Perceived Utility of the USMLE Step 2 Clinical Skills Examination from a GME Perspective
There have been a number of important stakeholder opinions critical of the Step 2 Clinical Skills Examination (CS) in the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) licensure sequence. The Resident Program Director (RPD) Awareness survey was convened to gauge perceptions of current and potential Step 2 CS use, attitudes towards the importance of residents' clinical skills, and awareness of a medical student petition against Step 2 CS. This was a cross-sectional survey which resulted in 205 responses from a representative sampling of RPDs across various specialties, regions and program sizes. RPDs view clinical skills as very important, and perceive a lack of readiness among entering residents in communications skills and professionalism competencies. Most RPDs use Step 2 CS to screen residency applicants. There is desire for more specific information from score reports in these areas. Few of the respondents were aware of a current medical student petition against Step 2 CS. RPDs rely on a nationally standardized assessment of clinical skills as a criterion considered in applicant selection. These findings are valuable as the USMLE program continues to evolve and pursue its validity research agenda for USMLE.