Additional Considerations for US Residency Selection After Pass/Fail USMLE Step 1. Comment on “The US Residency Selection Process After the United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 Pass/Fail Change: Overview for Applicants and Educators”

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Yacine Sow, Morehouse School of Medicine; Ameya Gangal, Emory University; Howa Yeung, Emory University; Travis Wayne Blalock, Emory University; Benjamin K. Stoff, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2023-08-17
• Publisher: JMIR
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: ©Yacine Sow, Ameya Gangal, Howa Yeung, Travis Blalock, Benjamin Stoff. Originally published in JMIR Medical Education (https://mededu.jmir.org), 17.08.2023.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): https://doi.org/10.2196%2F47763
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: JMIR Medical Education
• Volume: 9
• Start Page: e47763
• Keywords: United States Medical Licensing Examination; research productivity; international medical graduate; residency selection; match; medical students; competitive specialties
• Research Categories: Education, Higher; Health Sciences, Education

Abstract

As medical students navigating the new landscape of residency selection after the switch to a pass/fail USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) Step 1, we read a recent viewpoint by Ozair et al [1] with great interest. We hope to offer a unique perspective and present additional potential solutions for residency programs and medical schools to consider. We agree with the authors’ observation that research productivity is now necessary for a successful match with competitive specialties. Ozair et al [1] discussed the disadvantages for international medical graduates (IMGs) and provided a cost-benefit analysis of students trying to maximize research output. We would add that research by medical students relies on access to well-funded research institutions and adequate mentorship. This impacts IMGs as well as students attending institutions without home residency programs [2]. To gain access to research experiences, medical students increasingly undertake research years [3]. These research fellowships, some of which are paid whereas others are not, are competitive and limited. Unpaid research fellowships pose several problems, such as potential loss of student status and subsequent requirement for loan repayments, loss of health insurance, and need to fund living expenses and relocation costs [3]. Students with already-limited access to research experiences can face prohibitively high financial burdens in this context.