinee possesses the knowledge essential to the independent practice of medicine, including a comprehensive knowledge of both foundational science and clinical medicine. The second exam will assess an examinee’s ability to apply knowledge in the context of patient management, including demonstration of comprehensive knowledge of health and disease, and their impact on patients. The second exam will also require a demonstration of evidence-based medicine and quantitative reasoning skills important to patient care and to life-long learning. Specific information about these changes will be provided well in advance of implementation.

New testing formats that focus on competencies not currently addressed by the Step 3 examination may also be introduced. If new testing formats are to be introduced, announcements will be made and sample material provided in advance of their introduction in the live examinations.
The change to Step 3 will occur no sooner than 2014. After experience is gained with implementation of the Step 3 changes, the Composite Committee and USMLE parent organizations will consider possible modifications to Steps 1 and 2 CK.

As new information becomes available it will be posted to the USMLE website.

Source: usmle.org website

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Ongoing Applications for Askdoc’s USMLE Step 1 Prep Course MAY 2012 CLASS

meliza — Fri, 04 May 2012 04:02:31 +0000

Click here to ENROLL NOW

*Enrollments for Askdoc’s USMLE Step 1 Prep Course MAY 2012 CLASS is now OPEN!!! If you are interested in the course, please enroll now or you can visit our main website for more information about the course.

We would like to announce that we are currently accepting applications for Askdoc’s USMLE Step 1 Prep Course which will start on May 15, 2012.

About the Course

Askdoc USMLE Step 1 Prep Courses impart comprehensive knowledge and understanding of USMLE course content and test taking skills needed to do well in the USMLE Step 1 Examination.

Comprehensive Coverage
Intensive Assignments
Focus on Improving Study Methods

Study Materials Needed

Askdoc’s USMLE Step 1 Study Notes, Outline Notes and Summary Notes available online
Online chapter by chapter quiz
Online Flashcard resources for quick review
Course organizer and reading materials on organizing your study plan and schedule
Reading materials on how to prep and study to optimize performance
Reading materials on strategies and time management on test-taking
Supplementary review materials from other sources

Course Fees

The tuition fee of US$ 600 includes 9 month access to online resources and online support. It also includes access to weekly group chat for the whole 9 months.

Course Outline

How to Master the USMLE Step 1:

1. Introduction

What You Need to Do Well in the USMLE Step 1
Why You Need to Master the USMLE Step 1
How to Expand Your Limited Memory
Right-Size the USMLE Step 1
Minimize the Forgetting Process
Stretch Your Limited Time
Maximize Your Score

2. Scheduling your Prep

How to Create a Study Plan for the USMLE Step 1
Three Phases of USMLE Prep
How to Make and Use the Schedule Organizer

3. How to Study

Learning Phase Basics
Mastery Phase Basics
Memorizing List of Items
Studying Processes
Doing Three Revisions
Periodic Assessments
Organizing Topics
High Yield Review
Mastering Clinical Vignettes
Improving Recall
Speed Reading
Integrating Topics Within a Subject
Integrating Topics Between Subjects

4. How to Review Pathology

Study Materials for Pathology
What to Study in Pathology
What to do on First Revision
What to do on Second Revision
What to do on Third Revision
High Yield Review of Pathology

5. How to Review Pharmacology

Study Materials for Pharmacology
What to Study in Pharmacology
What to do on First Revision
What to do on Second Revision
What to do on Third Revision
High Yield Review of Pharmacology

6. How to Review Microbiology and Immunology

Study Materials for Microbiology and Immunology
What to Study in Microbiology and Immunology
What to do on First Revision
What to do on Second Revision
What to do on Third Revision
High Yield Review of Microbiology

7. How to Review Anatomy

Study Materials for Anatomy
What to Study in Anatomy
What to do on First Revision
What to do on Second Revision
What to do on Third Revision
High Yield Review of Anatomy

8. How to Review Physiology

Study Materials for Physiology
What to Study in Physiology
What to do on First Revision
What to do on Second Revision
What to do on Third Revision
High Yield Review of Physiology

9. How to Review Biochemistry

Study Materials for Biochemistry
What to Study in Biochemistry
What to do on First Revision
What to do on Second Revision
What to do on Third Revision
High Yield Review of Biochemistry

10. How to Review Behavioral Sciences

Study Materials for Behavioral Sciences
What to Study in Behavioral Sciences
What to do on First Revision
What to do on Second Revision
What to do on Third Revision
High Yield Review of Behavioral Sciences

11. Test Preparation Phase

How to Use Online Q Banks
How are Tough Questions Constructed
How to Analyze Questions
How to Diagnose Clinical Vignettes
How to Build Up Your Speed in Answering Questions
Strategies for Answering Questions on Exam Day

12. What to Do Last Two Weeks Before the Exam

Be at Your Best on the Day of the Exam
Stop Studying at the Right Time
What to Do Last Two Weeks Before the Day of the Exam
What to Do on the Day of the Exam

TERM and CONDITIONS Before submitting your application

ENROLL ME NOW

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Review of USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) minimum passing score

meliza — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 04:26:25 +0000

As stated in the USMLE Bulletin of Information, the level of proficiency required to meet the recommended minimum passing level for each USMLE Step examination is reviewed periodically and may be adjusted at any time. Notice of such review and any adjustments are posted on the USMLE website.

Every three to four years the Step Committees are asked to complete an in-depth review of standards, and they may schedule more frequent reviews.

At its June 2010 meeting, the Step 2 Committee conducted a review for USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK). As a result of its review, the Step 2 Committee decided to raise the three-digit score recommended to pass Step 2 CK from 184 to 189. As previously reported, at that time the Committee decided to closely monitor the effects of this decision on examinees and schools, and to examine trends in performance on an annual basis.

The Committee will review the three-digit score recommended to pass Step 2 CK at its June 2012 meeting. If the Committee determines that a change is appropriate, the new recommended minimum passing score will become effective for all examinees who take a Step 2 CK examination on or after July 1, 2012.

Reference: usmle.org website

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IMGs Participating In 2013 Match Should Apply For Step 2 CS Now

meliza — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 04:41:53 +0000

International medical students/graduates and graduates of Fifth Pathway programs who plan to participate in the 2013 Main Residency Match (in March 2013) are reminded that they must take Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) by December 31, 2012. As published in the 2012 Schedule for Reporting Step 2 CS Results (www.ecfmg.org/news/?p=52), if you do not take Step 2 CS by December 31, 2012, your result will not be available in time to participate in the 2013 Match.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This deadline applies only to participation in the 2013 Main Residency Match. For information on deadlines to participate in the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP), monitor the NRMP website at www.nrmp.org.

If you need to pass Step 2 CS to participate in the 2013 Match, you are strongly encouraged to apply for Step 2 CS now. If you do not register early and schedule a test date as soon as possible, you may not be able to obtain a test date in 2012.

At the time of this writing, the earliest available test date at any test center is in August 2012. Traditionally, there has been high demand for testing dates during the second half of the year. Due to planned changes in the Step 2 CS exam (www.ecfmg.org/news/?p=322), there will be no Step 2 CS examinations from May 20, 2012 through June 16, 2012; as a result of these changes, the interval between testing and score reporting for examinees testing from June 17, 2012 through November 3, 2012 will be 2-3 weeks longer than for examinees testing during other periods. Additionally, test sessions at all test centers may be subject to scheduling restrictions that may limit the number of test dates available to you.

To maximize your chances of obtaining a test date in 2012, apply for Step 2 CS now, provided you meet the eligibility requirements. Once registered, schedule your testing appointment as soon as possible. Early registration and scheduling may offer a number of benefits. If you plan to apply for Step 2 CS, you should consider the following:

- Step 2 CS sessions are opened 10 to 12 months in advance.

- Applicants registered for Step 2 CS can schedule and take the exam during the 12-month eligibility period that follows their registration. By registering early, applicants increase the likelihood they will be able to obtain a testing appointment for a preferred date/test center.

- Applicants who schedule a testing appointment can change the testing appointment without cost, provided they give more than 14 days’ notice. See Rescheduling in the ECFMG Information Booklet (www.ecfmg.org/resources/publications.html#ib).

- Applicants who take Step 2 CS earlier in the year and receive a failing result are more likely to have the opportunity to retake the exam in 2012 and receive their result in time to participate in the 2013 Match.

Updated information on Step 2 CS scheduling will be posted to the ECFMG website as it becomes available. Individuals planning to take Step 2 CS should monitor the ECFMG and USMLE websites for the latest information.

*********************************************
Reference:

The ECFMG(r) Reporter: An E-Newsletter for International Medical Graduates Pursuing Graduate Medical Education in the United States. Issue 188 – April 13, 2012. Copyright (c) 2012 by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates

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Updated Practice and Orientation Materials for Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) Exam have been Posted

meliza — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 07:25:42 +0000

As previously announced, a new patient note and redesigned Communication and Interpersonal Skills subcomponent will be introduced into the USMLE Step 2 CS examinations beginning June 17, 2012. Updated practice and orientation materials reflecting these changes have been posted to the USMLE website.

Examinees who plan to take the Step 2 CS examination on or after June 17, 2012 should review the updated materials, which include:

• An updated version of the CS Content Description and General Information booklet
• An updated onsite orientation CS video
• A new version of the practice patient note program
• New sample patient notes

Changes to the Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) Content Description and General Information booklet

The sections of the booklet that have been updated include:

The Patient Encounter section (p 6) includes an updated description of the role of the examinee in the Step 2 CS examination.
The Patient Note section (pp 8, 15-20) includes a description of the new patient note.
The Scoring the Step 2 CS Examination section (pp 11-12) describes changes to how the Integrated Clinical Encounter (ICE) and Communication and Interpersonal Skills (CIS) subcomponents will be scored. For the ICE subcomponent, standardized patients (SPs) will complete checklists for the physical examination portion of the patient encounter. SPs will no longer complete checklists for the history portion of the patient encounter; an examinee’s ability to gather appropriate history will continue to be assessed in the patient note. SPs assess CIS performance using a checklist based on observable behaviors; this replaces the global rating of communication skills using a series of generic rating scales.

Changes to the patient note

The new patient note provides examinees with an opportunity to document their analysis of a patient’s possible diagnoses. Samples of the new patient note and a program for practicing the patient note are available.

Changes to the Onsite Orientation for Step 2 CS video

The new version of the video includes an updated description of the patient note program.

Reference: usmle.org

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IMG Performance in the 2012 Match

meliza — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 05:10:48 +0000

For the tenth consecutive year, the number of first-year (PGY-1) residency positions offered through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) Main Residency Match increased. A total of 24,034 first-year positions were offered in the 2012 Match. This represents an increase of 613 positions compared to last year and an increase of more than 3,400 positions since 2002.

The number of IMGs, including Fifth Pathway participants, who matched to first-year positions increased by 260 compared to 2011. Of the 11,134 IMGs who participated in the 2012 Match, 4,886 (43.9%) matched. In the 2011 Match, 4,626 (44.2%) IMGs were matched to first-year positions.

Of the 6,828 IMG participants who were not U.S. citizens, 2,775 (40.6%) obtained first-year positions. The number of non-U.S. citizen IMGs who obtained positions in 2012 increased by 54, after declining for the two previous years.

Of the 4,279 U.S. citizen IMG participants, 2,102 (49.1%) were matched to first-year positions, an increase of 218 over last year. This is the ninth consecutive year that there has been an increase in the number of U.S. citizen IMGs matching to first-year positions.

Of the 27 Fifth Pathway participants in the Match, 9 (33.3%) were matched to first-year positions.

It is important to note that the total number of IMGs who will fill PGY-1 positions for the 2012-2013 academic year will be higher than the number obtaining positions through the 2012 Match. Although the majority of PGY-1 positions in the United States are filled through the Match, a significant number of IMG applicants obtain positions outside of the Match. For example, while 4,686 IMGs obtained PGY-1 positions through the 2010 Match, 7,023 IMGs entered PGY-1 for the 2010-2011 academic year.

The 7,023 IMGs entering PGY-1 for the 2010-2011 academic year is a decrease of 312 from the prior year but an increase of 950 since the 2002-2003 academic year.

About the Match

The annual NRMP Match is the system by which applicants are matched with available residency positions in U.S. graduate medical education (GME) programs. Participants submit to the NRMP a list of residency programs, in order of preference. Ranked lists of preferred residency candidates are likewise submitted by U.S. GME programs with available positions. The matching of applicants to available positions is performed by computer algorithm. The Match results announced in March of each year are for GME programs that typically begin the following July.

Additional Resources on the Match and Match Results

The preceding data are taken from the Advance Data Tables for the 2012 Main Residency Match compiled by the NRMP. These tables provide detailed information on the positions offered and filled by the Match in 2012 and prior years. To access these tables, or to obtain further information on the NRMP, visit www.nrmp.org.

The June issue of Academic Medicine, the journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges, usually offers an analysis of Match results from the preceding March. For more information, visit your medical school’s library or www.academicmedicine.org.

The September issue of JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association traditionally provides an in-depth analysis of graduate medical education in the United States. This analysis includes the number of IMGs entering and continuing in U.S. GME programs and a breakdown of IMG resident physicians by specialty and subspecialty. Visit your medical school’s library or http://jama.ama-assn.org.

You can view the original announcement at the ECFMG website.

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ERAS®: Electronic Residency Application Service

meliza — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 02:22:31 +0000

What is ERAS?

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) developed the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS^®) to allow medical school students and graduates to apply electronically for residency positions in accredited U.S. programs of graduate medical education.

Students and graduates of U.S. medical schools/programs are assisted in the ERAS process by the Dean’s office at their medical schools. The Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) serves as the designated Dean’s office for students and graduates of Canadian medical schools/programs who participate in ERAS. Since ERAS was established in 1996, ECFMG has served as the designated Dean’s office for students and graduates of international medical schools, including Fifth Pathway participants, assisting these individuals with the ERAS application process for first- and second-year (PGY-1 and PGY-2) residency positions.

International medical students/graduates who apply to programs that participate in ERAS begin the application process by requesting an ERAS Token, a unique identification number, from ECFMG. The Token allows applicants to access AAMC’s ERAS website, where they can complete their residency application, select the programs to which they will apply, and assign supporting documents to these programs.

As the designated Dean’s office, ECFMG receives supporting documents for the ERAS application, such as Medical Student Performance Evaluations, medical school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and photographs from applicants and their medical schools. ECFMG then transmits these documents to the ERAS PostOffice. ECFMG also transmits to the ERAS PostOffice reports of an applicant’s ECFMG certification status and, if requested by the applicant, USMLE transcripts. Once supporting documents have been received at the ERAS PostOffice, they can be downloaded by the programs to which the applicant has applied.

For more information on ERAS, you can visit their website: ERAS website.

For more information on ERAS Support Services at ECFMG, select the appropriate link below:

ERAS Support Services for Applicants

ERAS Support Services for International Medical Schools

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USMLE FAQS: Biometric Enabled Check In System (BECS)

meliza — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 06:28:53 +0000

What biometric information is collected from a USMLE® candidate using BECS?

Under the BECS program, a digitized representation of your fingerprint, an image of your fingerprint, along with your name, address, telephone number (if you provided one), date of birth or age, identification document number, and a scanned copy of your identification document (which may include your digitized photograph) will be collected and stored. Other standard procedures that are not part of the BECS program will still apply; for example, the test center will photograph you and you will be required to sign in and out during breaks.

How long will my biometric information be stored?

Biometric information will remain on a centralized database for a maximum of 48 hours after your test day. Upon expiration of that time period, all demographic information collected using BECS and the fingerprint representation and image, are deleted.

Who will have access to my biometric information?

Access to your biometric information will be limited as described in the BECS Privacy Notice for USMLE Candidates. Employees or agents of the USMLE sponsors who have access to the data are bound by confidentiality agreements. The data may be made available to third parties if required by law or as necessary to complete a testing fraud investigation directly related to the relevant candidate(s).

Will my biometric information be used by Prometric, USMLE, or USMLE program sponsors for purposes other than those stated in the BECS Privacy Notice for USMLE Candidates?

No.

References: ecfmg.org & usmle.org

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Should I Enroll in a Prep Course For USMLE Step 1?

askdoc — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 04:28:31 +0000

When I was trying to decide whether to take the USMLE or not way back in 2004, I pondered on whether I needed to attend a prep course or not? As an old Grad, I was at a loss on how to prep for this tough exam and enrolling in a prep course was very tempting. The only prep course available in my home country was the Kaplan Center Prep. Like everyone, I inquired and was told the price plus what was included in the course. It was a series of recorded lecture which I have to listen at the center, lecture notes and an online q bank. What happens if I have a question? Well, it seems I am on my own.

Anyway, we all know how things ended up. I researched about the USMLE, thought thru how to prep properly for this exam and concluded that I am better off going it on my own and aced the exam. Don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of times when prep courses like what Kaplan offers can be helpful. But there are times when it’s just a waste of money. It depends on your study skills and situation.

In my estimate, probably only 20% of examinees truly need to go on a prep course in order to pass this exam. Sadly a lot of people who truly need it always decide to try to do it themselves first and fail in the process.

On the other hand, only 20% of examinees can do it on their own and score very well in the exam. They should not even bother about prep courses and just do it themselves. They’ll get better scores that way.

For the middle 60%, they need some prep course in order to score better, but they could pass this exam by prepping on their own. However, in my opinion, prep courses like Kaplan’s Center Prep are of little help in this situation, but the live lectures could help significantly.

For the bottom 20%, they don’t know what to study. That is the biggest reason they fail. By taking a prep course, they increase the chance that they study the right things. Therefore, prep courses are helpful in this situation. However, the average prep course are geared for fresh grads or AMG’s. The lack of a prep course tailored for the IMG and older grads is the main reason why a big percentage of them still fail after taking these prep courses.

For the middle 60%, they have adequate study skills, enough to pass, but not to score high and they can be helped by a course geared towards improving their ability to understand, memorize and recall information as well as improving test-taking ability. The problem of course is that except for a few, most prep courses out there don’t bother teaching this to the examinees. They tell you to understand, memorize and recall all these concepts but don’t tell you how to do it. For me that’s no better than buying a reviewer and then going thru it on my own. The live courses does a good job of improving the understanding of medical concepts, but little else, and yet for some people, that is enough to get them a high score.

So who should take a prep course for the USMLE?

You know you are at the bottom 20% of your class
You have taken the exam before and you failed
You are an old grad
You are an IMG who is at the bottom 50% of your class
You want to score higher.

Of course, it is important to choose the right prep course as not all prep courses can help you. Most packaged prep courses being offered are good for fresh grads or AMGs. Old IMG’s need a prep course geared for them. Those who want a higher score needs a prep course that are geared to help them develop better study habits and test-taking skills.

Therefore, think thru first whether you need a prep course or not. Don’t immediately enroll into one, but don’t completely rule it out right away. Look at your situation and decide accordingly. And if you do decide to take a course, make sure you choose the one that can help in your particular situation. Choosing the wrong one can be painful to the pocket not to mention the end result.

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