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Waived exam requirements for Oklahoma optometrists cause ‘grave concern’ to national testing group - Oklahoma Voice

Well I think Ok. is wrong if we want to be a real profession

MDs must pass a national board examination to practice medicine in the United States. Specifically, all graduates of U.S. allopathic (MD-granting) medical schools must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) to obtain an unrestricted license to practice.

USMLE Structure

The USMLE is co-owned by the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) and the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and consists of multiple steps:

  • Step 1 – Tests foundational/basic science knowledge; typically taken during or after the second year of medical school. As of 2022, results are reported as pass/fail only.
  • Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) – Assesses clinical science knowledge; typically taken during the clinical years.
  • Step 3 – Evaluates the ability to apply medical knowledge in unsupervised practice; usually taken during residency training.
Beyond the USMLE

Passing the USMLE alone is not sufficient. Physicians must also:

  1. Complete residency training – An accredited graduate medical education (GME) program, ranging from 3 to 7 years depending on specialty.
  2. Obtain a state medical license – Each U.S. state and territory has its own medical licensing board. While all accept the USMLE, individual states may have additional requirements (e.g., minimum duration of postgraduate training).
  3. Board certification (optional but standard) – After residency, physicians may pursue specialty board certification through organizations like the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), which involves passing an additional specialty-specific examination. While not legally required for licensure, board certification is expected by most hospitals and employers.
For International Medical Graduates (IMGs), the same USMLE exams are required, along with certification by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), which includes credential verification, English proficiency assessment, and clinical skills validation.

For osteopathic physicians (DOs), a parallel pathway exists through the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA), though many DO graduates also take the USMLE
 
The National Board of Examiners in Optometry, a group that develops and administers the optometry exams used by state licensing boards, sent a letter to state regulators earlier this year expressing “grave concern” that the state has licensed 16 students between 2018 and 2022 who have not passed one or more parts of a standardized national exam that states rely on to ensure eye doctors are competent.
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Not self-serving of the NBEO or anything....:rolleyes:
 
Jeffrey Kiener said:
Not self-serving of the NBEO or anything....:rolleyes:
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When the organization receives notice of possible irregularities, contacting the licensing agency/state is the proper action.
 
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Reactions: Derek Coombs
Not their sphere of authority. How can a private organization have authority over a sovereign State? In fact, the NBEO has zero authority over anything.
 
And how can it be deemed an "irregularity"? Who decides what's "regular"? The NBEO?

Does the NBEO (a test developer and administrator) have any interest whatsoever in how a sovereign state decides to license their practitioners for their citizens?

Is it the NBEO's responsibility to see to it that Oklahomans get good eye care?

The only interest I see is loss of business.
 
My first reply answers the question completely.
 
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