survivor2006
Forum Newbie
Topics: 2
Posts: 4
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I want to tell you a story. I have been reading this forum for almost 3 years. I have had a very long struggle with my medical career and I want to give others hope. I’ll try to make this brief. I graduated high honors from a Bachelor of Science, Chemistry major. I wanted to go to medical school and had for some time. I moved to the Dominican Republic and completed my first 2 years of basic sciences. During my second year, I began preparing for Step 1. School was a joke. Tests were repeated, we were lucky if professors showed up, basically it was a big free for all. I took the Kaplan course and attempted Step 1. I failed. By the time I found out that I failed, I was already in the United States. I had transferred to complete my final 2 clinical years (of course I was NOT at a U.S. school…) I won’t go into my struggles with my clinicals and clerkships although there were many. I decided to postpone repeating the exam. Instead, I concentrated on my core rotations. Two months before the exam, I had a devastating breakup. One month before my exam, my father was hospitalized for a severe illness. It was not an easy time. I repeated Step 1 and passed. I was thrilled. It was not a killer score (77) but I was happy.
About 6 weeks later, spring 2005, while completing a very easy elective rotation, I took Step 2 CS. I had heard many people say “don’t bother studying, it’s a joke etc…” I did not listen to any of this nonsense. I got myself a partner (essential), signed up for USMLEWORLD and did every single case study twice. We quizzed each other on differentials and workup until it was second nature. I passed. I continued to complete my rotations. I graduated medical school in June 2005.
I decided to apply for the match. I studied that summer for Step 2 while I did volunteer research and completed applications for residency. Even without a score, I got about 12 interviews. I took Step 2 in October 2005. I failed. I was shocked. I quickly re-scheduled the exam, I still had a shot to retake it, pass and still begin residency in July 2006. But, I was traveling for my interviews, working to make some money and nervous as anything. I was still confident at this point. I had 2 pre-match offers, contingent upon me passing Step 2. I failed by 2 points. Devastation set in. People told me that I might want to consider a PA position (physician assistant) and other disheartening things.
I will admit, depression set in, but not for long. I decided to try again. I changed my angle on the exam. I applied for the exam for the 3rd time. My application was rejected. There was a SERIOUS problem with my school and at this time no one was allowed to take any exams. I started freaking out. The uncertainty went on for months. ECFMG would not allow any students or graduates from my particular school to take any Step exams. How the hell was I supposed to study with all of these unknowns? I was broke, loans creeping up, lost my pre-match offer, confidence shot and now serious problems with my school that might prohibit me from taking the exam for up to a year or longer. I was freaking out…again. A very long five months later, the decision was lifted and I scheduled the exam. I decided that this was my LAST attempt. If it didn’t work out, I wasn’t giving up, but I was going to take some time to really think.
I will say this: after taking the exam the 3rd time, I didn’t feel any differently than the way I felt after taking the exam the first two times. I just didn’t know. My ECFMG certificate arrived before my score report, so I knew that I had PASSED! The even better news came almost 10 days later. I had scored 85. A big accomplishment for me!
I know that there are MANY people out there posting a score of >90. And to you, I say congratulations; I wish that could have been me. To those that have failed the exam, please try again. I know it’s a long road but it can work.
For anyone interested, I have already contacted some of the schools I interviewed at last year, and they have already promised to interview me again. I will apply for residency this year and I will get it. It can happen, please don’t give up.
Thanks for reading,
A survivor
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| mitty
Forum Guru
Topics: 52
Posts: 376
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wow you are an inspiration.Congra!!!1
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He will make it happen.
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| khorshid
Forum Guru
Topics: 32
Posts: 591
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Congratulations I admire your determination
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| dartikaz
Forum Newbie
Topics: 2
Posts: 39
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A Very Big Congratulation to your hard work, determination and more important perseverence!! Thats the fighter right there!! Good luck to you!!
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| robin082006
Forum Hero
Topics: 471
Posts: 5,125
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What a great story! thanks
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The Key to Succeed is Patience.
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| study_ing
Forum Fanatic
Topics: 180
Posts: 2,511
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VOW ..i give up very easily...thanx a lot for sharing ur experience
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If you yourself are at peace, then there is at least some peace in the world.
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| vallia
Forum Guru
Topics: 98
Posts: 889
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congrats you are a fighter. God bless you
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fight possessed
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| vemi007
Forum Senior
Topics: 36
Posts: 74
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You are an inspiration to all of us.
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| aisha2
Forum Guru
Topics: 37
Posts: 414
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congradulations, im about to give my exam (next month) and every day i feel like givin up , this would be my second attempt , but ur story gives hope to so many ......... THANK U
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NEVER GIVE UP IN LIFE, BE PERSISTENT
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| mleguy06
Forum Junior
Topics: 6
Posts: 59
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We often say, 'Why do the bad things only happen to me?' Your story, however shows that there are people who have gone thru tougher things than myself. Inspirational Buddy! Good luck.....
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| zenith
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Wow - that truly was a inspirational story! I wish you good luck in all your future endevors - hope you get a residency of your choice!
Good luck!
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| mytime
Kick my butt!
Topics: 39
Posts: 3,173
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Wow..i'm stunned and here i was think...only i was going through stuff.........I hope u get a gr8 resisdency and hence forth all problems stay away from u....god Bless u Survivor.
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| unique1
InGodITrust
Topics: 19
Posts: 1,405
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Congratulations and best of luck.
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I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.
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