I. PURPOSE
The National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) Subject Examinations are used at the end of certain required clerkships to measure a learner’s knowledge and understand how an individual’s performance compares to examinees on a national level. The New York Medical College (NYMC) School of Medicine (SOM) requires that Phase 2 medical students meet minimum competency benchmarks on NBME exams. These benchmarks are based on recommendations of the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) and are adopted annually by the SOM Education and Curriculum Committee (ECC). The purpose of this Policy is set forth the procedures for students who fail to meet these benchmarks.
II. POLICY
It is the policy of the SOM that Phase 2 medical students be permitted to retake NBME examinations in up to two clerkships during Phase 2. Students who are unsuccessful in meeting competency benchmarks on greater than two NBME examinations during Phase 2, as well as students who retake an NBME examination but again fail to meet competency benchmarks, will be reviewed by the Student Advancement, Promotions, and Review Committee (SAPRC).
III. SCOPE
This Policy applies to all students in the NYMC SOM.
IV. PROCEDURE
A. All students who fail to meet the minimum competency benchmark on any NBME examination are required to discuss remediation options with a Dean in the Office of Student Affairs. A student requiring an NBME retake is also encouraged to consult with the clerkship director in the discipline of the NBME examination and the Office of Academic Excellence for exam preparation and test-taking strategies.
B. To ensure student success and maximize preparation for these examinations, examination retakes must be scheduled using the following guidelines:
1. Any student wishing to retake an NBME examination must make a formal, written request to the Office of Student Affairs via email indicating their preference to retake the examination either:
a. during a two-week independent study elective OR vacation block where an NBME exam is currently administered. Students will not be permitted to simultaneously register for another elective and retake an NBME examination; or
b. at the end of Phase 2.
2. Students must submit all requests to retake an NBME examination at least four weeks in advance of the proposed testing date or at the discretion of the Office of Student Affairs or Office of Academic Excellence to ensure that examination and technology support is available for the student.
3. The final decision regarding the scheduling of a remediation examination is at the discretion of the Office of Student Affairs and will be communicated to the Assistant Dean for Clinical Sciences, Office of Academic Excellence, Director of Education Technology, Chief NBME Proctor, and clerkship director in the discipline of the NBME examination.
C. Overall student performance in clerkships, including NBME examinations, will be monitored by the Student Academic Success Team throughout the year to facilitate cross-communication and monitor ongoing progress throughout the academic year.
V. EFFECTIVE DATE
This policy is effective immediately.
VI. POLICY MANAGEMENT
Executive Stakeholder: Dean, School of Medicine
Oversight Office: Undergraduate Medical Education
