Multiple Attempts at Step 1 and 2

Multiple Attempts at Step 1 and 2

Here's an inspirational story about not letting the boards stop you!

Can a Caribbean IMG with multiple attempts on step 1 and 2 and an unsuccesful match attempt make it to residency in the States?

03/15/13

Dr. Barone,

I believe my plight may be of some inspiration to a few. I went to a Caribbean school, where the odds are already against us, being foreign graduates. I took Step 1 three times in the span of 6 months, and barely passed finally with a 191 which today is not even passing anymore. I took Step 2 twice and did a little bit better with a 208. Unfortunately, I had applied for match before receiving the first failing score for Step 2, so, needless to say, I got no interview calls that year and went unmatched.

This year I applied with a complete application. I received 2 interview calls, one which I think was just a courtesy call because I had rotated at that program and got letters from them as well, but got no positive feedback from the interview. I knew the other interview was my one chance to make it, and, as it turns out, you only need one interview to match. So, by the grace of God I made it work, and I really do believe it is the perfect program for me.

It was devastating all three of the times that I received the "Fail" message in my USMLE score reports. But, honestly, the "Congratulations! You have matched!" message trumps all, and it's all a thing of the past now. I'm moving forward with all the double 99ers and even people with worse profiles than mine (if that's possible) now in a level playing field. It just goes to show that anyone can do it if they put in the time and effort.

M.S.

Here are the reports.... the last one is the money!!!!

Questions:

Did you need the program to provide a VISA?

I did not have visa issues. I am an American citizen.

Where did you do your Medical school?

I went to medical school in the Caribbean.  I started in September 2007 and graduated in May 2012, the extra time due to multiple attempts in both Step exams.

Did connections help?

I do have quite a few connections in the medical world, but honestly not one of them was able to come through for me, although many tried. In the end, I had to do it on my own.

What do you think made the difference?

What made the difference for me was my performance in the interview. As I mentioned I had only 2 to begin with. A candidate like me is hard pressed to even get an interview with my credentials, so I knew I had to really shine. I really did put my best foot forward. I felt I carried myself with confidence and humility, and made a point to be talkative and approachable. One of the interviewers told me that I communicate very effectively. And the program director, along with a third interviewer, told me that my personal statement stood out to him and he was impressed with it. We spent the whole interview discussing it because they had both taken an interest in what I wrote about.

Anything you would recommend to students?

My advice to other candidates with low scores and multiple attempts is to just focus on other aspects of your application. Put more time and effort into your personal statements and into other things like externships and research. Basically, just focus on what you can improve, because the exam scores will not change. And if you're lucky enough to get interviews treat each one like your only chance, because chances are one of them is your only chance.

Let me know if you have any other questions for me. I would be happy to share.

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