Advisory Committees

Most advisory committee members come to NBME via the NBME Council. The NBME Council provides advice and counsel to the Board of Directors and staff.  NBME Council members:

  • Promote the work of NBME.
  • Help expand the sphere of influence of the organization.
  • Provide expertise and knowledge sharing to NBME staff and leadership.

Many NBME Council members also serve on specific NBME or USMLE committees performing advisory or governance functions.  A full list of NBME Committees is available in the NBME Volunteer Directory, published annually.

Benefits of Participation:

  • Letters of scholarly activity provided for promotion and tenure
  • Annual acknowledgement in the NBME or USMLE Volunteer Directory and recognition letters mailed to the health system and medical school leadership of your choice
  • Opportunities to grow and expand your professional network
  • Opportunities to contribute to the advancement of healthcare assessment and medical education
  • Access to NBME's Volunteer Community of several hundred subject matter experts
  • Travel expense reimbursement, if travel is required

Eligibility

  • NBME Council members must be able to pass a basic volunteer screening of their credentials and licenses.
  • NBME Council members may not be employees or contractors of entities such as professional test preparation companies or otherwise contribute to any activities purporting to prepare individuals for the USMLE or NBME subject exams outside of programs offered by LCME- or AOA-accredited medical schools.
  • Volunteers will be required to complete a Conflict of Interest disclosure form. NBME staff will screen volunteers’ applications for any potential conflicts of interest. If staff identifies a potential conflict, they may request additional information about the type of work the volunteer is doing or the level of influence the volunteer has with the other entity. In determining any potential conflict of interest, NBME staff will consider, on an individual basis, both the work being done elsewhere and the work being done for NBME.
  • While most volunteers work in healthcare, medical education or assessment, there are a opportunities for professionals from outside of medicine.
  • Volunteers must be able to commit to at least one two-year term of the individual responsibilities outlined below.

Personal Characteristics:

  • Willingness to prepare for and attend NBME annual meeting and other ad hoc Council meetings; willingness to serve on committees and task forces; willingness to complete surveys and provide perspectives on areas of interest to NBME.
  • Ability to work well with people individually and in groups.
  • Willingness to serve as informal ambassadors for the organization.
  • Be aligned with NBME mission, vision and values. Be honest and respectful of different views. 

Individual Responsibilities:

  • Attend annual meeting and accept committee or task force assignments. 
  • Be informed of the organization's brand, priorities, products & services. 
  • Review the agenda and all supporting materials prior to council and committee meetings.
  • Take on special assignments when possible.
  • Inform others in your network about NBME and the work it is doing.
  • Provide input on individuals who may be good additions to the Council and Board of Directors. 
  • Follow conflict of interest and confidentiality policies. 
  • Serve as environmental scanners to inform NBME of developing issues in medical education, assessment, etc.

How to Apply:

If you are interested in being considered for the NBME Council:

  • Create an account in Submittable here.
  • Submit your application.  Be prepared to:
    • Upload a recent CV or resume;
    • Submit a brief statement of interest;
    • Complete your profile fields such as educational history, expertise, certifications, job history, teaching responsibilities, and volunteer interest.

Hear from our Volunteers:

I feel it is a privilege to help in the physician licensure process. In return, besides a sense of accomplishment, I have gotten to know so many capable people, including many new colleagues from across the country, and I have learned so much about assessment that I have applied in my professional roles.

From the first time I came to NBME, I have been impressed with the professionalism of everyone at the organization. Each committee has afforded me with new learning opportunities, not only medical knowledge, but in the ability to develop questions and answers. These are skills that are not easily acquired, and I will be forever grateful for the many years I have been able to serve.

I truly value the relationships I have with fellow volunteer faculty and the team members at NBME. I have learned so much from experts in assessment and fellow faculty colleagues through my volunteer opportunities. It is so rewarding to know the work we do, as respected medical educators, serves to protect the health of those in our communities.

Of all my external professional engagements, I consider my work with NBME the most satisfying. It has been my privilege to have benefited from professional growth and rejuvenation over my years of working with a first-class organization, which has been a reward in and of itself. Serving on committees with gifted medical educators from across the country and world is the most effective continuing medical education one could ask for.

Serving on the USMLE and NBME committees has really been an integral part of my academic career. I have a profound respect and admiration for the due diligence of committee members, as we have participated in decision-making processes around test development, security and finances.