The Importance of Connections
- Step 1 : 229 (first attempt)
- Step 2 CK: 232 (first attempt)
- Step 2 CS: Pass (second attempt)
- GAP since graduation: 12-years
- Non-US IMG
- First attempt at matching
- Number of interviews: 5
Here's the success story of a Non-US IMG with a failure on step 2CS and a 12-year gap who used persistence and connections to reach his goal:
Dear Dr Barone
Thank you for sharing my story , I hope that it will inspire some doctors the same way that other stories you have published inspired me in my dark moments of disencouragement and despair on this difficult road to residency.
I graduated from medical school in 2005 and completed successfully 2 residencies in my home country of Venezuela. After I finished my residencies in 2014, I started to study for step 1 due to the very dangerous situation in my country. So I secluded myself in step one and after taking it I had to escape the country due to the hazardous situations with my 7-month pregnant wife and no money!!!
I arrived to the US with my step I done and big dreams of becoming a physician in the US. The reality was harder than I thought because I had to work as a taxi driver with almost no time to study. Nevertheless I managed to study in between rides. I took the CS in 2016 and I failed. I couldn’t believe it, but somehow I knew the key to success was being persistent and somehow that challenging moment made me feel no one or anything would stop me from attaining my dream.
I decided then to switch to CK and take a breather. I took CK in 2017 after having completed Uworld 2 and a half times and reading First aid 3 times. There were no centers close to home so I had to drive 5 hours to take it and drive 5 hours back after 9 hours of exam because I couldn’t afford the hotel. That was harsh.
Right after taking the CK, I started to practice the CS with a friend that was going to take it on the same month I was. I also learned from the things I had done wrong in my first attempt. In June of 2017 I was thrilled to know I had passed all my exams and was getting my ECFMG certificate.
One of the most important things I learned and would like to convey, besides being extremely persistent, is to make important connections. I started to make connections and a list of people that could help me since I started this road in 2014 . Those connections got me a job in healthcare and that job opened the road to many more connections. I would contact friends of friend of a friend . I even traveled 3 times to NY to meet with doctors and the first 2 times they stood me up. I would even see any passenger in my taxi cab as a potential door for other connections. And it did payoff! The third time I traveled to NY got me 2 interviews and my match! Third time is the charm! Never give up! You will eventually make it! Trust me! Persistence is the key to success!
Some pointers I wanted to give from my personal experience ( don’t think there is a best way rather each student has to find what best works for them) are the following :
- Step 1: Read Kaplan books to be able to understand FA. Read and memorize FA to the best of your abilities. Do as much U world Questions as you can and write down the things that are unfamiliar. I ended up with 3 notebooks and then I went over them before the exam.
- CK: I went over FA CK few times and did the same with Uworld.
- CS: if you are an IMG only take the exam in Houston is so much more flexible and friendly. The most import thing is to have bedside manners with the patient, be friendly and don’t go to do medicine , they are actors not doctors. Also practice as much you can with someone that is also going to take the exam.
Wish everyone the best of luck and never give up on your dreams! Be always persistent!
- O.N. March 14, 2018
Comments
What a story man! I'm also an IMG from Venezuela, and I also left the country with my wife due to the horrible situation in 2015... so it is very inspiring to read about your journey. Congrats on your success!! I'm applying to IM this year and I would very much appreciate your input on my application and programs.
Is there anyway I could follow up with you?
my current email is gailmfs
Espero q recibas este mensaje, muchisimas gracias pana.
He didn’t have any USCE or was it just not mentioned here?