COMLEX vs USMLE? Which Exam To Take As An International Student?

An osteopath aiming to earn a DO or doctorate in osteopathy takes up the COMLEX exam. An aspirant of medical school who is looking to earn an MD takes up USMLE. Both are licensure exams that will entitle a person to practice as licensed physicians as either doctor of medicine or MD or doctor of osteopathic medicine or DO. MD deals with clinical aspects of medicine as taught in traditional medicine.

Osteopaths have a holistic approach to preventive and trauma care to treat musculoskeletal ailments using osteopathic manipulations medicine with mobility exercises, rest, and heat & cold compressions. Both are different exams with varied purposes. In the past few students have taken both exams to improve their chances of entering residency programs. However, that step is not required as students of traditional medicine schools have a different curriculum and scope of engagement than students of osteopathy schools. 

For International students, if they are training to be osteopaths they should stick to COMLEX Level 2 preparation from their third year in medical school. However, if they are preparing to be a traditional doctor looking to practice any other specialization like cardiology, urology, pediatrics, pulmonology, etc, should give USMLE a good shot from early years of med school. Resident programs are tough irrespective of domestic and international med school training. However, international students tend to face more stress as their competition is against some of the best students around the world. Here are a few steps that international students need to follow to ace in the licensure exams:

• Understand Exam Format

USMLE and COMLEX are two different exams that should not be confused with each other. Understanding the exam format of each step of the licensure exam that you intend to take will help you prepare by focussing on the topics that have to be covered and channeling your energies in the right direction. 

• Study Resources

Both USMLE and COMLEX have sufficient preparatory material and tools that can help aspirants prepare for the exams. One has to consider high-value resources and not dilute their energy, time, and money, in using all the available options. Online medical education platforms are game changers for the preparation of the exam. 

• Memorization 

Forming study groups to motivate and help each other fare better is a positive approach to preparation. You can use flashcards and mnemonics to quiz your study group members. Spaced repetitions and note-taking are time-tested active learning methods that are known to improve retention of the learnings.

• Take Practice Exams

Practice exams are like mock tests that will help you with a self-assessment score and enable you to understand your strengths and weak areas. You can work on the topics where you underperformed. 

Conclusion:

International students getting through the US residency programs is a considerable achievement for some of the brightest minds in the world. It is also a tough exam and needs a strategic study plan that can be achieved through consistent studies. Taking sufficient breaks to recharge during your preparation period is equally important.