8 Things To Know Before Taking USMLE Step 1 Exam

Published on: 17 January 2024 Last Updated on: 12 September 2024

Embarking on the medical journey is akin to setting sail on an adventurous odyssey. Spanning between seven and 15 years, physician training is a formidable yet exhilarating commitment. The education landscape constantly evolves to synchronize with the latest medical breakthroughs, emerging public health challenges, and the dynamic needs of communities.

As future physicians dive into the labyrinth of USMLE Step 1 preparation, it’s more than a test they are gearing up for – it’s a rite of passage, a bridge to the evolving landscape of healthcare. It’s a chapter in a narrative that started with a passion for healing and is destined to unfold into a saga of medical excellence. The challenges are embraced, the excitement acknowledged, and the realization that this journey is not just about becoming a doctor but about evolving into a guardian of health. The curtain rises on this captivating act, and the future physicians stand ready, appreciative of the demanding but exhilarating path that lies ahead.

At the heart of this transformative journey are medical schools and teaching hospitals, hives of innovation where future physicians immerse themselves in cutting-edge learning. It’s a journey sculpted not only by rigorous academic pursuits but also by the ever-expanding horizons of medical knowledge. From the intricacies of groundbreaking research to the pressing demands of public health, every facet is meticulously woven into the fabric of physician education.

Enter the stage of exams – a series of checkpoints demanding diligence and determination. Foremost among them is the USMLE Step 1, a pivotal milestone that gauges not just knowledge but the adaptability essential for a dynamic healthcare system. The preparation is an intensive undertaking, a convergence of dedicated study hours, practice tests, and a profound appreciation for the vast expanse of medical science.

Importance Of USMLE Step 1

The USMLE Step 1 is a pivotal milestone in the journey of medical professionals, holding profound importance in shaping their careers. This exam serves as a critical assessment of a candidate’s foundational medical knowledge, testing their grasp of basic sciences and their ability to apply principles in clinical contexts. The Step 1 score plays a crucial role in residency program applications, often influencing the selection process significantly.

A strong performance not only opens doors to prestigious specialties but also reflects a candidate’s preparedness for the challenges of clinical practice. Beyond its immediate impact on residency opportunities, the Step 1 score can influence career paths, research opportunities, and even international practice. It stands as a testament to a candidate’s commitment to excellence, making success in this examination a cornerstone for a successful and fulfilling medical career.

Everything About Step 1 USMLE Exam

Embarking on the USMLE Step 1 journey is a significant milestone for medical professionals. As a pivotal examination that assesses a candidate’s foundational medical knowledge, here are eight crucial aspects you must grasp to navigate this challenging yet transformative experience.

Exam Format

The USMLE Step 1 is a computer-based test administered over a single day, typically lasting around eight hours. It consists of seven 60-minute blocks, each containing 40 questions. The total number of questions can vary, but it usually ranges between 280 and 300.

Question Types

Questions in Step 1 can be categorized into multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and matching questions. The majority are single-best answer MCQs, where you select the most appropriate response from the choices provided. Some questions may involve interpreting graphs, charts, or images, and testing your ability to integrate information.

Content Overview

The exam primarily assesses your understanding of basic science concepts and their application in clinical scenarios. Major content areas include anatomy, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, behavioral sciences, microbiology, immunology, and physiology. It’s crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of these subjects to excel in Step 1.

Integrated Clinical Vignettes

Many questions are presented in the form of clinical vignettes, requiring you to apply your knowledge in realistic patient scenarios. This integration of basic science principles with clinical context reflects the exam’s emphasis on evaluating your ability to think critically and make sound clinical decisions.

Score Reporting

Starting from January 2022, there has been a significant change in the reporting of USMLE Step 1 scores. The traditional numeric score system, along with the pass/fail outcome, has transitioned exclusively to a pass/fail model. This shift reflects a departure from the previous practice of assigning three-digit scores. As a consequence, candidates will now receive a simple pass or fail designation on their Step 1 results. Test-takers can anticipate receiving their scores approximately four weeks from the date of their Step 1 examination. This modification in the scoring and reporting mechanism aligns with the evolving standards and preferences in medical education, offering a streamlined and simplified approach to evaluating candidates’ performance on this critical examination.

Dedicated Preparation Time

Successful preparation for Step 1 often requires several months of dedicated study. Many candidates allocate a significant portion of their preclinical years to build a strong foundation, followed by an intensive dedicated study period closer to the exam date. Establishing a well-structured study plan is essential for efficient and effective preparation.

Use Of External Resources

Many candidates supplement their medical school curriculum with external resources to reinforce their understanding and prepare for Step 1. Popular resources include review books, question banks, flashcards, and online forums. UWorld, First Aid, Pathoma, and SketchyMedical are commonly utilized tools in this endeavor.

Test-Taking Strategies

Developing effective test-taking strategies is crucial for success. Practice exams, time management, and simulated test conditions can enhance your ability to navigate the exam day with confidence. Familiarize yourself with the test interface, and practice pacing to ensure you allocate your time wisely across the various sections.

Conclusion:

The USMLE Step 1 is more than just an exam; it’s a gateway to the next phase of your medical career. Understanding its format, content, and the strategic approach required is essential. A well-rounded preparation, complemented by a solid grasp of foundational medical concepts, will not only lead to success on this examination but also set the stage for your future success in clinical practice and specialized training.

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Ankita Tripathy

Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.

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Tanya Lyons

Normally I do not read article on blogs however I would like to say that this writeup very forced me to try and do so Your writing style has been amazed me Thanks quite great post

Reply 2024-01-20 20:28:22

What To Consider When Searching For A New Job

You will likely be searching for a new role at some point in your professional career. This could be because you want a new challenge, or you may be currently unemployed for one reason or another. The job search process can be quite a stressful experience, but there are certain things you should be thinking about that can help make this process easier for you. Firstly, think about your previous experiences and why you left, or want to leave, your current job role. Continue reading as we explore some thoughts on the matter. 6 Suitable Tips To Consider When Searching For A New Job: 1. Find The Best Job Listing Sites It's important to note that there is a range of different job listing sites that you can make use of. You may find that some job listing sites will be more specialized. For example, they may only search within a specific industry. Ensure you are utilizing the right job listing sites for the sort of role you're looking for. In some cases, you may use multiple job platforms when searching, just to ensure that you are not leaving all your eggs in one basket. If you're unsure where to search, consider asking friends or former colleagues what they used to help them land their job. It's always worth speaking to the people in your life to find out what they have been through so that you can learn from any mistakes they may have made. In the future, you will then be able to provide this knowledge to someone else, allowing the cycle to continue. 2. Search Via Salary If you are searching around for a new job, one of the key things you're looking out for is likely the salary. Annoyingly, you may find that some businesses aren't clear with their salary, or they may just list it as competitive, which isn't clear at all. This is why you should use job hosting sites that make it clear what the compensation is. It may not be down to the job site, but you may think you should stay away from certain businesses that don't make it clear, as this could be a waste of your time to move forward. If you really enjoy the sound of a job and apply, you could ask for more details regarding the salary as early as possible. It can feel awkward to ask about money, even though that's mostly the reason you're there. Eventually, you may get to a stage where you are ready to take on the job, but not for the amount of compensation that is being offered. In situations like this, you will have to negotiate for your salary. If you're unsure about how to negotiate salary, then you should search for expert advice from those who help coach individuals in getting their perfect job, such as Placement. Experts such as this will be able to provide you with coaching and resources to aid in your job search. 3. Utilize Keywords It's important to note that you should be using certain keywords when searching for a new job. For example, if you're looking for a tech job, you should be searching for certain buzzwords related to your ideal job. When you enter these keywords, words relevant to your ideal job, it's more likely that you will find job listings online. Ensure you are searching through different search engines when utilizing keywords so that you can find as many relevant job listings as possible. You may think that this means you will be that this could be overwhelming, but it is actually the opposite. In fact, defining your keywords can help you find jobs that you are definitely interested in, rather than a load of generic offerings. In some cases, you may have more listings, but they will have a higher likelihood of being interesting to you. It's worth trying to use a range of different job listing platforms in conjunction with these keywords so that you can find the ideal job. If you aren't having much luck, then it may benefit you to work with a career coach on a more personal scale. They can work within the industry to find more applicable direct help that will benefit you, and find a job in no time. 4. Network Around You may be able to find yourself a new role by networking around. Networking refers to building relationships with those within your industry or the business world in general. More often than not, when someone is looking to hire for a new position, they will first turn to those within their network, as they know them slightly more. You may have built yourself a network without really ever thinking about it. Think of the people you've worked with and under before. These will all be people in your network. As long as you have some sort of way to contact them, you should be fine. Take a look at your network of business people when searching for a new role. Even if you're not actively looking, this may be where you first hear of an exciting role. It goes both ways. When you need to hire someone for a certain role, you will be able to turn towards your network. 5. Take Time Crafting Your Resume One of the most important things you will need when looking for a new job is a solid resume. If you weren't aware, a resume is a formal document that explains to a potential employer who you are and your credentials for a role. It's important that you don't rush into making your resume. After all, this will be the first impression that a potential employer has of you, so you want it to be a good one. In most cases, it will also benefit you to write a cover letter that is more specific to the role and company you're applying to. This can help show the company hiring how much extra effort you are putting into applying and could put you above the others when considering who to offer an interview to. Not all jobs will require a resume, but it never hurts to prepare one just in case. Employers will often use resumes as a reference point during an interview to call back to and use it as a basis to ask you questions and expand upon your experience. 6. Prepare For Interviews Once you get to the interview stage, you will then have to prepare yourself. Not everyone will be nervous about an interview, but it's fair to say most people will. It's important to remember that the more you prepare for an interview, the less nervous you will be. That's because you will have put the work in, which makes you more confident in answering questions and making you feel like you are right for the role. Ensure you are researching the company and the industry it works in. This will show your employer that you have a good understanding of the business, and it can also help reaffirm your decision that you want to work in this business. You may also benefit from doing some practice interviews. This could be with someone you know, such as a friend or family member, or it could be on your own. You could record your practice interview and play it back to yourself to see how you're doing and learn from the experience. Read Also: How to Keep Remote Employees Productive in 2022 How Personal Branding Online Can Help Your Job Search How to Get a Job as a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

What Does A Career In Anesthesiology Look Like? Click To Know

Anesthesiologists are vital to the surgical process because they help guarantee the patients' safety and well-being prior to, during, and following surgery. The importance of anesthesiologists' work justifies their high pay. US Indeed, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is among the top 20 highest-paying jobs in the nation. To become a certified professional in anesthesia, you will need to put in years of hard work and dedication. If you want to learn how to become an anesthesiologist, here is what to expect. What Does an Anesthesiologist Do? The anesthesiologist meets with the patient and surgeon prior to a scheduled medical procedure to review the patient's condition. The anesthesiologist works with the patient to reduce pain and maintain comfort after the procedure and keeps an eye on the patient's vitals throughout to ensure the patient is safe while sedated. Additionally, anesthesiologists can help patients manage their chronic pain or chronic back pain or heal from injuries by offering pain management services. If you are looking for the steps on how to become an Anesthesiologist, keep reading. How to Become an Anesthesiologist? Before you ask how to become an anesthesiologist, you must understand that it is a demanding profession that calls for extensive schooling and training. It can take 12 to 15 years after high school to become fully certified and licensed to practice, so it's not for everyone. These are the steps you must follow if you determine that becoming an anesthesiologist is the right career path for you. Here is all that you need to know on how to become an Anesthesiologist. Bachelor’s Degree You must first complete your undergraduate degree. You are not required to major in anything, but it could be beneficial to take science and math-related courses. Nonetheless, research indicates that premedical students majoring in the social sciences or humanities have superior communication skills when interacting with patients. Although specific majors may not be required by medical schools, the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) will assess your knowledge of scientific concepts, so gaining admission to medical school will require a strong foundation. Think about enrolling in science or biology courses as electives if your major is in something non-scientific. Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) The MCAT is a four-part test designed to assess your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities and your comprehension of scientific ideas and concepts. You will receive five scores on the MCAT: one total score and scores for each of the four sections. You can use an online study tool from the Association of American Medical Colleges to get ready for the MCAT. The National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions has a network of volunteer advisers. They can assist you in choosing the appropriate courses to get you ready for the test. Medical School It's possible to apply to medical schools after passing the MCAT. The application procedure may take a long time. The American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS), a centralized application for medical school, must be filled out. The nine sections of the AMCAS address your educational history, personal essays, letters of evaluation, as well as coursework. Every medical school you apply to might require you to complete a secondary application. The majority of them will demand an in-person interview. Prospects for medical school will also have their backgrounds checked. You will complete four additional years of education if you are admitted as a medical student. Residency After graduating from medical school and receiving your Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree, you will need to finish a four-year residency program in anesthesiology. In hospitals or clinics that specialize in their chosen field, residents will receive training. It can be a taxing experience to be in residency. All clinical and educational activities are included in the 80-hour workweek that residents are allotted, and they may be required to work 24 hours in a row. Fellowship Some anesthesiologists can complete a fellowship in lieu of their residency training. They receive specialized training in fields such as obstetric anesthesia, pediatric anesthesia, and pain management during their fellowship. Typically, fellowships are awarded for one or two years. Licensure and Certification To practice medicine, you need to obtain a state license after finishing your residency and any optional fellowship. The state's medical board will review your training and educational background when you apply for a medical license. You will need to provide documentation that you passed all three sections of the US Medical Licensing Examination. The time between applying for a license and when it is granted can be up to sixty days. To become board-certified, you can also sit for the American Board of Anesthesiology exam. Although certification is not necessary, it is a helpful way to demonstrate your expertise to employers and patients. Of anesthesiologists, about 75% hold a board certification. Training Of an Anesthesiologist If you are thinking about how to become an anesthesiologist, you must start with a bachelor’s degree. Your undergraduate studies should equip you with a broad foundation of knowledge in the sciences and liberal arts since medical school is your goal. You should also take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) prior to graduating. Having a strong MCAT score and volunteering or doing internships in the medical field will help you get into the medical school of your choice. The average length of medical school is four years. The last two years are devoted to learning clinical practice under the guidance of medical professionals in a range of healthcare settings, while the first two years are primarily devoted to classroom and laboratory instruction. Prospective anesthesiologists must finish a four-year anesthesiology residency after graduating from medical school. The National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) is a nationwide system that matches medical school graduates with residencies. To learn how to practice their chosen specialty, residents receive instruction from highly qualified medical school faculty. A fellowship is a further training program that some physicians pursue after completing their residency to specialize in anesthesiology. It covers topics such as pain management, pediatric anesthesiology, or obstetric anesthesiology. Certification Requirements An anesthesiologist can become certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology and receive a license to practice medicine in their state upon completing a residency program. While not all anesthesiologists are board-certified, practicing medicine requires a state license. The requirements for becoming a physician vary by state. But most of them include graduating from medical or osteopathic school. You will also need to complete a residency program for at least a year and pass licensing exams. States usually use the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) examinations and the multi-step United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) to license physicians. Anesthesiologists must pass three tests to become certified by the ABA: Following the second year of residency, candidates take the BASIC exam, which covers the scientific underpinnings of anesthesiology practice. After completing the residency, candidates take the ADVANCED exam, which covers advanced and clinical aspects of anesthesiology practice. Candidates who pass the ADVANCED exam are eligible to take the APPLIED exam, which consists of oral and clinical exams. After finishing their residency, anesthesiologists have seven years to pass this test. Who Is an Anesthesiologist Assistant? Are you wondering how to become an anesthesiologist assistant? The four-year undergraduate degree program for anesthesiologist assistants includes fulfilling pre-med requirements. Highly qualified medical professionals who have successfully finished an approved anesthesiologist assistant education program are known as anesthesiologist assistants. A student can obtain certification by passing the National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants exam (NCCAA) after completing an approved AA program. The National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) provides performance information for the test items and the overall examination. AAs receive extensive training in both cutting-edge patient monitoring techniques and the provision of safe, high-quality anesthesia care. Licensed physician anesthesiologists oversee the work of AAs, who are nonphysician anesthetists, in carrying out anesthesia care plans. An AA is not allowed to practice without an anesthesiologist's supervision or outside the field of anesthesia. Who is a Nurse Anesthetist? A registered nurse who has successfully finished an approved program in nurse anesthesia is a nurse anesthetist. All applicants to nurse anesthetist programs must hold at least a Bachelor of Science degree (though not necessarily a Bachelor of Science in nursing). This is in accordance with a 1980 American Association of Nurse Anesthetists mandate that went into effect in July 1987. To enroll in an approved nurse anesthesia training program, nurses must have completed at least one year of practical experience. After completing a two- to three-year program, they must pass an exam to become nationally certified. Nurse anesthetists are non-physician anesthetists who work in a variety of surgical settings, administering anesthesia with a focus on patient care. Although they might also be supervised by other medical professionals, they are usually overseen by a physician anesthesiologist. What is an Anesthesia Care Team? A physician anesthesiologist leads the Anesthesia Care Team. It is made up of resident physicians trained in anesthesia care and physician anesthesiologists supervising qualified nonphysician anesthesiologists. Physician anesthesiologists may assign suitable tasks and patient monitoring to nonphysician anesthesia providers in an Anesthesia Care Team. But they will still be ultimately responsible for the patient. The Anesthesia Care Team collaborates to give every patient the best possible anesthesia experience. Both doctors and non-doctors are essential members of the anesthesia care team. This includes anesthesiologist, anesthesiology fellow, anesthesiology resident, anesthesiologist assistant, nurse anesthetist, anesthesiologist assistant student, and student nurse anesthetist. Significant contributions are also made by other medical specialists to the patient's peri-anesthetic care. The physician anesthesiologist overseeing the Anesthesia Care Team manages the team members, prescribing the anesthetic plan, managing the anesthesia care, and anesthesia consultation to maximize patient safety. What to Keep in Mind When Evaluating an Anesthesiology Program? Prospective anesthesiologists should only consider accredited programs when choosing between an MD and a DO. It is unaccredited to enroll in an unaccredited program to become licensed. Anesthesiology is a specialty that both MDs and DOs can pursue. Therefore, prospective students should think about whether they would rather study traditional Western medicine in an MD program or whole-person patient care and preventive medicine, as in a DO program. A prospective medical student should consider the advantages of online programs. Moreover, they must also consider the reputation, location, and cost of various medical schools. Who Is Best Suited for Being an Anesthesiologist? When assessing, diagnosing, and treating a patient, anesthesiologists must be quick on their feet and have a solid background in medical science. Moreover, they must exude confidence. Learning and planning how to become an anesthesiologist means you will need a personality to support the strenuous line of work you have chosen. Often, anesthesiologists have far less time to make a diagnosis, choose a course of treatment, as well as give out prescriptions. When placing orders and making decisions, they must rely on themselves and have the confidence to act quickly. Anesthesiologists should also have good hand dexterity and agility. They use ultrasounds for nerve blocks and regional anesthesia, as well as endotracheal intubation to insert IVs, arterial cannulas, and breathing tubes daily. Anesthesiologists must be proficient in these procedures and able to rely on their own skill set to perform them accurately and quickly. Lastly, anesthesiologists must be charismatic and can build rapport with patients fast. The uncertainties surrounding general anesthesia can be one of the most insecure experiences of a patient's life for many. Anesthesiologists frequently have no more than ten minutes to speak with the patient, get the necessary information, and build confidence that everything will be handled correctly and that the patient will get to the recovery area safely. What To Expect from a Course in Anesthesiology? You must learn a lot of material quickly in medical school so you can apply it to clinical decision-making when you work with patients in a hospital. During this period, you are also concerned with ensuring that your performance, test results, and grades will be sufficient to be accepted into the specialty of your choice at an appropriate residency program. Residency is just as demanding as medical school. When factoring in hours worked per month, you often get paid for working 60–80 hours per week at minimum wage or less. After completing this difficult process, you ought to be sufficiently prepared for something very significant: caring for people. There is a rationale behind the extensive training required to reach this stage. In addition to passing the three-part USMLE Step exam, passing the basic and advanced anesthesia board exams is necessary to become a board-certified anesthesiologist. The resident physician now possesses all the necessary certifications as well as credentials to practice anesthesiology. Want to know what a midwife does? Click here. Other Careers in Anesthesiology What is the duration of training to become an anesthesiologist? Having discovered the solution, you might be considering additional choices. To answer the Google search question, “how many years to become an anesthesiologist?” It takes more than a decade. If 12 to 15 years of education and training are not enough time to achieve your goals, you might want to think about pursuing another line of work. There are alternative career paths in the field of anesthesiology that take far less time in school if it interests you: Anesthesia Technician: Medical professionals are not nurses or doctors. Rather, they oversee and maintain the anesthesia apparatus and play a supporting role. You must pass the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists certification exam and finish a two-year associate degree program to become a certified anesthesia technician. A Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA): They are medical professionals with a master's degree. These specialists are limited to practicing in specific nation regions and are only permitted to administer anesthesia under an anesthesiologist's supervision. Becoming a certified advisor (CAA) requires a bachelor's master's and certification. This means that becoming a CAA typically takes six years. A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): A CRNA is a healthcare professional who provides anesthesia and patient care both during and following medical procedures. In seven to ten years, CRNAs can obtain their credentials and start working. Students must finish a bachelor's degree and obtain a master's degree in nurse anesthesia from an educational program to be eligible for a CRNA. Wrapping Up Having acquired knowledge about becoming an anesthesiologist, you can now strategize your professional journey. Get the best grades you can and lay a solid foundation for medical school if you're a senior in high school or a college student. You can get information on getting ready for medical school from the Association of American Medical Colleges resources. They include practice tests, advice on how to pay for medical school, and pointers on navigating the application process. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about how to become an anesthesiologist, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! We also have more information if you want to know how to become a pediatrician, a therapist, an orthodontist, a phlebotomist, a psychologist, or a physician assistant. Learn More About: Common Types and Causes of Medical Malpractice Therapist Or Psychiatrist: Which One Is Right For You? The Road To Psychiatry: A Timeline Of Education And Training

How to Keep Remote Employees Productive in 2022

The remote work movement is here to stay. That’s something we can say with confidence at this point, following a rapid shift during the pandemic. Even companies that at one point were very strictly against remote work now have hybrid options, or some are remote-first and remote-only. As companies transitioned, perhaps not willingly, but because they were forced to during the pandemic, they saw real benefits. A lot of employers say that their employees were more productive than they thought they would be and happier in many cases too. That doesn’t mean that it’s all smooth sailing, though. Managers and leaders are still looking at ways to keep remote employees productive and engaged over the long-term with remote work, now that the newness has worn off and the reality of possible downsides has set in. For leadership in 2022, the following are things to remember to keep your remote teams productive and thriving. 1. Give Them the Technology They Need to Succeed You want your remote employees to feel like they can access everything they need to do their jobs quickly and easily. At the same time, in providing that access, you can’t sacrifice your cybersecurity. Many bad actors have taken advantage of remote work over the past couple of years, wreaking havoc on businesses. To keep remote employees productive but also to protect your data and assets, think about investing in an identity and access management (IAM) security strategy. IAM makes it easy for your employees to access everything required to do their jobs quickly and efficiently but simultaneously reduces the risk of an identity breach. The more cumbersome your identity management or cybersecurity tools, the less productive and engaged your employees are going to be. Similarly, ask your employees if there are other apps or resources they might require to be more productive. Using good project management software goes a long way in any organization. Very little thought should be given to how they access the network and the resources they require day-to-day on their part—your focus should be on the provision of a seamless experience so this can happen. 2. Keep Your Employees in the Loop, No Matter Where They’re Working There’s a term that you’re likely to hear more of in the coming months and years, which is remote-first. In a remote-first organization, there is still a physical office space, but it’s not a hub of communication or decision-making. Instead, the online world is. The office may exist as needed or when someone prefers to come in, but managers and leaders make an effort to ensure that everyone who works remotely is in the loop and the conversations are happening digitally first and foremost. If there are any updates that need to be shared, or you need feedback or have company news, make sure remote employees have access to it. Even if you aren’t technically remote-first, keep employees connected through communication. 3. Rethink Your Onboarding Process If you’re hiring new employees right now, how you onboard them is going to have a ripple effect on their productivity throughout the entirety of their time with your company. Remote new hires tend to feel significantly less equipped to do their jobs. They need support, and your onboarding strategy should take into account the remote element. Your employees need access to login credentials and documents, they need training and orientation, and they also need training on less apparent drivers of success. For example, your onboarding program should include things like how your organization members communicate with one another. 4. Recognize If You’re a Productivity Killer Managers and leadership may be killing employee productivity, and they often have no idea they’re the problem. If you’re constantly holding long-winded meetings on video chat, you are killing productivity. Just like in the past few years there has been a big push away from pointless in-person meetings, make sure you’re not creating the same environment digitally. If you don’t need everyone to attend a video meeting, then don’t have everyone participate. Let your employees work in the ways that they think are going to help them meet goals and achieve, without trying to take up too much of their time or micromanage. The real advantage of remote work is that you can think less about how employees get to a certain endpoint. Instead, it’s about results. You’re not monitoring everything they’re doing, so allow employees to thrive and be more productive by meeting objectives you set but doing so in the ways they think are best or most effective. You’ll find if you set measurable, specific goals but then take a step back, it helps your remote employees thrive. Read Also: What No One Tells You About Working Remotely Tips For Calling In Sick To Work 5 Of the Highest Paid Remote Jobs

8 Things To Know Before Taking USMLE Step 1 Exam

Importance Of USMLE Step 1