Perceived Impact of USMLE Step 1 Score Reporting to Pass/Fail on Otolaryngology Applicant Selection

Authors

Ishwarya S. Mamidi, Division of Otolaryngology, George Washington University Hospital, University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.
Alex Gu, Division of Otolaryngology, George Washington University Hospital, University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.
Collin F. Mulcahy, Division of Otolaryngology, George Washington University Hospital, University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.
Chapman Wei, Division of Otolaryngology, George Washington University Hospital, University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.
Philip E. Zapanta, Division of Otolaryngology, George Washington University Hospital, University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

5-1-2022

Journal

The Annals of otology, rhinology, and laryngology

Volume

131

Issue

5

DOI

10.1177/00034894211028436

Keywords

USMLE step 1; medical education; otolaryngology; program directors; residency

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Recently, the decision was made to transition the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 score from a three-digit numerical score to a pass/fail system. Historically, Step 1 scores have been important for otolaryngology resident applicant selection. The purpose of this study was to understand and evaluate otolaryngology residency program directors' (OPDs) opinions on the impact following the change in Step 1 score reporting. METHODS: A 22-question survey administered through Qualtrics was sent to 113 academic otolaryngology residency program directors in April 2020. Information about demographics, impressions on the new Step 1 score format, anticipated changes in applicant selection, impact on mental health, and importance of various other factors in selecting applicants were queried. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze survey results. RESULTS: A total of 41 out of 113 (36.3%) OPDs completed this survey. A majority of surveyed OPDs (80.5%) do not support the decision to change Step 1 to a pass/fail system. In the absence of a three digit numeric USMLE Step 1 score, OPDs indicated prioritization of away rotations, letters of recommendation (LORs), personal prior knowledge of the applicant, grades in required clerkship, and class ranking or quartile. 53.7% of OPDs anticipate requiring USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge for interview consideration following this change. CONCLUSION: OPDs believe a pass/fail Step 1 score will decrease the importance of this exam and that this change will lead to the implementation and evaluation of additional metrics such as a required Step 2 CK score.

APA Citation

Mamidi, Ishwarya S.; Gu, Alex; Mulcahy, Collin F.; Wei, Chapman; and Zapanta, Philip E., "Perceived Impact of USMLE Step 1 Score Reporting to Pass/Fail on Otolaryngology Applicant Selection" (2022). GW Authored Works. Paper 1013.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/1013

Department

Medicine