S
screwit27
This just keeps getting better and better.....
http://www.usmle.org/news/Step2CSNews/2005Step2CSscoring.htm
http://www.usmle.org/news/Step2CSNews/2005Step2CSscoring.htm
Problem Identified in Step 2 CS Reports Dated January 12 - March 30
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Well, what a surprise! I have no idea when my score date is (but I'm sure it falls in that time period, since I took the exam in Feb). Here's the entire text for those who are too lazy to click the link:
Problem Identified in Step 2 CS Reports Dated January 12 - March 30
Posted April 19, 2005
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During a review of data for the USMLE Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) examination, the USMLE quality control team detected a software problem that resulted in an incorrect pass/fail classification for a small number of examinees. The problem affected only examinees with Step 2 CS reports dated January 12 to March 30, 2005.
Candidates whose Step 2 CS reports are dated before January 12 or after March 30 are not affected.
Thirty-eight examinees were notified of a change in classification from fail to pass by express mail scheduled for delivery on April 20. We have also contacted the deans of the US medical schools in which any of these students is enrolled. In addition, we are sending a corrected score report to any organization that received the previous, incorrect results as part of the transcript services or other reporting mechanisms.
We have also sent letters and new performance profiles to candidates whose failing classification on Step 2 CS was confirmed by our review of data. We are now completing a review of the data for the few remaining candidates whose failing classification could be affected by the problem and will advise them promptly whether their outcome changes or not.
The problem occurred in the computer program that assigns ratings for patient notes. After each clinical encounter, examinees complete notes, which are submitted to a group of physicians who are specially trained to rate them. This rating is one subcomponent of an examinee's score on the Integrated Clinical Encounter (ICE), which is itself only one part of an examinee's overall score on the examination.
We are also reviewing data on examinees who received a passing classification during the relevant period. At this point, it appears that few, if any, passing scores will be affected. While we are extremely sensitive to examinees' concerns, these considerations must be weighed in context of the overall purpose of the exam: to provide a common national minimum standard that all physicians must meet to be licensed to practice medicine in the US. If the governing board determines that the status of any examinee must on that basis change from pass to fail, we will notify that person as soon as we can confirm the change.
The USMLE recognizes the gravity of a change in pass/fail classification for any person. We deeply regret any disruption this problem may have caused. Concerned examinees can call our toll-free number at 866-504-8564 (if calling from within the US or Canada ). If you are calling from outside the US and Canada , please call 215-590-9260. Or e-mail us at [email protected].
Problem Identified in Step 2 CS Reports Dated January 12 - March 30
Posted April 19, 2005
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
During a review of data for the USMLE Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) examination, the USMLE quality control team detected a software problem that resulted in an incorrect pass/fail classification for a small number of examinees. The problem affected only examinees with Step 2 CS reports dated January 12 to March 30, 2005.
Candidates whose Step 2 CS reports are dated before January 12 or after March 30 are not affected.
Thirty-eight examinees were notified of a change in classification from fail to pass by express mail scheduled for delivery on April 20. We have also contacted the deans of the US medical schools in which any of these students is enrolled. In addition, we are sending a corrected score report to any organization that received the previous, incorrect results as part of the transcript services or other reporting mechanisms.
We have also sent letters and new performance profiles to candidates whose failing classification on Step 2 CS was confirmed by our review of data. We are now completing a review of the data for the few remaining candidates whose failing classification could be affected by the problem and will advise them promptly whether their outcome changes or not.
The problem occurred in the computer program that assigns ratings for patient notes. After each clinical encounter, examinees complete notes, which are submitted to a group of physicians who are specially trained to rate them. This rating is one subcomponent of an examinee's score on the Integrated Clinical Encounter (ICE), which is itself only one part of an examinee's overall score on the examination.
We are also reviewing data on examinees who received a passing classification during the relevant period. At this point, it appears that few, if any, passing scores will be affected. While we are extremely sensitive to examinees' concerns, these considerations must be weighed in context of the overall purpose of the exam: to provide a common national minimum standard that all physicians must meet to be licensed to practice medicine in the US. If the governing board determines that the status of any examinee must on that basis change from pass to fail, we will notify that person as soon as we can confirm the change.
The USMLE recognizes the gravity of a change in pass/fail classification for any person. We deeply regret any disruption this problem may have caused. Concerned examinees can call our toll-free number at 866-504-8564 (if calling from within the US or Canada ). If you are calling from outside the US and Canada , please call 215-590-9260. Or e-mail us at [email protected].
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Yet another reason a completely SUBJECTIVE exam should not be used as a barrier to licensure in the U.S.
All this planning and they still f*ck it up.
All this planning and they still f*ck it up.
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- Mar 7, 2005
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This test is an absolute abomination. Even without such errors, the exam itself is based on a rather flimsy premise, and certainly does not merit the very hefty price. What's worse, the NBME has given virtually no feedback to those of us who failed and have made a point of refusing to review actual test materials as part of any score recheck. In other words, they have created an exam and a process that is totally opaque, arbitrary, and inscrutable to all but themselves. And, now that they admit to major scoring mistakes, my contempt for this dubious exercise has only increased.
I hope other students, schools, the AMA, AMSA, and the AAMC hold the NBME's feet to the fire. If the general consensus among fellow US med students is so entirely opposed to this exam (as I suspect it is), I don't see why we haven't been more successful in making the NBME more accountable. I, for one, would not be surprised if the test is scrapped altogether in the coming year or two.
Anyone else have thought to share?
Pardon the vitriol. But, at least I have the courage of my convictions.
I hope other students, schools, the AMA, AMSA, and the AAMC hold the NBME's feet to the fire. If the general consensus among fellow US med students is so entirely opposed to this exam (as I suspect it is), I don't see why we haven't been more successful in making the NBME more accountable. I, for one, would not be surprised if the test is scrapped altogether in the coming year or two.
Anyone else have thought to share?
Pardon the vitriol. But, at least I have the courage of my convictions.
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- Apr 7, 2004
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- 123
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Well because the recent debacle has increased the already unreasonable delay in scores getting back, my school has just dropped it as a requirement for graduation. Hopefully other schools get the same idea.
I am the Great Saphenous!!!
I am the Great Saphenous!!!
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I'm glad to hear that... You aren't in TX by any chance, are you?
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- Feb 12, 2005
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Yes it required in order to take step 3.GasEmDee said:
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Yeah there is no escaping the fact that it has to be taken and passed. I'm just hoping that some disgust is shown by those with more power than myself (i.e. residency directors and deans of med schools). The NBME made it clear a long time ago that it didn't listen to students.
All for now, go back to your soup.
All for now, go back to your soup.