USMLE Pass Rates for DO Schools?

[Old_Mil]

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Is there any information available on this? I've seen the various statistics that DO schools offer regarding their COMLEX pass rates, but haven't seen anything similar about the USMLE.

 

[DrMom]

OSU-COM's step 1 pass rate this past year was 100%. About half of the class took the exam, and that group included some of the low-ranked people in the class (in other words, it wasn't just the top students taking it).

 

[InductionAgent]

Is there any information available on this? I've seen the various statistics that DO schools offer regarding their COMLEX pass rates, but haven't seen anything similar about the USMLE.

In 2003, 73% of DO students taking USMLE for the first time passed, compared with 90% of USMD students and 65% of foreign MD students.

http://www.usmle.org/scores/2003perf.htm

As a 4th-year DO student, I have had several ACGME (MD) residency programs comment during interviews that they are glad that I have USMLE scores so that they have a better basis of comparison.

Taking the USMLE can only help you, because if you do badly on it, you just don't report the score and the programs don't know you ever took it. So you're out $400; it's small compared to what you already owe. If you do decently, it helps you compete with MD students for that spot.

 

[OSUdoc08]

I found this interesting:

In 2003, the USMLE pass rate was--

STEP 1
M.D.'s: 92%
D.O.'s: 70%
Foreign M.D.'s: 64%

STEP 2
M.D.'s: 97%
D.O.'s: 89%
Foreign M.D.'s: 80%

STEP 3
M.D.'s: 95%
D.O.'s: 97%
Foreign M.D.'s: 66%

Doesn't STEP 3 determine how much medicine you really know in the end?

 

[Sirius Black]

I think that's awesome that DO's did better on step 3. But before jumping to any conclusions, it might be worthy to note that those DO's who decided to take USMLE step 3 obviously must have done well on 1 and 2, while the ones that didn't do so well decided to not to even take step 3. Thus, that 97% could reflect the fact that only the DO "gunners" took the test.

 

[JohnDO]

Indeed, a lot of that probably has to do with what Sirius mentioned. DO students who do poorly on step 1 are unlikely to take step 2 and 3 of the test

 

[prefontaine]

The actual # of DOs that sat for step 3 was very small.

I found this interesting:

In 2003, the USMLE pass rate was--

STEP 1
M.D.'s: 92%
D.O.'s: 70%
Foreign M.D.'s: 64%

STEP 2
M.D.'s: 97%
D.O.'s: 89%
Foreign M.D.'s: 80%

STEP 3
M.D.'s: 95%
D.O.'s: 97%
Foreign M.D.'s: 66%

Doesn't STEP 3 determine how much medicine you really know in the end?

 

[OSUdoc08]

The actual # of DOs that sat for step 3 was very small.

What are the numbers that took Step II vs. Step III?

 

[JohnDO]

87 first time takers, 2 repeats.

http://www.usmle.org/scores/2003perf.htm

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The sample size is too small to make any comparisons really.

Why do DO's take USMLE Step 3? Is it required for something? I was under the impression many take USMLE Step 1 in addition to their COMLEX Step 1 scores to help with securing an allopathic residency, but why would anyone take Step 3?

 

[OSUdoc08]

87 first time takers, 2 repeats.

http://www.usmle.org/scores/2003perf.htm

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The sample size is too small to make any comparisons really.

Ok, so 89 total for step III vs. 324 from step II.

Considering the MUCH LARGER number of D.O. physicians that train in allopathic residencies, it is evident here that the COMLEX is sufficient enough, and the USMLE isn't really that neccessary.

 

[!dr_nick!]

COMLEX and USMLE are different tests, and the differing discplines (DO vs Allo) generally attempt to prepare you for the test you will take.
So, in some sense, its like comparing apples and oranges.

 

[Idiopathic]

Ok, so 89 total for step III vs. 324 from step II.

Considering the MUCH LARGER number of D.O. physicians that train in allopathic residencies, it is evident here that the COMLEX is sufficient enough, and the USMLE isn't really that neccessary.

Or you could say that the majority of DO's train in areas where Step II/III of USMLE isnt necessary. (IM, FP, Peds, OB, ER), or you could say that plenty of DO's sit for Step I and dont sit for the remaining steps, even if they pass. I may take this route.

 

[OSUdoc08]

COMLEX and USMLE are different tests, and the differing discplines (DO vs Allo) generally attempt to prepare you for the test you will take.
So, in some sense, its like comparing apples and oranges.

Yeah but it's okay to drink apple juice for breakfast sometimes, right?

 

[timtye78]

Ok time to clarify some things. Intro: I am a DO in my intern year in MD anesthesiology.

I took all three steps on COMLEX(whew!) and only Step 1 of USMLE.

1.USMLE Step 1 increases your competitiveness not only comparing directly to MD applicants, but some programs will actually enter a cutoff USMLE score to ONLY select applicants with a REPORTED usmle score, AND some obviously may require a high grade to make the cutoff just to get an interview, let alone match! I think most PDs actually view an American DO with a pass on USMLE 1 pretty comparable academically to a USMD w/ passed Step 1.
(Hey! This is a good thing 🙂 )

2. Most programs will tell you that they don't require DOs to take the USMLE (b/c ultimately it is a licensure issue) but they seemed to take greater interest in those who took the exam as well. They even tell us DO applicants as we interview, "You will be glad you took the USMLE" point blank.

3. DO schools stated objectives usually include passage of the Comlex exams, and they will tell you that the Comlex is accepted for licensure in all states. Which is true now.

But there is no added material that MD students are taught (in theory).
Remember, if they mentioned it at your school; they 'taught' it. It is up to you to 'master' the material, however brief or terrible the presentation unfortunately.

In fact, the OMM material(still officially complementary/alt med) can be a bonus to help a marginal student in scientific medicine pass his or her board exams. It can 'pump' up the score of a higher scorer as well.

This is the reason there are relatively few comprehenisve osteopathic board review courses--People simply find a review book of OMM, and couple that with a popular review book for usmle and typically find success.

Hope this helps!

 

[timtye78]

Now that the COMLEX is accepted for licensure in all 50 states, unless you have extra time, extra money, and thirst for MORE challenges vs relaxing, exercising, and studying your residency's field--Go for it, take two more long, expensive exams for the thrill! 🙂

Now, I do realize that DOs in Lousiana until a few years ago, were required to pass the all the USMLE exams for licensure, which is no longer reqd.

So if anyone can come up with some reason for us to even sit for these exams, let me know. hehe.