The importance of USMLE step 2 on the screening and selection of applicants for general surgery residency positions

• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17486
• Publication Date: 2023-06-27T01:16:59Z
• Authors: Sarah Khalil; Joslyn Jose; Matthew Welter; Jennifer Timmons; Lisa Miller; Alain Elian; Gitonga Munene; Robert Sawyer; Saad Shebrain
• Keywords: Social sciences (General); H1-99; Q1-390; Science (General); Electronic residency application Service® (ERAS®); Step 2 C K; USMLE step 1; Research Article

BackgroundAs announced by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and National Board Examiners (NBME), United States Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 score reporting has transitioned to pass/fail outcomes instead traditional numeric after January 26, 2022. USMLE scores have been used widely as a crucial tool in screening selecting applicants for residency programs. This study aims determine role 2 selection general surgery residency.MethodsA retrospective was conducted over six recruiting cycles from 2016 2021. The data 334 interviewed one program were assessed. Data analyzed included scores, applicant gender, Alpha Omega (AOA) status, letters recommendation (LOR), research/publications (RS).ResultsOf applicants, 209 (62.6%) male. mean [SD] C K (Clinical Knowledge) 239.6 [±10.4] 249.2 [±11.4], respectively. (SD) LOR RS 4.24 [±0.4] 3.9 [±0.7], A positive correlation observed between (r = 0.60, p < .001), 0.24, .008), AOA status 0.19, .038). There negligible gender.ConclusionTransitioning will make initial process applications challenging In short term, LOR, are important assessments. Valid measures ensure appropriate, equitable, fair assessments needed.