/Institutions/University-of-Texas-Rio-Grande-Valley/json/som/policies-local.json

/Institutions/University-of-Texas-Rio-Grande-Valley/json/som/policies.json

EAA082 USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 Exams Policy

Policy Number: EAA082
Policy Title: USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 Exams Policy

A. Purpose

Students must pass USMLE STEPS 1 and 2 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) in order to graduate from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine (UTRGV SOM). This policy details the consequences of failing these examinations and the remedies available to students.

B. Persons Affected

This policy applies to all students enrolled in the UTRGV SOM.

C. Implementation Date

This policy is effective with the UTRGV SOM class of 2020 and for subsequent classes unless amended.

D. Authority and Responsibilities

This policy is set by the Central Curricular Authority Committee (CCAC) and is implemented by the Medical Student Evaluation and Promotion Committee (MSEPC).

E. Definitions

All references in this policy to the Dean of the School of Medicine and the Associate Dean for Student Affairs shall refer to those individuals within the School of Medicine and shall be deemed to include their designees.

Medical Student Evaluation and Promotion Committee (MSEPC): The MSEPC is charged with the review of the academic progress and professional development of each student during all components of the four-year medical education program. The MSEPC has primary responsibility for recommending for graduation only those candidates who have satisfactorily completed all graduation requirements and demonstrated the professional conduct appropriate for a physician. The MSEPC, acting under the authority delegated to it by the Faculty Assembly of the School of Medicine, shall be responsible for:

• The oversight of medical student academic and professional performance during all 4 years of the curriculum;
• The recommendation of medical students for certification for graduation;
• The promotion or termination of students in the academic program; and
• The consideration of requests for leave of absence and curriculum deceleration.

F. Policy

USMLE STEP 1 Promotion

All MS year 2 students must take the USMLE STEP 1 examination before the start of their MS3 year. Students who do not take the USMLE STEP 1 examination before the start of the MS3 year will not be permitted to begin clerkship rotations.

Failure to Pass USMLE Step 1 - First Attempt

A student who fails the USMLE STEP 1 examination will:

Complete the clerkship in which he/she is currently enrolled. The student will then enter the Self-Directed USMLE Study course [MEDI 8500] for up to 8 weeks in order to prepare for, re-take, and pass the USMLE STEP 1 examination. If the student passes the exam, he/she will resume the MS year 3 curriculum. The student will remain with the same cohort, on the same track, as he/she started the MS year 3. Before advancing to MS year 4, the student must complete all clerkship(s) missed while on the Self-Directed USMLE Study course.

  Note: The necessary adjustments in the student's schedule to allow time for re-taking and passing the USMLE STEP 1 exam must be developed with and approved by the Assistant Dean for        Educational Affairs, Clerkships.

Failure to Pass USMLE STEP 1 - Second Attempt

The student will be referred to the MSEPC for evaluation. In its assessment, the MSEPC shall review the student's academic record, performance on the CBSE, USMLE STEP 1 exam score, and any other pertinent information. The MSEPC shall recommend remedial measures and changes in the student's enrollment status as deemed necessary to support the student's effort to pass the Step 1 exam. The student must take and pass the USMLE STEP 1 exam for a third and final time by April 30th of his/her 3rd year of medical school.

Failure to pass USMLE STEP 1 during MS year 3 may delay graduation.

Failure to pass USMLE STEP 1 after three (3) attempts will lead to dismissal from the School of Medicine.

USMLE STEP 2

Students must successfully fulfill all requirements of the 3rd year before taking Step 2

All students must take and pass the USMLE STEP 2 examination within three (3) attempts prior to graduation.

Failure to Pass USMLE Step 2 on any attempt

A student who fails the USMLE STEP 2 will be referred to the MSEPC for disciplinary action. The student will meet with the Assistant Dean for Educational Affairs, Clerkships to develop a remediation plan.

Failure to Pass USMLE STEP 1, or Step 2 after the third attempt, will lead to automatic dismissal from the School of Medicine.

Other Consequences

Other consequences of failing to meet the academic and professional requirements and standards described above include, but are not limited to, the student's status being determined to be the following:

1. At Risk:
   
   "At Risk" status indicates that the MSEPC recognizes that the student is at risk of failure to successfully remediate deficiencies. If the student successfully remediates the deficiencies, the fact that the student was placed on "At Risk status" will not be included in the student's MSPE, or other information transmitted to outside entities (e.g., certifications of training) but will remain in the student's permanent records in the School of Medicine.
2. Probation:
   
   Probationary status (probation) may be imposed by the MSEPC under various circumstances including, but not limited to, when it has significant concerns that failure to remediate deficiencies will result in dismissal of the student from the School of Medicine M.D. program. The notification to the student of probationary status will be accompanied by a plan for remedial action and specific performance requirements specified by the MSEPC. A successful conclusion of the remedial work normally ends the probationary status following the recommendation to do so by the MSEPC. However, the fact that the student was placed on probation will be included in the student's MSPE or other information transmitted to outside entities (e.g., certifications of training) and will remain in the student's permanent records in the School of Medicine. While a student is on probation, if he/he receives another academic deficiency, or is cited for professional misconduct, he/she will immediately undergo a dismissal hearing.
   
   Remedial interventions in a student's curriculum by the MSEPC are designed to fit particular academic deficiencies and may include, but not be limited to, the following: a specific study or reading program, remedial work and re-examination, changes in the student's curriculum, additional training in a set of clinical skills, assignment to clinical sub-internships, repetition of all or part of the curriculum, reorganization of the student's curriculum (especially during the fourth year), and supervision by an advisor from the MSEPC.
3. Suspension:
   
   The MSEPC may conclude that the student should be suspended from the UTRGV SOM for a period of time to be determined in its reasonable discretion. Reinstatement to the UTRGV SOM is contingent upon completion of all requirements stipulated under the suspension. The Dean of the SOM will either determine that these requirements have been met or seek a recommendation from the MSEPC on the matter. If a recommendation from the MSEPC is sought, the MSEPC shall review the circumstances surrounding the suspension, determine whether the terms and conditions of the suspension have been met, make a determination as to whether the student possesses the potential to pursue the MD degree successfully, and recommend whether the student should be reinstated.
4. Dismissal:
   
   The MSEPC may determine that a student be dismissed in the following cases:
   1. Failure to remediate deficiencies as described above;
   2. Another academic deficiency or professionalism violation is received while on probation;
   3. An accumulation of narrative evaluations indicating serious gaps in knowledge, clinical skills and/or inadequate integration of the content of the curriculum;
   4. A specific academic deficiency (e.g., an important clinical skill has not been mastered);
   5. Three failed attempts at the USMLE STEP 1, or Step 2;
   6. Failure to assume appropriate professional responsibility;
   7. Failure to meet professional standards, including those of demeanor and conduct; and
   8. A violation of University Regulations, policies or procedures;

In general, prior to dismissal, students would be placed on probationary status and given a plan for remedial action and specific performance requirements by the MSEPC. However, in extraordinary circumstances, the MSEPC may dismiss a student without prior probation.

At the MSEPC meeting during which the student's status is reviewed: 

• Student may attend in person
• Student may submit a written brief statement
• Student may represent themself

Appeal of MSEPC Decision

The student may file a written appeal to the Dean of the SOM within five (5) business days from receipt of a written decision by the MSEPC. The student must also inform the Associate Dean for Student Affairs of the intent to appeal, also within the same five (5) business days. The student's appeal portfolio must include a justification statement for appeal and all documentation provided to the MSEPC.

On appealing to the dean:

• Student may submit additional information
• Student may request a meeting with the dean
• Student shall remain enrolled and continue to attend scheduled curricular sessions

Upon review of the student's record and appeal portfolio, the Dean may elect to:

1. Take no action, allowing the MSEPC decision to stand;
2. Modify the MSEPC decision;
3. Make an alternate decision.

Within fifteen (15) business days from receipt of the student's appeal, the Dean will provide a written decision to the student, the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and the Chair of the MSEPC. The decision of the Dean is final and not subject to appellate review.

After dismissal, a student may apply for readmission to the UTRGV SOM only through the standard admissions process.