There's always a way to your Goal!
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Step 1 was a disaster: 180, 182, and finally 212 (third attempt)
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Step 2: 212 (first attempt).
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Step 2 CS: Pass (first attempt)
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Step 3 : Pass (first attempt)
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Four failed attempts at matching with not even 1 interview.
Here are some messages between me and a student over the years:
06/01/2015 Dear Dr. Barone, Sorry to bother you, but I need some advice.
Just to summarize my situation: I graduated from medical school in Poland in 2013, started post graduate training in England for 1 year and basically took a year off to come to the US and volunteer/research at a hospital in New York. It's been pretty tough so far as I am pushing to publish something to improve my CV. I was able to speak to the PD in general surgery and everything was fine until match day 
I got the hint that I will be placed on the preliminary list for general surgery and therefore I ranked the program. But when I received that email that I did not match, I felt a bit disappointed and it really did like the end of the world. Even the SOAP did not help and the reason was "Institutional policy says that we don't offer spots to people with multiple failures".
As I only had a one-way ticket to the US and I did not just stay at home, I continued to do research at the hospital. The head of surgery department mentioned that my biggest chances are at this hospital with my scores, because people know me already. I know that you hear these stories on a daily basis, but there's one big thing: I trust your opinion.
Btw. I don't want to settle for another specialty other than surgery And I do have a job offer for England. It's just that my wife started her residency training in pediatrics here and I don't want her dreams to be destroyed as well. I can't afford to apply to the match anymore. Thank you for your help!!
06/02/2015 Message from Dr. Barone: Great to hear from you! I understand how difficult it can be to get a residency in the US. People promise you things and they don't come thru. Very frustrating. As you know surgery is a very competitive field. So with your past difficulties your best chance of matching is to put time in a residency program that has taken IMG's. Surgery is a club and if you impress the right people you can get in. It sounds like that is what you have been doing so that's a great thing and you should keep it up. There are no guarantees in life, so you have to decide yourself if giving up a sure thing in England for a chance in the US is worth it to you. This is a long and winding journey with no correct answers. So I usually recommend following your heart. That way you will never have to say "what if only had tried for my dreams". No regrets. I will be rooting for your success.
10/28/2015 From our last conversation some time has passed and some interesting news came up. As you know I have been doing research for over a year now. I can remember your words from 2011: "the most important thing is to rub your elbows with the right people"....I have done that. And it worked: I was offered a PGY-1 position in general surgery! Although only a preliminary position, but taking my scores and step 1 attempts into consideration, I think this is the only way to get started as a resident in the US!
10/28/2015 Message from Dr. Barone: Congratulations!!! I am so proud of you! Hard work pays off!!!! Now work your butt off and parlay this into a full residency spot!!!
04/22/2018 I have great news I want to share with you: After my success to obtain a PGY-1 preliminary residency position twice, I made it and was offered a PGY-3 categorical position in General Surgery!!
Message from Dr. Barone: Wow! Totally awesome!!! That is such amazing news!!! Your amazing! How did you find it? Any advice for others trying to get a spot after a prelim year?
My advice: Probably the most important thing is to be persistent. As a preliminary resident you always want to be on top of your game. I was always the first one to be at work, and I would be leaving last. It is important to show that you care about your patients and to be well-liked by your peers, hospital staff, and faculty. I would try to get to know everyone at work. All my peers at majority of faculty vouched for me. I’m well known to the GME office too. I am always available and I would get things done in person. I would never rely on anyone else. Furthermore, it was very important to perform on the in-service exams. Especially in surgery! But really, probably the most important thing was to be persistent. Never give up and always pursue your dream. And it's just true: Hard work, pays off!
What I did not mention before: I was always checking for open spots. Last year, there was a categorical position open in an integrated vascular surgery program in California. I immediately applied and spoke to the chief of vascular surgery at my institution. Because of my prior good work while doing research with the department as well as my reputation in the hospital, he made a phone call on my behalf and I was offered a FaceTime interview. This interview went very well and I was offered the position. Unfortunately, due to my medical school not find the right paperwork for the Medical Board of California, I was unable to obtain a license/being eligible for license. The spot was subsequently withdrawn and I was very depressed for two weeks. However, I didn’t give up and continue to study for my in-service exam. I have done well and was very happy about that. At my program, one of my peers felt that surgery was not for him and he decided to participate in the match. He matched into a different specialty, And essentially opened a categorical position at my institution. Again, my co-residents and faculty vouched for me on a daily basis. During match week, I received a phone call from my program director offering me a position.
Up until now, it was a huge roller coaster ride with a lot of uncertainty and no guarantees. Yet, I was always positive and optimistic about my future. I always wanted to become a surgeon and I did everything possible to get where I am right now. And for everyone else, if I can do it - everyone can! :)
J. P. April 29, 2018
Comments
I need help,old grad,have passing score in steps 1attempt in Step3 but passed it now applied for psychiatry,need guidance and help plz.reply