ArticleIrish journal of medical science2024
Impact of USMLE Step 1 transition to pass/fail scoring system on medical students' anxiety, sleep quality, and burnout.
Article in Irish journal of medical science, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 8 papers.
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Who cites it
8 citing papers in PubMed.
- Clerkship Grading, USMLE Step 1, and Student Distinction: A CERA Study.Family medicine · 2026Article
- Strategies for Success: Assessing Student Perspectives on the Impact of Step 1 Pass/Fail.Medical science educator · 2025Article
- Article
- The Impact of a Pass/Fail USMLE Step 1 Exam on USMLE Step 2 Exam Study Time.Medical science educator · 2025Article
- Tipping the Scales: Quantifying the Impact of USMLE Step 1 Pass/Fail Scoring on Application Interpretation in the Integrated Plastic Surgery Match.Journal of surgical education · 2025Article
- Physician and Medical Student Burnout, a Narrative Literature Review: Challenges, Strategies, and a Call to Action.Journal of clinical medicine · 2025Review
- Passing the Caduceus: A Medical Student Perspective on USMLE Step 1 Reform.Medical science educator · 2025Article
- What Do Medical Students Think About a Pass/Fail USMLE Step 1? A Survey of 18 Allopathic Schools.Journal of medical education and curricular developmentArticle
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Authors and funding
3 authors.
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No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
introductionOriginally designed to evaluate the application of foundational scientific knowledge in clinical contexts, the United States Medical License Exam (USMLE) Step 1 evolved into a comparative tool for assessing candidates with similar educational foundations. This transition heightened the pressure on medical students to excel in the exam. In response, collaborative efforts involving the National Board of Medical Examiners prompted a change from reporting scores to a pass/fail system. The true impact of this shift remains insufficiently explored. This study aims to assess the emotional toll - encompassing burnout, anxiety, depression, and sleep quality - experienced prior to taking the Step 1 exam. Additionally, it aims to uncover potential gender-based disparities in perceived anxiety and depression.
methodsThe study encompasses the entirety of third-year medical students at Drexel University College of Medicine, who were invited to participate in a comprehensive survey. Drawing from retrospection, the survey relies on self-reported data regarding anxiety, depression, sleep quality, and burnout. Data compilation was anonymized and executed via Qualtrics platform.
resultsA total of 102 medical students completed the survey, with a 97% pass rate for the USMLE Step 1. Despite their excellent performance, 75% of students reported inadequate sleep quality, and 68% exhibited mild to moderate anxiety levels. Among them, a higher percentage of females (83%) experienced anxiety compared to their male counterparts (50%). Furthermore, 66% of students felt that their commitment to education exceeded what was reasonable for their well-being.
conclusionsThe transition from traditional scoring to a pass/fail system was ostensibly intended to enhance the mental well-being of medical students. Nevertheless, our findings underscore that students continue to endure heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and burnout during the pivotal month leading up to the Step 1 examination.
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