What is known about the topic?

Transitioning to independent practice in Canada requires completion of a high stakes certification examination.

What did this study ask?

What is the experience of residents in the year of their certification examination?

What did this study find?

Residents perceive deleterious physical and mental health impacts in their examination year, driven by stress and the culture surrounding the examination.

Why does this study matter to clinicians?

Impaired wellness may impact quality of care. Mitigating the wellness impacts of the examination year may ease residents’ transition to practice.