askdoc
Forum Senior
Topics: 1
Posts: 77
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Glad to see so many pinoys in this site. Been here for a year and was wondering where all the pinoys are since all I keep on seeing are South Asians, South Americans and Middle Easterns. Anyways, finished both Step 1 and Step 2 CK already and scheduled for Step 2 CS in March 2007. Aiming for 2008 Match. Took my Step 1 in April 2006 and got a 99/256. Just finished Step 2CK last November 20, results will probably be received in Jan 2007. Don't know how I'll fare, but averaged 77 in UW and 80 in Kaplan QBank as well as 700 in NBME. So hoping for the best.
If you're having problem with step 1, more than willing to help. Helped some examinees a few months back to raise their scores (using QBanks to rate their performance) until they hit mid to high 90's
To NLP: actually immaterial when you take examination. USMLE does not rank you with the current exam takers. They used a huge sample taking into account all US examinees for the past few years. IMG grades are not used in computations of passing grades or step scores. And scores of AMG taking the exam same time as you only influence scoring in future USMLE takers.
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Step1 99/256, Step 2 99/258, Old IMG, 1989 grad. A man's reach should exceed his grasp, or what's heaven for. http://blogs.askdoc-usmle.com
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| katey_147
Forum Newbie
Topics: 2
Posts: 4
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hi guys! i was hoping to ask some advice re: visa application.
i was hoping to make it to the 2007 match. i was supposed to take my exams this december but unfortunately, i was denied a visa. i was so devastated!
i hope u guys could advise me on how to go about with my visa application next time. (what did u guys write on the purpose of ur travel, what questiosn were u asked, etc,etc)... hope u could give me some tips.
thanks for helping me out =)
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| scalpeldocph
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 39
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Hi.
Askdoc, YOu have a n impressive step 1 score and I have no doubts youll get very high scores in step 2 ck.
To NLP: I agree with askdoc, there is no correlation with when you take the exam and chances of getting high score. They also have evaluated USMLE as to make the level of difficulty same as previous years. Browsing through this forum made me think that IMGs are raising the bar with scores in the 90's if it is competition you are looking at
Hope somebody in this topic could help you katey_147 regarding visa problem coz I didnt go through the same route you did.
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| askdoc
Forum Senior
Topics: 1
Posts: 77
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Scalpeldocph: I have no choice but to go high, graduated a long, long time ago, so limited number of programs to apply to. Most mid to low level programs prefer recent grads. Only some very high level programs will accept old IMG, so need to score high to qualify.
Actually, I think the main reason for increased competition is high number of fmg's applying for program. The proportionate number of high scorers remained the same. In 2005 match, only 49% of around 7,800 non US. IMG's matched. IF you look at number of examinees who took Step 1 in 2005, reached almost 20,000, so number of passing IMG's if 66% pass rate is maintained is about 13,000++. Although some will fail step 2, I expect about 10,000++ IMG's will go for 2008 match, plus the 3000++ IMG's who do not match this year. So Just passing = no match. (unless you have other things going for you like GC, US Citizen, the ever important "connections", etc)
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Step1 99/256, Step 2 99/258, Old IMG, 1989 grad. A man's reach should exceed his grasp, or what's heaven for. http://blogs.askdoc-usmle.com
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| scalpeldocph
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 39
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Well said askdoc. There was one survey ( from AAMC I think) on program directors regarding ranking of applicant factors that they give most importance and it showed that ( high) USMLE scores ranked first followed by US clinical experience . Too bad I dont have both 
Im 10+ years from med graduation but still with high ambitions hehehe. It seems my luck for this match season is running out but I will persevere , hopefully in the Scramble or next Match.
If there's something you think I might be of help, just let me know.
Merry Christmas sa inyong lahat mga kababayan in this forum.
Our prayers for your step 2 CK next week Pinoydoc.
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| NLP
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 25
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To askdoc & scalpeldocph: Thank you very much for the feedback! I guess all i have to do is just really, really study hard for Step 1 and aim for a really high grade!
askdoc, can you please share some of your tips on how you studied for step 1?
btw, my apologies for my delayed reply. My modem conked out for more than a week...PLDT replaced it today, finally!
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| scalpeldocph
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 39
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U are welcome NLP. May I suggest you try NBME exam at least a month ( or earlier) before your exam as a form of feedback to your preparedness. Despite it being just a 200 item exam and not giving you the explanation to the answers, It has a good correlation to USMLE scores.
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| Pnoydoc
Forum Newbie
Topics: 3
Posts: 59
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hello there guys! i just had my exam for step2ck last dec. 19. ang hirap! i had at least 6 ECG tracings. i didnt expect that. there were a lot of questions on pedia and ob but majority is still internal med. Wish me luck guys. now will proceed with Step2 CS. hope to get approved for the visa. hehehe
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| askdoc
Forum Senior
Topics: 1
Posts: 77
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To NLP: I posted my study methods and advise around May-June of 2006. I posted it in response to someone who failed step 1 and asked for help. You can find it here.
http://www.prep4usmle.com/forum/thread/34492
To Pnoydoc: Relax, everybody feels the same way after Step 2 CK. In fact I can't really concentrate on my cs prep since my score is still in the mail, even though OASIS trick says I've passed. So will probably start my cs review in January, around 2nd week, after receiving my Step 2 Score.
Good luck on your visa. Getting a visa will require you to prove that you intend to come back to the philippines. A letter from ECFMG that you will take Step 2 CS is usually not enough to get you a visa without proof that you would not go TNT. In other forums, some people posted that they were able to get visa only after showing completion of Step 1 and Step 2 CK with high grades although this was in other countries.
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Step1 99/256, Step 2 99/258, Old IMG, 1989 grad. A man's reach should exceed his grasp, or what's heaven for. http://blogs.askdoc-usmle.com
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| NLP
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 25
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askdoc, thanks for your help! Your advice made me realize what my weaknesses are and how to overcome them.  I already received my USMLE cd and plan to go through it about 1-2 months before the exam. I also plan to subscribe to Qbank at the same time. I would like to know how do I get a hold of an NBME exam? Is the NBME exam you are referring to the, "Comprehensive Basic Science Self-Assessment" (NBME Interactive Website)?
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| NLP
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 25
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Grabe askdoc, as I'm typing this I'm printing the "What to Do?" forum that you referred me to. From now on,I'm going to live by all your guidelines especially that I still have a long journey ahead of me...
Taking Step 1 in March 2007, will take Step 2 CS before August 2007, Step 2 CK shortly after or about around the same time as I take CS...Basically I'm aiming to apply for the 2008 Match...I havent applied for Step 2 yet, should I be applying for it already?
I didnt actually have a timetable planned out ahead of time, I was planning to worry about Step 2 after taking/passing Step 1. I started to panick when I received the ECFMG newsletter informing IMGs who plan to take part in the 2008 Match must take Step 2 CS by August 2007. Do you guys think it's too late for me to join the 2008 Match since I'm taking Step 1 in March 2007? Please advise me on how I should plan out my timetable so that I can be eligible for the 2008 Match, tnx..
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| NLP
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 25
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to scalpeldocph: I would like to know how do I get a hold of an NBME exam? Is the NBME exam you are referring to the, "Comprehensive Basic Science Self-Assessment" (NBME Interactive Website)?
tnx!
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| askdoc
Forum Senior
Topics: 1
Posts: 77
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Your schedule depends on your objective. If you want to score high, then base your plan on making sure you score high rather than making it to 2008 match. If you can score high and still make it to 2008 match so much the better. If you base your schedule on trying to make 2008 match, the pressure is to take the exam on a specific date rather than on how ready you are to take the exam.
Another factor is that for 2007 matches, the average candidate is high 80's to low 90's, grad in last 5 years with USCE and US lors. Next year competition may be even more stiff. If for one reason or another you have deficiencies(old grad, no USCE, No US LORS, etc.) Higher grades can compensate, while low grades can doom your chances.
About Interviews, I noticed that people with completed exams (Step 1, Step 2CK and Step 2CS) ready by September usually gets more interviews even with comparative scores than those who are lacking one or two steps. Those with Step 3, gets the most interviews. Why, maybe because PD's feel that they have complete picture of qualifications of candidate, while those with incomplete scores may surprise them by failing one of the steps later. Therefore having completed all steps gives you first choice against those with comparative score with incomplete steps.
As to the NBME that scalpeldoc is referring to, I think it is the CBSSA. Form 1 is the most predictive of all the forms, so take it only when you are almost certain you are going to take the exam already. Early in review, use the other steps, preferably form 2, as form 3 and form 4 seems to be the most unreliable as predictors of performance in actual exam.
___________________
Step1 99/256, Step 2 99/258, Old IMG, 1989 grad. A man's reach should exceed his grasp, or what's heaven for. http://blogs.askdoc-usmle.com
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| scalpeldocph
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 39
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NLP, yes. the NBME practice exam Im referring to is the CBSSA.
Here's the link:
https://external1.nbme.org/nsasweb/servlet/mesa_m...
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| NLP
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 25
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Thanks again for the advice askdoc & scalpeldocph!
Askdoc, thank you very much for your words of wisdom regarding my schedule worries.
I really do want to get at least a 90, I mean who doesn't right? But honestly speaking, I feel that scoring a 90 (or above 90) is beyond my actual capabilities...
Just a short background to illustrate my situation:
My parents gave birth to me at a late age in the US; I’m an only child. I eventually came to the Philippines and took up high school, college, and medicine here. During my four years of medicine, I'd say I was in the upper half of the batch (with regards to grades). A month before graduation, our unofficial class rankings were shown to us, I was about number 45 in a batch of 200+ students. I never took removals in med school, but looking back now, I concluded that I was one of those students who would cram before an exam, do well, but then actually forget everything a short while after the exam...If I could only turn back time, I would have studied harder and wouldn't have crammed like I did.
After graduation (April 2006), I (actually my parents and I) decided that there wasn't a need for me to do internship in the country and that I should start preparing for the USMLE. I've been studying since May, but maybe the actual serious studying began in October/November. At this point, I am not yet at all confident to take Step 1 in March...
I really do want to get high scores in the USMLE. But aside from worrying about test scores, I have a whole lot of other issues on my mind. There are times I just feel bad that at the age of 25, I'm still being provided for by my parents. Of course, my parents (like any other parents) are very proud that I chose this noble profession, but then again...when will the day come when they will get to see me as a successful physician who can provide for my own self and for them as well?
So basically, I want to get high scores in all steps so that I can get into a good residency program (and of course, high scores would do wonders for my self-esteem), and I truly want to make something of myself while my parents are still alive.
Sorry if this post is kinda dramatic...Anyway, Happy Holidays to all! hehe
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| Pnoydoc
Forum Newbie
Topics: 3
Posts: 59
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Merry Christmas to all of you guys!
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| lovies
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 6
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Hi!!! I'm new to the froum. Still preparing foe the USMLE. It's nice
to see you guys making it over there. Gives me hope...
If any of you can share advice for a beginner....?
...
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| louisemd21
Forum Junior
Topics: 3
Posts: 21
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NLP, hahaha super dramatic nga ang post mo, but dont think na you are the only one feeling this. We all experience this thing called quarter life crisis. Your parents are proud of you and know very well the long road you have to take before you can finally make it big time... If you want numbers, here's a rough estimate. By 26 you will prolly get into residency training, if you don't want specialization, like if you want to be a primary care physician, then by 29 you will become one and earn roughly about 120 thousand dollars (more or less), if you end up in TCVS, you'll be earning about 800K in about, i guess ten years. I believe our parents are not holding any calculator, they are happy to just see you fulfill your dreams. Don't stress too much. Merry Christmas.
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| NLP
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 25
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louisemd21, thanks for the insights, and for especially reminding me to look at the brighter side of things, or actually beyond my quarter life crisis You're absolutely right about how are parents are happy just to see us fulfill our dreams! Again, thanks for the eye-opener!
Tama na muna ang drama, Maligayang Pasko sa atin Lahat!
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| lovies
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 6
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Hi! Am new to the forum.... and planning to take the mle sometime next year.
I do need help...
What's an externship or observership and how do IMG's get into one?
I am still working on my contract with a company using my undergrad course. In the meantime, I am planning to take the mle exams while doing time with my contract.
Thanks!!!
Nice to see fellow pinoys doing great there!
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| scalpeldocph
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 39
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Hi Lovies.
US Externships and Observerships are available to IMGs who have graduated from med school. Externship allows a clinical experience wherein an IMG is allowed to attend department activities e.g lectures and conferences, and most importanly "direct patient contact" ( of course with supervision). I think it is like an equivalent of a Post Graduate Intern in the Philippines. Since it is a hands on experience , externship is more of a rarity for us IMGs, so the more available option would be an observership.
Observership, just like its literal meaning , you can participate in conferences,lects etc. but direct patient interaction is not allowed. Thus many wont even consider observership as a US clinical experience.
In both Externship and Observership, you are not considered member of the hospital staff and therefore does not enjoy employee benefits eg salary, insurance ( in fact they may require you to obtain a medical insurance as requirement), meals.
Few hospitals offer observership and thus swarmed by IMGs hopeful of gaining US clinical experience. They have thei own set of requirements which usually includes application curriculum vitae, lettter of recommendation, Visa etc. Check the link below for such hospitals( I dont guarantee its accuracy or how updated is the list). Im sure there are more eg Mayo Clinic (Visiting Clinician program), Baylor College of Medicine, Univ of Texas health Science Center, Maricopa Medical Center in Phoenix Arizona ...
http://www.essentialmedicine.net/imgessential/obs...
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| scalpeldocph
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 39
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To NLP:
Your experience is not unique I dont know personally if there's a doctor nowadays who started earning with his career by the age of 25
Dont worry, as Louisemd21 suggested, you will make it big soon.
Here in the US the usual annual income of residents is approx $30,000 - $45,000 annually. It sounds much by Philippine standards considering residents there earn approx $4,500 annually (but by US standards, the pinoy nurses get way more 2 - 3 x).
When you become a consultant , saka ka na babawi.
Anyway, as doctors , money is only a bonus of the fulfillment we get from our profession
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| NLP
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 25
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scalpeldocph, thank you for the additional information, support, and for especially reminding me that the actual reason why we chose to become doctors is to help mankind!
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| scalpeldocph
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 39
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U r welcome NLP
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| lovies
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 6
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To scalpeldocph, thank you for the information!!!
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