You can have a Family and your Dream Job too!
- IMG
- Step 1: 201 in 2014
- Step 2 CK : 222
- Step 2 CS: Pass
- Step 3 : 217
- Years since graduation: 10 years1
- Visa status: Green Card holder
Can an IMG who is 10 years from graduation with low scores start a family AND get their dream job?
Old grad (2010), low step 1 score (201) in 2014, Step 2 CS pass first attempt, as well in 2014... then I had to slow things down due to personal stuff (getting married, having a kid, losing my students visa and then waiting to change my status, had to work full time, etc).
In 2018 decided to really focus again and took CK (222) and applied in Dec 2018 and got 1 IV. Went unmatched.
For 2019 then I took step 3 (217). Met more people, did some volunteer work and after receiving step 3 score sent letters to some programs and also with some help got 3 IVs. I knew my mistake from last year as far as my interview skills so this year I tried a new approach... be myself, tell the truth and show your potential. The lesson is be persistent... and believe in God! He gives you what you need in the moment that it’s right for you! I Matched in Family Medicine!
G. M. March 22, 2020
Dr. Barone: What do you think made the difference in matching this year?
- I think my interview really help me, I felt a connection with the PD on the interview day.
- I sent the thank you notes and in them mention some of the stuff we talked about in the interview
- Taking step 3 definitely help me because I received all the interviews after I received the score
- Also I met with new people and did volunteer work with them 1 day a week and I met new people thru that volunteer job, and those people also believed in me and voucher for me
- I changed jobs and when I went to 2 interviews with the new position which was research assistant
- Also. I got my green card which is a plus
- And God wanted me to match this year
Dr. Barone: What kept you going thru the dark times?
What kept me going was my family... but mostly that one part of me was missing. I love being a mom and a wife... but that’s not the whole me... a big part of me it’s being a doctor and my dream was put aside for a bit. But I came to this country with one goal in mind.. and I now.... 8 years after I came that goal it’s finally happening!
Photo by Bonnie Kittle (Unsplash.com)