Improving Student Experiences During USMLE Step 1 "Dedicated Preparation Period" via a Course Designed to Holistically Support Academic and Wellness Needs.

Authors :: Yodh JG
Jaleel A
Wallon RC
Source :: Medical science educator [Med Sci Educ] 2023 Apr 28; Vol. 33 (3), pp. 653-658. Date of Electronic Publication: 2023 Apr 28 (Print Publication: 2023).
Publication Year :: 2023
Abstract: Common medical school practice includes an independent "dedicated preparation period" for the USMLE Step 1 exam during which students have reported considerable stress and anxiety. Carle Illinois College of Medicine sought to improve their students' experience during the dedicated preparation period via a unique course, Phase 1 Synthesis and Summary , designed to provide support for academics and wellness. The strengths of the course were elements that maximized student flexibility, autonomy, wellness, and targeted self-study. The course design reported here may provide a model for other schools to design courses to holistically improve students' preparation for Step 1 and other board exams.<br />Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40670-023-01791-2.<br />Competing Interests: Competing InterestsThe authors declare no competing interests.<br /> (© The Author(s) under exclusive licence to International Association of Medical Science Educators 2023.)

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