Process and Experience of Creating a Student-Run Step 1 Guidance Program

We developed the Albert Einstein College of Medicine USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) Step 1 Guidance Program in the fall of 2010. The objectives of the program were twofold: to provide reliable, unbiased advice on Step 1 preparation, and to reduce student anxi- ety surrounding the examination. The program aimed to fill a void for the students by focusing on the process of preparing for the test. It was not intended to teach Step 1 content, but instead to help students study effectively and efficiently. In our opinion, the most significant service medi- cal students required was assistance in developing a per- sonalized program of study for this examination.