05-08-2005, 12:52 PM
Dear Sir/ Madam:
I want to take a moment to explain why, in the face of changing residency requirements, it is so important for new medical school graduates to take the USMLE Step3 even before entering into residency training.
1: The USMLE Step 3 is a very difficult examination. It has become even more difficult with the recent addition of Case Simulation.
2: As you know, the passing rate of Foreign Medical Graduates' for USMLE step3 is less than 65% for the first time takers and less than 50% for repeaters. These numbers are substantially lower than those for the USMLE Step 2.
3: More than half of the residency training programs in the U.S. now express a preference for candidates who have USMLE Step 3 in their resume.
4: Most residency training programs now require new medical school graduates to complete the USMLE Step3 examination for promotion to PGY1 or PGY2. In speaking with dozens of residents, program directors and program coordinators about this, I have learned that this requirement causes tremendous stress for all involved.
5: Medical students who join demanding specialties like Surgery, OB/Gyn, Internal Medicine or Pediatrics have particularly severe time constraints that limit their ability to prepare properly for the USMLE Step3 “ and this has contributed to the low passing rate for these residents.
6: Many residents in specialties like Anesthesia, Psychiatry, Pathology and Family Practice currently lack the breadth of clinical knowledge required to pass this tough examination.
Ours is the only course that includes Case Simulation software and daily small group workshops. Our satisfaction rate among physicians and medical students is greater than 98%. Please visit our website www.step3review.com for further details about our highly effective and affordable program!
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Please take a moment to inform your medical students about the above situation. Please forward this email to clinical advisors and medical students.