imeln313
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1997 grad from Ukraine (Eastern Europe), Steps 1, 2, 3 done, Green card holder, RN, ICU-CCU-CVICU experience (central lines, vents, ACLS certified etc.). LORs from USA MDs, publications through ASH (American Society of Hypertension) in 1999, 2001, received monetary Travel Grants from ASH to present those 2 posters.
Will the above facts overcome low USMLE scores for IM residency at any US Hospital?
Thank you,
Good luck.
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| tocket2007
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No. It is not enough. Scores are everything because with low scores you are considered academically weak and the program will be afraid to hire you since you may fail the board tests and destroy the reputation of the program(persentage will go down because of you).Your US experience is as RN and not a physician. They are looking for somebody who worked either in US or western Europe and performed the invasive procedured, then they will hire you even with low scores to perform the procedures and teach others, since the standards are the same in western europe and US. Hope this will help.
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| chemamr
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imeln313: please don't duplicate posts.
regarding your question, if you want sincere opinions, you should tell us your usmle scores, because for some people 80`s are low, for others 70`s are low, and maybe for others (may God forgive them) low 90`s are low, so, it's relative.
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| imeln313
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Sorry for duplicating posts. Step 1 score 183, Step 2 score 192. Step 3 is to be taken, but for assumption purpose let's say that it is passed but with low scores.
Good luck with your exams.
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| DrOrange
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As a backup, u should also look into FM.
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| chemamr
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or pediatrics
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| wamba
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1. apply to prog that do not sponsor visas. you will rull out most of the IMG crowd;
2. select accurately the programs you apply to, and make sure you meet their requirements (for ex grad yr);
3. In your application, your PS and CV focus on your strengths (your hands-on and procedural skills and your research achievements). But dont stick too much on your research achievements coz the residency is first clinical. research is secondary. Stick on your clinical and procedural skills.
4. You have many weaknesses. But the great news is most of us are in the same boat. There is no perfect applicant and since I deal with this world, I have seen people with high 99 scores, more than 10 interviews but NO MATCH. And other people with 1 interview, 1 prematch in a great program (my best friend did 1 month ago).
What does this mean? You must divide your match process into 2 objectives: 1. the interview call; 2. the interview. why? because to get the IV call, you have to demonstrate that you know medicine: your steps scores, your PS, your CV and your application give that info to progs. Since you already have low scores, focus on your medical experience and the skills you have learn and practised . You must demonstrate that although you are an old applicant, you have spent all that time practising and today, you are proficient in many many many maneuvers that you have to name in your PS or CV or application. DONT BE SHY! write about a clinical case and about what you did. This is your strength. use it. If you do it, select accurately your prog and apply to non-sponsorising progs, I'm sure you will get MANY calls;
Once a prog calls you, you must know that they read your application and they are interested in you. At the setting of IV, the scores, grad yr, etc. are not important. So forget about them. You demonstrate that you can fit in with the prog's goals. So learn everything about the prog and about the interviewers. More, meditate YOUR WEAKNESSES and find an outstanding explanation of them. By doing this, weakness becomes strength. Prepare the Questions they might ask you and the answers. Be confident and friendly. You will make it.
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| vic2006
Forum Elite
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Posts: 63
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I agree with wamba .
Scores help to get interviews , but are not everything . Write a nice personal statement , make your weakness become strengths , learn about the program , be yourself . And the most important thing - TRUST YOUR GOD . Be confident , but not overconfident because you had experience , training , etc... During the interviews , they will ask you exactly about your low scores, your gaps , but mantain your calm , give them good explanations , do not make up silly stories, just tell the truth , admitt that you could have done better . And you WILL MAKE IT.
Do not allow anyone to put you down or to make you believe you do not have chances. Believe in yourself , follow your dreams , be persistent , do not allow one or two or 3 rejections put you down and you will make it. The journey is long for you and for everybody , believe it !!!!
I know people with high scores , citizens , that had to use contacts to get interviews and will probably not match and other without any US LOR , average scores , IMG , no research that got a pre match in a university program . the difference between them ?? Personality , truth , integrity . So , scores are not everything !!!
good luck.
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| sarika
Forum Guru
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Posts: 1,200
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hi guys, i have a question that i'd like to ask you guys since all of you have just gone thru the most drilling experience of your lives...Finding residency. I am a graduate of 2001, have citizenship but i a huge gap after my graduation (i was a stay at home mom.) i have 92% in step 1, about to take step 2...hoping to get a good score in that too, The problem is clinical experience that i looked for everywhere and couldnt find. Is there anything else that can substitute for USCE on my resume. I wouldnt lie to you, the truth is i am good academically but zero practically. Practically done nothing in my med school e.g no invasive or noninvasive procedures ...I am counting on some miracle residency that wouldnt expose my weaknesses. Sometimes i even think about joining some program that teach you all that like some GMC program but they are so damn expensive...Any advice would be appreciated. Thankyou
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| imeln313
Forum Junior
Topics: 21
Posts: 46
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Thank you for your responses especially wamba and vic2006
Good luck to all of you,
imeln313.
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