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Patel Smit- MATCH 2019


First of all I would like to thank you for your best wishes. Here, I am writing about my USMLE journey.
My credentials-
Medical school : IMG from India. 
Step 1: 209/ 1st attempt
Step 2Ck: 227/ 1st attempt
Step 2Cs: pass/ 1st attempt
Step 3: 222/ 1st attempt
Graduation: Feb, 2015
Visa status: Green card
Clinical experience : 1.5 year clinical experience in home country, almost 1 year observership experience in USA
Research experience : significant amount of publication.
Specialty : Internal medicine
Match 2017- First application cycle (without step 3)I have applied almost 250 IM programs. I got 6 and 1 prematch interviews. Unfortunately, I didn't match.
Match 2018- Second application cycle (without step 3) I have applied almost 220 IM programs with more clinical and research experience. I got 7 interviews. Unfortunately, I didn't match.
Match 2019- Third application cycle with step 3, more research and clinical experience I have applied almost 190 IM programs. I could able to secure 11 Interviews including 1 prematch. Fortunately, I have matched this time.
My suggestion for future applicants:
first, decide which specialty you want to persue for your long term career goal and then keep working until you achieve it. I would suggest don't mix up your CV with experience of IM, Pedia, neuro, and psychiatry. Even if you go unmatched keep working for the Same specialty and build up your CV. Program Directors really like dedicated and persistent candidates.
Second, who are still remaining with step 3 finish it as soon as possible. I should have finished my step 3 during second application cycle. It was my mistake that I didn't finish. I learned from my second application unmatched result. This time I finished step 3 with score 222.
Third, don't leave blank space in any section of your CV. So work on your CV and fill up all the corners (volunteer experience, clinical experience, research experience, publication) of your ERAS CV. Even if you are not good at research try to publish at least 1 paper or abstract.
I genuinely believe step scores are just numbers. It can't define your potential and abilities. Every candidates have some unique qualities. Everyone who have finished USMLE steps and reach to this far deserves the best.
Conclusion: Believe that everything happens for a good reason. Never stop running towards your goal. If you want to achieve something you gotta be hungry. Keep patience, perseverance, positivity, and faith in your self.
Good luck everyone!!

Comments

  1. NISHANT PATELMay 4, 2020 at 2:33 AM

    clinical observership - Just Searching about such an informative blog, I really liked your blog and adding upon I would like to recommend Medical observership in India. You can find and join numerous medical education fellowship programs online and learn from the best! It's easy to stay current with their online medical certificate programs. They even provide a medical certificate online after completion of the course.

    ReplyDelete

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