Strategies to Combat Burnout During Intense Studying: Utilization of Medical Student Feedback to Alleviate Burnout in Preparation for a High Stakes Examination

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to understand medical students’ levels of burnout symptoms and their strategies to combat burnout during the United States Medical Licensure Examination (USMLE) Step 1 study period.

Methods

We administered a survey to three cohorts of medical students after they had taken the Step 1 examination. We gauged their perceptions on what worked well while studying including any insight into strategies to alleviate burnout. We used a qualitative approach to describe their experiences.

Results

Out of the 477 students surveyed, 370 responded (RR = 77.6%), and we developed 12 key strategies to alleviate burnout during an intense study period: exercise, take days off, limit study hours per day, take breaks, develop support system, dedicate time for fun, eat well, minimize distractors, sleep well, study with others, identify suitable study space(s), and recognize feelings of burnout are normal. We provide further insight into each of these strategies.

Discussion

By using these strategies, medical students can minimize levels of burnout and maintain wellness throughout the study period. We believe these strategies could be used not only for medical students, but also in the context of any intensive examination preparation period or for a major research paper such as a dissertation. Research has shown that burnout is real and we as researchers and educators must continue to develop strategies to combat it.