[JAMA] Race and disability characteristics and accommodation disparities on the USMLE Step 1

[Mr.Smile12]

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New paper alert from JAMA Network Open: Race and Disability Characteristics and Accommodation Disparities on the USMLE Step 1.

What they found:

• Schools with specialized Disability Resource Professionals (DRPs) had higher approval rates (78% vs 53%).
• Students with psychological disabilities and those diagnosed during medical school had the lowest approval rates.
• Asian students were less likely to request accommodations.

The good news is that NBME has been actively engaging with DRPs and learning specialists, strengthening its accommodations system, and beginning to share data. Building on this progress, we also have the opportunity to address the many other barriers learners encounter during medical school.

How can we better support students, expand funding to support robust evaluations, increase access to DRPs, and supports? Also, how can we make sure no one is discouraged by misinformation and stigma?

So, I invite you to reflect: What is one thing your office, team, or institution can do to reduce barriers to Step 1 accommodations?

Here are a few examples:

Work closely with DRPs so students learn about accommodations and timelines early.

Share accurate information with students to combat the rumor that "no one is ever accommodated."

Subsidize or connect students with low-cost, vetted providers for timely evaluations, especially for those newly diagnosed.

Create pathways for students navigating appeals to remain registered (research/teaching) and avoid downstream consequences for the match.

Read the full article.

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jamanetwork.com