Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 22, 2025
08:21
Utilizing a 3D Printed Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication Model to Shorten a Resident's Learning Curve
Published on: August 15, 2025
429
Implications of Pass/Fail Step 1 Scoring: Plastic Surgery Program Director and Applicant Perspective.
Lawrence O Lin1, Alan T Makhoul2, Paige N Hackenberger1
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Global Open
|January 11, 2021
Summary
Most plastic surgery applicants and program directors oppose the United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 pass/fail scoring change. They anticipate increased importance of Step 2 CK scores, research, and school prestige in residency applications.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Residency Admissions
- Licensing Examinations
Background:
- The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 is transitioning from numeric scores to a pass/fail system.
- This change impacts the evaluation of medical school graduates applying to residency programs, particularly in competitive specialties like plastic surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey plastic surgery applicants and program directors on their perspectives regarding the USMLE Step 1 pass/fail scoring change.
- To understand anticipated shifts in residency application evaluation metrics.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to integrated plastic surgery applicants and program directors.
- Data analysis involved summary tables and marginal homogeneity tests to compare responses.
Main Results:
- A majority of both applicants (60.3%) and program directors (81.0%) opposed the Step 1 pass/fail change.
- Respondents anticipate increased reliance on Step 2 CK scores, medical school prestige, and research experience for applicant screening.
- A majority expect an increase in the number of plastic surgery residency applicants.
Conclusions:
- Most plastic surgery stakeholders do not favor the USMLE Step 1 pass/fail scoring system.
- The transition is expected to elevate the significance of other application components, including Step 2 CK, research, and institutional reputation.
