From this paper:
Initial Match Rates of an Innovative International Partnership: The Ochsner Clinical School Experience
"The current mean score for the OCS cohort is 227, on par with the 2014 overall USMLE Step 1 mean score of 229."
Granted percentages of students passing the steps have gone up recently.
From:
University of Queensland School of Medicine Ochsner Clinical School
UQ Ochsners overall first time USMLE Step 1 Pass Rate is 91% and 98% for the class of 2015. UQ Ochsners overall first time USMLE Step 2 Pass Rate is 96% and 100% for the class of 2015.
I can't find any more disclosed step metrics. Still, 2 subtracted from 100% is better than from an overall 229 Step 1 average.
Also from the same pubmed article:
"At the end of their third year, students have the opportunity to select the Optional Elective. The Optional Elective is a prime opportunity to work closely with and obtain a letter of recommendation from a faculty member at another institution or at Ochsner. Mentorship programs pair students with both a faculty member and a resident to provide career and academic advice. Formal seminars and workshops are held to inform students about successful match strategies, writing a CV and personal statement, obtaining letters of recommendation, and preparing for interviews. Mock interviews are held with faculty members who offer feedback on how students can hone their interviewing skills."
I'd be more concerned about future carib students in schools that possibly face not having enough rotation slots for students who can score passing vs a cut-off score.
But back on topic, there has been an unhealthy emphasis on Step 1 let alone test-taking performance in medicine to warrant this change in Step 1 test taking. In last decade, except for 2016, the average score has experienced "score creep." Imagine a 230 and 240 average. Whom does it truly aid? Patients or program directors? PDs are inundated with apps already and will more than likely rely on Step 2 scores.
Can this change benefit UQ-O students? I think it certainly can. UQ-O students will learn in complaint- (or was it symptom-based?) approach in Australia along with ealy patient engagement starting in pre-clinical years. This can translate to doing well on Step 2 CK which will still be numerically scored.
I think it's amusing how 110 years ago Flexners Report practically culled 1/3 of schools with states enacting licensing laws, and now we some clamor that 'mere' licensure (P/F) will be insufficient.
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