Presented By: Anna Blenda, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville
Co-Authors: Renee Chosed, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville
Godwin Dogbey, Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Khalil Eldeeb, Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Russ Kolarik, Prisma Health/University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville

Purpose 
With Step 1 exam scoring changed to pass/fail, expectations have heightened for medical students to distinguish themselves before their residency match. Increasingly, additional student characteristics, including research and scholarly activity, work experiences, and volunteering, are perceived as crucial for enhancing match likelihood. This study elucidated trends in University of South Carolina School of Medicine (USC SOM) Greenville medical student characteristics by comparing institution-specific data with NRMP national data from 2017-2023, which precedes the implementation of the Step 1 Pass/Fail system and can be used as a baseline for its further evaluation. 

Methods 
De-identified national and institution-specific NRMP data for the last six years (2017-2023) for matched students were analyzed and compared. Emerging trends in medical student characteristics focusing on research/scholarly activity and work and volunteering experiences related to residency match were analyzed. 

Results 
The NRMP data indicated a national trend toward increased research activities, work, and volunteer experiences as similarly reflected at USC SOM Greenville. Mean research experiences and publications were below national averages for all specialties combined, but substantial variations existed across individual residencies. Research experiences were above the national average for general surgery, neurology, and internal medicine (pediatrics), while research publications were lower except for diagnostic radiology. At the same time, USC SOM Greenville medical students surpassed the national average in work experiences for all residencies combined and across various individual residencies. Volunteer experiences aligned more closely with national average for all residencies but exhibited wide variability at the individual residency level. 

Conclusion 
Targeted strategies to enhance research engagement among medical students, acknowledging specialty-specific variations are needed at the USC SOM Greenville. As medical education adjusts to the post-Step 1 Pass/Fail era, refining interventions based on ongoing research is critical to ensure students' competitiveness in securing desirable residency placements.