Lorena
Forum Elite
Topics: 9
Posts: 237
|
I posted this in the match experiences but here it goes for my fellow mexicans :
IMG , green card holder, No USCE, No US LOR. Graduated 2003.
1 year clinical and research experience in my homecountry but no publications.Honors in some semesters in medical school. 4 LOR from Mexico.
Scores 215/87 in both step 1 and 2, CS passed all first attempt  ; no step 3
ECFMG certified and PTAL (California letter) after application and interview offers, but before the match.
Applied only in California to 35 programs (categorical IM and FM ).
Got 10 interviews without the PTAL which I got a little later/ 5 in IM , 5 in FM. 2 programs had me "on hold" until I got my PTAL -by the time I got it, it was too late.
Interviews at: Internal Medicine
Alameda County Medical Center. categorical IM Oakland, CA
Alameda County medical Center. INternal Medicine Primary care Oakland, CA
San Joaquin general hospital, categorical IM, Stockton, CA
Kern Medical center, categorical IM< Bakersfield CA
Cottage Hospital, categorical IM, Santa Barbara CA
Interviews Family Medicine:
Kern Medical Center, FM Bakersfield
Methodist Hosopital FM Sacramento, CA
Natividad Medical Center FM, Salinas CA
Northridge Family medicine, CA
Fontana Kaiser permanente FM, CA
"On hold", didnt go
Pomona Valley Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program, CA
Saint Mary Medical center Internal Medicine Program, CA
I ranked 5 programs. As you guys advised me, I only ranked the IM programs because thats the specialty I wanted for the rest of my life, eventhough some of the FM programs were very good and I really liked them as well.
Matched at my #1 :  Internal Medicine, Santa Barbara
I felt my interview went very well.
|
| Lorena
Forum Elite
Topics: 9
Posts: 237
|
Confe: congratulations for your new job. You are a hard working girl and evidently, although I never met you, have a great personality! It is nice to have you here 
Karla : I honestly think that it is better if you DONT take that test. Cancel with the prometric center, and dont sit for the exam. ECFMG will then send you a letter notifying that you failed to take the test in your scheduled time and to re schedule you will have to pay the fee again...but thats it, better than "FAIL" the step 1. Now that you have the right material, good advice from this forum and support from many mexicans who are in the same situation, you will be able to prepare better and score good in step 1. Once you pass it, your confidence will bust and everything else is easier. I think when you pass step 1, you have walked more than half way the path into getting a residency...yes! it is that hard of an exam, but it is definetely doable, it only depends on your enthusiasm and hard work.
I was at the beginning studying from big books as well, I didnt know about forums, or other people preparing for the steps, it was until many months later, just like you so dont worry, you'll be fine
I think it is great you are going to see your family. Have a good time there and come back with new positive energy to study and sit for your step 1 FOR THE FIRST TIME 
Think on how proud your parents and husband will be of you, when you pass ...that always helped me, and think that you will make it worth it being far apart from your loved ones. And regarding negative people, who didnt believe in you...you'll prove of what a tapatia girl is made of
Good luck, sincerely your friend Lore
|
| chemamr
Forum Hero
Topics: 703
Posts: 4,469
|
you are a sweet woman Lorena and an excellent friend. That´s all i can say at this time.
___________________
"In Sicily, women are more dangerous than shotguns"
|
| confe
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 48
|
Hi Chemamr,
I started as a research assistant promoted and escalated to senior research specialist / clinical trail coordinator at University of Illinois at Chicago, worked there for 5 years until I decided to pursue my MPH at Johns Hopkins. My current job title is faculty associate at the School of Medicine. In terms of USCE I don't have any since research doesn't count or as I have been told but I'm confused on this part since I did see healthy subjects and did medical interviews ( but key word "healthy") so I guess it doesn't count.
My approach would be to seek physicians doing research in University settings since they can provide you with research opportunities and some hands on experience even in healthy subjects.
Hope this info helps!!
Con cariño Confe
|
| confe
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 48
|
Hi girls Susie and Karla!!
Nice to see that other females docs are joining us ...lets follow Lorie example.
take care
Confe
|
| chemamr
Forum Hero
Topics: 703
Posts: 4,469
|
thanks, it´s very useful info for me. , congrats for all what you´ve gotten till now.
___________________
"In Sicily, women are more dangerous than shotguns"
|
| Lorena
Forum Elite
Topics: 9
Posts: 237
|
chemamr wrote: you are a sweet woman Lorena and an excellent friend. That´s all i can say at this time.
THANK YOU CHEMIUX
|
| Karla
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 47
|
Hey Lorena!!
Thank you so much for your advice. Well, I am going to call and cancel the exam eventhough I have to pay again, but well I think that you are right Thank you so much really . Now that I have some tips for my study program I feel much better and more positive.
Hey Susi I think that your secretary is a little wrong or is how works with people that still enroll in the school your because I asume that you are still in the school right???
Do you know what :I made a big mistake sending my papers thinking that the process was going to take several months and I applied for the last period last year . Well, I received my permision like 3 weeks after that I send all my papers and this was a big surprise for me.
I recomend you :you should check the ECFMG web side and get the information and if you have more question contact direct to them . Because I do not know if is the same process between people in second year or Grad students.
Thank you Lorena for your advice again and good luck everybody in the residency. And people that is taken step 1 , we still in contact.
bye.
|
| chemamr
Forum Hero
Topics: 703
Posts: 4,469
|
Karla: I think it´s an excellent decision. You know it now and you´ll realize even more in a future that you made a correct decision.
Lorena: you´re welcome.
___________________
"In Sicily, women are more dangerous than shotguns"
|
| noxar311
Forum Elite
Topics: 3
Posts: 305
|
hey ppl....i just came back....after finishing the exam went to juarez and just drank my @$$ off iwth some friends...lol it was fun..then wento to Ruidoso,NM , to blow some more steam......
i didnt want to say too much after step 1 and I dont think I should speculate now, but I think I was ok....is funny how every book says "get a good night´s sleep the day before the test" and I havén´t been able to do that on both steps...i was just too anxious....i was yawning the whole 8 blocks...so, iguess im gonna have to wait 4 weeks and hope for the best....went to barnes and noble an got myself a couple of books for cs....kaplan,1st aid and one called, "mastering usmle step2 cs"..yeah, maybe i overbought books...and got (u know, in juarez [..and basically Mexico in general] u can get weird things on the street) what it looks to be the copies of the manual that they give at the kaplan 5-day course....got a couple of dvd,s with like 100 videos on PE and minicases.....so i guess that this time instead of just plain waiting im gonna start preparing for cs...
i just want to pass this exams asap....k guys...great saying hi again...
___________________
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...
|
| confe
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 48
|
Good Luck Noxar!!
And get some sleep now that you have time,
take care
Confe
|
| general malaise
Forum Guru
Topics: 14
Posts: 433
|
hi karla, i think you made a good decision that you won't regret. there's no reason to rush this exam. i haven't been able to study for the past three days cause my baby was hospitalized for viral gastroenteritis. first time she ever got sick. well tomorrow i need to get back in schedule.
___________________
"El respeto al derecho ajeno es la paz" Benito Juarez
|
| Lorena
Forum Elite
Topics: 9
Posts: 237
|
Noxar, sounds like you did very good at the exam!!!
I remember after I took mine, honestly I thought I didnt pass, the next days I was feeling depressed but after more days passed I recalled not only the questions I didnt know -which is usually what sticks and torments to you more right after the exam- but all the ones I answered right so Started to feel better and better, by the time I got my result I thought "is that all?" hahahaha....
The books and CDs you got, it sounds like all you need to pass CS. Get everything ready for september and apply EARLY. I dont know if you are considering California, but for people who are. I know silatk and drgaxmac are ...guys, start reading the requirements, you want to have that letter ready to go for your interviews!!
General malaise. I hope your baby girl feels better soon and after getting some rest , start studying hard again.
have a nice day,
Lor
|
| Lorena
Forum Elite
Topics: 9
Posts: 237
|
I forgot to mention. I've never been in "Ruidoso", NM...but it sure sounds like the perfect place to blow some steam !!
|
| arciniega
Forum Senior
Topics: 1
Posts: 74
|
thanks for the welcome Confe. I have one question for u. Do you live at chicago?
___________________
100% Mexican IMG - Dra.Arciniega - UAG
|
| arciniega
Forum Senior
Topics: 1
Posts: 74
|
Hello KArla
I just got my degree last year (05') and right now I'm living at chicago. I was planning to do all the process of registration for the step one 3 months before the month I want to take it, do you think that time is not enought?
What I understand on your post is that you tought that the process was going to take several months and you get surprise because it came pretty quickly right? So, do you think is better if a do everything like I have planned? 
I'll check out the ECFMG website anyway but if anyone else know what should I'll do Please let me know.
Thanks to everyone
Karla wrote:
Hey Susi I think that your secretary is a little wrong or is how works with people that still enroll in the school your because I asume that you are still in the school right???
Do you know what :I made a big mistake sending my papers thinking that the process was going to take several months and I applied for the last period last year . Well, I received my permision like 3 weeks after that I send all my papers and this was a big surprise for me.
I recomend you :you should check the ECFMG web side and get the information and if you have more question contact direct to them . Because I do not know if is the same process between people in second year or Grad students.
bye.
___________________
100% Mexican IMG - Dra.Arciniega - UAG
|
| arciniega
Forum Senior
Topics: 1
Posts: 74
|
I'm agree with Chema, Lore: u're all that 100%
chemamr wrote: you are a sweet woman Lorena and an excellent friend. That´s all i can say at this time.
___________________
100% Mexican IMG - Dra.Arciniega - UAG
|
| chemamr
Forum Hero
Topics: 703
Posts: 4,469
|
arciniega: keep posting, you bring this forum a great woman´s touch. Regarding your question, well, "first come, first served", if you wanna be sure you are gonna make your test in the date you want, you must schedule it with time. First aid for step 1 recommends to schedule it at least 4 months before your test date. But i remember when i scheduled it, the process was really fast, but you don´t wanna take the risk to not find an adequate date for you.
___________________
"In Sicily, women are more dangerous than shotguns"
|
| chemamr
Forum Hero
Topics: 703
Posts: 4,469
|
arciniega: by the way, what is your avatar, is it a woman physician with a lab coat and a stethoscope?. it seems to be but not sure. ?, just curious.
___________________
"In Sicily, women are more dangerous than shotguns"
|
| Karla
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 47
|
Hey Susi: Chemmamr is right you should schedule your exam when you think that you are ready. BEcause then you will want to reschedule your exam and you have to pay extrafee and you are allow only ONCE for this. I think that you should send your papers like Chemmarmr said 4 months before when you are thinking to take the exam, because really I was surprise when I got my schedule permit in just 3 weeks . I sent my papers so fast thinking that the process was going to take at least 6 months, like some wrong people told me!!!! So, study right now , get the correct material , questiions before taking the exam , FA and take the exam when you feel ready. Do not make the same mistake like me ok.
bye. take care everybody.
|
| confe
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 48
|
hi arciniega,
I use to live in chicago but left to pursue my MPH and currently living in texas. Do you like it so far? I miss my home town.
Confe
|
| drgaxmac
Forum Senior
Topics: 7
Posts: 186
|
hello to all my good friends at the best part of the forum.
Just wrote to say hi to all, still waiting my CK results and already catching a glimpse of step 2 cs to start planning my strategy.
Good luck to all the boys and girls.
Hey Lore we are gonna be almost neighbors. I agree with my friend chema and everybody, you are great and valuable person.
I hope all of us guys and girls at this part of the forum get to know each other in person, and get a beer after where done with this. To celebrate of course. this is drgaxmac, over and out!
___________________
Sometimes i sit down and think... sometimes i just sit down.
|
| arciniega
Forum Senior
Topics: 1
Posts: 74
|
Hello Chema! Nice avatar you got there from the lord of the rings, nice movie uh? You are right, my avatar is exactly what you described: a female physician with a white coat. Cute isn't? 
I think you guys are right (Karla and u) , I'm gonna do all the paperwork 4 months before I'm taking the exam because like you said "first come, first serve" I don't wanna have another date I don't want.. besides, I still have around 6 months to study full, I have all the time of the world because I'm not working; right now I'm 100% a housewife Well, at least from now jeje. So I'm gonna prepare really well because I want to pass at first attempt yeee!!
well I'll see you around... Susie
___________________
100% Mexican IMG - Dra.Arciniega - UAG
|
| arciniega
Forum Senior
Topics: 1
Posts: 74
|
Hi Karla Thanks for the concern, I already start studing from the Kaplan books review (the one of the organ systems) and I also have the kaplan lectures that I proudly got at 50 dlls from ebay !( hehehe ) I already have the FA but I have one question for you guys... I have the FA 2003 edition.. do you think I need to updated to the 2006 edition? because it will be like 45-50 bucks more to spend..  so, what do you think? From my point of view: I don't think the whole book can change much within a couple of years.. can't it? 
Besides the material I have I'm expecting a brunch of books of BRS, some secrets books and question banks that a girl sent my but they seem to be lost on the way to my adress Thanks to fedex that leave them by the door without a signature required  (I'm so angry about that)
anyway.. I think I'm in the right way on my study planning..
Have a nice weekend and good luck on your Exam Karla, I'll be praying for you (cross my heart)
___________________
100% Mexican IMG - Dra.Arciniega - UAG
|
| arciniega
Forum Senior
Topics: 1
Posts: 74
|
Hi confe !
Yes, I love Chicago town ! and I'm planning to stay right here when I finally match hopefully it can be where I want otherwise I'll have to wait for something here, there's no way I can move to another state, but belive me if I could, I definetly would do it just like you did. It's worth it.
Keep it up Confe !
confe wrote:
hi arciniega,
I use to live in chicago but left to pursue my MPH and currently living in texas. Do you like it so far? I miss my home town.
Confe
___________________
100% Mexican IMG - Dra.Arciniega - UAG
|
|
| |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
