USMLE Step-1 is Going to Pass/Fail, Now What Do We Do?

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Licensing Examinations
• Physician Training

Background:

• The International Association of Medical Science Educators (IAMSE) hosted a webinar series in Winter 2021.
• The series addressed the significant change in the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 scoring to Pass/Fail (P/F).
• Experts convened to discuss the implications of this policy shift.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the impact of the USMLE Step 1 Pass/Fail decision on various medical education programs.
• To identify challenges faced by different stakeholders in medical education.
• To brainstorm creative solutions and adaptive strategies in response to the new scoring system.

Main Methods:

• A series of five live webinars were conducted weekly from January 7 to February 4, 2021.
• Discussions featured recognized experts from diverse stakeholder groups within medical education.
• A bonus session on February 25, 2021, provided updates from the Coalition for Physician Accountability Undergraduate Medical Education to Graduate Medical Education Review Committee (UGRC).

Main Results:

• Experts from allopathic and osteopathic residency programs, basic science faculty, curriculum designers, and clinical educators shared their perspectives.
• Challenges to existing medical education programs were identified.
• Potential consequences of the P/F scoring were discussed, alongside proposed adaptive strategies.

Conclusions:

• The transition to a Pass/Fail USMLE Step 1 exam necessitates a re-evaluation of medical education and assessment strategies.
• Collaboration among stakeholders is crucial for navigating the changes and ensuring continued quality in physician training.
• Proactive adaptation is essential for medical institutions to address the evolving landscape of medical licensing exams.