School of Medicine: Policy on Comp USMLE Step 1 Examination for MD/PhD Dual Degree Program Students

This Policy establishes the timing and requirements for completion of the USMLE Step 1 examination by MD/PhD Dual Degree program students (“Students”).

Unit Policy

Title

School of Medicine: Policy on Comp USMLE Step 1 Examination for MD/PhD Dual Degree Program Students

Introduction

Purpose

This Policy establishes the timing and requirements for completion of the USMLE Step 1 examination by MD/PhD Dual Degree program students (“Students”).

Scope

This Policy applies to all Dual Degree Students.

Policy

Policy Statement

The MD/PhD Program strongly encourages MD/PhD students to take and pass their USMLE Step 1 exam in their second year in medical school before the first day of the Transition to Application Phase (TAP) course. Taking Step 1 before TAP ensures that a Student can participate in an Application Phase rotation prior to beginning their PhD training. (Please note: Per the Policy on Completion of USMLE Step Examinations, all medical students must complete Foundation Phase in full before taking USMLE Step 1.)

Students who delay their Step 1 exam beyond TAP must follow the applicable phase below:

Students who Delay from TAP through the end of Block 2:

• Communicate with program directors at least monthly regarding their status and progress.
• Engage with the Office of Academic Excellence. This includes utilizing study materials and testing strategies, promptly replying to email communications, regularly meeting with advisors, and working with a tutor if recommended.
• The Student will continue to receive funding from the MD/PhD Program if they communicate with MD/PhD program directors at least monthly, engaging with OAE monthly, and make a good faith effort to study for and pass Step 1.
• The Student cannot start their Application Phase in this TAP through end of Block 2 time period.
• Student will be enrolled in the School of Medicine’s extended study courses.
• The Student cannot do a research rotation or start in their PhD laboratory until they receive a passing Step 1 score.
  • If the Student passes Step 1 early in the semester (e.g., March), it is possible to do a research rotation or start in the PhD laboratory.
  • If the Student goes early to the PhD laboratory, the Principal Investigator of that laboratory will pay their stipend.
  • If the Student does not have a PhD laboratory and needs an additional research rotation, the Student will be enrolled in OMED 497 and the MD/PhD program continues to pay their stipend.

Students who have not passed Step 1 by the end of Block 2:

These Students will not be allowed to start coursework at the Graduate School until they pass Step 1, unless they withdraw from the School of Medicine and, therefore, the MD/PhD Program.

• For the fall semester in the year of their dedicated period for Step 1, the Student has two (2) options:
  • Option 1 - Continue to study for Step 1 and defer the start of Graduate School.
  • Option 2 - Withdraw from the School of Medicine and start their PhD Program.
• For Students who choose Option 1, studying for Step 1 must become their primary focus and:
  • Will no longer be financially supported by the MD/PhD Program.
  • Will not participate in MD/PhD Program activities.
  • Must arrange with the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) and their PI regarding deferring the start of graduate school.
    • Some PhD programs will allow Students to defer for six (6) months while others will require a full year.
    • The Student must notify the MD/PhD Program administration by August 1 of the designated year of the Student’s deferral decision. The Student must also provide and confirmation that the DGS and their PI agree with the deferral decision.
• Students who choose Option 2 and withdraw from the School of Medicine to start the PhD Program:
  • Are no longer supported financially by the MD/PhD Program.
  • Will not participate in MD/PhD Program activities.
  • Can join the PhD Program as long as they have financial support from their mentor.
• Students who elect Option 1, and have not passed Step 1 by December 31:
  • Will be placed on Administrative Leave of Absence from the MD Program.
  • Will be withdrawn from the MD/PhD Program.
  • Will not be able to start graduate school even with a deferred acceptance.
    • MD Program policy states that medical students must pass Step 1 and complete Application Phase before taking a Graduate Leave of Absence (LOA).

Students are encouraged to speak directly with MD/PhD Program Directors regarding any questions or concerns regarding this Policy.

Exceptions

Exceptions to this Policy will be considered on an individual basis and will require the approval of the MD/PhD Program Directors in consultation with the Associate Dean for Student Affairs of the MD program. The Senior Associate Dean of Medial Student Education has final decision making authority with regard to such exceptions.

Definitions

Leave of Absence (LOA), Graduate LOA: see Policy on Leave of Absence for definitions

Related Requirements

External Regulations

• Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) Functions and Standards of a Medical School
  • LCME 9.6: Setting Standards of Achievement
  • LCME 9.9: Student Advancement and Appeal Process
  • LCME 10.3: Policies Regarding Student Selection/Progress and their Dissemination

Unit Policies, Standards, and Procedures

• Policy on Completion of USMLE Step Examinations 
• Policy on Leave of Absence

Contact Information

Primary Contact

Name: Anthony Passanante, Senior Associate Dean for Medical Student Education

Email: Anthony_Passanante@med.unc.edu