Many ACGME residency programs accept both DO and MD applicants. Can COMLEX scores be converted into USMLE scores so that those programs can have a common criterion in judging all applicants?
Although others have attempted to create a conversion of COMLEX-USA and the USMLE, it must be recognized that COMLEX and USMLE are two different licensing examination systems. DO applicants and MD applicants are two different test-taking populations by virtue of their training and experience. Therefore, without medical, psychometric, and philosophical breakthroughs in addressing the fundamental differences between the two testing systems, two examinee populations, and the two professions, it would not be responsible for the NBOME to attempt to provide such a direct conversion for COMLEX-USA.
Related Questions
- Many ACGME residency programs accept both DO and MD applicants. Can COMLEX scores be converted into USMLE scores so that those programs can have a common criterion in judging all applicants?
- If COMLEX and USMLE scores cannot be converted, how should ACGME programs use COMLEX scores to evaluate osteopathic applicants?
- Can residency programs estimate the percentiles from COMLEX 3-digit scores by themselves?
