The summary of ‘NBME Guide for Requesting Accommodations on the USMLE Step exams: Introducing the guide!’

This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.

00:00:0001:02:04

The video discusses a webinar series aimed at helping disability service providers and medical school faculty support students seeking accommodations. Key points include updates on the NBME accommodation request process, exam structures, testing accommodations, the importance of early accommodation requests, and support resources. The importance of familiarizing oneself with the accommodation process, available accommodations like extended testing time, and financial assistance options are highlighted. The video emphasizes the need for detailed documentation, understanding NBME guidelines, and collaboration between schools and Disability Resource Professionals. It also covers the transition to a pass/fail scoring system for Step 1 exams in 2022 and the importance of advocating for accommodation requests. Viewer questions and future webinars are mentioned, encouraging awareness of exam requirements and offering resources through initiatives like Docs with Disabilities.

00:00:00

In this segment of the video, Lisa Meeks introduces a webinar series designed to assist disability service providers and medical school faculty in supporting students navigating accommodation requests. The series includes an updated guide co-authored by presenters and informed by students with disabilities. Lisa emphasizes the importance of addressing inequities in medical education, especially for students of color and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The guide aims to provide support for trainees by advocating for specialized disability service providers and funding for students requiring accommodations. The transcript transitions to Grace Clifford, the director for disability services at David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and her counterparts who will discuss the NBME accommodation request webinar series, step exam structure, documentation requirements, accommodations offered, and a Q&A session.

00:10:00

In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the structure and format of the USMLE Step exams, specifically Step 1 and Step 2 CK. Step 1 tests knowledge of basic sciences, while Step 2 CK assesses clinical knowledge and skills. The exams consist of multiple-choice questions with single-item responses, and some questions may include images, audio clips, or video clips. Students with disabilities may need accommodations for full access. To register for the exams, students must complete an online registration, pay a fee, and submit necessary forms. Students applying for accommodations must wait for a response before receiving a scheduling permit. The video emphasizes the importance of familiarizing oneself with the process and timeline when scheduling exams with accommodations.

00:20:00

In this segment of the video, it is discussed that Step 1 exam is now scored pass/fail as of January 26, 2022, while Step 2 CK is still numerically scored. The passing score for Step 2 CK is 214, and the average score in 2022 was 247. The emphasis on Step 2 CK performance has increased due to this change. The importance of requesting accommodations for exams is highlighted, as failing to establish the need for accommodations may impact future requests. A guide created by Dr. Lisa Meeks and Dr. Neera Jain is recommended for navigating the NBME accommodation request process, providing a clear timeline, support documentation advice, and personal statement assistance. Starting the accommodation process early during medical education is advised, with discussions on financial resources for necessary evaluations. The guide helps in understanding and advocating for accommodation requests.

00:30:00

In this segment of the video, the importance of students being aware of the NBME accommodation process is emphasized. Key elements for Disability Resource Professionals (DRPs) to consider include reviewing the documentation completed by a qualified professional, ensuring it is recent, comprehensive, and includes relevant information about the disability. DRPs should also ensure correct assessment tools were used for diagnosing the student. It is highlighted that students who are newly diagnosed with a disability can still apply for accommodations on exams like the USMLE if they provide detailed information about their disorder’s impact on their functioning. Ancillary supporting documentation can strengthen a student’s request, but it should be used judiciously. Commonly requested accommodations on exams like the USMLE include extended testing time, additional break time, and shortened test sections for students with chronic conditions. Students are encouraged to review NBME guidelines and provide documentation demonstrating how their disability substantially impacts their ability to perform major activities.

00:40:00

In this segment of the video, it is discussed that students can request multi-day testing and testing in a private room as accommodations. Common assistive technologies like speech-to-text or screen magnifying software can also be requested with proficiency demonstration. Personal item exemptions do not require prior approval. Emphasis is placed on supporting students through the process, with over 98% success rate for accommodation requests. Other details include upcoming webinars on supporting providers and writing personal statements, along with resources available for medical education professionals at docs with disabilities. Discussion touches on Prometric testing center standardization, visiting centers beforehand, and trial runs for practice exams. Financial burdens on students and available funding support are highlighted, along with emphasizing collaboration between schools and DRPs. The video also addresses the exchange of accommodation decisions between NBME and MB.

00:50:00

In this segment of the video, the discussion revolves around accommodations for high-stakes exams like the NBME. The speakers highlight the importance of receiving accommodations and provide insights into how schools without specialized Disability Resource Personnel (DRPs) can support students seeking accommodations. Strategies mentioned include offering workshops, providing templates for appeals, collaborating with other institutions, and ensuring students are specific with their accommodation requests. The speakers also touch upon addressing accessibility for individuals who are hard of hearing during exams. Additionally, plans for future webinars to address viewer questions comprehensively are mentioned.

01:00:00

In this part of the video, the speaker emphasizes the importance of students being aware of the requirements and format of USMLE exams to avoid uncertainty. They express gratitude to panelists for creating content and student ambassadors for reviewing it. The speaker announces that their book can now be downloaded for free and encourages filling out a feedback survey for future webinars. They thank viewers for their hard work and dedication to assisting students, directing them to the Docs with Disabilities initiative website for resources and support.

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