Passing the Caduceus: A Medical Student Perspective on USMLE Step 1 Reform

The USMLE Step 1 exam provides a standardized metric by which medical schools and residency programs can assess a medical student’s preclinical medical education. In 2021, the grading of Step 1 changed to pass/fail, in an effort to improve student wellbeing and reduce the exam’s undue influence on the residency match process. This commentary provides a medical student’s perspective on the new grading system, highlighting recent studies on Step 1 student wellbeing, financial stress, and residency influence.