Exploring Preparation for the USMLE Step 2 Exams to Inform Best Practices

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Licensing Examinations

Background:

• The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 is transitioning to a pass-fail format in 2022.
• This change necessitates an increased focus on USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) scores for medical students.
• Evidence-based guidance for student preparation is essential for academic advisors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To understand the study strategies and resources medical students use for USMLE Step 2 CK preparation.
• To investigate the relationship between these approaches and student performance on the USMLE Step 2 CK exam.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to medical students at a single US institution regarding their Step 2 CK preparation.
• Self-reported exam preparation strategies and resource utilization were analyzed.
• The relationship between these factors and Step 2 CK scores was statistically evaluated.

Main Results:

• Step 2 CK performance correlated with prior academic indicators, including school exams, shelf exams, and Step 1.
• Preliminary analysis showed positive correlations between Step 2 CK scores and completing more practice questions and a larger proportion of a question bank.
• Hierarchical regression confirmed that only completing more practice questions remained a significant predictor of Step 2 CK performance, controlling for demographics and Step 1.

Conclusions:

• Encouraging students to engage with case-based, clinically-focused questions can optimize USMLE Step 2 CK performance.
• Further research is required to comprehensively define optimal preparation strategies for the USMLE Step 2 CK.