Effect of the USMLE Step 1 Grading Change on Orthopedic Surgery Residency Applications: National Resident Matching Program Charting Outcomes From 2011 to 2024

Since the USMLE Step 1 examination became pass/fail, research productivity significantly increased and work and volunteer experiences decreased. These changes may reflect a perceived increased emphasis on research productivity because of the grading change or may be the result of various causes, including an increase in the number of applicants who take research gap years. [<i>Orthopedics.</i> 2025;48(3):e139-e146.].