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MedSchoolMedic Episode 17 Show Notes

On this episode, Ed and Mike discuss the value (if there is any) of standardized tests and the way that exams in medical schools are administered. Is the MCAT representative of how you’ll perform in medical school? Is Step 1 an accurate representation of how you’ll perform as a physician? 

• Is biochemistry essential for MCAT success? 
• Does medical school focus too much on Step 1? 
• 2016: Only a small correlation was found between MCAT and STEP 1 scores
  • The result of one exam, on one day, has a strong effect on your future as a physician
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5045966/
• There is a documented negative effect on mental health among medical students
• Underrepresented minorities perform more poorly on Step 1
  • Students who failed were more likely from poor families, non-traditional students. 
  • Registering for the exam costs $635, and prep courses are expensive too
• Most students that fail STEP 1 still end up in clinical practice
• https://oea.sites.medinfo.ufl.edu/files/2010/10/USMLE-step-1-failure.pdf
• Pro/Con on InCUS site: 
  • https://www.usmle.org/inCus/#numericscores
• 91% of those who failed Step 1 attempted CK
  • https://www.usmle.org/pdfs/incus/InCUS_Reference_List-Section1.pdf

**We know the audio is in mono. Sorry, Ed screwed up the recording.**