For Medical Students

Changes coming to USMLE; Step 3 exam affected first

Step 3 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) soon will be divided into two separate daylong exams, focusing on different sets of competencies, under plans announced in April by the USMLE Composite Committee, the National Board of Medical Examiners and the Federation of State Medical Boards.

The change is one of several made in an effort to change the structure of the USMLE, and Step 3 will be the first exam affected. The exams will continue to be administered by computer using multiple choice questions and computer simulations, but they will be scored separately. Examinees will be expected to pass each.

Changes to the Step 3 exam won't take effect until 2014 at the earliest, according to the USMLE.

Survey asks: How are you using social media?

How do you use social media to obtain information related both to your career and the health care industry? The AMA is interested in finding out and invites you to participate in a brief survey. The survey closes May 18 and is for research purposes only. Participants will not be contacted as a result of any responses.

Positions available on the AMA-MSS Governing Council

If you're interested in a national leadership position with the AMA Medical Student Section (MSS), then apply for a position on the AMA-MSS Governing Council.

The section is accepting applications for vice chair, delegate, alternate delegate, at-large officer, speaker and vice speaker. The AMA-MSS Governing Council acts as the "board" for the section in that its members direct the programs and activities of the AMA-MSS on a national level. Applications are due May 17; download one today.

Learn more about the available governing council positions.

Book your room for the AMA-MSS meeting

The AMA has reserved a block of rooms at a discounted rate at the Homewood Suites Hotel for attendees of the AMA Medical Student Section (MSS) Annual Assembly Meeting. This special rate will be available until May 23, or until all rooms are sold out. Book reservations with Homewood Suites online or call (800) 445-8667 and ask for the AMA discount.

The AMA-MSS meeting will take place June 14–16 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago prior to the Annual Meeting of the AMA House of Delegates. Learn more about the Annual Meeting.

Guide offers unique overview of specialties

AMA medical student members have exclusive access to a helpful resource guide that can help them choose a career path.

Choosing a Medical Specialty: The AMA's Resource Guide for Medical Students offers detailed snapshots of the most common specialties and subspecialties with data from the Graduate Medical Education Directory, FREIDA Online and specialty associations. Specialty summaries include skills required to succeed in a specialty, interaction with common types of patients, guidance about work-life balance and more. AMA members can log in to access the guide.

Don't miss out on valuable resources for AMA members. Renew your membership or join the AMA today to begin receiving these benefits.

In addition, AMA members can attend the AMA Medical Student Section's ninth annual Medical Specialty Showcase, June 16 in Chicago, and meet physicians from a variety of specialties, including radiology, obstetrics and gynecology, orthopaedics and emergency medicine. Physicians on hand will provide an introduction to their specialty and offer materials to help with career decisions.