Transition to Clinical Setting (TCS)

Sarah Karl, PhD
Course Director
Email: karl@njms.rutgers.edu

Course Description

Transition to Clinical Setting (TCS) is a mandatory series of workshops, consultations and assignments completed by each second year student as part of their preparation for the first step of the USMLE.. NJMS curriculum requires that students sit for USMLE Step 1 prior to clinical clerkships.  Successful completion of USMLE Step 1 itself requires integration of previously-learned material and ability to apply comprehensively retained knowledge in a problem-solving process. Preparation for this examination also entails a important organizational and self-assessment skills. Transition to Clinical Setting (TCS) is designed to provide intense mentoring to hone these cognitive and self-management skills at a critical time in the students’ transition from preclinical to clinical years.

After a series of preparatory workshops students sit for a “mock board exam” which is the Comprehensive Basic Science Examination of the NBME.  Each student receives a score and a profile of the results, which is then reviewed in an individual conference with the TCS faculty member. The aim of this process is to guide the student’s self-scrutiny of the his/her long term retention profile, clarify strengths and weaknesses in knowledge base and address the learning style needed to address weaker areas going forward in the independent study period.  The student formulates a detailed study plan which includes ongoing self-assessment; this is also reviewed and discussed in the mentor-student conference.  Adherence to the individual’s self-developed study program is expected to culminate in successful completion of the USMLE Step 1.  TCS is completed by mandatory attendance at the Transition Week program (below), which orients the rising third year to further the learning skills and professionalism expected in the clinical years.