Step 2 CS Implications

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With the recent execution of Step 2 CS, is that unanimously a good thing for us? Or are there latent functions we still have to consider, like when Step 1 was made P/F?

 

[MyOdyssey]

Step 1 of Boards are now P/F.

So now Step 2 of Boards are permanently cancelled or am I misreading the situation?
USMLE Stuns Again: Clinical Skills Test Permanently Ended (medscape.com)

 

[Moko]

Step 1 of Boards are now P/F.

So now Step 2 of Boards are permanently cancelled or am I misreading the situation?
USMLE Stuns Again: Clinical Skills Test Permanently Ended (medscape.com)

Step II consisted of two parts: Clinical Knowledge (CK) and Clinical Skills (CS). CK is a multiple choice exam like the MCAT and Step I. CS, on the other hand, involved medical students interviewing mock patients and then writing up notes. Only the CS component has been canceled. Good riddance. One less hoop to jump through.

 

[EdgeTrimmer]

Step II consisted of two parts: Clinical Knowledge (CK) and Clinical Skills (CS). CK is a multiple choice exam like the MCAT and Step I. CS, on the other hand, involved medical students interviewing mock patients and then writing up notes. Only the CS component has been canceled. Good riddance. One less hoop to jump through.

What will be impact for IMGs? I heard it was targeted for them. It wasn't there when my spouse took it (it was ECFMG though).

 

[Putkernerinthehall]

I've always understood that the CS exam was more of a logistical hassle than anything. Travel time / cost, etc. I think it was difficult for some students with language barriers so they are likely to benefit most by its discontinuation.

 

[Med Ed]

With the recent execution of Step 2 CS, is that unanimously a good thing for us? Or are there latent functions we still have to consider, like when Step 1 was made P/F?

No, Step 2 CS itself will vanish without a trace.

State medical boards may want something to replace it, perhaps proof that students can pass OSCEs administered at their respective medical schools. Even if that happens it will be a small price to pay for the elimination of the CS monstrosity.

 

[Blueprint Med School]

Unanimously good. CS was paying $1000+ to travel to like 5 cities to take a 8 hour exam with very bored standardized patients who were checked out mentally by case #2.

It's death is welcome.

David D, MD - USMLE and MCAT Tutor
Med School Tutors

 

[Goro]

I've always understood that the CS exam was more of a logistical hassle than anything. Travel time / cost, etc. I think it was difficult for some students with language barriers so they are likely to benefit most by its discontinuation.

And subjective scoring by the SPs.

 

[EdgeTrimmer]

And subjective scoring by the SPs.

When admissions are subjective what's wrong with a test being subjective?

 

[Med Ed]

When admissions are subjective what's wrong with a test being subjective?

The glorified OSCE that was Step 2 CS hit the trifecta of being costly, high stakes, and extremely subjective. Individuals who failed (which could cause career derailment) could not be given useful feedback, because the nature of the exam prevented it.

Admissions has subjective components, but it also uses more objective ones (i.e. MCAT and GPA) that correlate strongly with overall success. Apples to pears, IMHO.

 

[EdgeTrimmer]

The glorified OSCE that was Step 2 CS hit the trifecta of being costly, high stakes, and extremely subjective. Individuals who failed (which could cause career derailment) could not be given useful feedback, because the nature of the exam prevented it.

Admissions has subjective components, but it also uses more objective ones (i.e. MCAT and GPA) that correlate strongly with overall success. Apples to pears, IMHO.

I understand, it was a rhetorical question for adcoms who keeps pushing service hours are more important than scores and service is a very subjective thing 🙂

 

[Med Ed]

I understand, it was a rhetorical question for adcoms who keeps pushing service hours are more important than scores and service is a very subjective thing 🙂

After one reviews a thousand applications it doesn't seem so subjective.

 

[SunBakedTrash]

Good riddance that ridiculous heap of diarrhea called Step 2 CS is gone forever. Knowing those parasite SPs now have to get real jobs instead of leaching off poor medical students makes my heart sing.