Where are the USMLE test centres in UK?

[vince00]

Hi,

I was just wondering if anyone know where are the test centres in the UK, and what are the time of the year that I can take the exam (Step 1).

Thanks

[sbailey]

Only in London, apparently. I advise that you read this: http://student.bmj.com/issues/05/06/careers/238.php

[bubblewrap]

I was wondering the same....so do they have fixed dates or can we take the exam at any suitable date?

[Bambi]

There are loads! London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, 1 in Wales and a few more I have forgotten. You can take the exam on pretty much any date.

[Tangliss]

Am I right in believing you can take USMLE after the first two years at Medical school?

[Scottish Chap]

Originally Posted by Tangliss

Am I right in believing you can take USMLE after the first two years at Medical school?

In the U.S., yes for USMLE Step 1, because the basic sciences (what USMLE Step 1 tests) are covered in two years. In the U.K., I would wait until at least the end of year 3 of a 5-year programme. Step 1 covers basic sciences as well as clinical scenarios and therapeutics. It covers: physiology, pharmacology, pathology, micro, immunology, biochemistry, genetics, anatomy, embryology, cell and molecular biology, nutrition, psychology, statistics and epidemiology, and ethics.

You're responsible for all the nasty little details (equations, which viruses are DNA/RNA-bases with single/double strands, interpretation of DNA gels, signal transduction pathways for drugs, common ECG findings, Wigger diagrams for cardiac cycle, pressure loops etc). The thought process is also second- and third-order (all questions are presented in a long passage and the disease is often only implied: "patient was walking in the woods and may have been bitten by something. The ECG looks like this. What is a common side effect of the drug usually used to treat the issue the patient has." That said, it is a VERY doable exam if you do enough questions in random, timed mode. There is a sticky in the USMLE forum on study strategies.

USMLE step 2 should be taken only after you've completed all the core clinical attachments (medicine, surgery, paeds, psych, obs/gyn, neurology, emergency, general practice) for it covers clinical management.

[Tangliss]

Thanks you have been very helpful! I'm seriously thinking about doing this so will take your advice and take step 1 after year 3. I noticed you are in New York, how long have you been there?

[Scottish Chap]

Originally Posted by Tangliss

Thanks you have been very helpful! I'm seriously thinking about doing this so will take your advice and take step 1 after year 3. I noticed you are in New York, how long have you been there?

Seven years all together, but three years for my recent sentence. Kidding.

[ArabianPrince]

Originally Posted by Scottish Chap

In the U.S., yes for USMLE Step 1, because the basic sciences (what USMLE Step 1 tests) are covered in two years. In the U.K., I would wait until at least the end of year 3 of a 5-year programme. Step 1 covers basic sciences as well as clinical scenarios and therapeutics. It covers: physiology, pharmacology, pathology, micro, immunology, biochemistry, genetics, anatomy, embryology, cell and molecular biology, nutrition, psychology, statistics and epidemiology, and ethics.

You're responsible for all the nasty little details (equations, which viruses are DNA/RNA-bases with single/double strands, interpretation of DNA gels, signal transduction pathways for drugs, common ECG findings, Wigger diagrams for cardiac cycle, pressure loops etc). The thought process is also second- and third-order (all questions are presented in a long passage and the disease is often only implied: "patient was walking in the woods and may have been bitten by something. The ECG looks like this. What is a common side effect of the drug usually used to treat the issue the patient has." That said, it is a VERY doable exam if you do enough questions in random, timed mode. There is a sticky in the USMLE forum on study strategies.

USMLE step 2 should be taken only after you've completed all the core clinical attachments (medicine, surgery, paeds, psych, obs/gyn, neurology, emergency, general practice) for it covers clinical management.

Hi,

I am currently a final year medical student at the University of Leeds. Thank you for the very informative low-down on the USLME.

I was wondering if there is a timeframe by which you have to complete all 3 parts of the USMLE? For example, does one part expire if part 2 is not completed by a certain time???

Thanks

[Scottish Chap]

Originally Posted by ArabianPrince

Hi,

I am currently a final year medical student at the University of Leeds. Thank you for the very informative low-down on the USLME.

I was wondering if there is a timeframe by which you have to complete all 3 parts of the USMLE? For example, does one part expire if part 2 is not completed by a certain time???

Thanks

Yes, there is. I know this because MD/PhD students in the U.S. are granted an 'exemption' for this rule (they take Step 1 after 2 years of med school, then do 3-4 years of lab work, another 2 years of med school, and then take Step 2.....so around 5-6 years after Step 1 there might be a problem). Check the NBME website. It should have that information.