Baylor College of Medicine Clinical Performance Exam
General Information
Similar to the USMLE Step 2 CS, the CPX is a multi-station Standardized Patient & Simulation Exam held in the BCM Simulation Lab at the end of your third year during LACE. This exam is part of your LACE grade, as well as a graduation requirement.
For 2012, the exam will be April 2-6 and April 9-11.
To prepare for the exam, please review your Bates text, PPS 1-3 materials, as well as those more thorough materials that have been provided to you in your core clerkships. Several other resources can be found at the links below.
(Please note that videos downloads may take a few minutes due to the large file size.)
- BCM CPX Information Session: An information session will be held by Dr. Tyson Pillow on Jan. 24, 2012 from 3:00-4:30 PM in McMillian Auditorium. Dr. Pillow will give students information about the requirements, expectations, and policies and procedures for the BCM CPX exam. Please arrive early to this informational session. Dr. Pillow will answer any questions about the exam during this session.
- Taking vital signs (.wmv)
- HEENT exam (.wmv)
- Cardiac exam (.mpg)
- Lung exam (.mpg)
- Abdominal exam (.mpg)
- Cranial Nerve exam (.mpg) and Motor/Sensory exam (.mpg)
- LearnersTV.com (Free medical videos on various exam techniques, topics, and procedures)
Policies and Procedures
Registering for the exam
Sign up emails will be sent on Feb. 6, 2012. The 2012 deadline for sign up is Friday, March 16 at noon. Confirmations will be sent out via email on Friday, March 23.
To sign up and check your session, you must be on a Baylor computer or connected via the BCM VPN.
- Go to - http://websp.bcm.edu
- Select "Learner" and continue
- Select "BCM CPX 2012" from the group menu
- Enter your name and password (last 4 digits of your social security number)
- Select the "scheduling-learner date request tool"
Rescheduling the CPX session
Please understand that the BCM CPX is an expensive exam, and similar to the USMLE Step 2, there are monetary penalties to some circumstances of rescheduling. Please note, if your actions involve a fee, you will need to pay prior to taking your exam.
- BEFORE March 16: Any time before the deadline, you can simply sign on to WebSP and select a new testing session to override your previous selections.
- BEFORE YOUR TEST DATE - One-on-one swaps: You may do a one-on-one swap with a classmate at any point during the testing session as long as written applications for swaps are received 24 hours prior to the first student’s testing session. Swaps are not final until you receive written confirmation from Simulation & SP staff. If you do not receive written confirmation, you are still responsible for your original time slot.
- BEFORE YOUR TEST DATE with 24 hours notice: If you are unable to find a classmate to fill your slot, you may contact Simulation & SP staff to see if there are any empty slots. To leave your slot without a replacement and move into an empty slot, you will need to pay $200.
- AFTER YOUR TEST DATE: If you miss your CPX session without notifying Simulation & SP staff 24 hours ahead of time, you will need to pay $300 to reschedule.
Questions
Q: What if I am running late on the day of testing?
A: You need to call the SP staff at 713-798-5538. An orientation will be given 30 minutes prior to the start of your exam. If you are not present 30 minutes prior to your exam, orientation will begin without you, and information will not be repeated. If we have not heard from you we will begin testing on time. If we have begun testing prior to your arrival, you will be counted as having missed your exam and will need to pay $300 to reschedule.
Q: Will there be a letter sent to my rotation director documenting that I was at a Baylor required exam?
A: Your clerkship directors will be provided with the dates of the BCM CPX. We encourage you to provide them with a copy of your confirmation email if you would like to notify them ahead of time. Memos will be provided the day of your test to prove presence during the exam.
Q: What should I bring the exam on the day of testing?
A: Please do not bring anything with you but a pen, your white coat and your stethoscope. Everything else that you will need for your exam will be provided for your in your encounter room with the Standardized Patient.