Is there any correlation between step 1 scores and actually being a quality doctor for a speciality?

[mrh125]

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Like if you lined up all of the people in ranges from 200-260 (or whatever the max percentile is) would people at the higher end actually be better prepared, higher-quality doctors, and have the skill set required for specialities they can slide into more easily? If you took people with a 200 score and put them in orthopedic, derm, and other higher-end residencies or people with a 260 score and put them in pediatric residencies, would the quality of care and knowledge among drs in the end be any different? Is there any correlation that being a better test taker makes you better prepared to be a doctor in a higher-end speciality? If not, what makes this such a useful metric? I understand the idea of giving residencies an easy metric/number so they can toss a certain % of apps in the discard pile, but why not use a more informative metric? (ideally one that will test your own the job skills).

 

[neusu]

USMLE is not a quantitative exam. Residency application is multi-variate, and while step-1 remains a discriminator, it certainly is not the only consideration.

 

[bearded frog]

​

 

[Oso]

mrh, I say this as your pal: stop worrying so much about usmle step 1/ matching into certain specialties/ match process at all/ anything medical unrelated to your upcoming application cycle.

 

[Cyberdyne 101]

I believe the MMI format for interviews was developed because some ppl with very high test scores turned out to be sub-par clinicians i.e. they lacked communication skills and were unable to work well in a team (which are obviously crucial qualities).
http://multipleminiinterview.com/history-of-mmi/
But I'm not saying that test scores should be ignored (multiple factors must be considered).
In terms of your question about a test score reversal, I believe you're making an over-generalization. I'm sure ppl with high board scores match into less competitive specialities all the time. Also, there have to be ppl with less than stellar USMLE scores that end up doing really well in "more selective specialties."

 

[DK2014]

Get into medical school first, then worry about boards in 2nd year.

 

[DermViser]

Like if you lined up all of the people in ranges from 200-260 (or whatever the max percentile is) would people at the higher end actually be better prepared, higher-quality doctors, and have the skill set required for specialities they can slide into more easily? If you took people with a 200 score and put them in orthopedic, derm, and other higher-end residencies or people with a 260 score and put them in pediatric residencies, would the quality of care and knowledge among drs in the end be any different? Is there any correlation that being a better test taker makes you better prepared to be a doctor in a higher-end speciality? If not, what makes this such a useful metric? I understand the idea of giving residencies an easy metric/number so they can toss a certain % of apps in the discard pile, but why not use a more informative metric? (ideally one that will test your own the job skills).

Several things:

1) USMLE Step 1 score is used as sort of an "unofficial" barrier to entry for certain specialties that can be mitigated somewhat by class rank, clinical clerkship grades, AOA, research, etc. USMLE Step 1 is one of the few standardized metrics to compare all applicants. It is essentially used to close certain doors, and keep other doors open.

2) That being said, good test taking skill is something all doctors need to master whether it's undergrad exams, MCAT, MS-1/MS-2 exams, USMLE Step 1, NBME shelf exams, USMLE Step 2 CK, residency boards, MOC exams, etc. etc. This is a skill you will be needing for the rest of your life.

3) Being a good doctor is an amalgamation of so many different factors it truly is a "holistic" look, not just based off a multiple choice exam. There are tons of 240+ scorers in Peds residencies at top programs. Literature in different specialties have shown a correlation of USMLE Step 1 score and passage/failure of residency boards, another multiple choice test. It doesn't matter how good of a doctor you are if you can't pass your residency boards.

That being said, concentrate on getting into medical school first. You'll have plenty of time to worry about USMLE Step 1 when you get to that point.

 

[darkjedi]

one step at a time buddy

 

[mmmcdowe]

i would say that there would be a general trend but it isnt absolute. certainly many lower scorers would perform more successfully than some higher scorers.

Step 1 is a measure of knowledge, but it also contains elements of intellect, time management, effecient problem solving, and discipline that could help physicians later on.

 

[youmed]

Difficult specialties require doctors who are able to process information quickly and accurately, which is why all these standardized tests exist to select those who can. It's not THE measure of potential but it is one nonetheless.

 

[Disinence2]

Yes

A higher step scores correlate with being able to pass your specialty board exams. Its difficult to be an excellent physician if you can't pass your boards.

Correlation with good social skills on the other hand may not be as strong

 

[Dr Lyss]

Hmm how do I say this... No