Most people would agree that one test score does not declare the success of a physician, but for medical graduates applying for residency, it can mean a successful Match. The average number of residency applications per applicant has increased from 79 to 91, and according to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), residency programs may receive 1,000 applications for only a handful of residency slots. They have to sift through these candidates somehow, so test scores receive an elevated importance.
Sifting Through Scores
Instead of looking at each candidate as a whole, residency programs cull program applicants by eliminating those with low test scores and only considering those with scores well above passing. The result is that quality applicants may be removed from applicant pools based on a number instead of more important skills that can be understood through experience and in-person interviews.
A Necessary Evil
This year, the Invitational Conference on USMLE Scoring (InCUS) convened and discussed ways to improve the USMLE. One of the recommendations they created was to make USMLE Step 1 pass/fail. Another idea was further examination of the reliability of USMLE scores in predicting residency success. Lastly, the conference sought to find ways to address racial disparities in test scores, as white students statistically have higher test scores than any other demographic.
Ultimately, there was no solution that eliminated the value of a real test score. In order to handle the number of applications, program directors have to eliminate candidates by some quantifiable measurement regardless of talented physicians who score poorly on the USMLE exam.
Negative Impacts of USMLE Now
There are other negative impacts of the USMLE besides removing otherwise talented physicians from applicant pools. The biggest one is mental health. USMLE test takers suffer insurmountable stress because of the importance placed on test scores during the Match process. If you are currently getting ready for the Match, you have already suffered this predicament. The score predicts your future success, and placing that importance on ONE TEST creates a level of stress that is difficult to pile on the stress of the Match process and the future of a medical career.
This is the type of stress that causes medical students, residents, and physicians to burnout, which is why there are efforts to change the test to possibly pass-fail or something that would reduce mental health issues and increase equitable acceptance into residency programs.
Accepting the Way It Is…For Now
Right now, medical students don’t have a choice when it comes to the importance placed on USMLE scores. If you score poorly, you can retake the test up to six times. This may not reduce stress, and it takes time to wait for another test to be available, but at least one bad test score does not have to equate to the end of your medical endeavors.
The only other thing you can do is make sure that a lackluster score on the USMLE test is met with exemplary training, volunteer experiences, and excellent interviewing skills. If your scores qualify you to get into a program, you’re going to have to shine the get an interview. A little pre-planning by volunteering or being an intern at locations that are top picks for your residency applications can also help you to stand out above the rest.
Especially for FMGs, USMLE scores are very important because FMGs are considered a little bit of an unknown due to different education systems. The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) has done its best to ensure that only quality medical graduates are accepted by U.S. medical residencies, but it is not infallible. Program directors may have biases against foreign applicants, so high USMLE scores ensure that you won’t be automatically dismissed for a U.S. medical graduate who has known medical training.
Preserving Mental Health
Hopefully, the future of USMLE testing will result in the best applicants being accepted for quality residency programs and promoting the best results for the healthcare system. Until then, we work with what we’ve got, which means USMLE scores are very important.
USMLE Step 1 and 2 should be completed before applying for residency programs through the Match. If you want to shine a little more, consider taking step 3 as soon as possible. This will give further confidence to residency program directors that you’re a good fit for their program.
Other than that, you can preserve your mental health with proper diet, exercise, and sleep regulation to ensure that your body and mind are in as good of shape as possible to handle the demands of the exams.
It May be Misguided, But it is Important
Suggesting that the USMLE exams should be pass/fail does not diminish the importance of these exams. The ability to pass this three-step test does determine to a certain extent whether or not you have learned the skills required to practice medicine competently in the United States. Until the format is changed to one that more accurately represents medical knowledge and skill, your score will remain an important part of the Match process.