Here are some sample COMLEX-USA questions.
A 68-year-old woman presents to the office with a 3-month history of low back pain that radiates down her right leg. Past medical history is unremarkable. Physical examination reveals:
• Positive straight-leg raising test result on the right at 45 degrees
• +1/4 Achilles reflex on the right
• +2/4 Achilles reflex on the left
• 4/5 muscle strength of the right foot on eversion
• Normal muscle strength of the left foot on eversion
What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. cauda equina syndrome
B. lumbar radiculopathy
C. lumbar spinal stenosis
D. peripheral neuropathy
E. piriformis syndrome
F. psoas syndrome
A 68-year-old woman presents to the office for a follow-up evaluation 5 weeks after placement of a wrist splint for treatment of a right-sided Colles fracture. The fracture occurred when she fell on her outstretched hand. A DXA scan reveals a T-score of -2.6 and a normal Z-score. What is the most appropriate next step?
A. initiate combined estrogen and progestin therapy
B. obtain urinary osteocalcin level
C. obtain radiographs of the lumbar and thoracic vertebrae
D. prescribe alendronate
E. repeat DXA scan in 2 years
A 65-year-old woman presents to the office with a 3-day history of neck pain and dizziness. The patient denies any injury or trauma. On examination, passive cervical rotation to the right in extension causes vertical nystagmus, pain, and increased dizziness. What is the most likely cause of this patient’s presentation?
A. AA somatic dysfunction
B. cranial somatic dysfunction
C. OA somatic dysfunction
D. thoracic outlet syndrome
E. vertebral artery insufficiency
A 55-year-old woman presents to the office with a 1-week history of severe, paroxysmal, stabbing, episodic facial pain. The episodes last from several seconds to minutes. Past medical history is unremarkable. Physical examination reveals mild tenderness along the superior aspect of the jaw line on the left. It is most appropriate to initially prescribe which of the following medications?
A. amitriptyline
B. baclofen
C. carbamazepine
D. gabapentin
E. phenytoin
A 12-year-old boy is brought to the office by his parent with a 1-month history of rapid jerking movements of his arms. The parent reports that the episodes often occur in the morning and cause the patient to spill drinks. The patient denies loss of bladder control or loss of consciousness during these episodes. The parent also says that the patient urinated in the middle of the night 2 days ago, which is not typical for him. Past medical history is negative for seizures. He takes no medications. Physical examination reveals normal neurologic findings. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. absence seizures
B. juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
C. motor tics
D. rolandic epilepsy
E. tonic seizures
A 60-year-old man is evaluated in the hospital 1 day after he was admitted for an acute myocardial infarction. The patient denies any chest pain or shortness of breath; however, he is reluctant to walk down the hallway. Vital signs are normal. Physical examination reveals a regular heart rate and rhythm and clear lungs. It is most appropriate to counsel this patient on the importance of ambulation to prevent
A. dysrhythmia
B. heart failure
C. myocardial rupture
D. pulmonary embolism
E. reinfarction
A 21-year-old man presents to the office with a 2-day history of severe neck pain that began after his neck was hyperextended and laterally rotated during a judo tournament. Physical examination reveals paresthesia of the right thumb and index finger and right wrist weakness on flexion. A radiograph of the cervical spine reveals a fractured C6 vertebra. This patient is most likely experiencing neuropathy of which of the following nerves?
A. axillary
B. median
C. musculocutaneous
D. radial
E. ulnar
A 37-year-old man presents to the office with a 6-month history of progressive fatigue. He also reports a 1-month history of bleeding when he brushes his teeth. Physical examination reveals generalized ecchymoses and hyperkeratosis. This patient most likely has a deficiency of which of the following dietary nutrients?
A. folic acid
B. niacin
C. vitamin B6
D. vitamin C
E. vitamin D
A 72-year-old male presents to the office with a 3-week history of back pain. Laboratory studies reveal a hemoglobin level of 8.8 g/dL (reference range: 13.5-17.5 g/dL) and a serum creatinine level of 2.50 mg/dL (reference range: 0.62-1.10 mg/dL). Urine dipstick testing reveals +1 proteinuria (reference range: negative), and sulfosalicylic acid testing reveals +4 proteinuria (reference range: negative). What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Alport syndrome
B. Goodpasture syndrome
C. multiple myeloma
D. polycystic kidney disease
E. urinary tract infection
A 65-year-old male presents to the office with the complaint of double vision. He reports that the double vision seems to become more prominent when he reads the newspaper at night and is less of a problem in the early morning. He also reports that his speech becomes difficult to understand in the evening. All of these symptoms have been present for 3 or 4 months and fluctuate in severity. Physical examination reveals ptosis of the right eye, and the patient seems to grimace when he smiles. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. arsenic poisoning
B. hemispheric brain tumor
C. myasthenia gravis
D. peripheral neuropathy
E. Pick disease
A new integrative medicine clinic offers nutritional and thermography tests that may be clinically valuable to several of your patients. For each test that you order, the clinic offers to send you a $10 referral fee per patient. The integrative medicine clinic would also give you 10% of the sale price for any nutritional products that your patients purchase through them. You decline the offer because it is in violation of the
A. False Claims Act (FCA)
B. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
C. Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act (PFCRA)
D. Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO)
E. Stark Law
A 25-year-old female presents to the office with a 4-week history of numbness and paresthesia over a large, oval-shaped area on the lateral aspect of her left thigh. The symptoms began after she tripped down the stairs and fell on her left side. Physical examination reveals normal motor findings and decreased sensation to light touch that is localized to the left lateral thigh. Lower extremity deep tendon reflexes are +2/4 bilaterally. Hypertonicity of which of the following muscles is the most likely cause of this patient’s condition?
A. left iliopsoas
B. left piriformis
C. left vastus lateralis
D. right iliacus
E. right quadratus lumborum
A 24-year-old female presents to the office with a 1-week history of bloody diarrhea. She reports no weight loss. Her temperature is 37.1°C (98.8°F). Physical examination reveals increased muscle tension in the paravertebral tissue at T10-L2 on the left. Colonoscopy reveals superficial ulcers diffusely distributed in the rectum and distal colon. A biopsy of rectal tissue reveals chronic inflammation in the mucosa and cryptic abscesses. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. celiac sprue
B. Crohn disease
C. ischemic bowel disease
D. ulcerative colitis
E. Whipple disease
An 85-year-old female is brought to the office by her daughter, who has been concerned about her mother’s confusion and poor memory over the past 3 years. She was especially concerned when the patient recently became lost while taking a walk. On questioning, the patient stares off into the distance and is reluctant to answer questions, but she does complain of insomnia and depression. Past medical history reveals hypothyroidism diagnosed 30 years ago, which is managed with levothyroxine. Vital signs reveal a blood pressure of 110/60 mmHg and a heart rate of 60/min. Her thyroid-stimulating hormone level is 2.5 mcIU/mL (reference range: 0.4-4.2 mcIU/mL). An MRI of the brain reveals medial temporal lobe atrophy. Which of the following is most likely present in this patient’s brain?
A. aggregated prions
B. aggregates of α-synuclein
C. deposits of amyloid-β peptide
D. phosphorylated glial fibrillary acidic protein
E. phosphorylated huntingtin protein
A 44-year-old male presents to the office for a follow-up evaluation 6 weeks after a motor vehicle collision in which he sustained fractures of ribs 4-9 on the right. The ribs have since healed, but he reports that he has persistent shortness of breath. On examination, ribs 4-9 on the right move poorly with inhalation but descend well with exhalation. In order to appropriately treat this somatic dysfunction with muscle energy, the patient should contract which of the following muscles against the physician’s counterforce?
A. anterior scalene
B. iliocostalis
C. latissimus dorsi
D. pectoralis minor
E. serratus posterior superior
A 19-year-old female is admitted to the hospital for evaluation of fever and left-sided flank pain. She reports that she began to experience nausea, fever, chills, and progressive urinary incontinence 5 days ago. She is sexually active. Her temperature is 38.8°C (101.8°F). Urinalysis results are positive for leukocyte esterase and blood (reference range for both: negative). Microscopy of urine cultures grown on blood agar reveals gram-positive cocci. The most likely etiologic agent is
A. Escherichia coli
B. Proteus mirabilis
C. Staphylococcus aureus
D. Staphylococcus epidermidis
E. Staphylococcus saprophyticus
A 35-year-old male presents to the office as a new patient with a 9-month history of diffuse muscle achiness. He also complains of fatigue and muscle weakness, and he is frustrated that he did not receive a diagnosis from his previous physician. Past medical history is unremarkable. He does not use any medications or supplements. Physical examination reveals widespread bilateral axial and peripheral muscle tenderness. Upper and lower extremity muscle strength is 5/5 bilaterally, and deep tendon reflexes are +2/4 globally. Sensory examination findings are normal. What is the most likely explanation for this patient’s symptoms?
A. fibromyalgia
B. neuropathy
C. polymyositis
D. radiculopathy
E. somatoform disorder
A 33-year-old female presents to the office for a follow-up evaluation after she was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus. What is the most appropriate way for the physician to start the discussion about the patient’s new diagnosis?
A. begin with the basic pathophysiology of autoimmune diseases and then focus on lupus
B. explain that this is a chronic condition that can be life-threatening
C. explore what she already knows about lupus and try to uncover misconceptions
D. provide a complete description of symptoms and the various forms of treatment
E. provide detailed information even if she does not completely understand
A 21-year-old male presents to the office for evaluation of an ankle injury. He was playing football 3 days ago when he turned his right ankle inward while stepping on another player’s foot. He has been icing the ankle since the injury and is able to walk on it. Ibuprofen helps decrease the pain. An anterior drawer test at the ankle yields a negative result. Which of the following somatic dysfunctions is most likely present in this patient?
A. anterior fibular head
B. dorsal glide of the cuboid
C. external rotation of the femur
D. internal rotation of the tibia
E. alocalcaneal inversion
A 29-year-old female presents to the emergency department with an 8-day history of acute, worsening pain and swelling in her ankles. She describes the pain as severe and throbbing. The patient denies any history of trauma. Surgical history is negative. Examination reveals tender, swollen ankles with synovitis. Active range of motion is painful but only slightly decreased. Neurovascular findings are unremarkable. The patient has no ecchymosis, rashes, or breaks in the skin. Several tender nodules are palpated adjacent to the calcaneal tendons bilaterally. Results from a complete blood count and a basic metabolic profile are normal. The patient’s erythrocyte sedimentation rate is 45 mm/h (reference range: 0-20 mm/h). Rheumatoid factor level and antinuclear antibody titer results are normal. Radiographs of the ankles reveal normal findings. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Lyme disease
B. reactive arthritis
C. rheumatic fever
D. rheumatoid arthritis
E. sarcoidosis
An 18-month-old female is brought to the office for the third time in 6 months for evaluation of nausea, vomiting, fever, and decreased urine output. She is diagnosed with a urinary tract infection. She is placed on oral antibiotics for 10 days, and the symptoms resolve. An ultrasound of the kidneys reveals normal findings. Which of the following diagnostic tools is most likely to be helpful in formulating a plan to prevent future episodes?
A. CT scan of the abdomen
B. CT urography
C. postvoid residual ultrasonography of the bladder
D. renal scintigraphy
E. voiding cystourethrography
A 34-year-old male presents to the office for a health maintenance examination before his upcoming wedding. Past medical history is unremarkable, and surgical history is negative. When asked how he met his future spouse, he says that ever since she gave him “the glance” a month ago he knew that this was the signal that she wanted to marry him. He says that the only thing he’s worried about is how he’s going to turn down all of the other woman who give him “the glance.” In fact, he’s pretty certain that the clerk who took his insurance card at the front desk gave him “the glance” as well. He denies alcohol or substance use and says that he has never been to a therapist. He is not taking any medications. The patient is well dressed, well groomed, and cooperative in answering questions during the interview. He reports having a good mood. He exhibits goal-directed thought processes. He denies any thoughts of self-harm or harm to others. He also denies any auditory or visual hallucinations. The most likely diagnosis is
A. brief reactive psychosis
B. delusional disorder
C. paranoid personality disorder
D. schizophrenia
E. schizophreniform disorder
A 28-year-old primigravid female at 32 weeks’ gestation presents to the office for a prenatal examination. Her pregnancy is significant for dichorionic/diamniotic twin gestation but otherwise unremarkable, and she has received regular prenatal care. On ultrasound, both fetuses are in the occipitoanterior position and are normal-sized for twin gestation. What is the most significant risk to this patient’s pregnancy at this stage of gestation?
A. gestational diabetes
B. fetal demise
C. twin-twin transfusion syndrome
D. preeclampsia
E. preterm labor
A 70-year-old female is evaluated in the hospital on postoperative day 1 due to mental status changes and agitation, which caused her to pull out her intravenous line and Foley catheter. The patient underwent surgery to repair a fractured hip associated with a fall. Past medical history reveals heart failure and diabetes mellitus. The patient lives by herself and still drives. She drinks 1 glass of wine per week and denies tobacco use. Vital signs are normal. The patient is awake and alert but exhibits a flat affect. She is oriented to person only and has difficulty following commands. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. acute stress disorder
B. agoraphobia
C. brief psychotic disorder
D. delirium
E. major vascular neurocognitive disorder
A 42-year-old male is brought to the office by his wife, who says he has exhibited irritability, decreased sleep, and distractibility for the past 2 weeks. She says that he keeps coming up with ridiculous, grand ideas and has been gambling excessively. He has had similar episodes in the past that typically resolve after a month; however, this episode seems more extreme. On questioning, the patient exhibits loud, pressured speech. He says that he feels fine and is not having any problems. Physical examination findings are otherwise normal. The results of laboratory studies, including complete blood count, basic metabolic profile, urinalysis, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, are normal. The most appropriate initial treatment includes lithium and
A. aripiprazole
B. fluoxetine
C. imipramine
D. valproate
E. ziprasidone
A 22-year-old male infantry soldier presents to the office with the complaint of recurrent foot pain that began after he experienced a stress fracture of the right second metatarsal during basic training 18 months ago. After initial healing of the fracture, the pain has continued to improve with ongoing osteopathic manipulative treatment, which he has been receiving since his return home from deployment 3 months ago. He says that the pain worsens after long training marches, and he fears that he may develop another fracture. On examination, the first metatarsal is shorter than the second, and calluses are noted under the second and third metatarsal heads. For this patient to reduce the incidence of recurrence, the most appropriate recommendation is for him to:
A. apply ice packs to his feet after long marches
B. limit his pack weight to 9.1 kg (20.0 lb) for long marches
C. obtain a single steroid injection into the plantar fascia
D. use warm magnesium sulfate foot soaks after long marches
E. wear proper fitting shoes with custom orthotics
A 59-year-old male presents to the office with a 2-year history of excessive daytime sleepiness, nasal obstruction, fatigue, and snoring. He has been falling asleep in meetings at work, and he fell asleep once while driving. Past medical history reveals hypertension and hypothyroidism with a nontoxic goiter. His body mass index is 37 kg/m2. Physical examination reveals a markedly deviated septum, an elongated uvula, absent tonsils, a Mallampati classification of grade I, and a palpable, nontender thyroid. Polysomnography reveals an apnea-hypopnea index of 15. A trial of continuous positive airway pressure is immediately discontinued by the patient because of his intolerance of the device. The most appropriate alternate treatment option for this patient is:
A. hypoglossal nerve stimulation
B. septoplasty
C. subtotal thyroidectomy
D. turbinectomy
E. uvulopalatopharyngoplasty
A 29-year-old female presents to the office with a 2-day history of vaginal discharge. Pelvic examination reveals frothy, voluminous, and foul-smelling discharge. Saline wet mount of the discharge reveals motile organisms. The most likely diagnosis is
A. bacterial vaginosis
B. candidiasis
C. gonorrhea
D. herpes
E. trichomoniasis
A 24-year-old female presents to the office with a 3-day history of a cough that is occasionally productive of yellowish sputum. She also reports facial pressure and pain in her teeth over the same time period. Examination reveals pain to percussion over the maxillary sinuses and an injected posterior pharynx. The lungs are clear to auscultation. The most likely diagnosis is
A. acute bronchitis
B. acute pharyngitis
C. acute pneumonia
D. acute sinusitis
E. chronic bronchitis
A 31-year-old female presents to the office with a 1-year history of infertility. Records reveal that the patient was hospitalized for right upper quadrant abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting 2 months ago. Laparoscopic examination reveals adhesions between the liver capsule and anterior abdominal wall. The most likely diagnosis is:
A. Budd-Chiari syndrome
B. Dubin-Johnson syndrome
C. Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome
D. reactive arthritis
E. Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome
A 22-month-old male is brought to the office with a 24-hour history of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever with temperatures up to 39.4°C (103.0°F). Examination reveals an erythematous, bulging tympanic membrane and lymphatic congestion at the thoracic inlet. What is the most likely cause of this patient’s symptoms?
A. herpes zoster oticus
B. impaction of the molars
C. otitis media
D. perforation of the tympanic membrane
E. trigeminal neuralgia
A 39-year-old female presents to the office with a 3-day history of pain in the right calf. Past medical history is unremarkable. She smokes cigarettes and has a 21 pack-year history. She denies alcohol use. She has taken oral contraceptives for the past 15 years. Physical examination reveals swelling of the right calf and ankle. There is pain in the calf on dorsiflexion of the right foot. A D-dimer level is 900 ng/mL (reference range: 220-740 ng/mL). The most appropriate treatment is:
A. factor VIII
B. heparin
C. plasmapheresis
D. platelet transfusion
E. thrombin
A 24-year-old female presents to the office with a 1-week history of bloody diarrhea. She reports no weight loss. Her temperature is 37.1°C (98.8°F). Physical examination reveals increased muscle tension in the paravertebral tissue at T10-L2 on the left. Endoscopy reveals superficial ulcers diffusely distributed in the rectum and distal colon. The most likely diagnosis is:
A. celiac sprue
B. Crohn disease
C. ischemic bowel disease
D. ulcerative colitis
E. Whipple disease
A 58-year-old female presents to the office with a history of 3 episodes of abrupt-onset syncope without any premonitory symptoms. Neurologic examination findings are normal. Physical examination reveals a blowing systolic murmur over the second intercostal space on the right with radiation to the base of the neck. Her syncopal episodes are most likely due to:
A. Aortic stenosis
B. Mitral stenosis
C. Orthostasis
D. Seizure
E. Vasovagal syncope
A 40-year-old male is developing an exaggerated concave anterior curvature of the thoracic vertebral column. He was successfully treated for tuberculosis 10 years ago. Radiographic analysis reveals degeneration of the anterior aspect of the bodies of T6 and T7. This causes a sharp anterior angulation in the vertebral column. This abnormal curvature of the vertebral column is known as:
A. Kyphosis
B. Lordosis
C. Myeloschisis
D. Scoliosis
E. Spina Bifida
A 22-year-old female presents to the office for a preemployment physical examination. Auscultation of the heart reveals a systolic murmur that radiates to the apex. History reveals rheumatic fever. This patient’s murmur will be best heard by placing the stethoscope bell over the:
A. Fifth intercostal space on the left side of the sternum
B. Fifth intercostal space on the right side of the sternum
C. Second intercostal space on the left side of the sternum
D. Second intercostal space on the right side of the sternum
E. Third intercostal space on the right side of the sternum
A 28-year-old male presents to the office with a 1-month history of fatigue when he walks up the 3 flights of stairs to his apartment. He denies becoming fatigued after moderate physical activity. Physical examination reveals mild bilateral hypertrophy of the gastrocnemius. Laboratory studies reveal a creatine kinase level of 525 U/L (reference range: 38-174 U/L). ECG results suggest right ventricular hypertrophy. Which of the following molecular methods is most appropriate to determine the underlying etiology?
A. Array comparative gene hybridization
B. Fluorescent in situ hybridization
C. Karyotyping with banding
D. Northern blot
E. Polymerase chain reaction
A 46-year-old male presents to the office with a 3-month history of polyuria and polydipsia. His body mass index is 32 kg/m2. Vital signs are normal, and physical examination reveals normal findings. Laboratory studies reveal:
| Test |
Patient’s Value |
Reference Ranges |
| Sodium |
142 mEq/L |
136-145 mEq/L |
| Potassium |
4.2 mEq/L |
3.5-5.1 mEq/L |
| Chloride |
105 mEq/L |
98-107 mEq/L |
| Bicarbonate |
23 mEq/L |
22-29 mEq/L |
| Blood urea nitrogen |
18 mg/dL |
6-20 mg/dL |
| Creatinine |
1.10 mg/dL |
0.62-1.10 mg/dL |
| Glucose |
220 mg/dL |
70-125 mg/dL |
| Hemoglobin A1c |
8.2% |
4.0-5.6% |
What is the most common adverse effect of the drug of choice for this patient?
A. Diarrhea
B. Hypoglycemia
C. Lactic acidosis
D. Peripheral edema
E. Weight gain
A 33-year-old female presents to the office after being referred by a counselor due to despair, anxiety, lack of motivation, and inability to concentrate. She says that these symptoms have been persistent since both her parents died in the past year. She has never been treated for a mood disorder. Questioning reveals no overt suicidal or violent ideation. Past medical history reveals a seizure disorder during adolescence. The most appropriate pharmacotherapy for this patient’s condition is most likely to produce which of the following chronic adverse effects?
A. Arrhythmia
B. Diarrhea
C. Diminished libido
D. Hypotension
E. Nausea
A 71-year-old male presents to the office with a 6-week history of difficulty walking and moving. He states that “everything seems to be going slower and taking longer.” Physical examination reveals muscle rigidity, a resting tremor, and postural imbalance. What is the mechanism of action of the most appropriate agent treatment of this patient?
A. Blocking dopamine reuptake
B. Increasing dopamine synthesis
C. Inhibiting dopamine metabolism
D. Stimulating dopamine receptors
E. Stimulating dopamine release
A 3-year-old female is brought to the emergency department by her mother due to possible accidental drug ingestion. The mother states that she left her daughter alone for a few minutes while she showered and then discovered that several medicine bottles were misplaced. She thinks her daughter may have ingested something but does not know what. Past medical history is noncontributory. The patient’s respiratory rate is 22/min. While the patient is in the emergency department, she develops abdominal pain and diarrhea, vomits brownish liquid, and becomes drowsy and lethargic. Subsequent physical examination reviews cyanosis of the lips and fingers. Based on the patient’s medical evaluation, a pharmacologic agent is administered to reverse the effects of the ingested substance. What is the mechanism of the most likely administered agent?
A. Acts as an antioxidant and decreases oxidative damage caused by the substance
B. Changes the pH of the urine and increases the elimination of the substance
C. Decreases the absorption of the substance in the gut
D. Increases the metabolism of the substance to inactive metabolites
E. Prevents the substance from binding to tissues
A 21-year-old female presents to the office with a 4-day history of suprapubic pain and dysuria. Past medical history reveals that the patient was treated for similar symptoms 6 months ago and is hypersensitive to sulfonamides. Her temperature is 38.4℃ (101.1℉). Urinalysis reveals a leukocyte count of 10/hpf (reference range: 0-5/hpf) and the presence of gram-negative bacilli. What is the mechanism of action of the most appropriate pharmacologic agent for this patient?
A. Disruption of lipid A synthesis
B. Disruption of membrane potential
C. Inhibition of cell wall synthesis
D. Inhibition of folate synthesis
E. Inhibition of protein synthesis
A 57-year-old male presents to the office for evaluation of chronic low back pain. The pain is worse in the morning, but usually improves after a few minutes of movement. The pain then returns later in the day, after he has been on his feet for a while at work. Physical examination reveals general lumbar stiffness with L2-L4 neutral, sidebent right, rotated left. Muscle strength, tone, and reflexes are normal. Localized low back pain is reproduced with lumbar extension and rotation. The most likely diagnosis is:
A. Lumbar Facet Degeneration
B. Lumbar Nerve Root Compression
C. Piriformis Muscle Spasm
D. Spinal Stenosis
E. Unilateral Sacral Flexion
We will be sharing more questions throughout the year. Look out for the announcements on our social media pages at the beginning of every month
NBOME congratulates Robert T. Hasty, DO, NBOME National Faculty member, for being selected as the founding dean of the new college of osteopathic medicine at the Kansas Health Science Center (KHSC).
A valued member of the osteopathic community, Dr. Hasty became a member of our National Faculty in 2007. He has served in many different roles, including as an Item Writer for COMLEX-USA Level 2-CE, as a member of our COMLEX-USA Level 2-PE Case Development Committee, and as Chair of our Advanced Items Committee. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Hasty was the founding dean at the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) since 2015, and left his position at ICOM at the beginning of May 2019. Before coming to ICOM, he was the associate dean of Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine, where he worked to secure new residency positions.
Dr. Hasty believes there is a growing need for doctors across the country, and hopes that his involvement in founding KHSC will help meet that need. The new college of osteopathic medicine at KHSC will be the first medical school in Kansas to open in more than a hundred years.
We look forward to working with Dr. Hasty in his new role, and wish him the best of luck in his new position.
Read more about Dr. Hasty’s role as founding dean.
We are pleased to congratulate Scott A. Steingard, DO, for being installed as chair of the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) at the FSMB Annual Meeting in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 27, 2019.
“During my year as FSMB Chair, I will place an emphasis on building strong relationships – among the medical boards, certainly – but also between boards and other stakeholders, including health care organizations, legislators and state and federal agencies. I will strive for all voices to be heard, fostering a culture of inclusive dialogue and rigorous but respectful debate.”
He joined the FSMB’s Board of Directors in 2010-2013, and was elected again in 2016. Dr. Steingard has been highly active on a number of FSMB committees, including the audit, awards, bylaws and governance committees, the workgroup on physician wellness, the workgroup on education about medical regulation, and many others.
“Dr. Steingard has been a leader in the osteopathic medical community in Arizona as well as the medical licensure community nationally over several decades,” said John R. Gimpel, DO, MEd, President & CEO of the NBOME, “His experience and commitment to patient safety and quality medical regulation in Arizona and for the nation make him an excellent candidate to lead the FSMB as Chair.”
Dr. Steingard is a significant contributor to the osteopathic profession, and has been practicing medicine in Arizona for over 30 years. A former member of the Arizona Board of Osteopathic Examiners in Medicine and Surgery, Dr. Steingard served there as president from 2009-2016. He continues to be active in the Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association (AOMA) and the American Osteopathic Association, and has previously been awarded AOMA Physician of the Year and the Arizona State Legislature’s Governors Award.
Philadelphia, PA. The National Board of Osteopathic Examiners (NBOME) watched in excitement alongside thousands of applicants and residency programs participating in the National Resident Matching Program’s (NRMP®) 2019 Main Residency Match® as they learned which residency program they will complete their medical specialty training at for the next three to seven years. We are thrilled to recognize 2019 as the largest match in NRMP history, with both the largest pool of registered applicants, (44,603 registered applicants), vying for the highest number of positions (35,185 total positions) since the NRMP Match began.
With the ongoing transition to a single accreditation system for graduate medical education (GME) programs, 4,780 residency programs and 6,001 DO students and graduates joined the NRMP Match this year. Since the transition to a single GME system began in 2015, the number of U.S. osteopathic medical school students and graduates seeking positions through the NRMP Match has risen by 3,052 — a dramatic 103 percent increase. This year 5,076 DO students and graduates matched successfully matched to first year positions – an 84.6% match rate – up 2.9% from last year.
In addition to the DO students and graduates who matched in last week’s NRMP Match, the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) reported last month that 1,276 DO students and graduates matched to residency positions in the final AOA 2019 Match. The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) will report on all match placements by osteopathic applicants on its website in mid-April.
“Record-setting 2019 NRMP Match results for DO applicants, in addition to successful placements in the Specialty Fellowship Program Match and AOA Match, truly clarify the widespread recognition of DOs and their highly valued qualifications and competencies in ACGME programs,” shared John R. Gimpel, DO, MEd, President & CEO of NBOME.
The move to a single accreditation system is an exciting time of growth and change for all in the medical education community. The NBOME congratulates residency programs on their new incoming residents, and in welcoming these students and graduates to the next step in their careers.
###
About The NBOME
The NBOME is an independent, non-governmental, non-profit assessment organization committed to protecting the public by providing the means to assess competencies for osteopathic medicine and related health care professions. NBOME’s COMLEX-USA examination series is a requirement for graduation from colleges of osteopathic medicine and provides the pathway to licensure for osteopathic physicians in the United States and numerous international jurisdictions. For more information, visit www.nbome.org or call 866-479-6828.
The Match Process
For applicants, the Main Residency Match process begins in the fall during the final year of medical school, when they apply to the residency programs of their choice. Throughout the fall and early winter, applicants interview with programs. From mid-January to late February, applicants and program directors rank each other in order of preference and submit the preference lists to NRMP, which processes them using a computerized mathematical algorithm to match applicants with programs. Research on the NRMP algorithm was a basis for awarding The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel in 2012.
About NRMP
The National Resident Matching Program® (NRMP®) is a private, non-profit organization established in 1952 at the request of medical students to provide an orderly and fair mechanism for matching the preferences of applicants for U.S. residency positions with the preferences of residency program directors. In addition to the annual Main Residency Match® for almost 44,000 registrants, the NRMP conducts Fellowship Matches for more than 60 subspecialties through its Specialties Matching Service® (SMS®).
We are pleased to congratulate Frank Filipetto, DO, NBOME National Faculty member, for being named the Dean of the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (TCOM) at UNT Health Science Center.
A committed educator, Dr. Filipetto became a member of our National Faculty in 2016, and has since been a valued contributor to the COMLEX-USA Level 1 examination on various committees and as an item writer with a specialization in family medicine. Prior to his appointment as dean, Dr. Filipetto led TCOM, a nationally recognized osteopathic medical school on an interim basis for 18 months, and said he is proud to continue to lead TCOM as it evolves to meet the rapidly shifting needs of the healthcare system.
Dr. Filipetto believes schools must change to to meet changes in healthcare, and has a bold vision for osteopathic medical education at TCOM. To support and prepare students to thrive in and transform healthcare, he announced plans to integrate education at the osteopathic medical school with health systems science and emphasize student and physician wellness.
We look forward to working with Dr. Filipetto in his new role and wish him the best of luck in his leadership at TCOM.
Read more about Dr. Filipetto’s new position.
NBOME sat down with four of the many inspirational women in our midst to discuss their challenges, successes, and advice for future female DOs. We are pleased to share the stories of Natasha Bray, DO, MSEd; Danielle Cooley, DO; Gretta Gross, DO, MEd; and Karen T. Snider, DO, who contribute their talents on a regular basis as members of our Board, our National Faculty and our Staff.
What challenges have you faced in medical school, and later, in the workplace?
KS: “In the clinical setting, some patients assume I am a nurse. In the academic world, I see barriers placed against women who are mothers. Mothers are often the caregiver who get children to events or stay home with sick children, which can be a major impediment to advancement. I would not have been able to advance, if my husband had not shared the joy and burden of child care.”
NB: “I have been very fortunate to learn and practice in a time where women have been given equal opportunities. I have encountered individuals that have been non-supportive, but one of the great things about the osteopathic family is that there are far more people who will be your mentor, friend, and biggest supporter.”
How did Andrew T. Still’s model of accepting women into medical school from the very beginning impact you?
KS: “A.T. Still recognized the value of women for both their intellect and inherent nurturing tendencies. Unfortunately, his son did not feel the same way. As I walk past old American School of Osteopathy class photos each day, I see lots of women in the classes before A.T. Still died – but not so many after. This shows the impact of the profession’s leaders on the direction of its growth.”
DC: “A.T. Still’s model of accepting women into medical school is a great inspiration to me especially considering that at that time and for many years following, women did not have the same rights as men and were often looked as being inferior.”
Did you have a female role model that inspired you to go into medicine?
GG: “Both of my grandmothers had long careers in nursing and I believe my paternal grandmother would have been a physician had she been able to finance the medical education.”
DC: “Mom, although not in medicine herself and most of my younger life was a stay at home mom, has always inspired me and pushed me to follow my dreams and achieve them while giving me the confidence that I could do it.”
What words of advice would you have to share to future DOs about being a women in medicine?
GG: “Belonging to the profession of osteopathic medicine is truly an honor. The ability to impact patients, their families, and interact with the osteopathic professional family have provided me with experiences beyond any expectations I had entering the profession.”
NB: “I think women in medicine bring such an important balance. We recognize the fundamental need to fulfill different roles in our personal and professional lives, allowing for important recognition of the challenges patients face. We find ways to support patients in difficult choices, empower them with resources and comfort them in times of loss. Physicians face a difficult job but the rewards of helping fellow human beings is an amazing blessing.”
About our contributors:
Gretta Gross, DO, MEd, earned her osteopathic degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Gross is currently at the NBOME as the Vice President for Clinical Skills Testing. Prior to joining NBOME in her previous position, Dr. Gross worked as a part-time physician trainer and has been a physician examiner for the COMLEX-USA Level 2-PE SOAP Notes since 2004.
Karen T. Snider, DO, FAAO, FNAOME, earned her osteopathic degree from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Snider is currently a professor and assistant dean for osteopathic principles and practice integration at A.T. Still University – Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Snider joined the NBOME Board of Directors in 2010, and serves on the NBOME Awards Committee, the COMLEX-USA Level 2-CE Advisory Committee and the Nominating committee. She also serves on the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education as a member of the Osteopathic Recognition Committee.
Danielle Cooley, DO, earned her osteopathic degree from the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey School of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Cooley is currently an associate professor and chair of osteopathic manipulative medicine at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Cooley currently serves as COMAT Examination chair for osteopathic principles and practice/neuromusculoskeletal medicine.
Natasha Bray, DO, MSEd, FACOI, FACP, earned her osteopathic degree from the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Bray is currently serving as the Associate Dean for Accreditation and Academic Affairs at Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation. Dr. Bray currently serves as the Internal Medicine COMAT exam for NBOME and the Chair of the Osteopathic Principles Committee at ACGME.
Important changes regarding the COMLEX-USA Level 3 examination are taking place. As part of enhancing the COMLEX-USA examination series, a new COMLEX-USA Master Blueprint is being implemented, beginning with Level 3 in September 2018, and following in Levels 1 and 2 in 2019.
With the change to the enhanced COMLEX-USA Master Blueprint, COMLEX-USA Level 3 is transitioning to a two-day examination. This change is in response to the substantive changes in the evolution of osteopathic medical practice and to ensure COMLEX-USA remains current in meeting the needs of the state licensing boards. The two-day examination will consist of multiple-choice, single best-answer test questions and clinical decision-making (CDM) cases.
Transition period
Level 3 examinations administered before April 28, 2018 will continue to follow the one-day format and blueprint. From May through August, the NBOME will prepare for the new two-day Level 3 examinations which begin in September. During this transition period, no Level 3 examinations will be administered.
Scheduling the new COMLEX-USA Level 3 examination
Scheduling for the two-day Level 3 examination begins March 16, 2018. The last day to register for the current Level 3 examination administered as a one-day examination is March 15, 2018.
Changes to eligibility
There are new eligibility criteria for Level 3 examinations—residency program directors will attest to the fact that the licensure examination candidate is a resident in good academic and professional standing at the residency program and is approved to take the Level 3 examination. Good standing denotes that the resident has met the academic and professional requirements of the residency program and is eligible to continue as a resident in the program. The new criteria include a recommendation (not a requirement) that the Level 3 examination be taken after a minimum of six months in residency. The NBOME is working with residency programs, colleges of osteopathic medicine, osteopathic medical students, residents and other key stakeholders to inform them about the new attestation requirement.
Preparing for the new COMLEX-USA Level 3 examination
A new Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Self-Assessment Examination (COMSAE) Phase 3 test form, designed for osteopathic medical students and residents preparing for the COMLEX-USA Level 3 exam, and aligned with the enhanced master blueprint will be available in June 2018.
Information and resources are available
The NBOME website contains information on the transition to the new COMLEX-USA blueprint. Other website resources include changes to Level 3 frequently asked questions (FAQs), the bulletin of information and Level 3 practice examinations. A link to a recorded webinar for residency program directors is also available. The NBOME provides updates to the medical education community at national, regional and local meetings around the country, including presentations and workshops for residency programs and faculty throughout 2018.
About the NBOME
The NBOME is an independent, non-governmental, non-profit assessment organization committed to protecting the public by providing the means to assess competencies for osteopathic medicine and related health care professions. NBOME’s COMLEX-USA examination series is a requirement for graduation from colleges of osteopathic medicine and provides the pathway to licensure for osteopathic physicians in the United States and numerous international jurisdictions. For more information, visit www.nbome.org or call 866-479-6828.
# # #
The National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) announced the 2017 Item Writer and Case Author of the Year award winners among the organization’s esteemed National Faculty.
“Our diverse, dedicated National Faculty includes over 700 active, engaged leaders from across the nation with expertise in all osteopathic health professions and specialties, osteopathic medical education and evaluation, and osteopathic physician licensure and regulation,” NBOME President and CEO, John R. Gimpel, DO, MEd, FACOFP, FAAFP, reports. “These academic and clinical subject matter experts advance osteopathic medical assessment and support the NBOME mission to protect the public.”
The NBOME annually undertakes an objective evaluation of the item writers and case authors who contributed to the exams. An author from each exam series whose items or cases are a model for the type and format needed to produce a valid, high-quality examination that assesses competencies for osteopathic medicine and related health professions is honored with Item Writer or Case Author of the Year award. Janice A Knebl, DO, MBA, Chair of the COMLEX-USA Composite Examination Committee remarked, “Their contributions demonstrate the high standards of our examinations and reflect the commitment and excellence of the NBOME National Faculty.”
The winners are as follows:
2017 COMLEX-USA Level 1 Item Writer of the Year: Rani Bright, MBBS, HCLD
Rani Bright is an assistant professor in the department of bio-medical sciences at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is a 25-year veteran of the NBOME National Faculty. Dr. Bright, who was awarded Item Writer of the Year Award in 2007, received the award for the second time in 2017. Her vast experience and research in the area of microbiology has contributed greatly to item development for the COMLEX-USA Level 1 examination.
2017 COMLEX-USA Level 2-CE Item Writer of the Year: Shannon C. Scott, DO, FACOFP
Dr. Scott is the medical director at Midwestern University Multispecialty Clinic, assistant dean and clinical associate professor in the department of family medicine at Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Glendale, Arizona. Dr. Scott is highly regarded as a clinician and educator and has contributed numerous high-quality items for the development of the COMLEX-USA Level 2-CE examination.
2017 COMLEX-USA Level 2-PE Case Author of the Year: Kathryn Brandt, DO, MS, MedL
Dr. Brandt is chair of the primary care department at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, Biddeford, Maine. Her interests in the integration of osteopathic manipulative medicine into everyday medical care and the development of multidisciplinary integrative care in the management of chronic disease have been an asset to her contributions as NBOME National Faculty member. Her expertise in developing quality cases for the COMLEX-USA Level 2-PE examination is highly valued.
2017 COMLEX-USA Level 3 Item Writer of the Year: Jaime M. Rawson, DO
Dr. Rawson is a general neurologist at Gilbert Neurology and Mercy Gilbert Medical Center in Gilbert, Arizona. A previous NBOME Item Writer award winner in 2014, Dr. Rawson has presented and published extensively on various topics involving pain, disease and the nervous system. She has made significant contributions to the COMLEX-USA Level 3 examination.
2017 COMLEX-USA Clinical Decision Making Case Writer of the Year: Peter F. Bidey, DO, MSEd
Dr. Bidey is assistant professor in the department of family medicine and program director of the family medicine residency program at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Suburban Community Hospital. He also serves as director of medical education at Suburban Community Hospital. Dr. Bidey brings expertise in areas of preventative medicine, obesity, student education in family medicine and osteopathic manipulative medicine to the NBOME National Faculty, contributing exceptional clinical decision-making cases for COMLEX-USA.
2017 COMLEX-USA Clinical Decision Making Case Writer of the Year: Matthew F. Geromi, DO
Dr. Geromi is a psychiatrist at PsyCare Inc. in San Diego, CA and a clinical assistant professor/online preceptor for Psychiatry at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He joined NBOME’s National Faculty in 2013 and has contributed extensively to clinical decision-making case development in the areas of prevention, diagnosis, and the treatment of psychiatric disorders.
2017 COMLEX-USA Preventive Medicine/Health Promotion (PMHP) Item Writer of the Year: Deborah L. Blackwell, DO
Dr. Blackwell has held several prestigious medical, academic, executive and community leadership positions throughout her robust career in pediatric medicine. She is a pediatrician in the department of emergency medicine at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and an associate professor of pediatrics at the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. As an expert on various childhood medical issues, Dr. Blackwell wrote numerous excellent items for COMLEX-USA examinations.
2017 COMLEX-USA Osteopathic Principles and Practice Item Writer of the Year: Lauren Noto Bell, DO
Dr. Noto-Bell is an associate professor in the department of osteopathic manipulative medicine at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) and program director at the PCOM neuro-musculoskeletal medicine residency program in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As a distinguished educator in osteopathic medicine, Dr. Noto-Bell contributed extensively to the development of items for COMLEX-USA examinations.
2017 COMAT Item Writer of the Year: Daniel L. Griffin, DO
Dr. Griffin is the chief resident in the department of internal medicine at Magnolia Regional Health Center in Corinth, Mississippi. A resident member of the NBOME National Faculty, Dr. Griffin has served in numerous student and young physician leadership roles. A prolific item writer for the COMAT examination program in 2017, Dr. Griffin was awarded the 2017 COMAT Item Writer of the Year for his remarkable item submissions.
2017 COMAT Foundational Biomedical Sciences Item Writer of the Year: Jandy B. Hanna, PhD, MSB
Dr. Hanna is chair of the department of biomedical sciences and an associate professor of anatomy at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lewisburg, West Virginia. She has authored several published papers on locomotion and functional morphology, biomechanics, energetics of movement in a 3-D environment, enhancing her contributions to the NBOME National Faculty. Dr. Hanna wrote a remarkable number of quality items for the new COMAT Foundational Biomedical Sciences examinations.
About the NBOME
The NBOME is an independent, non-governmental, non-profit assessment organization committed to protecting the public by providing the means to assess competencies for osteopathic medicine and related health care professions. NBOME’s COMLEX-USA examination series is a requirement for graduation from colleges of osteopathic medicine and provides the pathway to licensure for osteopathic physicians in the United States and numerous international jurisdictions. For more information, visit www.nbome.org or call 866-479-6828.
The NBOME is pleased to announce that Gretta A. Gross, DO, MEd, FACOFP, will transition into the role of vice president for clinical skills testing on April 9, 2018, reporting to President and CEO, John R. Gimpel, DO, MEd, FACOFP, FAAFP. Dr. Gross received her DO degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) where she also served as an osteopathic manipulative medicine undergraduate fellow. She earned a master’s degree in medical education from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Gross has more than 15 years of experience in graduate medical education, including as a residency program director, and professional experience including instruction and leadership roles at Wellspan Health York Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, The Commonwealth Medical College, Wilkes-Barre Osteopathic Family Medicine Residency Program, and PCOM/Houston Healthcare Family Medicine Residency Program.
The majority of Dr. Gross’ career has revolved around residency education in a clinical setting. Previously Dr. Gross served as a SOAP note rater for the NBOME for over 12 years and joined the NBOME staff as a part-time physician trainer in June 2016. She continues to apply osteopathic manipulative medicine skills in her current patient care. In her new full-time role as vice president for clinical skills testing, Dr. Gross will lead and direct the development, administration and staff of the National Centers for Clinical Skills Testing in Philadelphia and Chicago, the COMLEX-USA Level 2-Performance Evaluation (Level 2-PE), client clinical skills examinations, and studies supporting the development of emerging technologies and innovations in clinical skills testing.
On behalf of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), the Council on Osteopathic Continuing Medical Education (COCME) provides accreditation for continuing medical education (CME) sponsors who offer continuing professional development activities to osteopathic physicians. For the past five years, the NBOME has been a Category 1 CME sponsor for the AOA and offers a variety of courses and educational activities for osteopathic physicians and other health care professionals. As part of the accreditation process, a CME sponsor must complete a document survey to ensure the quality and consistency of the content development, design, and delivery of educational activities.
On November 4, 2017, the Council on Osteopathic Continuing Medical Education reviewed the document survey that was submitted by the NBOME for its 2015 Case Development Workshop. The COCME reported that the NBOME passed the document survey with a score of 100 points, a perfect score! In accordance with the AOA accreditation requirements for Category 1 CME sponsors, the COCME awarded the NBOME a five-year accreditation with commendation as a Category 1 CME sponsor.
Philadelphia, PA – Martin Crane, MD, was honored with the second National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners’ (NBOME) Clark Award for Patient Advocacy on December 8, 2017. This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to patient safety, patient protection, and quality of care.
A board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist, Dr. Crane is a graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Medical School with training in general surgery at the University of Colorado Medical Center and a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the Boston Hospital for Women. Dr. Crane also holds the rank of commander in the Medical Corps of the U.S. Navy Reserves and is past chair of the National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation of the U.S. Department of Education.
Dr. Crane has been involved in a wide array of quality assurance and improvement programs for more than 30 years and has spoken extensively on patient safety and adverse event reporting systems. He is former chair of the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine, a not-for-profit organization that serves as the national authority in the field of medical regulation.
Gary R. Clark, NBOME former public member of the NBOME Board and Executive Committee, and for whom the award is named, presented the award to Dr. Crane. In presenting the award he remarked, “Dr. Crane has been a lifelong advocate for patient safety and physician quality initiatives, outlining his vision for improved maintenance of physician licensure processes during his term as Federation of State Medical Board’s (FSMB) chair. He has also been a longstanding advocate of osteopathic medicine and the COMLEX-USA examination program. Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Crane’s primary focus has always been to advocate for patients, a true reflection and embodiment of the NBOME’s mission to protect the public through assessment.”
The NBOME is the leading assessment organization for the osteopathic medical profession. NBOME’s COMLEX-USA examination series is a requirement for graduation from colleges of osteopathic medicine and provides the pathway to licensure for osteopathic physicians in the United States and numerous international jurisdictions.
Philadelphia, PA – Wayne R. Carlsen, DO, was awarded the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners’ (NBOME) highest honor, the Santucci Award, on December 8, 2017.
The first Santucci Award was presented eight years ago and is named for Thomas F. Santucci, Jr., DO, president and chair of the NBOME Board from 1985 to 1987, a pivotal time of change for the organization. “The Santucci Award is bestowed on an individual for his or her sustained outstanding contributions to the mission of the NBOME, protecting the public by providing the means to assess competencies for osteopathic medicine and related health care professions. It is with great appreciation that we acknowledge and honor Dr. Carlsen for his contributions to the NBOME, its mission, and indeed the profession at large,” said NBOME Board Chair Gary L. Slick, DO, MA.
In 1989, Dr. Carlsen became an Item Writer for the NBOME and has served on a variety of exam construction and item review committees. He was Level 3 Coordinator for COMLEX-USA in the late 1990s and has been a member of the Health Promotion, Disease Prevention/Health Care Delivery Examination Construction Committee. He has served on the NBOME Board since 2005, was installed as 2013-2015 chair in December 2013, and recently served as immediate past chair, chair of the Compensation Subcommittee, and as a member of the Nominating Committee.
Dr. Carlsen is vice dean and associate professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine (OU-HCOM), where he has been a faculty member since 1993. In addition to his role at OU-HCOM, Dr. Carlsen has also served as medical director of several skilled nursing facilities in southeast Ohio and has been a practicing geriatrician for more than 20 years. In 2012, he transitioned his clinical practice to part-time to serve the health care needs of uninsured residents through OU-HCOM’s community health programs. He participates in the delivery of geriatric course offerings for OU-HCOM, serves on the college’s Executive Committee, and is the medical director for the college’s Community Health Programs and Area Health Education Center.
A 1986 graduate of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey School of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Carlsen maintains fellowship status in the American College of Osteopathic Internists, the American Geriatrics Society, and the American College of Physicians. He currently practices at O’Bleness Hospital in Athens, OH.
The NBOME is the leading assessment organization for the osteopathic medical profession. NBOME’s COMLEX-USA examination series is a requirement for graduation from colleges of osteopathic medicine and provides the pathway to licensure for osteopathic physicians in the United States and numerous international jurisdictions.
Philadelphia, PA — Today, the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME), the assessment organization for the osteopathic medical profession, announced the installment of three officers to its board of directors.
The following individuals were elected to serve as officers for the NBOME’s board of directors:
Board Chair: Dana C. Shaffer, DO, FACOFP dist.
As the Chair of the NBOME Board, Dr. Shaffer will lead the NBOME’s 2017-2019 strategic plan, ACEL and vision to become the global leader for the osteopathic medical profession and related health care professions. Dr. Shaffer has served on the NBOME’s board of directors since 2008, was vice chair from 2015-2017 and Secretary-Treasurer from 2013-2015. He chaired the Finance Committee and Liaison Committee, in addition to serving as a member of the Executive and Test Accommodations Committees. A distinguished fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP), Dr. Shaffer is a member of the Executive Council of the Conclave of Fellows. He currently serves as senior associate dean of osteopathic medical education for the University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, as well as chief academic officer for Appalachian Osteopathic Postgraduate Training Institute Consortium (A-OPTIC). He serves on numerous local, state and national committees dealing with access to affordable medical care, scope of practice issues, the use of chronic pain medication, electronic medical records, and legislation. Dr. Shaffer practiced the complete spectrum of rural family medicine, including osteopathic manipulative medicine, obstetrics and emergency medicine for more than 20 years in Exira, Iowa. A graduate of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, he is a resident of Pikeville, Kentucky.
Board Vice-Chair: Geraldine T. O’Shea, DO
Dr. O’Shea is the NBOME’s newly installed Vice Chair for 2017-2019. Dr. O’Shea has served on the Board since 2009 and as its Secretary-Treasurer from 2015-2017. She chaired the Finance Committee and has been a member of numerous NBOME committees, including the Audit, Executive and Liaison Committees. In addition to her leadership roles at the NBOME, Dr. O’Shea is an active leader in the osteopathic medical profession and a trustee of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), where she serves on the Executive Committee, Finance Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, and chairs the AOA’s Department of Business. As chair of the AOA’s Department of Research and Development, Dr. O’Shea oversaw five task force initiatives in public health and in 2014-2015 served as the AOA’s first vice president and vice chair of the Department of Education. She is a past president of the Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons of California (OPSC) and the American Association of Osteopathic Medical Examiners. An osteopathic internist and medical director of the Women’s Medical Center in Jackson, California, she graduated from the Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific in Pomona, California, and resides in Jackson, California.
Board Secretary-Treasurer: Richard J. LaBaere, II, DO, MPH, FAODME
Dr. LaBaere will serve as the NBOME Secretary-Treasurer for 2017-2019. He is associate dean for postgraduate training/osteopathic postdoctoral training institution (OPTI) academic officer, and adjunct clinical professor of family medicine at A.T. Still University‒Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. LaBaere served in roles as residency program director, director of medical education, and as a designated institutional official for more than 20 years. In 2015, he was named to the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education’s Institutional Review Committee. He has served on the NBOME Board since 2010 and as a member of the Executive Committee, the Test Accommodations Committee, the COMLEX-USA Composite Examination Committee, and the Portfolio and Expanded Assessments Task Force. He was a member of the NBOME’s Blue Ribbon Panel on Enhancing COMLEX-USA. In 2006, Dr. LaBaere was named Osteopathic Family Physician of the Year by the Michigan Association of Osteopathic Family Physicians. He was inducted as a fellow in the American Osteopathic Directors of Medical Education Collegium in 2008. Dr. LaBaere earned his doctorate of osteopathic medicine from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and lives in Ortonville, Michigan.
The NBOME’s Board of Directors is comprised of twenty-two leaders, including two public members, whose strategic decision-making and guidance steer the organization through establishing policy, providing financial stewardship and ensuring that NBOME leadership and resources are in place and support achievement of the NBOME mission, vision and goals.
The mission of the NBOME is to protect the public by providing the means to assess competencies for osteopathic medicine and related health care professions. NBOME’s COMLEX-USA examination series provides the pathway to licensure for osteopathic physicians in the United States and numerous international jurisdictions, and is a requirement for graduation from colleges of osteopathic medicine.
On November 1, 2017 at 3:00 pm Central Time, John R. Gimpel, DO, MEd, FACOFP, FAAFP, President and CEO of the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) will deliver a webinar titled “NBOME & COMLEX-USA Update for Residency Program Directors,” hosted by the Association of Osteopathic Directors and Medical Educators (AODME).
The NBOME advocates for holistic processes for residency applications, and cautions against the sole use or overuse of licensure examinations during the residency application process and recognizes that Program Directors (PD) face challenges in determining applicants with the best fit. This webinar will highlight the COMLEX-USA examination program, with a focus on resources for PDs and Coordinators relevant to interpreting COMLEX-USA scores. In addition, the presentation will feature recent enhancements made to the COMLEX-USA examination design and Master Blueprint, to be implemented in 2018-2019. Dr. Gimpel will explain the attestation process, a new step where PDs verify that residents are in good standing prior to taking COMLEX-USA Level 3. Dr. Gimpel will also provide insight on resources designed to assist DO residents in preparing for the COMLEX-USA examination series.
Finally, Dr. Gimpel will discuss the Core Osteopathic Recognition Readiness Examination (CORRE), a computer-based assessment tool designed to evaluate the readiness of non-DO candidates for entry into ACGME-accredited programs that have achieved osteopathic recognition.
Update: To view the archived recording of this webinar, click here.
The National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME), the leading assessment organization for the osteopathic medical profession, has opened a nationwide search for a Vice President for Clinical Skills Testing (VP CST) and a Senior Vice President (SVP) for Assessment. A search committee, including members of the NBOME Board and Executive Leadership Team, is spearheading the effort to identify these individuals who will join a team of dynamic leaders and staff that are passionate about the NBOME’s mission of protecting the public.
The Vice President for Clinical Skills Testing will lead and direct the development, administration and staff of the COMLEX-USA Level 2-PE examination at two National Centers for Clinical Skills Testing (Philadelphia and Chicago), client clinical skills examinations and studies, and will develop emerging technologies and innovations in clinical skills testing. This role is also responsible for communicating with internal and external stakeholders, including the NBOME Board, the Advisory Committee, deans and other medical school staff, national and international medical education and assessment professionals, and state medical licensing boards.
Qualified candidates have a DO degree, an active state medical license, board certification, and 3-5 years experience for leadership of a clinical skills testing program.
The Senior Vice President for Assessment is responsible for operational oversight of all aspects of assessment including test development, psychometric operations, research, and test administration for the COMLEX-USA licensure examinations and other NBOME assessment products. The SVP also serves as the senior physician clinical content expert and supervises the assessment leadership team as well as numerous other staff members and members of NBOME’s National Faculty. The SVP for Assessment works from the NBOME Corporate Offices in Chicago with frequent travel, including to the Philadelphia office.
Qualified candidates have a DO degree, an active state medical license, board certification, experience in an academic environment, 5-10 years of clinical patient care experience, and excellent writing and editing skills, as evidenced by a track record of published textbook chapters, manuscripts in peer-reviewed academic and/or clinical journals and experience in test question writing for NBOME or other assessments.
To apply for these opportunities, please visit our Employment Opportunities page.
The NBOME 2017 Research Advisory Forum, “Innovative Item Types and Assessments,” is taking place on October 17, 2017 at the NBOME Chicago Corporate Offices and Conference Center. In its mission to protect the public by providing the means to assess competencies for osteopathic medicine and related health care professions, the NBOME promotes scholarly research to disseminate evidence to support the validity of the assessments and regularly presents and publishes research at professional conferences and journals. To view the NBOME research team’s published work, click here.
The Research Advisory Forum brings together experts in the field of innovative item types and assessments for presentations and roundtable discussions on the development, practice and implementation of innovative measurement for high-stakes licensure testing. Presentations on a variety of innovative assessment topics, including practice effects and score gains, continuous knowledge self-assessment, scoring performance-based assessments, and more are given by distinguished Forum guests. To learn more about the NBOME 2017 Research Advisory Forum, “Innovative Item Types and Assessments,” click here.
Reference Materials
|
|
Resources
|
Reference Materials
|
|
Resources
|
Reference Materials
|
|
Resources
|
Reference Materials
|
|
Practice & Preparation Resources
|
NBOME Offices will be closed July 4, 2017.
Level 2-CE and Level 2-PE may be taken in any order.
