Working Hard
- IMG
- FIVE attempts on Step 1
- TWO attempts on Step 2
- TWO attempts on step 3
- NO research or observership experience
If you are an IMG with FIVE attempts on Step 1, TWO attempts on Step 2, and TWO attempts on step 3 with NO research or observership experience.... would you give up on getting a residency?
My Success story 03/21/2013
Dear Dr. Barone.
I am your former student from the Kaplan KMI course in 2008. Since that time I have had to overcome quite a few setbacks in order to get where I am today.
I had to take step 1 FIVE times before I passed. And I passed with a low score.
In addition to that, I had 2 attempts on step 2 CK and 2 attempts on step 3.
Passing step 3 and having connections made all the difference. Luckily I was able to match this year 2013 in Psychiatry!
The one piece of advice I would give to any medical student is to keep working hard and to not let anyone or anything stand in your way. I know quite a few students that gave up after the first or second attempt, but the reality is that persistence pays off. After a few years no one is going to remember or care about your scores. The only thing that will matter is your performance. You can choose to let failure break you, or you can use your failures to make yourself stronger. The choice is yours.
Dr D. S.
Just a few questions:
1. Any visa issues?
I had no Visa Issue.
2. Where did you do medical school?
I went to school in the Caribbean islands and finished clinical rotations in Chicago.
3. What made the difference for you?
Everyone I met told me it can be very hard for me get into residency right away. I was told do research to boost up my resume. I am former Cancer survivor and I am fighter. I kept on going. I had no research or observerships. But, I had some good connection and I am good talker. I know how to sell myself. I had only 1 interview and I was told by program director that I am a “people person”.
4. Did connections help you?
I met a friend, who was having a hard time with step 3. We both helped each other with the exam. Now we are best friends. He had some friend in Miami and got me he interview. I was told by so many attendings that since I had hard time step 1 and 2…. “What is the chance that you will pass step 3?” Well, did it…I passed step 3 last year in dec!
5. What do you think made you successful?
I think, what made me successful was that I never quit working hard. Even though I failed the exam, I studied everyday and I tutor students everyday. I don't charge any money. I can help anyone pass steps. I was told you have to study hard, but I called it “you have to study smart”. Most of all GOD helped me. Prayer keeps you calm.
Once again thank you Dr. Barone!
Dr D. S.
Comments
I have sent you a personal message to your email to give you my advice. Stay Strong.