Thanks so much for the wonderful comment. I was stuck under a pile of texts books there for a while, but your remark really helped. A lot of times during second year, my friends and I came to see Step 1 as the absolute culmination as who we were as medical students. At least now, in the wisdom of one day status post exam, I’m a bit more circumspect about the whole thing, the test being a means to an end and not an end by itself, etc etc.

And I do think it’s interesting (and impressive) you were recently diagnosed with ADAH. I’m some time asked how I got through college and into med school with my diagnosis. My response is always that it was a lot easier that it would have been without the diagnosis. I’m always so impressed by those who overcame a disability without an educational institution that acknowledges it. So thanks again for the kind words and congratulations on completing your fellowship!

Anyway, I wanted to wish you luck on the boards. For what it’s worth, in hindsight Step I is not that different from all the other standardized tests that you’ve taken (and will continue to take- sorry) as far as long-term significance. A high score is helpful, but a low score can always be finessed (particularly if you don’t want to be a dermatologist or surgical subspecialist.) Furthermore, if your score doesn’t match the rest of your portfolio (which looks like it will be darn good), any training program worth attending will take the time to dig for a reason why. Just my two cents, of course.

(My tired mind initially read “medicinal thoughts” instead of “medical thoughts” in your last sentence….