KARIME
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 124
| | 08/09/07 - 04:00 PM
| #3176 |
Hello Guys!
Welcome FloresMD!
When I knew that my will be to fight to become a doctor in the USA, and that this dream is also possible, I was so excited, even I've been taking english classes in one of the "famous" english schools, but the thing is: I think that they are not enough necessary, also I don't like the way they teach...I mean I've been there for 5 or 8 hours (1 hr per class) and actually I didn't find them very useful, first; the teachers pronunciation (honestly it's bad), second, the time I have to put on transport, costs, timeeee!.....just to get a Certificate that says I'm bilingual and the opportunity to get the TOEFL evaluation without any cost, because it is included in the program..........The fact is that I think you can improve your english just living there, hearing it, speaking it "daily", you know......I think I should focus only in my step 1 study, and let the learning process going by itself, but I'm not sure......I know my english in not good enough, let me say as a professional, but I supossed if I prepare myself with a grammar book and listening, and some good internet courses I found, I could take the TOEFL or whatever exam at the time it'll be necessary..........What you think?
DO you agree with me?
Did you learn the language here in Mexico? Or over there?
DO the residency programs ask you to get a "Diploma" of "Bilingual professional " or something like that?
I really need your advice to make a decision guys really..........!!
___________________
Eterea
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| KARIME
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 124
| | 08/09/07 - 04:03 PM
| #3177 |
Hello Guys!
Welcome FloresMD!
When I knew that my will be to fight to become a doctor in the USA, and that this dream is also possible, I was so excited, even I've been taking english classes in one of the "famous" english schools, but the thing is: I think that they are not enough necessary, also I don't like the way they teach...I mean I've been there for 5 or 8 hours (1 hr per class) and actually I didn't find them very useful, first; the teachers pronunciation (honestly it's bad), second, the time I have to put on transport, costs, timeeee!.....just to get a Certificate that says I'm bilingual and the opportunity to get the TOEFL evaluation without any cost, because it is included in the program..........The fact is that I think you can improve your english just living there, hearing it, speaking it "daily", you know......I think I should focus only in my step 1 study, and let the learning process going by itself, but I'm not sure......I know my english in not good enough, let me say as a professional, as you can see in my posts, I have somany errors .......but I supossed if I prepare myself with a grammar book and listening, and doing some good internet courses I found, I could take the TOEFL or whatever exam at the time it'll be necessary..........What you think?
DO you agree with me?
Did you learn the language here in Mexico? Or over there?
DO the residency programs ask you to get a "Diploma " or something like that?
I really need your advice to make a decision guys really..........!!
Thank you again for the time yoo spend reading this!
See you!
___________________
Eterea
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| KARIME
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 124
| | 08/09/07 - 04:05 PM
| #3178 |
Oops!
I send it twice.....
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Eterea
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| KARIME
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 124
| | 08/09/07 - 04:09 PM
| #3179 |
AS you can see my english sucks!.....I meant.....in the first sentence:
When I knew it cuold be possible to become a physician in the US...and that dream was also possible....and so so....
___________________
Eterea
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| noxar311
Forum Elite
Topics: 3
Posts: 305
| | 08/09/07 - 06:11 PM
| #3180 |
they dont ask you for any english certification at all......ive always thought that PD's take your CS as some form of english proficiency evidence.....so dump ur classes....focus on the tests....
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Yarbles, great bolshy yarblokos to you. What you done you had no right. I'll meet you with chain or nozh or britva any time, not having you aiming reasonless tolchocks, it stands to reasonless, I wont have it...
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| Torontonian
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 76
| | 08/09/07 - 09:49 PM
| #3181 |
I agree, do not waist your time and money in ESL courses, particularly in Mexico. I never went to any of the "famous" ESL schools, only what I learned in the federal primary and secondary educations was enough (jajaja), but realisticaly I feel I learned more covering the subtitles of the movies and reading grammar books by myself. However, the first 4 months outside Mexico were a nightmare. I had classmates from different countries and adaptation to different accents was painful; I almost quit but, fortunately, I was able to reach the average to maintain the scholarship and, after that, everything went smooth.
The only thing that the programs will ask for is the TOEFL. For the first time that I wrote it I went to a specific course specially designed for it which gave me strategies to pass it; that course was great!; after that, I have neeeded to write it 2-3 times because it expires after 2 (3?) years but now it is piece of cake, you need only to practice. A final comment, if you decide to continue with your ESL course only be sure that the final TEOFL is the Prometrics one. At my TOEFL course they were giving a "different" TOEFL recognized by mexican institutions.
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| noxar311
Forum Elite
Topics: 3
Posts: 305
| | 08/09/07 - 11:05 PM
| #3182 |
i agree ....my english teacher was the music i listened since i can recall, and the close caption on the tv.....best way to learn
about the toefl...i was not asked for it at any program, and actually i dont know anyone that has ever been asked for the toefl while applying for residence....guess we have conflicting info about this...and i dont know if the requirements have changed this year...but im pretty sure no one will ask you for the toefl....
___________________
Yarbles, great bolshy yarblokos to you. What you done you had no right. I'll meet you with chain or nozh or britva any time, not having you aiming reasonless tolchocks, it stands to reasonless, I wont have it...
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| Torontonian
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 76
| | 08/09/07 - 11:52 PM
| #3183 |
there you go, you do not need it.
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| yolanda
Forum Elite
Topics: 18
Posts: 247
| | 08/10/07 - 12:55 AM
| #3184 |
Hi guys, I am a little confused Karime....or maybe your English isn't as bad as you think right?, because how can you be studying for a test and be reading all subjects everything in English, if you don't know English right?, if it means you just need to practice speaking it and perfecting your pronunciation then I agree with everyone and dump the classes...BUT...if you think your domain of the English language is very deficient then stick with the classes...
REMEMBER that it isn't just good grades you aiming for, you want to make a good impression in your interviews, and you have to write a spelling error free personal statement, and most importantly in order for you to get good grades on the steps and pass step 2 cs you have to read, write, and understand English perfectly so that you can ensure that you will understand every question in the test.
I personally think that you are worthy of admiration, to have the courage to even dare to dream practicing medicine in the US without mastering the English language, wow, that is something!...Good luck!
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Recognize that you have the courage within you to fulfill the purpose of your birth. Summon forth the power of your inner courage and live the life of your dreams - Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
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| yolanda
Forum Elite
Topics: 18
Posts: 247
| | 08/10/07 - 12:57 AM
| #3185 |
oh and Noxar, you are right they don't ask for the toefl test since they implemented step 2 cs.
___________________
Recognize that you have the courage within you to fulfill the purpose of your birth. Summon forth the power of your inner courage and live the life of your dreams - Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
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| GLO MD
Forum Guru
Topics: 9
Posts: 819
| | 08/11/07 - 09:16 AM
| #3186 |
Karime: Everybody knows oneself and if you think that your English proficiency is not good enough and you might need some special classes I don't see why not... one thing I will tell you though.... the Toefl test is no longer needed for you to become a licensed physician and just by passing the Step 2CS programs will know that you English level is enough to be able to communicate with patients and with other healthcare professionals (both spoken and written english)...if your english is not very good though specially spoken one... you might have a lot of problems with the cs...and also if your reading skills and your knowledge of the English language is not very profound you might have problems with step 1 anc ck also since they are so fastpaced and you need to be able to read English as quick as a blink of an eye I swear...If you think that you are not ready for this at this moment you might need your English classes because having at least 90-95% of English level is absolutely necesary to obtaining a great score...otherwise you might know a lot but if you don't understand entirely what they are asking or you are not fast enough with you reading your score will suffer. So just remember that it is not regular English that you can learn by watching TV or talking to people in the supermarket it is about high complexity english, if you fill that you need the classes maybe you do need them..although get the best classes possible or the other thing you can do is move to the US and get an observership or something which will help a lot for your CV, for LOR's and for your English, specially medical English which no english class will teach. GL and let us know how it went and congratulations on your nerves because I know a lot of people that would not even dare to do what you are doing just because they think that they don't know English. But I believe that you can do anything if you set your mind to it. 
Edited by GLO MD on 08/12/07 - 10:44 PM
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Keep your eyes on the stars, but remember to keep your feet on the ground....Theodore Roosevelt
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| Torontonian
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 76
| | 08/11/07 - 09:29 AM
| #3187 |
that is SOO true seeting your mind. I have a friends couple who only had the basic English knowledge (had never been outside Mexico, never taken private courses), went to Kaplan centre in Houston with the only goal of passing the steps (no outside life). So they didn't practice English, only READING READING and QUESTIONS QUESTIONS and after 8 months they got 99 and 95 in step1 and after 6 more, 90s in step 2 CK. After that, because for sure they will need to speak it for CS, they have been working as observer or fellow (I am not sure) with a specialist in Houston.
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| KARIME
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 124
| | 08/12/07 - 07:57 PM
| #3188 |
Ok....
The thing is......maybe Yolanda is rigth....I have to practice a lot, real living english, and specially the medical english..........
Right now, I'm writing this just as it is, well, I spend a little time finding the correct words, but I think I'm able to do it, so.......Went I started all this, I knew I must improve my english.......and I do.......this forum is such a great place to read common expressions, get involved in this USMLE stuff........and believe me, I can say for sure this forum had helpped me a lot, even more than my "english classes", that's why I want to quit.........no matter if they are one of the "famous" that guarantees your going to be bilingual in ! year! LOL!........
:
I undesrtand it....I mean......YOu know, when you're in medical school you read articles, on the other hand, I had a good english program in high school,and yes Torontonian, I know it is possible, like your friends did, and thanks for your motivation, all of you!!!
I've been in US, 3 months before medicine, and 5 months before my internado, so I think I'm familiar with it........but I know it is not enough............
And yes GLO, maybe being over there in an observer, or something, I'd achieve a 95% level.......of course I plan to take CS after that.......but first thing first.....I want to pass S1....jaja!......ok ok.....let myself dream!
Guys! Keep in touch!......Thanks for your support through this forum!.....
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Eterea
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| spitmetal
Forum Guru
Topics: 25
Posts: 635
| | 08/13/07 - 11:17 PM
| #3189 |
karime dont worry about the english, my english is worse than yours, i mean i have a hard time everytime i want to post something, and i make a lot of grammar and coherence mistakes, even though i got a good step 1 score, so you must focus on your step 1 and in nothing else.
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NEVER REGRET IF U DID YOUR BEST--"THE PEOPLE WHO CAN'T DO SOMETHING WILL KEEP SAYING THAT YOU CAN'T DO IT.....BUT REMEMBER YOU CAN DO IT!!" by Dr. Luck a member of this forum
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| spitmetal
Forum Guru
Topics: 25
Posts: 635
| | 08/13/07 - 11:18 PM
| #3190 |
Good luck everyone
___________________
NEVER REGRET IF U DID YOUR BEST--"THE PEOPLE WHO CAN'T DO SOMETHING WILL KEEP SAYING THAT YOU CAN'T DO IT.....BUT REMEMBER YOU CAN DO IT!!" by Dr. Luck a member of this forum
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| robertomauro
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 4
| | 08/14/07 - 11:51 PM
| #3191 |
My name is roberto mauro, i have finished my career one month ago in monterrey mexico.....i will move to houston on september, but really lost about how to start my preparation.....could some one tell me what books to buy??? i will present on may of 08......i really need help.....
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| Torontonian
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 76
| | 08/15/07 - 08:55 AM
| #3192 |
Hi Roberto, welcome aboard. I imaging you will start with step 1 (more probably than step 2) but either case you will need Kaplan Lectures Notes, and Goljan for Patho, and First Aids. Do not forget to do a lot of questions and for that Kaplan and USMLEWorld are the best. If you will be in Houston probably going to a Kaplan Centre is an option to consider.
Good luck!
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| GLO MD
Forum Guru
Topics: 9
Posts: 819
| | 08/15/07 - 09:10 AM
| #3193 |
Hey Roberto! Welcome aboard! I totally agree with Torontonian... And also I would recommend the following: If you have 3,400 dlls in your bank account do the 7 week kaplan live lectures in the Houston centre. They are incredibly good and it really helps to concentrate and focus your study plan. I really think I could have not done it without them (for step 1 I mean). That is because at first you don't even know what to study and fills so overwhelming. If you do this you would also get the books and that way you are all set up. I just studied from the kaplan lecture books and FA. Did not needed anything else, because the lectures helped a lot.
By the way do you mean that you finished internship and SS too? What school in MTY did you graduated from? You might know some of my friends.
I also lived in Houston. I did my internship there for a year. Where or with whom are you planning to work with?
I wish you the best of luck, keep us posted.
By the way friends!! I'm very excited it is only one hour until I can sign in for the match!!! Fills so cool!!!! Can't wait!!!
___________________
Keep your eyes on the stars, but remember to keep your feet on the ground....Theodore Roosevelt
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| Torontonian
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 76
| | 08/15/07 - 09:29 AM
| #3194 |
Good luck GLO MD!!!I wish you the best. what specialties are you planning going for?
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| GLO MD
Forum Guru
Topics: 9
Posts: 819
| | 08/15/07 - 10:37 AM
| #3195 |
Thanks a lot Torontonian! I already signed in!! I'm going for IM...I hope everything turns out fine... good luck to all of us who are going for the match. See you around my friends!!!
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Keep your eyes on the stars, but remember to keep your feet on the ground....Theodore Roosevelt
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| floresmd
Forum Junior
Topics: 6
Posts: 68
| | 08/15/07 - 11:08 AM
| #3196 |
I HAVE A QUESTION IN SOME FORMS TO FILL IN ECFMG, IT SAYS :
YEAR OF GRADUATION? IN THIS SPACE I HAVE TO PUT MY GRADUATION YEAR OF MEDICINE SCHOOL OR MY GRADUATIUON YEAR OF ORTHOPEDICS RESIDENCY?
THANKS FOR YOUR ADVICE.
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| Torontonian
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 76
| | 08/15/07 - 11:12 AM
| #3197 |
it should be from med school (unless it said pastgraduate medical training) I haven't fill these forms so I am not the proper person to answer
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| GLO MD
Forum Guru
Topics: 9
Posts: 819
| | 08/16/07 - 12:14 AM
| #3198 |
Agree with torontonian. Year of graduation if not specified is always from med school and your year of graduation if you are an IMG from Mexico is the time when you finished everything included SS. There is another part of the caf where they ask about postgraduate training in which you can talk about residency education for instance your orthopedics residency in chich you talk about what residency you did, where and the dates. Let us know if you have any other questions concerning this matter. GL
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Keep your eyes on the stars, but remember to keep your feet on the ground....Theodore Roosevelt
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| yolanda
Forum Elite
Topics: 18
Posts: 247
| | 08/16/07 - 01:07 PM
| #3199 |
Hey Gloria!!...Hi, Good luck on the match, how exciting that you have already signed in!!!, anyone else in the same boat?
Spit, long time no see, hope everything is ok with you, how is your step 2 ck studying going?
Egomez.....I think you asked in another thread about NY hotels, etc,...I just wanted to let you know that my brother went to NY recently with a group of friends, and they stayed in a hostal, not sure how to spell it in English, you can google, centralpark hostal.com, and he only payed 30 dlls, and it is a big room that you share with other people but it was very clean, had decent bathrooms and he felt safe, hope it helps.
GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!!!
I was wondering about stemcell, Karla, endorfinita, and arciniega, haven't heard from them in a while,.... drop by if you can and tell us how you all are doing!
___________________
Recognize that you have the courage within you to fulfill the purpose of your birth. Summon forth the power of your inner courage and live the life of your dreams - Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
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| floresmd
Forum Junior
Topics: 6
Posts: 68
| | 08/16/07 - 06:25 PM
| #3200 |
HI ,THANK'S FOR YOUR ADVICE TORONTIAN AND GLO MD; I HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION,I THINK IT COULD BE A SILLY QUESTION BUT I DON'T CARE, IN SOME SUBMISSION FORM OF THE ECFMG COME LIKE THIS: APPLICANT'S NAME : LAST FIRST MIDDLE. IF MY NAME IS FOR EXAMPLE JOSE PEREZ RAMIREZ WICH ARE MY LAST FIRST MIDDLE NAMES?
THANK FOR YOUR ADVICE,AND GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU.
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