A Friendly Push
- Non-US IMG
- Step 1 : 210
- Step 2CK : 232
- Step 2 CS : Pass
- YOG: 2015
Here's the success story of a non-US IMG with low board scores and more then 5 years from graduation who got a "friendly push" to keep him going during the difficult times!
Hello Dr Barone,
I would love to share my story with you.
There were many times I was demotivated and doubting everything, the stories you shared with us online really helped me and maybe my story will help someone else.
I graduated medical school in 2015 from a medical school in Europe, during school I took step 1 and got a 210. After graduating I studied for and took step 2 CS and during this time I was also looking for research opportunities to make my application more attractive and eventually I found one in Florida in sports medicine. I did a year long research fellowship at a hospital there, it was a very difficult experience for me as the attending I worked with was very difficult to work with, she constantly put me down. Even with these set backs I managed to get 7 publications.
After finishing my fellowship I still had step 2CK to take and now I had lost all my confidence due to the environment I had in Florida. I seriously thought about quitting as I was already 3 years out. My friends really pushed me to take my CK and I eventually did after a year of studying and got a 232. I knew since I had graduated long ago I needed fresh clinical experiences so I did 6 months of externships and got new letters. This was during the pandemic so for me it was very stressful.
I applied for the match this year and I got 6 interviews. I really practiced my interview skills and really tried to network. I wanted to tell you after all this time I matched!!
Dr. Barone: “What do you think was the most important factor in you matching?”
I think the most important factor in me matching was finding a mentor to guide me. For me finding someone to guide me through this process was the biggest thing and something I am so grateful to them for. Another thing that I learnt on my journey was how important it is to believe in yourself, if we don’t believe in ourselves to be worthy it shows in our work and demeanour and without it is very hard to walk this path. This was really important for me.
Dr Barone: “I’m glad that you listened to your friends who encouraged you to continue!!! What advice would you give to other students in similar circumstances?”
Dr Barone this process is so difficult and stressful on so many levels and you know I think so many applicants have so much to offer and yet we constantly negative self talk ourselves. I think I would tell people - you have so much to offer to medicine you shouldn’t let a exam or person or anything tell you otherwise- Try your best and give it your all (which is all anyone can do) you will be amazed with what can be done.
Finally I really wanted to thank you for all the support you give to medical students. I know that during some of my more difficult times, I would really look forward to seeing your students success stories after the match and I had a faint hope maybe I would be one in the future and I am so grateful that I can now share my story with you.
N. N.
March 18, 2021