Open AccessSelecting the Next Generation of Surgeons: General Surgery Program Directors and Coordinators Perspective on USMLE Changes and Holistic Approach
Author(s) -
Aziz Hassan,
Khan Sara,
Rocque Brittany,
Javed Muhammad Usman,
Sullivan Maura E.,
Cooper Jeffrey T.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
world journal of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.115
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1432-2323
pISSN - 0364-2313
DOI - 10.1007/s00268-021-06261-7
Subject(s) - vascular surgery , cardiothoracic surgery , abdominal surgery , perspective (graphical) , medicine , cardiac surgery , medical education , surgery , general surgery , computer science , artificial intelligence
The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) was designed as a universal assessment tool for states to determine physician's medical licensure's candidacy. Recent changes in the USMLE exam have changed the way future surgical residency candidate applications will be reviewed. The survey aimed to assess the effect of changes in USMLE exams—USMLE Step 1 pass/fail, complete dissolution of USMLE clinical skills exam, and the role of holistic review in future surgical residency candidacy selection. Methods An anonymous online survey was created and distributed to general surgery program directors and coordinators across the USA. The survey aimed to assess attitudes toward changes to USMLE exams and the potential changes with a holistic review of candidate applications. Results The response rate was 63.7%. Most program directors and coordinators disagree with changing USMLE Step 1 to a pass/fail scoring system. The majority felt that contacts, the medical school's name, and performance in clinical electives and sub‐internships would hold more significance. They also believe that a holistic review of application will decrease socioeconomic discrepancies and promote a more diverse and inclusive resident cohort. Conclusion Step 2 clinical knowledge (CK) will gain more importance in future residency matches because of the change in the scoring system of Step 1. The medical school's name, personal contacts, and clinical performance in rotations will hold more significance.