How does Step 1 handle relatively new information?

[sunealoneal]

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A couple weeks ago we learned about the various tracts. Attached is a screenshot of our textbook.

We learned it the "conventional" way, probably as did almost everyone else. How often does the USMLE adjust its knowledge and how do you find out when/if that happens?

 

[Psai]

They test out questions on unsuspecting second years who end up thinking that they failed step 1. They see if the high scorers are getting those questions right

 

[operaman]

Boards do tend to lag really new developments by a couple of years, but I don't remember ever seeing a step 1 question where I was torn between 2 answers because of old/new information. If anything, when I felt at all close to that feeling it was because I had completely missed the point of the question. My guess is that if a question slipped through where there was new conflicting data, it would get tossed out after the noticed a dramatic shift in how the question performed. This kind of monitoring and QC is part of why it takes so long to get your score back.

 

[Pacna]

Aldosterone in space, man. They should just stop asking questions about some ****, tbh.

 

[sunealoneal]

Awesome. I was briefly worried that in-between the most recent First Aid and the exam, they'd change the material.

 

[operaman]

Yeah, won't happen. Now, First Aid is known for having multiple errors in each edition, so do make sure you pay attention to the errata that gets released periodically.

 

[Serous Demilune]

Aldosterone in space, man. They should just stop asking questions about some ****, tbh.

That's why they added an Aerospace Medicine section to First Aid this year.

 

[chronicidal]

Aldosterone in space, man. They should just stop asking questions about some ****, tbh.

aldosterone escape?