Ancylostoma
Forum Guru
Topics: 42
Posts: 642
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Dear BBB or anyone with some insight.
My sister is sitting for 3 years to match for IM with a score of 90 in USMLE Step 1, and 93 in USMLE Step 2. She is a US born US citizen, but FMG (India). What are the most important factors to get her the residency? She is over weight with BMI of 28, but not obese. She has decent personality and is a passive person but may be depressed. Her husband is just matched for IM in Iowa State with almost same score. He has 93 in Step 1 and 91 in Step 2. Can she be resident observer with her husband? What are her chances to get residency in IM next year? What is your opinion?
Thanks
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| bbb
IM Program Coordinator
Topics: 32
Posts: 4,665
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First off - what the heck are you doing mentioning her BMI? That is just so inappropriate and shouldn't have anything to do with anything?
How are her interviewing skills? How does she present herself? Is she positive? Does she make contact with people during the interviewing day or just sit and be quiet? SHE is going to have to make these changes, observations, etc. - nothing you can say will mean a thing.
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bbb - trying to combine common sense and humour into realistic answers, but not going to guess on anyone's chances of getting into a position....
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| Ancylostoma
Forum Guru
Topics: 42
Posts: 642
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I just wanted to have everyone consider every factor. If the way someone looks and dresses didnt matter it would definately be a peachy and ideal world. In the realistic sense, could being overwieght send double messages to patients when a doctor asks them to live healthy and exercise? Would a program director see this as a sign of laziness? Ok so my answer for that is I guess it doesnt matter. She presents her self well but is a negative person by nature. Everything is impossible and when someone achieves a high goal (eg 1600 SAT, 99 on usmle) she says that only genuises can do that. She speaks fluent english and was born in the US, I cant help but think its the utter lack of confidence. She is very uptight and lacks a sense of humor. I can only guess that these factors prevent her from being assertive, confident, and charismatic in the interview but that is my only clue.
If I were to suggest a couple of changes, which ones would be most impostant? How do you repair a fragile confidence? Is there anything I can Do?
Thanks ,
I didnt mean to offend you by mentioning her weight, but it crossed my mind that more then one thing may have caused her problems.
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| smitmom
Forum Newbie
Topics: 4
Posts: 19
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I'm sorry to interrupt this conversationbut I thought I could probably help out. I have helped tons of my friends coming from all over with their skills and way of approach...and hopefully your sister jsut needs a little push.
The first thing is her confidence. To push her confidence...her appearance needs to improve. I'm not talking about her BMI...I am talking about the clothes she wears. Does she dress professionally? Take her out and help her pick out a few nice outfits she can wear...It helps improve confidence immensely when you feel that your appearance is nice. Help her pick out a nice perfume, get a good haircut, or find a good hairstyle...you dont have to pay 50 bucks to get a good hairstyle, the 13.95 great clips also have people that can help out. A good purse, and shoes to match her outfit also helps.
Next, she needs to sell herself. SMILE SMILE SMILE. Teach her to talk to everyone she sees...whether its in the elevetor, on the stairs, help her to make conversation, or the librarian she is checking out books from. I remember reading that book by Dale Carnegie, how to make friends and influence people...very old book but very helpful for people who arent sure how to make conversation. She should start smiling and saying hi to every tom dick and harry that walks by...
Now that her husband is in Iowa doing IM it will be much easier for her to get in. But since she is going to have to wait another year, make use of it. I'm sure he will be able to help her get some clinical experience by talking to their program coordinator. And ultimately her goal should be that the program wants her because of all the recomendations she gets in that place (for who she is), not because her husband is there. In order to do that, she needs to bring out the best of herself during her USCE. She can also join a group doing some research, and that will help her CV next year also.
Interviewing skills are important...Mock interview with others. There are coarses in community colleges and even books in public libraries on interviewing. In her interview the most important thing, is that she should say what the program wants to hear! of course her ideas and her career goals are important, but incorporate that into what they want to hear! That is what Dale carnegie says in that book...
Sometimes sitting and worrying about where you are really brings a person down...not a little but a lot. not matching is a lot like failing-not for the whole world, but maybe for her. A good group of friends and/or family can change that feeling a lot. Help her get out there and change her situation. Volunteering may help her a lot...at any local charity...at least it may help her converse with others more...
Internal Medicine is quite competitive as the years go by. I find that even the smallest community programs want only the best. I have friends who finished their M.D. medicine from India with 99 on both their steps get 1-2 interviews!!! Why? programs tend to not only look at the scores...everything matters...including USCE, research, volunteering, leadership qualities, etc....
i hope you find this helpful.
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| bbb
IM Program Coordinator
Topics: 32
Posts: 4,665
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Smitmom - very good information and advice. The bottom line is that she will have to make the changes in herself. No amount of you telling her anything will make a difference if she doesn't want to.
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bbb - trying to combine common sense and humour into realistic answers, but not going to guess on anyone's chances of getting into a position....
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| Ancylostoma
Forum Guru
Topics: 42
Posts: 642
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Sitmom, BBB thanks for the advice. I am well aware that she has to make the decision but as a brother, I should atleast try to put her in a position that allows her to take her first step. I know there is only so much I can do. Thanks once again, will try using your ideas!!!
Edited by Ancylostoma on 03/16/07 - 06:32 PM
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| spitmetal
Forum Guru
Topics: 25
Posts: 635
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Does your sister have USCE???????? If yes how much????? I’m just curious???
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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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