The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is a multi-part professional exam that medical students and graduates must pass in order to practice medicine in the United States. The exam is sponsored by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME).
The USMLE assesses a physician’s ability to apply knowledge, concepts, and principles, and to demonstrate fundamental patient-centered skills, that are important in health and disease and that constitute the basis of safe and effective patient care.
The USMLE is divided into three steps:
Step 1: Tests the medical knowledge of a student related to the basic sciences such as anatomy, pharmacology, and biochemistry.
Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK): Tests the medical knowledge related to the clinical sciences such as internal medicine, pediatrics, and surgery.
Step 3: Tests the medical knowledge and skills needed to practice medicine independently.
Passing all three steps of the USMLE is required for obtaining a license to practice medicine in the United States. The USMLE is a rigorous exam, and many medical students spend months or even years preparing for it.
It’s important to note that, the USMLE is not the only requirement for obtaining medical license, the medical graduates must also complete a residency program and pass any additional state-specific exams. Furthermore, the medical graduates must also meet any additional requirement of the state board where they wish to practice.
In summary, USMLE is a multi-part professional exam that medical students and graduates must pass in order to practice medicine in the United States. It assesses the examinee’s ability to apply knowledge, concepts, and principles, and to demonstrate fundamental patient-centered skills, that are important in health and disease and that constitute the basis of safe and effective patient care.