ACGME Residency and COMLEX/USMLE Step 3

[bocciball]

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Hi all,

I have a quick question regarding taking the step three exam. I'm currently an OMS III looking at ACGME programs for Anesthesia. Many of the programs I've noticed require a transitional or rotating year before matriculating as a CA-1. Location is very important to me and I'd like to be in a certain area of the country where there are not many Osteopathic transitional years. Will there be a problem if I match at a ACGME IM based intern year in eligibility for taking step 3? How does one get Osteopathic approval of an ACGME based intern year in order to take the COMLEX Step 3.

I've heard that in order to take the USMLE Step 3 you need to have completed all parts USMLE 1, 2, and CS. I'm only planning on completing both step 1 and 2 written exams before I graduate. Will I be eligible to take USMLE Step 3 or do I need to also complete Step 2 CS to have eligibility to sit for the test?

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[group_theory]

Hi all,

I have a quick question regarding taking the step three exam. I'm currently an OMS III looking at ACGME programs for Anesthesia. Many of the programs I've noticed require a transitional or rotating year before matriculating as a CA-1. Location is very important to me and I'd like to be in a certain area of the country where there are not many Osteopathic transitional years. Will there be a problem if I match at a ACGME IM based intern year in eligibility for taking step 3? How does one get Osteopathic approval of an ACGME based intern year in order to take the COMLEX Step 3.

I've heard that in order to take the USMLE Step 3 you need to have completed all parts USMLE 1, 2, and CS. I'm only planning on completing both step 1 and 2 written exams before I graduate. Will I be eligible to take USMLE Step 3 or do I need to also complete Step 2 CS to have eligibility to sit for the test?

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

For COMLEX 3, you need to have graduated from an AOA-accredited DO school, and have passed COMLEX 1 and the 2-parts of COMLEX 2. Your school will notified NBOME that you graduated, thus making you eligible to sign up for COMLEX 3.

For USMLE Step 3, you need to have previously pass Step 1 and both parts of Step 2, including the clinical skills portion. You need to also find a sponsoring state medical licensing board (but it's really a moot point since there is an easy workaround).

For AOA-acceptance of your ACGME PGY1 year (whether that's a transitional/preliminary year or part of your anesthesia residency), you need to apply via Resolution 42. Resolution 42 doesn't care (nor does it ask) for COMLEX or USMLE. You just need it for licensure at this point (doesn't matter if you barely pass, or hit a grand slam, you just need to pass at this point). Taking and finishing COMLEX will ensure licensure in all 50 states (if you have an AOA-approved intern year). Taking and finishing the USMLE but not COMLEX will ensure licensure in most states BUT there are states that absolutely require COMLEX and will not recognize USMLE for licensure purpose at all (off the top of my head, Florida, California, and Pennsylvania are some of the states that will not recognize USMLE). The AOA-approved intern year requirement still applies, even if you finish the USMLE series.

 

[Soccer171983]

For COMLEX 3, you need to have graduated from an AOA-accredited DO school, and have passed COMLEX 1 and the 2-parts of COMLEX 2. Your school will notified NBOME that you graduated, thus making you eligible to sign up for COMLEX 3.

For USMLE Step 3, you need to have previously pass Step 1 and both parts of Step 2, including the clinical skills portion. You need to also find a sponsoring state medical licensing board (but it's really a moot point since there is an easy workaround).

For AOA-acceptance of your ACGME PGY1 year (whether that's a transitional/preliminary year or part of your anesthesia residency), you need to apply via Resolution 42. Resolution 42 doesn't care (nor does it ask) for COMLEX or USMLE. You just need it for licensure at this point (doesn't matter if you barely pass, or hit a grand slam, you just need to pass at this point). Taking and finishing COMLEX will ensure licensure in all 50 states (if you have an AOA-approved intern year). Taking and finishing the USMLE but not COMLEX will ensure licensure in most states BUT there are states that absolutely require COMLEX and will not recognize USMLE for licensure purpose at all (off the top of my head, Florida, California, and Pennsylvania are some of the states that will not recognize USMLE). The AOA-approved intern year requirement still applies, even if you finish the USMLE series.

Are you sure about California?? I thought it was Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, west Virginia, Michigan??

 

[group_theory]

Are you sure about California?? I thought it was Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, west Virginia, Michigan??

http://www.ombc.ca.gov/bd_activity/laws_regs/regulations.shtml
Article 6. Examinations

§ 1620. Written Examination for Original Licensure.

A successfully completed written examination is required of all applicants.
The written examination may be:
(a) The National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (National Boards) Parts I, II, and III;
(b) National Boards Parts I and II with the Federation Licensing Examination (FLEX) if taken prior to December 31, 1993 for Part III of the National Boards.
NOTE: Authority cited: Osteopathic Act (Initiative Measure, Stats. 1923, p. xciii), Section 1; Sections 3600-1, and 2452, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 2099.5, 2183, 2184 and 2435 Business and Professions Code, and D'Amico vs. Board of Medical Examiners (1974) 11 Cal.3d 1.

§ 1621. Written Examination for Reciprocity Licensure.

(a) Any state which requires National Board Parts I, II, and III as their written examination for licensure is approved and acceptable to this Board for reciprocity licensure. Any other State written examination shall be considered for approval and acceptance by the Board on a case by case basis.
(b) In lieu of an approved state written examination, the Board will accept National Boards Parts I, II, and III, or National Boards Parts I and II and the Federation of State Medical Boards Licensing Examination (FLEX) substituted for Part III. The Board will also accept the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Variable Purpose Examination for the United States of America (COMVEX-USA).
NOTE: Authority cited: Osteopathic Act (Initiative Measure, Stats. 1923, p. xciii), Section 1; and Section 3600-1, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Section 2154, Business and Professions Code and D'Amico vs. Board of Medical Examiners (1974) 11 Cal.3d 1.

 

[tspath84]

If you are a DO student your requirement is to take and pass all parts of COMLEX: part 1, part 2 CE and PE, and part 3. This will allow you to gain licensing as an Osteopathic Physician in all states (as long as you also have the approved AOA intern year for the 4 required states, FL, MI, PA, OK. and apply through Res. 42 if you do an ACGME residency). As far as USMLE, you don't need to take the step 2 CS portion or step 3...you are a DO and it's just wasted money. You will take COMLEX 3 during your first year after you graduate, and be thankful since it's only a 1 day computer test compared to the USMLE3 which has 2 parts, and I believe is 2 days.
I am about to graduate from a DO school, took USMLE 1 and 2 as well as my COMLEX. I will be starting an ACGME Residency, and will be applying through Res. 42 after I complete my 1st year. I only plan on taking COMLEX 3.
I hope this clarifies things a little better.

 

[p1acebo]

If you are a DO student your requirement is to take and pass all parts of COMLEX: part 1, part 2 CE and PE, and part 3. This will allow you to gain licensing as an Osteopathic Physician in all states (as long as you also have the approved AOA intern year for the 4 required states, FL, MI, PA, OK. and apply through Res. 42 if you do an ACGME residency). As far as USMLE, you don't need to take the step 2 CS portion or step 3...you are a DO and it's just wasted money. You will take COMLEX 3 during your first year after you graduate, and be thankful since it's only a 1 day computer test compared to the USMLE3 which has 2 parts, and I believe is 2 days.
I am about to graduate from a DO school, took USMLE 1 and 2 as well as my COMLEX. I will be starting an ACGME Residency, and will be applying through Res. 42 after I complete my 1st year. I only plan on taking COMLEX 3.
I hope this clarifies things a little better.

I was a bit curious about applying through Res. 42. Have you started it yet and is it an easy process/do you know if people are generally approved for this?

 

[IMDoc2013]

I am a DO in an ACGME IM program and am considering an ACGME fellowship. Should I take the USMLE Step 3 so that I am more competitive in my fellowship application or do they not even look at Step 3?
Thanks for your help!

 

[Mad Jack]

Whoa, so if I'm understanding this correctly I could theoretically skip COMLEX 3 (the 2018 version of which is going to be a nightmare) so long as I don't plan to practice in a state where a DO with USMLE Steps 1-3 only is not recognized?

Hmmm... Given the new proposed format, might almost be worth it. All the states that won't take USMLE suck anyway.

 

[kenjixshadow]

Whoa, so if I'm understanding this correctly I could theoretically skip COMLEX 3 (the 2018 version of which is going to be a nightmare) so long as I don't plan to practice in a state where a DO with USMLE Steps 1-3 only is not recognized?

Hmmm... Given the new proposed format, might almost be worth it. All the states that won't take USMLE suck anyway.

I believe you are right, BUT you will also have to take Step 2 CS. USMLE Step 3 is also a 2 days exam just like Level 3. I think you should just take COMLEX 3. Ppl are saying it easier than the first two and you only need 350 as opposed to 400 on COMLEX 1 & 2 to pass.