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Using the NBME® Comprehensive Subject Examinations to Assess Readiness for USMLE® Step 1 and Step 2 CK: a Comparison of US/Canadian and International Medical School Students

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Abstract

This study examined the relationship between performance on the National Board of Medical Examiners® (NBME®) Comprehensive Basic and Clinical Science Subject Examinations (CBSE and CCSE) and performance on United States Medical Licensing Examination® (USMLE®) Step 1 and Step 2 Clinical Knowledge, respectively, for US/Canadian (USMGs) and international medical school students (IMGs). The current study extends previous research on the relationship between performance on the comprehensive examinations and USMLE by including examinees from both US/Canadian and international medical schools and by extending the research to examine the relationship between CCSE and Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) performance. Based on linear regression analyses, CBSE scores explained 45 and 50% of the variance in Step 1 scores for USMGs and IMGs, respectively. CCSE scores explained 48 and 41% of the variance in Step 2 CK scores for the same groups. Regression lines were significantly different for USMGs and IMGs for both exam pairs. Logistic regression analyses confirm that higher CBSE and CCSE scores were associated with a greater probability of passing Step 1 and Step 2 CK, respectively. The results were consistent with previous research and provide comprehensive subject examination users with information to facilitate the assessment of student readiness for Step 1 and Step 2 CK.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Board of Medical Examiners, 3750 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19014, USA

    Carol A. Morrison, Laurel Smith, Linette Ross, Marie Maranki & Gregory Baker

Authors
  1. Carol A. Morrison
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  2. Laurel Smith
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  3. Linette Ross
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  4. Marie Maranki
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  5. Gregory Baker
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Correspondence to Carol A. Morrison.

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Morrison, C.A., Smith, L., Ross, L. et al. Using the NBME® Comprehensive Subject Examinations to Assess Readiness for USMLE® Step 1 and Step 2 CK: a Comparison of US/Canadian and International Medical School Students. Med.Sci.Educ. 28, 125–131 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40670-017-0518-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40670-017-0518-x

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