The Medical Alumni Association board approved a gift from their Medical Student Assistance Fund to pay for each rising fourth-year medical student to have access to a National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) Step 2 practice exam. The practice exam will help keep students on course for graduation and entry into residency, despite the disruption in learning activities caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
“The Step 2 Clinical Skills exam was canceled this year; however, the Step 2 Clinical Knowledge exam will still occur,” said Nicholas Van Wagoner, M.D., Ph.D., associate dean for students. “The gracious donation from MAA is in use to help students prepare for Step 2 Clinical Knowledge. So far, 66 students on two testing dates have benefited from your generosity and taken the Step 2 practice examination. We have several more dates scheduled later in June. The practice exam is helping us ascertain students’ readiness and allowing us to intervene when necessary to ensure their success.”
“The coronavirus pandemic put all of us in unprecedented circumstances, but the Medical Alumni Association has continued to support students in any way they can,” said student Graham Kirchner. “I hope all my fellow rising fourth-years will join me in showing our appreciation to the MAA not only through words of thanks, but also by working hard and doing the best we can on our exams.”
“This gift is greatly appreciated,” said Craig Hoesley, M.D., senior associate dean for Medical Education. “The students are ecstatic that they have this opportunity. It wouldn’t have been possible without the MAA’s generosity.”