Implications of Change to USMLE Step 1 Scoring for Otolaryngology Residency Programs. (November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kalyoussef, Evelyne; Dhanda, Aatin K.; Paskhover, Boris
• Is Part Of: Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery. Volume 163:Number 5(2020)
• Page Start: 855
• Page End: 856
• Publication Date: 2020-11
• Subjects: residency -- otolaryngology -- education -- USMLE Step 1; Head -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Neck -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1177/0194599820936631
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0194-5998

Abstract

Otolaryngology is a competitive specialty, with 398 US seniors applying to an offered 328 positions in 2019. Recent changes to US Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) Step 1 scoring raise many questions for both medical student applicants and program directors. Otolaryngologists are known to be collegial and thoughtful physicians. Focusing on other nonstandardized testing scores may help the specialty "reboot" and refocus on recruiting the best people, not just applicants with a high Step 1 score and Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) status.