A Brief Introduction to the USMLE Step 3 Exam:
“Step 3 assesses whether you can apply medical knowledge and understanding of biomedical
and clinical science. It is the final examination in the USMLE sequence” (Web source).
It’s a two-day exam:
Day 1 of Step 3 is Foundations of Independent Practice (FIP):
Structure:
- 233 MCQs
- Six blocks of 38-40 MCQs
- 60 minutes for completion of each block
- Seven hours is of the test session
- Five-minute optional tutorial
- 45 minutes of break time
This test day focuses on:
- Basic medical and scientific principles
- Foundational sciences
- Assessing knowledge of diagnosis and management, mainly focused on knowledge of history and physical examination, diagnosis, and use of diagnostic studies
Content areas covered include:
- Understanding of biostatistics and epidemiology/population health
- Interpretation of the medical literature/scientific abstracts, and pharmaceutical advertisements
- Social sciences
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Medical ethics
- Systems-based practice
- Patient safety
(Web source).
Day 2 of Step 3 is Advanced Clinical Medicine (ACM):
Structure:
- 180 MCQs
- Six blocks of 30 MCQs
- 45 minutes for completion of each block
- Nine hours is of the test session
- Five-minute optional tutorial
- Seven minute CCS tutorial
- 13 case simulations, each of which allotted a maximum of 10 or 20 minutes of real-time
- A minimum of 45 minutes is available for break time
This test day focuses on:
- Ability to apply comprehensive knowledge of health and disease in the context of patient management and the evolving manifestation of illness over time
- Knowledge of history and physical examination, diagnosis, and use of diagnostic studies also is assessed
Content areas covered include:
- Assessment of knowledge of diagnosis and management
- Prognosis and outcome
- Health maintenance and screening
- Therapeutics
- Medical decision making
(Web source).
By: Dr. Hafiz M. Kashif Saleem, M.D.
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