Medical Student Handbook

The U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (U.S.M.L.E.)

Table of Contents Handbook Homepage POLICIES & GUIDELINES - Privacy & Access to Academic Records - Disabilities Technical Standards Policy - Assistance for Individual w/Disabilities - ADA Ombudsperson - Mistreatment of Medical Students - Sexual Harassment - Assessment Data - Religious Observance - The U.S. Medical Licensing Examination - Alcohol Use On School of Medicine Property - Impairment Due to Substance Abuse - Self Disclosure in the Course of Learning - Confidentiality - Teaching Exercises with Student Subjects - Video Equipment Use - Regulatory, Health and Other Requirements --- Infection Control --- In-Service Education Competency Exam --- Certification in Use of Clinical Information System --- Medical Student CPR Certification --- University Health Requirements MD Student Responsibility, Conduct, & Academic Policies ACADEMIC ISSUES - Verification of Eligibility for Matriculation - Verification of Academic Credentials - Completion of Required Experiences - Remedial Work - Completion of Academic Deficiencies - Grading Policy up to Class of 2002 - Double Helix Grading Policy - Student Assessment Guide --- Comprehensive Assessments - MD with Distinction - AOA and Dean's Letter Rankings - In-Depth Experience - Plagiarism - Absences from Classes & Academic Responsibilities - Policy on Time Away From Clerkships - Class Attendance - Leaves of Absence - Year-Out Fellowships - Drop/Add Deadline Policy SUPPORT SERVICES - Academic Support Services - University Health Service - Counseling and Mental Health Services - Chaplain's Office - Division of Medical Informatics - Women in Science, Dentistry & Medicine (WISDM) - Assistance for Pregnant Medical Students - Miner Library ADVISING & STUDENT ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS - Advisory Dean Program - Student Enrichment Programs - Student-Sponsored Symposium CONSUMER & LEGAL ASSISTANCE - Integrity Hotline - University Housing - Executing Legal Documents - Consumer and Legal Assistance OFFICES FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION - Medical Education - Student Services Center - Advisory Deans - Student Affairs Office - Registrar's Office - Financial Aid Office - Bursar's Office - Office for Ethnic & Multicultural Affairs - Admissions Office - Medical Alumni Affairs - Student Enrichment Programs - Graduate Studies - Offices for Educational Research - Curricular Affairs Office - Facilities for Students - Student Computing DOUBLE HELIX CURRICULUM MEDICAL EDUCATION OBJECTIVES

The National Board Examination, (now re-designated the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), was established in 1915 to offer a uniform method of medical licensure in this country. USMLE is a joint program of the National Board of Medical Examiners and the Federation of State Medical Boards of the U.S., Inc. It now represents the single, uniform examination for medical licensure in the United States. It replaces the Federation Licensing Examination (FLEX) and the NBME "Board" exams.

Although the University of Rochester now requires all students to take the USMLE (note: the policy was revised to allow the school to include the cost of the examinations in the student financial aid budgets), the institution does not use the examinations as academic "gates" (i.e., promotion/graduation requirements). Rochester feels the Board examinations should be used only for the purpose for which they were created: licensure.

Students taking the boards have found the three-part format helpful because it encourages the review of material in a timely fashion. Step I is an excellent way to consolidate and reinforce basic science knowledge before beginning clinical experiences. Rochester students have the option, when they take the USMLE, to release or not release the results to the school. The school will not release individual scores to anyone within or outside the institution, including residency programs. If a student needs a copy of his/her USMLE scores, the Registrar's Office will provide a copy of the score report. However, if the scores need to be shared with another party, the student will be responsible for transmitting the scores.

For general information regarding the USMLE, check the NBME website, http://www.nbme.org