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Relationship between students' performances on the NBME Comprehensive Basic Science Examination and the USMLE Step 1:
R H Glew1, D R Ripkey, D B Swanson
1Department of Biochemistry, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, USA.
Summary
Medical students
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Basic Science Knowledge Assessment
Background:
- Medical school curriculum progression
- Standardized examination development
Purpose of the Study:
- Assess medical student growth in basic science knowledge
- Evaluate National Board of Medical Examiners Comprehensive Basic Science Subject Examination (CBSE) as a predictor for United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 performance
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 58 medical students
- Repeated administration of the CBSE
- Regression analysis correlating CBSE and USMLE Step 1 scores
Main Results:
- Student CBSE scores increased throughout medical school
- CBSE scores showed moderate to strong correlation with USMLE Step 1 scores (r = .73–.85)
- Second CBSE administration demonstrated the strongest predictive accuracy
Conclusions:
- Basic science knowledge acquisition continues through the first three years of medical school
- The CBSE is a valuable tool for identifying students at risk of failing USMLE Step 1
- Early identification allows for timely academic intervention