The following questions were posed to Regina Damon on July 14, 2006. (NYMC, Office of Fifth Pathway and Sr. Associate Dean, Valhalla, New York 10595, Tel 914-594-4489, Fax 914-594-4325.

Q: How many spots are there for the June class and the January Class?
A: A total of 111 floating positions for both the June and January classes.

Q: What pre-requisites does the Fifth Pathway look for and how do you evaluate students?
A: Applicant can be a US citizen or hold a valid green card or be a Canadian citizen. Students must have a Passing Step I score, MCAT scores, undergraduate and graduate grades and experience. There is also a personal interview that counts.

Q: Experience is important, what procedures should our students learn?
A: Some of the procedures that should be learned, starting IV’s. drawing blood, insertion and maintenance of nasogastric tubes, insertion and maintenance of urinary catheters, dressing changes, suturing and removal of sutures, insertion and removal of staple sutures, etc.

Q: What is considered a competitive Step 1 board score?
A: A minimum of 745 (179) Step 1 score, but the higher the grade, the more competitive the applicant. [ The step 1 passing score is now 182. ]

Q: Will there be more spots opening in the near future?
A: Possibly, yes.

Q: If you are not selected, can you re-apply?
A: A lot depends on why you were not accepted. Yet, if you are not selected, your application can be re-activated with additional documentation of experience or any other documentation that will make the student a stronger candidate with the appropriate application fee.

Q: Have there been any problems with the UAG Fifth Pathway students in the past?
A: No – this last group for the July course was phenomenal. Very smart.

Q: What is the ratio of applicants in the last few classes?
A: In January 2006, we received approximately 27 applications and 27 students were placed. For the July 2006 Class, we interviewed 39 students - 37 were accepted and placed and 2 were deferred to January class at the student’s request.

Q: How many weeks does each student have to study for Step 2 of the USMLE?
A: In collaboration with the PASS Program in Champaign, Illinois, students are given a 4-week review course for Step 2 CK. This is the only study time needed. NYMC also provides a Step 2 CS review course given by the renowned author of the Physical Diagnosis, History and Examination textbook, Dr. Mark Swartz

Q: Is it better to pass Step 2 before or during Fifth Pathway?
A: It is beneficial if they pass prior to admission into the Fifth Pathway. These students acquire an extra elective as a bonus.