Dear ECFMG/FAIMER and NBME Board Members,

The recent announcement made by USMLE about the suspension of Step 2 CS testing for an additional 12-18 months has placed many medical students/graduates seeking residency in the US for Match 2021 in an immensely stressful situation, as it splits them into three categories:

1. Medical Students/Graduates who have passed step 2 CS exam 

2. Medical Students/Graduates who have not taken step 2 CS (won't have CS exam on USMLE transcript)

3. Medical Students/Graduates who have failed step 2 CS exam (will have an attempt on USMLE transcript), with no chance of redeeming themselves for the next 2 match cycles.

The impact of the USMLE program's decision is significant and immediate for all applicants, both IMGs and AMGs, planning to participate in the upcoming match. There are many students who were set to write the Step 2 CS since mid-March of this year and was unable to do so. It is unfair to judge students based on an exam that is no longer available to take. 

As the world is changing and everyone is changing rules to accustom the new situation we are all forced to face, we are hoping ECFMG/FAIMER and NBME will also consider changing the rules when it comes to USMLE Step 2 CS. ***Therefore, we are asking ECFMG/FAIMER and NBME to make The Match 2021 fair by omitting Step 2 CS scores all together (for BOTH IMGs and AMGs) from applications.***

This will make it a much fairer match process for both AMGs and IMGs. For IMGs those who have taken USMLE Step 2 CS and other steps will still be ECFMG certified and individuals who have not taken Step 2 CS can take the potential alternative test offered by ECFMG to become certified. 

We appreciate you taking the time to read this petition!