Melissa Margolis, PhD

Melissa Margolis is a lead measurement scientist recognized for her contributions to medical education and assessment. Her early research helped shape performance-based assessments that were later implemented in the United States Medical Licensing Examination® (USMLE®) sequence, including the Step 2 Clinical Skills exam and Step 3 computer-based patient management simulations. Her recent work spans test validity; technology-enhanced simulation; workplace-based assessment; and the evaluation of complex constructs such as communication, clinical reasoning, health systems science and teamwork.

Melissa has authored nearly 200 scholarly publications and conference presentations, and her research continues to influence the future of assessment in medical education. In addition to her research, she has provided consulting services to numerous professional organizations, including the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine; the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgeons; the College of Family Physicians of Canada; the Royal Colleges of Physicians, Radiologists, and Surgeons in the United Kingdom; and the National Medical Examination Center in China.

She actively contributes to the field through service roles such as editorial board member for NCME, member of the American Board of Medical Specialties Stakeholder Council and Secretary of the Association of Test Publishers Health Sector Special Interest Group. She also serves as a reviewer for leading conferences and journals in measurement and medical education.

A Philadelphia native with a passion for travel, Melissa earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Ursinus College, a master’s degree in experimental psychology from Villanova University, and a doctorate in educational psychology from Temple University.