Name
Improving USMLE Step 1 Pass Rates In High-Risk Medical Students: Results of a 2-Year Novel Comprehensive Bridge to Clerkship Program
Date & Time
Monday, June 8, 2026, 1:30 PM - 1:45 PM
Location Name
Hamilton
Speakers
Authors
Cigdem Erkuran Yilmaz, City University of New York (CUNY) School of Medicine
Danielle D Pritchett, City University of New York (CUNY) School of Medicine
Madiha B Akhtar, City University of New York (CUNY) School of Medicine
Lisa Auerbach, City University of New York (CUNY) School of Medicine
Adina Kalet, City University of New York (CUNY) School of Medicine
Carmen R Green, City University of New York (CUNY) School of Medicine
Presentation Topic(s)
Instructional Methods
Description
PURPOSE
CUNY School of Medicine (CUNY SoM) is MCAT free, 7-year BS/MD program that
requires students pass USMLE Step 1 (USMLE-1) prior to clinical clerkships.
In Spring 2022 a COVID task force (i.e., academic affairs, advising, and
wellness) identified students at high-risk for failing USMLE-1. To support
these high-risk students in USMLE-1, a 6-credit bearing, comprehensive
residence-based program, Bridge to Clerkship (BTC), was designed to provide
academic and psychosocial support. BTC incorporates Academic Advising,
Wellness and a broadly trained Medical Director to focus on building student
confidence and resilience, and knowledge acquisition.
METHODS
Upon completing the pre-clinical curriculum, M2 students scoring <60%
(Average=49.3% SD=±8.5) on the Comprehensive Basic Science Examination (CBSE)
are required to take a leave of absence or enroll in BTC. The course director
presents group sessions containing pre-session review questions, study skills
coaching, interactive group critical-thinking sessions on high yield topics,
daily question reviews (390 teaching-contact hours), weekly progress tests,
monthly CBSE, and individualized academic coaching and mentoring. Successful
BTC completion requires students engage in all activities including wellness
programs with counselors and weekly meetings with advisors. BTC started as
two consecutive 3-month in-person courses(20 hrs/wk) first year, later
transitioned to a hybrid(in-person/virtual) 15 hrs/wk program.
RESULTS
All participants improved their USMLE-1 scores. Over 2-years, most students
passed USMLE-1 (n=30; 78.9%): Year1, 17/21 (80.9%), Year2, 13/17 (76.5%).
CONCLUSION
BTC has successfully supported high-risk medical students overcome
knowledge gaps via integrated, flexible and tailored instruction targets
conceptual gaps and socioeconomic, learning and psychosocial challenges. Most
BTC participants successfully passed USMLE-1 and are doing well in their
clinical clerkships. Although, BTC is an affordable and successful model to
assist high-risk students pass USMLE-1, further evaluation is needed to
determine BTC’s long-term impact.
CUNY School of Medicine (CUNY SoM) is MCAT free, 7-year BS/MD program that
requires students pass USMLE Step 1 (USMLE-1) prior to clinical clerkships.
In Spring 2022 a COVID task force (i.e., academic affairs, advising, and
wellness) identified students at high-risk for failing USMLE-1. To support
these high-risk students in USMLE-1, a 6-credit bearing, comprehensive
residence-based program, Bridge to Clerkship (BTC), was designed to provide
academic and psychosocial support. BTC incorporates Academic Advising,
Wellness and a broadly trained Medical Director to focus on building student
confidence and resilience, and knowledge acquisition.
METHODS
Upon completing the pre-clinical curriculum, M2 students scoring <60%
(Average=49.3% SD=±8.5) on the Comprehensive Basic Science Examination (CBSE)
are required to take a leave of absence or enroll in BTC. The course director
presents group sessions containing pre-session review questions, study skills
coaching, interactive group critical-thinking sessions on high yield topics,
daily question reviews (390 teaching-contact hours), weekly progress tests,
monthly CBSE, and individualized academic coaching and mentoring. Successful
BTC completion requires students engage in all activities including wellness
programs with counselors and weekly meetings with advisors. BTC started as
two consecutive 3-month in-person courses(20 hrs/wk) first year, later
transitioned to a hybrid(in-person/virtual) 15 hrs/wk program.
RESULTS
All participants improved their USMLE-1 scores. Over 2-years, most students
passed USMLE-1 (n=30; 78.9%): Year1, 17/21 (80.9%), Year2, 13/17 (76.5%).
CONCLUSION
BTC has successfully supported high-risk medical students overcome
knowledge gaps via integrated, flexible and tailored instruction targets
conceptual gaps and socioeconomic, learning and psychosocial challenges. Most
BTC participants successfully passed USMLE-1 and are doing well in their
clinical clerkships. Although, BTC is an affordable and successful model to
assist high-risk students pass USMLE-1, further evaluation is needed to
determine BTC’s long-term impact.