NExT 2 - Mumbai

The purpose of the NEXT 2 exam is to evaluate the clinical skills of newly graduated MBBS professionals. This leads to several potential scenarios.

Previously, the USMLE included a section known as the USMLE Step 2 CS, which assessed doctors' practical patient care abilities. While the USMLE no longer includes this test, the type of questions featured in Step 2 CS may serve as a model for the NEXT 2 exam.

Ideally, in the previous format, doctors would interact with individuals acting as patients. They would conduct examinations, make observations, propose treatment plans, and proceed accordingly. This process is time-intensive, so it wouldn't be surprising if, like the USMLE, the NEXT 2 exam also lasts approximately 8 hours.

Given the impact of COVID-19, there is understandable hesitancy around in-person patient interactions. As an alternative, there is a possibility of utilizing computer-simulated case studies where doctors engage with virtual patients for assessment purposes.