NBOME President Updates Students and Faculty on COMLEX Changes

January 25, 2023

John R. Gimpel, DO ’88, met with PCOM Georgia faculty and students during a recent campus visit.

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Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduate John R. Gimpel, DO ’88, president and CEO of the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners, visited PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia recently to update students and faculty members about recent developments at the organization.

The NBOME, which was founded in 1934 as the National Board of Examiners for Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons, has a mission to protect the public and ensure access to quality care by providing a way to assess competency to practice osteopathic medicine.

Dr. Gimpel explained that for osteopathic medical students, the NBOME provides a pathway to physician licensure. The AOA’s Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation requires that medical students and residents take and pass the COMLEX-USA exam series—the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing exams. The exams have three levels and are taken following the first and second years of medical school. The third exam is offered during residency training. Passing results are required for DOs and accepted by all state licensing boards.

COMLEX Changes

Dr. Gimpel noted that the COMLEX – USA Level 1 exam recently changed to pass/fail score reporting. Also, by late summer, all testing will be offered at Pearson VUE testing centers instead of Prometric testing centers.

Other NBOME news of note is that the COMLEX – USA Level 2-PE or performance examination was discontinued in June 2022. Candidates are now verified as proficient in clinical skills for osteopathic medical practice by attestation from their medical school dean. The skills include patient communication, incorporating hands-on physical exams and other data-gathering skills, performing osteopathic manipulative treatments, and documentation.

PCOM Board of Trustees member David McCleskey attended the event as a representative of the board. He said, “Dr. John Gimpel’s visit was a success on many fronts. His engagement with faculty and student leadership was a meaningful professional learning experience.”

He commended PCOM Georgia’s Osteopathic Medicine Dean and Chief Academic Officer Andrea Mann, DO, and members of the Dean’s leadership team on their “candid dialogue” during a roundtable session. He also noted that the student session was “exemplary” with clear information and excellent student questions.

“As we approach PCOM’s 125th year of excellence in osteopathic medical education and championing whole person health care, our partnership with NBOME will continue to strengthen,” he said.

Not only is Dr. Gimpel an alumnus, but members of the NBOME leadership team, executive committee, board of directors, and National Faculty are also PCOM graduates.

According to its website, the NBOME is an independent, nongovernmental, not-for-profit organization. COMLEX-USA is the only exam recognized by the Federation of State Medical Boards, which is required for accreditation of DO-granting medical schools. 

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