When the new year begins, many second-year medical students across the country will enter their dedicated study period for the USMLE Step 1 board exam, an assessment they all must pass before starting clinical clerkships and becoming physicians.
At the UNC School of Medicine, the class of 2028 is getting a head start. Medical science directors Dr. Evan Raff and Dr. Emily Moorefield teamed up with Dr. Danielle Samulski to launch a Step 1 review week designed to support students both academically and personally.
“Based on student feedback, we created a first-of-its-kind, high-energy week filled with engaging sessions, friendly competition, and new study tools,” Raff said. “It was rigorous, motivating, and fun — an experience we hope translates into success on their exams and beyond.”
Throughout the week, students worked in groups to revisit key concepts, tackle practice questions, and participate in fast-paced activities across topic areas. With UNC’s Step 1 pass rate consistently above the national average, the review week aimed to reinforce academic excellence while easing stress and boosting confidence ahead of dedicated study time.
Since the USMLE Step 1 transitioned to a pass/fail format in 2022, medical schools have reconsidered how best to prepare students. At UNC, this opportunity inspired a curricular innovation focused not only on academic success, but also on student wellness and engagement.
“The Step 1 review week was a milestone for our students and our curriculum,” Raff added. “Preparing for the USMLE Step 1 exam is one of the greatest challenges our students face on their journey to becoming physicians, and we wanted to reimagine how schools can support students through it.”
By carving out time for focused review, students stepped away from their regular coursework and engaged in a fun and exciting learning experience to build momentum for the months ahead.
“Dr. Samulski’s review sessions were incredibly helpful,” said CJ Tyson, a second-year medical student and Foundation Phase Co-Chief Advocate. “They really highlighted which areas I felt confident in and where I had weaker spots to focus on. Drs. Samulski, Raff, and Moorefield also put so much great energy into hyping the class with fun music and party vibes. Even at 8:30 a.m., it was so fun to see all of my classmates excited for it.”
Each day ended with a celebration of teamwork and achievement. The winning groups received UNC Nike athletics gear and UNC School of Medicine swag, generously donated by UNC Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham and School of Medicine leaders Dr. Cristy Page and Dr. Samantha Meltzer-Brody.
Support from across campus, along with sponsorship by the Behind the Knife surgical board review program, helped make the week a resounding success. The Step 1 review week promoted meaningful change and showed how medical schools can empower students during one of the most pivotal moments in their training.