Step 1
Step 1 assesses whether students understand and can apply important concepts of the sciences basic to the practice of medicine, with special emphasis on principles and mechanisms underlying health, disease, and modes of therapy.
Step 1 ensures mastery of not only the sciences that provide a foundation for the safe and competent practice of medicine in the present, but also the scientific principles required for maintenance of competence through lifelong learning.
Step 1 is constructed according to an integrated content outline that organizes basic science material along two dimensions - system and process.
STEP 1 Office of Student Affairs Support
The Office of Student Affairs offers a variety of support services and resources for students preparing for Step 1 in the second year of their medical education including:
- UWorld Subscription (provided by VTC)
- NBME Practice Exam voucher(s) (provided by VTC)
- Variety of presentations offered by the Senior Dean for Student Affairs and the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs & Director of Academic Counseling and Enrichment Services
- A student panel of M3 students hosted in block 6 who share their personal experiences with Step 1.
- 1:1 guidance and support for each student
- VTC also partners with Dr. Yisrael Katz, MD Founder and CEO of Clinical Strategy LLC for additional support and student coaching.
Examination Content
Step 1 includes test items in the following content areas:
- Anatomy
- Behavioral sciences
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
- Interdisciplinary topics, such as nutrition, genetics, and aging
Step 1 is a broadly based, integrated examination. Test items commonly require students to perform one or more of the following tasks:
- Interpret graphic and tabular material
- Identify gross and microscopic pathologic and normal specimens
- Apply basic science knowledge to clinical problems
Sample Step 1 test materials and further information on Step 1 test content are available at the USMLE website.