Implementing Strategic Changes to the USMLE

Abstract

ABSTRACT State medical boards rely upon the USMLE to help inform their decision to issue a resident/training license or a full, unrestricted license. USMLE has been implementing enhancements to the program since the 2009 adoption of the program's strategic plan by the FSMB House of Delegates. Among these enhancements are refocused efforts to support licensing decisions; greater emphasis on foundational medical science throughout the entire exam sequence; adding new measures related to core physician competencies; further refinement of assessments of clinical skills and the incorporation of new formats assessing how well examinees interpret and use clinical evidence in patient care. After major enhancements to Step 2 Clinical Skills in recent years, focus has shifted to Step 3. New content oriented around the Foundations of Independent Practice (FIP) and Advanced Clinical Medicine (ACM) will be introduced in November 2014. While state board sponsorship has been discontinued as part of Step 3 eligibility criteria, the USMLE continues working to bolster the involvement of state medical boards in the design and oversight of the USMLE program.