Currently, examinees are not allowed to retake the USMLE step 1 and step 2 ck exams once they have reached a passing score. Although these exams were designed with the intent of ensuring a certain level of competency in medical students through achievement of a passing score, the numerical scores are being used by residency and fellowship programs as essentially the most important criteria for distinguishing candidacy. Given the enormous amount of emphasis that is placed on these exams, it is simply unethical to force medical students and graduates to have only one chance to achieve their optimal test score. One sitting cannot be the only opportunity allowed when the rest of their careers is at stake. Preventing retakes to improve scores also creates an unrealistic pressure situation that negatively impacts student health and well-being. It is only logical to allow at least one retake of the USMLE step 1 and step 2 ck exams as an opportunity to improve performance after a passing score is achieved. I personally have been under a lot of mental anguish and stress since I received my step 1 score. The fact that one exam determines the rest of our lives for those who have passed with a low score ( due to whatever reasons) has taken a toll on the mental health of such examinees. Low scores could essentially be the end of someone 's medical career as people have gone unmatched for years and finally given up on their dreams.

I am aware of the pass/fail step 1 change but that would just shift the emphasis on step 2 ck score and lower the step 1 test standards. Why it isn't possible to retake the exam when in fact studying for the test again would only mean that we would study harder ?

Please do share and support this petition and help us make a change in the system.

Regards
Dr.G