United States Medical Licensing Exam

The United States Medical Licensing Exam (also known as USMLE) is a multi-part professional exam that is required by doctors, holding a M.D. degree, in order to practice medicine. The USMLE consists of 3 parts, known as Steps, spread across a number of years and taken at specific times during a doctor's medical education.

Step 1
The USMLE Step 1 is the first part to obtain a medical license. It is taken during the second year of medical school. The results of this portions affect what residency program a doctor will take.

Step 2
The USMLE Step 2 is the second part to obtain a medical license. It is taken the final year of medical school. This portion of the exam tests the clinical knowledge and clinical skills in order to practice medicine.

Step 3
The USMLE Step 3 is the final part to obtain a medical license. This test is also known as the Intern Exam, and is taken at the end of an internship. Passing this exam allows a doctor to practice unsupervised medicine at the resident-level.

The American Board of Surgery is responsible for this portion of licensing, presumably for surgical internships.

Notes and Trivia

 * Alex failed his Step 2 portion of his exam and was informed early in his surgical internship by Chief Webber.
 * George failed his Step 3 portion of his exam at the end of his surgical internship and had to repeat his intern-year, as he was not allowed to practice unsupervised medicine. Halfway through his second intern year, he was allowed to re-take the exam and passed. Soon after, he was upgraded to a second year resident.