What predicts USMLE Step 3 performance?

Acad Med. 2005 Oct;80(10 Suppl):S21-4. doi: 10.1097/00001888-200510001-00009.

Abstract

Background: Academic and other student-specific variables associated with United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 3 performance have not been fully defined.

Method: We analyzed Step 3 scores in association with medical school academic-performance measures, gender, residency specialty, and first postgraduate year (PGY-l) of training program-director performance evaluations.

Results: There were significant first-order associations between Step 3 scores and each of USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 scores, third-year clerkships' grade point average (GPA), Alpha Omega Alpha election, Medical Scientist Training Program graduation, broad-based specialty residency training, and PGY-l performance evaluation score. In a multiple linear regression model accounting for over 50% of the total variance in Step 3 scores, Step 2 scores, broad-based-specialty residency training, and GPA independently predicted Step 3 scores.

Conclusions: Individualized Step 3 scores provide medical schools with additional means to externally validate their educational programs and to enhance the scope of outcomes assessments for their graduates.

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Clerkship
  • Clinical Competence*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Education, Medical, Undergraduate
  • Educational Measurement*
  • Educational Status
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internship and Residency
  • Licensure, Medical*
  • Linear Models
  • Male
  • Missouri