Some of the following information has been abstracted from NBME publications.

Purpose

The exam provides objective information about the student's knowledge in internal medicine. It is used by almost all U.S. medical schools for end-of-clerkship assessment.

Content

Unfortunately, little specific information is available. The exam is designed by an NBME committee using the content outline of the USMLE Step II exam as a guide. In general, the examination is divided among all the major subspecialties of internal medicine. There is some coverage of dermatology and neurology as well.

Format

Approximately 100 multiple-choice items are included. Item formats include single best answer and extended matching (up to 26 lettered choices).

Sample Items

Sample items can be obtained from the Clerkship Office.

Performance Criteria

The minimum passing score is the 8th percentile nationally among students at the same stage of training. Raw scores reported by the NBME will be converted to scores ranging from 0-100 based on the table on the next page.

Remediation

Students who fail the exam (NBME score less than the 8th percentile nationally), but pass all other criteria for the clerkship will be allowed to retake the exam at a time mutually agreeable to the student, the clerkship coordinator, and the Dean’s Office.  Students who fail the exam a second time, but who have passed all the other criteria, may be allowed a third attempt at the discretion of the Clerkship Evaluation Committee.  Any student failing the exam for a third time will be required to repeat the entire clerkship.  Remediation for students who fail multiple criteria will be at the discretion of the Clerkship Evaluation Committee.  Students who achieve an NBME score equal to or greater than the 8th percentile nationally on a remediation exam will earn 75 points for the purpose of calculating class rank.

Internal Medicine Clerkship
2008-2009