Attendees at a focus session at IAMSE 2018 entitled, "Better aligning USMLE step exams with what we actually want students to be able to do: what's your discipline's "metabolic map"?" agreed that IAMSE members have a critical role in ensuring that assessment of foundational science focuses on deep understanding rather than rote memorization, both locally and on high stakes exams such as USMLE Step 1. The multi-disciplinary group proposed a "wish list" of several areas of content/resources that represent material that should not be memorized. Recent collaboration between Association of Biochemistry Educators members and the NBME suggests movement toward reducing emphasis on memorization, but, to date, implementation of a metabolic biochemistry map as a reference on Step 1 has not occurred. Student feedback suggests that a key barrier to utilization of the map within local curricula is the concern that memorization is still required for Step 1. A key question then is: how do we align what seems appropriate for students' learning versus what we know may be tested on USMLE Step 1? Presenters are in the process of conducting a survey of their national organizations to assess each organization's support for identifying resources to include in assessments and advocating for their use nationally. 

 

Session Objectives: