YSM 2022 Strategic Plan for Medical Education
Deputy Dean Jessica Illuzzi, recently shared the 2022 Yale School of Medicine Strategic Plan for Medical Education. As part of her message, she stated that strategic planning is an opportunity for our institution to reflect on its mission and to articulate its vision for the future. This process involved the thoughtful contributions of students, faculty, alumni, staff, and leaders from the health system, the university, and our community.
The plan presents goals and action items in three domains:
- Student Engagement in Attaining Competency.
- Faculty Participation in the Educational Mission; and
- Creating a More Inclusive and Enriched Learning Community.
Dean Illuzzi has indicated that in the weeks ahead, we will form working groups that will help implement the ten action items presented in the plan. If you are interested in joining or leading a working group, please reach out to Dean Illuzzi.
USMLE Comprehensive Basic Science Self-Assessment Vouchers
To assist students in self assessing their knowledge readiness for the clerkship period and to allow students to assess their understanding and assimilation of the content that they have acquired in their courses, we will be providing all MS2s a token to take the USMLE Comprehensive Basic Science Self-Assessment. This self-assessment is a practice test designed for students planning to take the USMLE Step 1. It features multiple-choice questions on content typically covered during basic science medical education courses. The self-assessment is delivered through the MyNBMESM Examinee Portal.
MS2s received an email from Susan Larkin on October 12th which contained your voucher number and instructions for redeeming the voucher for the USMLE Step 1 Comprehensive Basic Science Subject exam. MD students can use this voucher to take the exam at any time they feel it is advantageous in their preparation within a year of receiving the voucher. However, we strongly encourage MD students to use this voucher and take the exam prior to starting the Clerkships in January. MD/PhD students are required to use this voucher and must take the exam prior to December 31, 2022, as indicated in an email to second year MD/PhD students from Dr. Kazmierczak on September 22nd. Any questions on the MD/PhD requirement should be directed to Dr. Kazmierczak.
In addition to the voucher for the practice test for MS2s, we will continue to provide MS3s with a voucher for the USMLE Step 1 Comprehensive Basic Science Subject exam at the end of their last clerkship. This voucher can be used during the ATP in preparation for taking Step1.
UWorld Reimbursement for MS3 Students taking Step 2CK in 2023
As indicated in an email to all current clerkship students from Deputy Dean Illuzzi on September 22nd, the YSM Alumni Fund is providing reimbursement for their purchase of the UWorld USMLE Step 2 CK Qbank with 360-Day Access ($573.24) to all students taking Step 2 during 2023. To process the reimbursement, please complete this form. You will be asked to include the date of the UWorld purchase, the date you are taking the Step2 CK exam and will be required to attach a copy of your UWorld receipt.
Only students taking STEP 2 CK in 2023 are eligible for reimbursement, and reimbursements can only be processed if purchased within 365 days of the dated receipt. If you have any questions, please contact Megan Pendagast.
UWorld USMLE Step 2 CK Qbank with 360-Day Access for MS2 Students Entering in January 2023.
The YSM Alumni Fund is providing the funds for the school to provide all MS2 students the UWorld USMLE Step 2 CK Qbank with 360-Day Access. During the Transition Course in December 2022, MS2 students will receive a voucher that can be used to provide access to the Step 2 CK Qbank. The voucher can be redeemed at any point within one year of receiving it and once redeemed will provide 360 days of access to the Q-Bank. Features of the UWorld Qbank package can be found at medical.uworld.com/usmle/usmle-step-2-ck/.
Unlike the reimbursement offer for current clerkship students, MS2 students should not purchase the package on their own as reimbursement will not be possible since the vouchers, we will provide in Transition are tied to an institutional purchase package.
Inclusive Language Initiative
We are proud to inform all students, staff and faculty of the school of medicine about the official release of the YSM Inclusive Language Initiative. The Office of Curriculum in conjunction with the Health Equity Thread are dedicated to providing an inclusive learning environment where all students, faculty, and staff feel recognized and respected. As part of this commitment, the Inclusive Language Initiative sought to provide a glossary generated by a committee of faculty, staff, students, and community partners who have aimed to provide a resource to facilitate learning across the medical school. It is also intended to provide a shared mental model for students and faculty to be able to engage in scientific and patient care discussions.
Language, like science, is not static and changes as we learn more and validate our findings with others. The current glossary is intended to be a living document that will be reviewed and evaluated periodically to ensure that it continues to meet its intended mission.
We encourage you to read the forward on the YSM Inclusive Language Initiative describing the goals, philosophy, and guiding principles the committee used to create the Inclusive language Glossary. There is also a link at the bottom of the webpage for providing commenting and formative input. We are grateful to Drs. Talwalkar and Sheares for their skillful and visionary leadership of the initiative and to the many individuals that you will see acknowledged on the website for their tireless and passionate contribution to this initiative.