Facing Adversity
- US IMG
- Step 1 : 206 [Second attempt]
- Step 2 CK : 213 [First attempt]
- Step 2 CS : Pass [Third attempt]
- Failed to match last year [2 Interviews]
Here’s the success story of a student who faced adversity and overcame the obstacles of poor board scores, multiple attempts, and a devastating family tragedy.
Hello Dr. Barone,
I wanted to share with you my successful match story to help inspire others who are going through a tough time.
I am an IMG and my statistics were Step 1: 206 (second attempt. I failed first attempt by one point). Step 2: 213 (first attempt). Step 2CS: Pass (third attempt). One failed match attempt. I not the best standardized test taker.
I decided to take a year to improve my application and worked with a doctor for an entire year and studied for step 3 to show that I have figured out my test taking skills. I was doing extremely well on all of my practice exams and was ready for Step 3. The day came and I just completed my first day of the exam and when I walked out of the exam I had texts and calls from the police. I found out both my parents had passed away during my exam in a tragic accident which caused me to cancel my step 3 exam.
I had one week to decide if I was going to apply to this match and I decided to go ahead and move forward because this was my dream and I didn’t want this tragic event to define me. I knew it would be difficult going through the application process and dealing with settling my parent’s estates. I ended up submitting my application and had four interviews and successfully matched. I can’t wait to find out where this Friday.
I wanted to share this story because it felt that everything was going against me and I still was able to overcome the obstacles. My advice is to everyone struggling to keep going and don’t ever give up. If you want something bad enough, you can make it happen.
A. E.
March 16, 2021
Dr. Barone: “What do you think made the difference this year?”
I think working with a physician with a year who helped me in our down time work on my test taking skills and learning to trust myself. The test got in my head and I would usually think of the right answer and then doubt myself and change the answer so he helped me with that as well. My strong suit was always being able to communicate with patients…. which is why my step 2CS score was shocking because I had a lot of patients ask me to be their doctor now lol!
But, I think all of this made me stronger. I have had to overcome a lot these past few months.
Dr. Barone: “What do you think was the key on the IV that got you matched?
Me too! I think the key that they admired the most was my resiliency and determination. I could have easily made excuses and gave up. But, I pushed on and it helped me learn a lot about myself.
They told me they like someone who has faced adversity because we will face a lot of challenging times during residency.
Dr. Barone: “You are truly an inspiration. With your permission, I would like to post your story”
Yes!! I used to read them too when I was struggling with my exams and it helped me keep my faith when I was feeling down.
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