Step I Bathroom breaks?

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RandoMDstudetn

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Hey all,
I am supposed to take my USMLE Step 1 soon and I had a question about bathroom breaks. I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome and when I get anxious I need to use the bathroom frequently. Is it possible to briefly leave your testing station in the mddle of a block for this reason?
 
Hi,

NO, you cannot leave your station DURING an exam, but you can definitely take short breaks between every block if you wish (and I highly recommend that).

This is of course, assuming, you don't have some sort of disability waiver from IBS. Probably not though, huh? Maybe with IBD but probably not IBS. Best wishes.
 
please plan ahead. call the nbme or something, at least.

you do not want to be surprised with a proctor informing you of some stupid but serious "testing irregularity." it's in their job responsibilities, they're are required to do it (no joke).

and that would be traumatic, and i don't think i would wish that on anyone....

good luck, ok?
 
no they wont even for pregnant (8.5 months)women.wont even let you put a bottle of water next to you.
so do the frequent breaks thing...good luck