arizona_wave
Forum Elite
Topics: 56
Posts: 268
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Hello everyone preparing for 08 MATCH,
Well I know everyone is worried and working hard for it.
Although we are in this support group we havent yet quiet shared how are we preparing for the MATCH.
So please if anyone would like to give their feedback to all plz do so......it would be really helpful to everyone.
As far as mine prep:
Passed step1, 2 CK, 2 CS and goe ECFMG Certificate.
Tried to get observership but they need USCE of 2 mths for that!!
So joined a pvt doctor who was kind enough to allow me but just shadowing him coz of liability issues etc etc. So I dont know if he gives me a LOR would that mean anything ? But I am doing it so that atleast something is better than nothing and see some pt rather than sitting at home and wasting time.
So meanwhile trying to get all my docs together like MSPE, LOR's, CV, PS etc.
Trying to resarch about which programs I should apply for.
Thats abt me pals........
Lets hear from the rest of you out there !!
GL
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Matched in 2008 !!
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| barbiedoll
Forum Newbie
Topics: 7
Posts: 27
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To all IMGs applying for 2008 match....
2 questions:
1. I heard that our LORs have to be mailed out directly from the letter writer to ECFMG - is this true?
2. Is the Deans letter mandatory for IMGs?
Thanks.
BD
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| CocaCola
Forum Guru
Topics: 35
Posts: 908
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1. from what i gather they don't have to mailed directly from the letter writer however if you waive the right to see them they should be sealed and stamped over the sealed by the letter-writer...
2. the deans letter isn't mandatory for IMG's
however i have come across a couple of programs that list this as their requirement so for the sake of completeness i will submit something... my letter consist of my finals grades and a short paragraph about my accomplishments in med school...
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| CocaCola
Forum Guru
Topics: 35
Posts: 908
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preparing for the Match
ECFMG certified
Currently researching programs
Recently secured an observeship/research assistant position in a hospital - just started so i have no idea whether i will be able to get LORs by application season
Getting all docs ready now - LORs, PS - proving to be bit more difficult than i anticipated...
Have no idea how i will pay for my applications!
___________________
There is one thing we can do, and the happiest people are those who can do it to the limit of their ability. We can be completely present. We can be all here. We can give all our attention to the opportunity before us!!!
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| doc_2004
Forum Junior
Topics: 8
Posts: 71
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CocaCola wrote:
preparing for the Match
Have no idea how i will pay for my applications!
oh well this really is a tough esp if you an an IMG and with no current job and need to improve your CV thus also need to do an unpaid observership...life is tough
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| chakdr
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 1
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Hi
I have a rather peculiar query! Do interviews take place during the Christmas break? How long is the interview-vacation during the Christmas and New Year?
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| robin082006
Forum Hero
Topics: 471
Posts: 5,125
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CocaCola wrote:
preparing for the Match
ECFMG certified
Currently researching programs
Recently secured an observeship/research assistant position in a hospital - just started so i have no idea whether i will be able to get LORs by application season
Getting all docs ready now - LORs, PS - proving to be bit more difficult than i anticipated...
Have no idea how i will pay for my applications!
Similar situation:
ECFMG certified.
Preparing for 2008 Match.
Have done draft of PS, CV
Got PTAL
Got MSPE
Got Dean Letter
Currently doing externship
Currently studying step 3 (part time), hopefully take it before september
Secure an observership position in Miami in Nov
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The Key to Succeed is Patience.
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| drshal2007
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 5
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Even I have same confusion,Propably we can use the word externship,what say
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| karusmle
Forum Guru
Topics: 292
Posts: 986
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i have question , do i have to get a new MSPE? or is it ok if i can use the old MSPE that i used last year , it doesnt change but do they look into the year which i got or something.
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| rockingdoctor
Forum Elite
Topics: 23
Posts: 291
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Old one should be fine karusmle
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Impossible is nothing !
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| miniaspirin
Forum Newbie
Topics: 2
Posts: 14
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I'm ready for 2008 match. however, no us clinical experiences. old IMG graduated 11 years ago. got fair scores for step1/step2 87/88/. now i got an opportunity for observership in a major hospital in manhattan, ny. however, i have a full time job at a biotech company. the only way i can do that is to quit my job since i do not have any vacation days left for this year (used all for preparation of exams). do you guys think it's worth to quit my current job for the obeservership? I have a family to support with 2 very young kids. finacially maybe there's no much difference if i have to stay at home after the obeserveship, by saving daycare fees plus benefit from goverment. what's your suggestion considering my low chances for match?
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| zhaoju2000
Forum Newbie
Topics: 4
Posts: 57
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Good idea to list our situation as a reference for others in the same boat!
ECFMG certified. Step 3 passed
Preparing for 2008 Match.
Still working on drafts of PS, CV (My English Writing! Sigh!)
Got PTAL
Decided not to ask for a dean's letter (ERAS will assign us a neutral letter instead, right?)
2.5 months of observership 1 year ago, already got 1 LoR from that hospital, am still working on the other one (not likely I will get the other one from there )
Also working on 2 Lors from my own country, neither is secured
Currently, basically doing nothing serious, just tailoring my paperwork and tracking my LoRs.
Tried to access to OASIS to request the token, seems not available yet.
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| zhaoju2000
Forum Newbie
Topics: 4
Posts: 57
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To miniaspirin: It is a hard decision to make!
Do you enjoy your current job? Based on the connection you have had with the company, if you quit the job, is it possible you come back to them in case you need a job?
How long is the observership you get in that hospital? Is it possible you do it on the weekends (you still have chance to know some attending docs to get LoRs)?
Also make inquiry to those programs you plan to apply for. Be sure that observership counts as USCE in those programs.
Good luck!
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| miniaspirin
Forum Newbie
Topics: 2
Posts: 14
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thank you zhaoju for your quick response. my job is just a job to make a living and keep me away from being a housewife. my obeservership is only going to be one month starting from mid of july.
sounds like you are in good shape. is usce a must for match for img?
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| kakamath
Forum Senior
Topics: 20
Posts: 71
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hey guys i've been trying to get the imgexperts site for the residency programs list but it doesn't seem to exist. does anyone know what's going on with that. I'm too gonna apply for the '08 match and yes the race is on !!!!!!!!!
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| minang
Forum Senior
Topics: 3
Posts: 228
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USCE isn't a must for many institutions. I know several IMG getting accepted without having USCE
miniaspirin wrote:
sounds like you are in good shape. is usce a must for match for img?
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| RX 135
Forum Elite
Topics: 21
Posts: 509
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can we schedule the interviews for residency..i mean if i cant make for one date can i ask t to postpone my interview...how long can it be postponed..
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:-( :-( :-(...
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| arizona_wave
Forum Elite
Topics: 56
Posts: 268
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Hi everyone,
I am researching for programs by finding IMG friendly programs list, then reading about the prog requirements and what the prog has to offer and location of the prog.
1.I want to know what else should be included in the research for programs ? What all should we look for in a program in order to apply?
2.Is there a site which tells IMG friendly prog? I am currently using usmletomd.com
3.In many prog I come across the requirements include "should have graduated in last 5 yrs or 3 or 4 yrs ".......I graduated 6 yrs ago but was working for 1 year after graduation in my home country, so should I even apply to these programs ?
If anyone can please help me with these queries I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks
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Matched in 2008 !!
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| spitmetal
Forum Guru
Topics: 25
Posts: 635
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if their cutoff is 2 years i would not waste my money but if their cutoff is 5 years if you have the money maybe they dont care
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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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| sarika
Forum Guru
Topics: 195
Posts: 1,200
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Hello guys i am also in the run for 2008 match. So far the prep is worse than any of my steps. I had no idea writing a personal statement would be so hard. Maybe its because i really have nothing to write. As i try to remember back, if i had any interesting event in Med school that would inspire me to persue IM/FM/Path residency, i can come up with nothing. I was too laid back, only purpose of studying was to pass the exam. Now i have to cook up an emotional story that would parallel the climax of a hindi movie.
Seriously if it was upto me, i would say the truth.
Q # 1.Why you became a doctor?
Well where i come from, if you are a good student (or a better student among your siblings) your parents start telling you medicine is the only choice for you. Since you have to choose something you say yeah whatever!
Q# 2.What makes you a good doctor?
I took all the exams (read torture) you(ECFMG) put me thru so the knowledge base is there plus generally people/patients like me, i cant sleep if i fail to satisfy someone's health related question/problem...you need more proof? hire a pvt detective to follow me around.
But sadly honesty has no place in this competition-driven highly aggressive race for Residency so i will keep trying to write my PS.
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| miniaspirin
Forum Newbie
Topics: 2
Posts: 14
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Thanks minang. However, my chances for match is so slim. the 5-year cut off, poor scores, no usce, no PhD, just a MS in basic medical science in US....no nothing
only one lor from my country where i served 2 and a half years of residency. no other sources for additional lors 
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| carvedilol80
Forum Senior
Topics: 37
Posts: 133
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hey sarika thats true basically for every indian IMG...i got inspired..ha ha ha
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| vanshita
Forum Guru
Topics: 21
Posts: 814
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Sarika i have same problem
people who already matche please can you help us?
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| GLO MD
Forum Guru
Topics: 9
Posts: 815
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JAJAJAJ Sarika I'm not indian but I guess the filling is universal jajaja you made me laugh a lot!!! I'm also in the run for 2008 match, I'm an IMG from Mexico. Snd I too think this is mentally devastating, I just finished my MSPE today since my medical school gave me the priviledge to to it myself (yeah right they did not wanted to handle it so I was stuck with it) but thankfully I finished that, my PS and my CV, offcourse I had to tell all those heartbreaking stories allthough I kind of have a soul of a writer within me and I think it went fine but I'm more concerned that it might have a little too spice jajajaja.
Oh well I have one question, I want to get my PTAL but I just graduated and I don't have my medical diploma yet because it takes some time for the paperwork but I was wondering is it possible to start the application without my medical diploma and then send it when I have it so that I can buy sometime to hopefully get the letter before the match? And also do I have to have SSN (social security number) to do it or can you do it without it?
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