Complete Focus on the Goal
- IMG
- mother of 4 children
- 23 year gap
What does it take to match as an IMG who is a mother of 4 children and has a 23 year gap since medical school?
Dear Dr. Barone
I would like to share my story: I graduated medical school in 1992. I have 4 kids and I decided to study for the Step Exams in February last year. I attend the Kaplan classroom every where step 1 March and took step 1 exam in July and got 244! Then I attend Kaplan classroom everywhere step 2 and took step 2 on got 252! Next I attended the Kaplan CS 5 day cause in December and took CS exam in December and passed. Got my certificate in February 2015 Finally, I attend the Kaplan step 3 course in January 2015 and took the step 3 exam. I matched 2 days ago! Very happy! Very thankful to all Kaplan teachers!
Are you an IMG and what is your Visa status?
I am an IMG and US citizen
Any gap between medical school and the match?
I have 23 years of gap. During my gap years, I came to US and the first few years I did some acupuncture for living. Then I got a PhD in computer science (working for Google in Santa Monica) because I always want to be a mathematician instead of a physician when I was a kid:) Then I quit my job, had several new kids and stayed home for another few years.
Tell me about your step experience?
Kaplan helps a lot. The teachers are excellent, and the advisor is great to keep me on schedule.
How many programs did you apply to and how many interviews did you get?
I only applied 2 programs and got both interviews. Both are internal medicine.
What do you think was the most important factor in you matching?
First attempt and good scores.
What advice would you give to students in a similar situation?
Concentration and persistent. During the past year of study, I was fortunate enough to be able to hire a full time nanny to help take care of my kids, I only shop once each week for food. Each day, I have at least 8 hours of study.
H. J. 03/18/15