USMLE\COMLEX Policy

Scope

This policy was developed for SIU Medicine. SIU Medicine collectively applies to the SIU School of Medicine (SIU SOM), including the Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), and SIU HealthCare (SIU HC). These entities are collectively referred to as SIU in this document.

This document applies to SIU staff, faculty, trainees, agents, officers, directors, interns, volunteers, contractors, and any other individual or entity engaged in providing teaching, research and health care items and services at SIU. These individuals are collectively referred to as SIU personnel in this document.

Definitions 

The term “resident” is inclusive of all trainees at SIU School of Medicine, whether in a residency or fellowship program.  The term “program” is inclusive of all SIU residency or fellowship programs, whether accredited or non-accredited.

Purpose

To define licensing exam requirements.

Procedure

  1. Residents with MD Degree
    1. All MD applicants to residency programs at SIU School of Medicine are required to pass Steps I and II of the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) before beginning a PGY1 position.  In response to the discontinuation of the USMLE Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) Exam, ECFMG developed alternate pathways that will allow a qualified international medical graduate to meet the requirements for ECFMG certification.
    2. During the PGYI or PGYII year, all MD residents in SIU School of Medicine training programs must pass Step III of the USMLE.  Progression to the PGYIII year will not be allowed until the exam has been passed and a USMLE transcript has been provided to the program. Transcripts include the examinee’s full USMLE history and are the official method for reporting scores to third parties.  Per the AAMC, exam score reports are for examinee use only, and are not appropriate to provide to third parties to satisfy a program requirement due to their susceptibility to alteration.  Once the program receives the transcript, all exam attempts must be recorded in New Innovations and the PGYII resident is eligible to promote to PGYIII if they meet all other requirements. 

      If a resident does not meet this requirement by their PGYII contract end date and if all other criteria for progression to the PGYIII year have been fulfilled, the program can choose to hold a position for the resident for up to three months.  In order to return to the program, an exam transcript of scores must be provided reflecting all attempts and the passing score.  The program can then offer a PGYIII promotion.  If the resident has not passed the exam within the three-month deadline, the program must seek approval from the Designated Institutional Official (DIO) to continue to hold the position.
  2. Residents with DO Degree
    1. All DO applicants to residency programs at SIU School of Medicine are required to pass either Parts I and II (CE and PE) of the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination-USA (COMLEX) or Steps I and II of the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) before beginning a PGY1 position.

    2. During the PGYI or PGYII year, all DO residents in SIU School of Medicine training programs must pass Part III of the COMLEX or Step III of the USMLE.  Progression to the PGYIII year will not be allowed until the exam has been passed and a COMLEX transcript has been provided to the program. Transcripts include the examinee’s full COMLEX history and are the official method for reporting scores to third parties.   Once the program receives the transcript, all exam attempts must be recorded in New Innovations and the PGYII resident is eligible to promote to PGYIII if they meet all other requirements.

      If a resident does not meet this requirement by their PGYII contract end date and if all other criteria for progression to the PGYIII year have been fulfilled, the program can choose to hold a position for the resident for up to three months.  In order to return to the program, an exam transcript of scores must be provided reflecting all attempts and the passing score.  The program can then offer a PGYIII promotion.  If the resident has not passed the exam within the three-month deadline, the program must seek approval from the Designated Institutional Official (DIO) to continue to hold the position.

  3. Transferring Residents
    1. Residents transferring from another program to a residency or fellowship program at SIU School of Medicine at the PGYIII level or higher are required to have passed USMLE Step III or Part III of the COMLEX prior to starting their position.  A transcript of all exam attempts must be provided.
  4. Fellows
    1. All applicants to fellowship programs at SIU School of Medicine are required to pass USMLE Step III or Part III of the COMLEX before beginning a fellowship position.
       
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