Licensing examinations in North America: Is external audit valuable?

Abstract

The United States and Canada both have long-standing, highly developed national systems of assessment for medical-licensure based outside the institutions of medical education. This commentary reviews those programs and explores some of the reasons for their implementation and retention for nearly a century. The North American experience may be relevant to dialog about national or European assessments for medical practice.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Donald E. Melnick

DONALD E. MELNICK is President of the US National Board of Medical Examiners.