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American University of the Caribbean

School of Medicine

Introduction to Clinical Medicine 6

January 15, 2018 – April 27, 2018
Course #538
3 Credit Hours

Course Director: Ryan Palmer, EdD

rpalmer@aucmed.edu
Table of Contents …………………………………………………………… 2
1. COURSE OBJECTIVES……………………………………………………… 3
2. COURSE DESCRIPTION ……………………………………………………… 3
3. MATERIALS ……………………………………………………………… 4
4. EXAMINATION POLICY ………………………………………………………………. 4
5. GRADING POLICY 4
5.1 NBME Comprehensive Examinations ……………………………………… 4
5.2 NBME Subject Examinations, Mandatory……………………………………. 4
4
6. COURSE EVENTS & ASSIGNMENTS 4

7. EXAMINATIONS ………………………………………………………………… 5
7.1 NBME Diagnostics Assessment……………………………………………………………. 6
7.2 NBME Comprehensive Examinations ………………………………………… 6
7.3 NBME Subject Examinations …………………………………………………. 6
7.4 Becker Simulated Comprehensive Basic Science Exam ……………………… 6
8. USMLE STEP 1 APPLICATION ………………………………………………… 6
8.1 Deadline 1 ……………………………………………………………………... 6
8.2 Deadline 2…………………………………………………………………….... 6
9. STUDENTS TAKING USMLE STEP 1 ………………………………………… 6
10. STUDENTS WHO HAVE NOT FULFILLED CONDITIONS FOR USMLE STEP 1
CERTIFICATION ………………………………………………………………… 7
10.1 Incomplete Grade ……………………………………………………………. 7
10.2 Long-term Academic Leave ………………………………………………… 7
10.3 Financial Aid ………………………………………………………………… 7
10.4 Review Courses ……………………………………………………………. 7
10.5 Make-up Exams ……………………………………………………………… 7
10.6 Change of Grade ……………………………………………………………… 7
10.7 ECFMG Application for Incomplete Students………………………………. 8
11. PROMOTIONS ………………………………………………………………… 8
11.1 Criteria for ECFMG Certification …………………………………………. 8
11.2 Requirement for Clinical Rotations………………………………………….. 8
11.3 Requirement of Passing ICM 6 for Incomplete Students ………………….. 8
12. LEAVE OF ABSENCE …………………………………………………………… 9
13. NOTICE TO STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES ……………………………….. 9
Attachment 1: NBME Updates for Comprehensive Basic Science Exam …………………. 10
Attachment 2: Step 1 Deadlines …………………………………………………………… 11
Attachment 3: USMLE STEP 1: At a Glance ……………………………………………… 12
Attachment 4: Registration and scheduling Step 1 …………………………………………. 13
Attachment 5: USMLE Step 1 Applications………………………………………………… 15
CHART 1- ICM 6 EXAMS………...………………………………………………………. 17
DAILY COURSE SCHEDULE…………………………………………………………….. 18
SUMMARY: ICM 6 EXAM SCHEDULES ………………………………………………… 21

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1. COURSE OBJECTIVES

Course objectives are to:

• Provide structured comprehensive reviews of Basic Medical Sciences
• Assist students in developing their own efficient high yield study and preparation process
for success on the basic science comprehensive exam and the Step 1
• Provide the various learning methods for building insights for solving scientific and
clinical problems by organizing pieces of knowledge the students accumulated during the
Basic Medical Science curriculum into a systematic whole

The ultimate goal is to prepare students for success in the USMLE Step 1 and clinical clerkships.

2. COURSE DESCRIPTION

ICM 6 is a review and preparation course. It is intended to help you prepare for success on the
Basic Science comprehensive and subject exams that you need to pass to pass the course and
to become eligible to take the Step 1 exam (see Grading Policy section and Chart 1 for
details). You will carry these preparation skills with you into your academic leave of absence
time when you prepare for the Step 1 exam. There are many resources provided during ICM 6
that will help you develop and implement a successful strategy for your preparation for the
comp:

• All students will take the NBME Self-Assessment during the week of Jan 15 to help
identify an individual’s weaknesses as well as strengths across disciplines and organ
systems.
• Study Skills workshop with education specialist Dr. Lance Miller.
• Comprehensive Pathophysiology/Physiology and Medial Microbiology live reviews
provide an overview of clinical cases and correlations by Becker Professional
Education specialists.
• Self -Study materials: Students review the Basic Medical Science material with the
Becker Review Books, eGuide and practice the Becker QBank questions. Becker
Review Books for individual disciplines and organ systems provide updated, most
relevant material on the current USMLE Step 1 Examination.
• Osmosis: Osmosis is free to all AUC students and provides a Comp and Step 1
scheduling tool that will help you prepare effectively for your comp and Step 1. See
video "5 Steps to Acing the USMLE Step
1" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIbuDaNC-5g.
• Study log and study goals assignments meant to help student develop a deliberate and
efficient study plan for the semester.
Ultimately, ICM 6 is about you and your ability to utilize the time and resources effectively to
prepare for the comp and, ultimately, the Step 1 exam. I and my ICM 6 colleagues are here as
your coaches. We believe in you. We want you to succeed. Ultimately, however, you are
responsible for using your time to prepare adequately for the comprehensive exams. You cannot
succeed if you do not prepare and that preparation must start in day 1 of the semester and carry
through to the end.

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3. MATERIALS:

The following Becker materials are provided as part of the ICM 6 live review sessions in
addition to the NBME Subject Examinations.
• 7 volumes of USMLE Step 1 Lecture Notes (Anatomy, Behavioral Science, Biochemistry,
Pathology, Physiology, Immunology/Microbiology & Pharmacology)
• Becker QBank
• GuideMD Step 1 online reviews

4. EXAMINATION POLICY

4.1 All exam items and related materials are considered confidential and are not to be released
or shared in any forum outside of the testing/review setting.
4.2 Students must approach all mandatory examinations in a professional fashion in
• reading and answering all questions
• responding to best of one’s ability
• being prepared to sit validly for exams

Failure to comply with the Examination Policy will be grounds for disciplinary action. If
the conduct complaint is filed, it will permanently be stored in the Office of Student
Affairs and will be shared with the Clinical Sciences Administration.

5. GRADING POLICY

The student must complete and pass ICM 6 AND be in good financial standing before taking
USMLE Step I.
5.1 NBME Comprehensive Examinations
All students must pass the NBME Comprehensive Basic Science Examination. A
passing score is 67. (This is not a %correct scale. The score is uniquely assigned by
the NBME).
5.2 NBME Subject Examinations:
Pathology: Mandatory; a passing score is 67% correct.
Physiology: Mandatory; a passing score is 63% correct.

The subject exam passing scores are not required for those who have passed the
NBME 1st Comprehensive Exam. See the ICM 6 Exam flowchart at the end of the
syllabus for more details.

Final Grade for ICM 6 is either Pass or Fail.

6. Course Events and Assignments

The following course events and assignments are mandatory unless otherwise indicated.
Students who do not complete mandatory coursework or attend mandatory sessions risk
disciplinary action and/or a non-passing garde in the course. Always refer to the Blackboard

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calendar for room assignments and times as both are subject to change. Also see course
calendar at the end of the syllabus.

o 1/15-1/21- NBME Diagnostics Assessment: All students will get access to the
online NBME self-assessment on 1/15 and complete the self-assessment no later
than 11:59PM Sunday, 1/21. This assessment is done on a student’s own time and
at a student’s own pace, i.e. it does not have to be done in one sitting. That said,
this is a true self-assessment that will inform you of your strengths and
weaknesses. You should take this exam “cold” meaning no studying, no looking
up answers, no asking peers, etc. Not doing this will only hurt you by not giving
you an accurate understanding of where you stand at the beginning of the term.
These results will also help ICM 6 faculty better understand how to help. There is
no penalty for doing poorly and no reward for doing well. Just do your best and let
that best inform your study plan for the semester.
o 1/24-ICM 6 orientation and Becker Step 1 Orientation: One hour course
orientation followed by one hour live video Step 1 study resource orientation by a
Becker representative.
o 1/25-1/28-Comp Study Preparation Workshops with Dr. Lance Miller:
Groups of 20 students will have 2.5 hour workshops with learning and test
preparation specialist Dr. Lance Miller (Each student will only attend one
workshop). A schedule of student groups, times and locations will be posted on
BlackBoard.
o 2/4- Study goals assignment: Students will turn in their study goals and measures
of success via BlackBoard. Assignment details will be posted on BlackBoard.
o 2/21-2/25-Pathology Live Reviews – High-yield, dynamic content review for
Pathology will be provided by a stellar and experienced faculty member who
teaches the full Pathology Becker Review Course in the US. The Becker faculty
who has years of experiences in working as a Pathologist and teaching and
reviewing Pathology provides comprehensive, integrated system-based live
reviews.
o 3/16-3/18: Microbiology/Immunology Live Reviews: An expert from the Becker
Professional Education in teaching Microbiology/ Immunology provides intensive
live reviews on comprehensive, integrated Microbiology/Immunology. Due to
scheduling conflicts these reviews will be done via a live, online Adobe Connect
meeting room. Becker is very experienced at running these and attendance will be
recorded. Students can attend from home or a location of their choosing and will
need a wifi connection and computing device with a web cam and microphone
(Becker will send out tech instructions prior to the session). Any student worried
about technology issues should contact Dr. Palmer.
o 3/24 (tentative)- Epidemiology and Biostats Review: Biostats review with Dr.
Frank Domino.
Students will be eligible for taking the USMLE Step 1 after passing all courses and
completing the Basic Medical Science curriculum.

7 EXAMINATIONS

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 AUC provides students with the NBME Assessment and two NBME Comprehensive
Examinations. Detailed requirements are illustrated on Chart 1, page 17.

7.1 NBME Diagnostics Assessment

Students must complete the NBME Assessment by 11:59 PM on Sunday January 21st,
2018.
7.2 NBME Comprehensive Examinations
1st Comprehensive Examination: 3/28/18
2nd Comprehensive Examination: 4/25/18, mandatory or optional, depending on
student’s performance on the 1st NBME Comprehensive Exam and/or Path/Physio
Subject Exams. Refer to the Chart 1 on the last page.

- Mandatory, if failed the 1st Comprehensive Exam and both Path and Physio
Subject Exams
- Optional, if passed the 1st Comprehensive Exam, and/or passed both Path and
Physio Subject Exams

7.3 NBME Subject Examinations

a. Physiology Subject Examination: 4/4/18, mandatory
b. Pathology Subject Examination: 4/18/18, mandatory

7.4 Becker Simulated Comprehensive Basic Sciences Examination

The optional Becker Simulated Comprehensive Basic Sciences Examination is
tentatively scheduled on 4/26/18 (subject to change).

8 USMLE STEP 1 APPLICATION

8.1 Deadline 1
The application form will be sent to ECFMG on Friday, 4/20 for the students who
have passed the 1st NBME Comprehensive Exam with a score ³ 70 and AUC
GPA ³ 80% at the end of the 4th semester. Please submit the application form
by 4:00 PM on Thursday 4/19. The students can take the USMLE Step 1 any time
after 4/29/18. Refer to “USMLE Step 1 Application” on page 13.
8.2 Deadline 2
For the students who fulfill the requirements to pass ICM 6 at the end of the course
(passed NBME Comprehensive Exams and/or passed both Path and Physio Subject
Exams), the form will be Fed-Expressed to ECFMG on Sunday April 29th 2018.
Please submit the ECFMG application form by 4:00 PM on Saturday April 28thth.

Once the ECFMG received your application, it will take ~3-4 weeks for processing.

9 STUDENTS TAKING USMLE STEP 1

A student can take one Long-Term Leave of Absence (Academic LOA) to study and
sit for the USMLE Step 1 upon completion of the Medical Sciences curriculum.
Students who have completed the medical sciences curriculum and intend to take a

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 leave to study and sit for the USMLE Step 1 must submit a completed Academic
Leave Request Form and required supporting documentation (see below) to the Office
of the Registrar on the Medical Sciences campus by the Step 1 deadline. Student
Handbook, page 59-61

All students are required to take the USMLE Step 1 by the deadline. We do not
approve extension requests for the reason that they need more study time. Students
must prepare for Step 1 accordingly by the deadline.

Students need approval by the Associate Dean for Student Affairs for extensions due
to health issues or family crises. If he/she sits for Step 1 without approval for the
deadline extension, the score will be invalidated and the students will be AWOL.

STEP 1 Deadlines: July 31th, 2018

10 STUDENTS WHO HAVE NOT FULFILLED CONDITIONS FOR USMLE STEP 1
CERTIFICATION

10.1 Incomplete Grade

Students will receive an “Incomplete” grade for the ICM 6 course.
10.2 Long-term Academic Leave
Students must apply for a Long-term Academic Leave as a Basic Medical Science
student, which will be granted on the subsequent term.
10.3 Financial Aid
If a Long-term Official Leave is granted, students are not receiving any financial aid.
Please contact the Financial Aid Department for details.
10.4 Review Courses
The students must take a remedial course in the U.S.
Step 1 review courses currently available in the US;

• Becker Live Review Program (7-week live reviews in Dallas TX. or Chicago,
IL)
• Becker Live Virtual (online) Review Course (7-11 Weeks)
• Kaplan Medical (4-7-week live review courses)
10.5 Make-up Exams
Students will receive the detailed Makeup Exam schedule with options at the end of
the January 2018 Semester. Please inform Administrative Assistant, Ms. Shanella
Mardenbrough (smardenbrough@aucmed.edu) or Course Director at least 5 weeks
in advance of the scheduled date of the NBME Comprehensive Exam from each
option. Rescheduling the exam is difficult as it takes 4 more additional weeks to
place an order. Please ensure to choose the date that fits into your needs. We
do NOT approve the extension, requesting additional self-study time.
Students can take the makeup NBME Exam at Prometric Centers and must pass the
exam at the passing score described in the Syllabus before the deadline of each
option. Failure to do so will result in an “F” grade and the student will be dismissed
on academic grounds.

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 10.6 Change of Grade
Students must sit for the NBME Comprehensive Makeup Exam during the period
allocated in each option.

10.6.1Passed Makeup Exam

Upon passing the 3rd NBME makeup exam, the grade will be changed to a
"Pass" grade.
10.6.2 Failed Makeup Exam
If students do not pass the 3rd NBME makeup exam during the first term of
Official Leave, the grade will be changed to a "Fail" grade in ICM 6. They
will be dismissed from the University on academic grounds. The
eligibility to appeal to the SEPC depends on the student’s academic
status.

10.7 ECFMG Application for Incomplete Students

AUC has set force the specific Step 1 deadline each semester for the incomplete
students, depending on the schedules of remedial courses in the US and timeline for
clinical rotations. All students are required to take the USMLE Step 1 by the
deadline. When we order the exam, students will get 6 days around a specific Step 1
testing date that students have requested at Prometric Centers. Students must
account for a 3-4-week waiting period for the ECFMG application process and a 3-
4-week waiting period to receive a Step 1 score.

Students need approval by the Associate Dean for Student Affairs for extensions due
to health issues or family crises. If he/she sits for Step 1 without approval for the
deadline extension, the score will be invalidated and the students will be AWOL.

11. PROMOTIONS

11.1 Criteria for ECFMG Certification

In addition to the requirements set out in the Student Handbook for ECFMG
certification, the criteria for certification of an application to take USMLE Step 1 are
that a student must complete the Basic Medical Science curriculum with an AUC
cumulative GPA at 70% or above (Student Handbook, page 38).
11.2 Requirement for Clinical Rotations
All students are required to pass USMLE Step I before proceeding to clinical
rotations.
Students must complete the Post Step 1 Exit Survey in ICM 6 on Blackboard for
AUC to certify their eligibilities to start clinical rotations. Students are advised that
the Basic Medical Sciences administration may communicate to Clinical Sciences
administration and/or faculty, regarding the special needs of any student
commencing clinical rotations. Students who are considered to have special needs
will be notified accordingly (Student Handbook, page 34).
11.3 Requirement of Passing ICM 6
The students must take Step 1 by the deadline during the 1st-term academic leave. If the
students delayed taking Step 1 without the administration’s approval, they will be dismissed
(Student Handbook). The students can request extensions for taking Step 1. If the extension

8
 was approved by the Associate/Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, they can take Step 1 during
the 2nd-term academic leave. However, they must pass Step 1 by the Step 1 deadline in the 2nd-
term academic leave specified on the ICM 6 Syllabus or the deadline specified by the
administration. If they failed Step 1, they will be dismissed. The SEPC eligibility depends on
the student’s academic status.
In exceptional circumstances with health issues or family crisis, this rule may be
waived at the discretion of Associate/Assistant Dean for Student affairs
12 LEAVE OF ABSENCE

The Assistant Dean for Student Affairs must approve a short-term LOA consistent with the
regulations in the Student Handbook. Approval for leaves is at the discretion of the
Assistant Dean for Student Affairs. If a student leaves the island without an approved
LOA, s/he will be AWOL.
Students can leave AUC on 4/19/18, if students
• passed the 1st NBME Comprehensive Basic Sciences Exam
• passed both NBME Pathology and Physiology Subject Exams
• and passed the NBME Introduction to Clinical Diagnoses (ICD) Exam for ICM 5.1.
Students must complete all Basic Medical Sciences courses before they leave.

13 NOTICE TO STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

If you have, or believe you have, a disability and would benefit from any accommodations,
you may wish to identify yourself to the Office of Student Services to register. All medical
information will be treated confidentially. If you have already registered, please make sure
that your course director receives a copy of the accommodation memorandum within the first
day of class. It will be your responsibility to inform either your course director or Associate
Dean for Student Affairs, in a timely manner, if the service or accommodation you are
provided does not meet your needs.

Please contact the course director for preparation of the ECFMG Step 1 Application in the
beginning of the semester.

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Attachment 1

NBME Updates for Comprehensive Basic Science Exam

NBME Comprehensive Basic Science Examination Timing, Length, and Pricing Change
Effective May 10, 2017

As previously announced, the timing and total number of items for the web-based Comprehensive Basic Science
Examination (CBSE) will increase beginning May 10, 2017.

The time allotted to complete each exam section will increase by 12 minutes so that the time per item corresponds to the
time per item on USMLE Step 1. In addition, the total number of items will increase to 200 to provide more precise total
test and content area feedback.

As a result of these changes, the length of the exam session will increase by 48 minutes. See the chart below for timing
and item count changes.

Current New
Current # of Items New # of Items
Total Session Time Total Session Time
184 200 4 hours, 42 minutes 5 hours, 30 minutes*
*Total session time will include new exam timing, increased exam item count, a 15-minute tutorial, and an
optional 15-minute break.

Changes will be made to the score categories to align with those that were made for USMLE Step 1 in 2016. Score
reporting turnaround time will remain the same.

NEW: Effective May 10, 2017, the fee for CBSE exams administered at Prometric ONLY
will increase to $141 and will remain in effect through June 30, 2017.
The 2017-18 Subject Examination fee schedule is now available on the NBME website.

Please contact the NBME Subject Examinations team at subjectexams@nbme.org

10
Attachment 2
USMLE Step 1 Guideline

Taking Step 1 during May – August 2018

It is critical to make a right decision when students take the USMLE Step 1 to be successful in the
Clinical Sciences and National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Please consider the following
information to make a decision.

Step 1 LOA Period: May 7 – August 24, 2018

General Information about Clinical Sciences

• AUC students take 52 weeks on average to complete all core rotations. Therefore, if
students start core rotation in September 2018, they will complete all 5 core rotations by
September 2019.
• Applications to the 2020 NRMP Match open in mid-September 2019.
• In order for students to have a competitive application for the NRMP, they must have
their Step 2 CS/CK results and at least one letter of recommendation (ideally more) from
a 4th year elective in the specialty to which they are applying.
• In order to start rotations by September, students must take the USMLE Step 1 by July
31st and submit passing USMLE Step 1 scores by August 31st as hospitals take 60 days
to clear students for clinical rotations.
• Students in this track will stay on the LCME “traditional” track.

Timeline for 2020 Match

Students aiming to apply to the 2020 NRMP Match can maximize studying and
reviewing time to increase chances of getting higher scores on USMLE Step 1and Step 2
CK and become more competitive for the NRMP match.

Step 1 Deadline: July 31st, 2018

• Students will start clinical rotations by September 2018 and, more than likely, finish
cores by September 2019.
• Students can take ~4 weeks off from clinical rotations to prepare for Step 2 CK/CS
exams with elective rotations throughout the 2019 calendar year.
• Students can obtain LORs from 4th year electives.
• Students have more time to build a competitive application, schedule and attend
interviews without academic responsibilities.
• Students have extra time between graduation date and residency start date with increased
opportunities in medical/scientific research or Observerships.

For any questions please contact:

David Jones, Director of Student Professional Development & Accreditation
(djones@aucmed.edu)

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Attachment 3

USMLE Step 1: At a Glance

The USMLE Step 1 is the first in the series of three USMLE exams that candidates must
pass in order to qualify for medical licensure in the United States. It is a one-day computer
exam taken by most medical students at the end of their second year of medical school. It
is also taken by thousands of international medical graduates (IMGs) who wish to practice
medicine in the United States.

Step 1 emphasizes Basic Medical Science principles, specifically in anatomy, behavioral

science, biostat/epidemiology, biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology,
and physiology. Interdisciplinary areas such as genetics, immunology, and nutrition are
also tested.

The Step 1 exam contains 280 questions and spans 8 hours of testing (including an
hour of break time). It is administered as seven 60-minute "blocks" of 40 questions
each. You will be able to skip back and forth among test questions, but only within a
particular block. Once you leave a block (or time expires for that block), you will not be
able to return to the questions of that block.

Step 1 questions are NOT grouped by subject within a block. For example, you won't
find a section devoted to biochemistry. This random ordering of items presents you with
a unique challenge. You must switch from thinking about one subject, such as pathology,
to another, such as behavioral science, without skipping a beat.

In total, you will have 45-60 minutes of "break" time depending on whether you choose
to complete the 15 minute tutorial at the start. You can "add" to your break time by
finishing a block early. Please note, however, that finishing blocks early does not add to
your total "test time" which remains constant at 7 hours. That means that you can't add
time to one block by finishing another block ahead of time. You should only take breaks
BETWEEN blocks; leaving the testing area DURING a block will be noted as a testing
irregularity.

The question format currently on the USMLE Step 1 is one best answer (matching
questions as well as negatively phrased questions were eliminated a few years ago).
Some of the Step 1 items test your knowledge directly; however, the majority requires
application of Basic Medical Science principles to clinically-relevant situations. You will
also be asked to identify microscopic and gross specimens, interpret graphic or tabular
information, and solve clinical problems.

In an effort to make the Step 1 exam more medically relevant, the USMLE items often
assess Basic Medical Science concepts in a clinical context. While some points are asked
in a fairly traditional, straightforward manner, you will also be presented with many
clinical vignettes. This style typically involves fairly long lead-in scenarios followed by
relatively brief response options.

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Attachment 4
REGISTRATION AND SCHEDULING STEP 1
Registering to take the USMLE Step 1 and scheduling your exam date is a multi-step process:
1) Secure the application materials. Visit ecfmg.org
Go to IWA and establish a first time account (detailed instruction on page 13). You must
read and understand the Information and Instructions. Answer “Yes” or “No”, depending on
your application status. Fill in your biological information. On the Scroll down window,
please select St. Maarten-AUC School of Medicine as your enrolled Medical University.
Failure to do this will automatically activate the Form 183 which is Invalid. After you have
done so, then click on “Submit”. You must wait for a pin number and a temporary password
for about a couple of days or less. Use this PIN to activate your account by login into IWA.
Once you pay the exam fee, only then, will you be able to download the 186 Form. Do Not
print ’without Paying the Fee’, as this will activate the 187 form which is Invalid at this
time. Please use the Medical School friendly print for your Form. Do NOT Copy and
Paste unto Microsoft Word. After printing, take it to Dr. Michie’ assistant in Preston for
signing the form and approval. AUC will send it in for you on the dates specified (4/20 and
4/27) in “USMLE STEP 1 APPLICATION,” in the Syllabus, page 6.

Another option is to get your application publically notarized send yourself to the address
provided on the form.

2) Complete the application and submit with your application fee and
a recent photo.
As part of the application process you will be asked to choose a three month "eligibility
period" during which you want to take the exam. Once your eligibility period has been
assigned, you will need to take your exam during that period of time or you will lose your
application fee (hundreds of dollars). Once you submit your application, it will take ~3 weeks
for processing. Note: If the processing of your application is not completed before the START
of the eligibility period you selected, you will not be assigned that 3-month period.

3) Receive your Scheduling Permit.

Once your application is processed by ECFMG and AUC Certifies your Step 1 eligibility, you
will receive a Scheduling Permit from ECFMG by email. This permit will tell you the start and
end dates of your three-month eligibility period, instructions on scheduling your exam, as well
as your Scheduling Number and your Candidate Identification Number.

4) Schedule your test date directly with Sylvan Prometric Center.

Your Scheduling Permit will have instructions on contacting Sylvan to select your test date
(must be within eligibility period). Before making the call, you should decide on several dates
and your preferred location. Find the Sylvan Prometric Center nearest you...

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USMLE Step 1 Scoring
With the computer exam, you should receive your score back within 3 weeks of your test date.
The USMLE Step 1 is scored and reported on three-digit scales. Your score report will also
include a pass/fail designation as well as a graphic depiction of your performance by discipline
and organ system. The defined scale is based on the performance of a criterion group. This
group represents a previous group of second year US medical students who took the exam for
the first time at the end of their second year of medical school.

The minimum passing score on the three-digit scale is 194.

To achieve a passing score, you typically need to answer ~65% correct (it can vary based on the
calculated difficulty of the exam you took as each candidate takes a different version of the
exam).

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Attachment 5
USMLE STEP 1 APPLICATION

1. Students who have obtained a score ≥70 on the first NBME Comprehensive Exam and
have an AUC Cumulative GPA ≥80 at the end of their 4th semester, the course director
will FedExpess the application forms to ECFMG on 4/20. This will allow students to be
eligible for taking Step 1 after 5/11 (note: it takes about 3-4 weeks for your application to
be processed after ECFMG receives it and one week to set a date with the test center).
You cannot take the exam before that date, or your results will be invalidated. For the
students who fulfill the requirements to pass ICM 6 at the end of the course (passed
NBME Comprehensive Exam or Pathology/Physiology Subject Examinations), we will
send in your applications on 4/27.
2. Before filling out your application, please read all instructions carefully and completely
on the ECFMG website and the application form. A complete explanation of the
application process is provided by the ECFMG website home page. Type ECFMG
IWA on Google Search and click on Application for Step 1, Step 2 CK and Step 3.
• To get a complete explanation of the ECFMG application process type ECFMG
IWA on Google Search and click on Application for Step 1, Step 2 CK and Step
3.
• To get the application process page, type ECFMG on Google Search and then
click on IWA on the page, or go to the link
https://secure2.ecfmg.org/emain.asp?app=iwa and type your ID number and
password. You will be required to complete the Application for ECFMG
Certification and prompted to pay a $65 fee. Once the fee has been paid you are
eligible to apply for the “Application for Step 1, Step 2CK or Step 3.” Answer all
the questions (~23) and pay $880. You will get to 186 Form finally.
Once you printed the form, please go to Shanella. ECFMG requires the date in
the format Day/Month/year. Example: If you sign the form on April. 7, 2018;
make sure you sign as 07/04/2018 (date/month/year).
3. Students have experienced problems (missed desired exam windows) in the past with
applications being rejected, because they were not filled out properly. Below (#6) are
answers to several commonly asked or incorrectly answered questions. If you still have
questions, please feel free to get in touch with Shanella or Dr. Palmer.
4. If your application is not handed in by 4/29 you must get it notarized buy a public notary
and sent directly to the address provided on the form.
5. Students must take the Step 1 within the following semester after completion of the Basic
Medical Sciences. Should you encounter any issues (i.e., health or family crisis, which
hinders you from taking Step 1 during the term of absence), please contact Dr. Rinker
(SRinker@aucmed.edu).

6. Frequently asked questions:

a. What is the ‘expected degree’? “Doctor of Medicine Diploma”.

b. Fill in the date as indicated: day/month/year.

15
 c. When attended? From the day you matriculated until the day you complete medical
school, for example, May 2016 – February 2020. Some students matriculate before May
2016; then the matriculation month/year should be specified correctly.
d. When is the ‘Expected graduation date’? Add 4 years from the date of matriculation; for
example, if you started in Jan 2016 then you expect to graduate in February 2020.
e. What is the ‘expected degree date’? It is the same as your graduation date.
f. You are not required to take any clinical rotations while in the Basic Medical Science
program. They are not asking about your clinical portion of medical school.

16
CHART 1 ICM 6 EXAMS
JANUARY – APRIL 2018

1st NBME Comprehensive Exam

Passing Score 67

Passed Failed

Mandatory Subject
Mandatory Subject
Examination:
Examination:
Physiology: passing score 63%
Physiology
correct
Pathology
Pathology: passing score 67%
No Passing Score
correct

Passed Both Failed one or

both

Optional Optional Mandatory

2nd NBME Comp 2nd NBME Comp 2nd NBME Comp

Passed Failed

Remedial Course in
the US in the
following semester

Makeup NBME
Comp in the
following semester

17
ICM 6 Spring 2018 Daily Course Schedule

Mon 1/15/18 OFF

Tue 1/16/18 OFF
Wed 1/17/18
NBME self assessent
1

Thu 1/18/18
Fri 1/19/18
Sat 1/20/18
Sun 1/21/18
Self assessment due
Mon 1/22/18 OFF
Tue 1/23/18 OFF

Becker Review Program Orientation (1hour)-live
Wed
1/24/18 Orientation stream
2

Thu 1/25/18 LM workshops

Fri 1/26/18 LM workshops
Sat 1/27/18 LM workshops
LM
Sun
1/28/18 workshops
Mon 1/29/18 OFF
Tue 1/30/18 OFF

Wed
1/31/18
3

Thu 2/1/18
Fri 2/2/18
Sat 2/3/18
Sun 2/4/18
Mon 2/5/18 OFF
Tue 2/6/18 OFF
Wed 2/7/18
4

Thu 2/8/18
Fri 2/9/18
Sat 2/10/18
Sun 2/11/18
Mon 2/12/18 OFF
Tue 2/13/18 OFF
5

Wed 2/14/18
Thu 2/15/18
Fri 2/16/18

18
 Sat 2/17/18
Sun 2/18/18
Mon 2/19/18 OFF
Tue 2/20/18 OFF
Wed 2/21/18
Becker Path/Physio Live Review
6

Thu 2/22/18 Becker Path/Physio Live Review

Fri 2/23/18 Becker Path/Physio Live Review
Sat 2/24/18 Becker Path/Physio Live Review
Sun 2/25/18 Becker Path/Physio Live Review
Mon 2/26/18 OFF
Tue 2/27/18 OFF
Wed 2/28/18
7

Thu 3/1/18
Fri 3/2/18
Sat 3/3/18
Sun 3/4/18
Mon 3/5/18 OFF
Tue 3/6/18 OFF
Wed 3/7/18
8

Thu 3/8/18
Fri 3/9/18
Sat 3/10/18
Sun 3/11/18
Mon 3/12/18 OFF
Tue 3/13/18 OFF
Wed 3/14/18
9

Thu 3/15/18
Fri 3/16/18
Becker Micro Live Review (5 hours, online)
Sat 3/17/18 Becker Micro Live Review (5 hours, online)
Sun 3/18/18 Becker Micro Live Review (5 hours, online)
Mon 3/19/18 OFF
Tue 3/20/18 OFF
Wed 3/21/18 Exams (~3 hrs)
Beh. Sci. Subject
10

Thu 3/22/18
Fri 3/23/18
Sat 3/24/18
Becker Biostats review (5 hours)
Sun 3/25/18
1

Mon 3/26/18 OFF

1

19
 Tue 3/27/18 OFF
Wed 3/28/18 Comprehensive Exam (~5.5 hrs)
1st Basic Science
Thu 3/29/18
Fri 3/30/18
Sat 3/31/18
Sun 4/1/18
Mon 4/2/18 OFF
Tue 4/3/18 OFF
Wed 4/4/18
Physiology Subject Exam (~3 hrs)
12

Thu 4/5/18
Fri 4/6/18
Sat 4/7/18
Sun 4/8/18
Mon 4/9/18 OFF
Tue 4/10/18 OFF
Wed 4/11/18
ICD Subject Exam (~3 hrs)
13

Thu 4/12/18
Fri 4/13/18
Sat 4/14/18
Sun 4/15/18
Mon 4/16/18 OFF
Tue 4/17/18 OFF
Wed 4/18/18 Exam (~3 hrs)
Pathology Subject
14

Thu 4/19/18
Fri 4/20/18
Sat 4/21/18
Sun 4/22/18
Mon 4/23/18 OFF
Tue 4/24/18 OFF
Wed 4/25/18
2nd Basic Science Comprehensive Exam (~5.5 hrs)
15

Thu 4/26/18 Becker Simulated Step 1 Exam (optional,)

Fri 4/27/18
Sat 4/28/18
Sun 4/29/18

20
SUMMARY: ICM 6 EXAM SCHEDULES
Date NBME Exams UCLAN Lecture Theater
3/21/18 Beh. Sci. Subject Exams (~3 hrs) TBA
3/28/18 1st Basic Science Comprehensive TBA
Exam (~5.5 hrs)
4/4/18 Physiology Subject Exam (~3 hrs) TBA
4/11/18 ICD Subject Exam (~3 hrs) TBA
4/18/18 Pathology Subject Exam (~3 hrs) TBA
4/25/18 2nd Basic Science Comprehensive TBA
Exam (~5.5 hrs)
4/26/18 (tentative) Becker Simulated Step 1 Exam TBA
(optional)

21