mazinger
Forum Guru
Topics: 46
Posts: 914
|
Its always better to do step 1 first, 25% of the info tested in step 2 ck is basic sciences... I remember having a few of those in my test, its easier to make clinical asociations with the core knowledge you get from studying step 1... My step 2 ck was harder than my step 1  , but somehow I got a higher score in step 2  ... All these usmles are freaking unpredictable.. INDEED!!!
___________________
Ultraseven X
|
| Principito
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 12
|
You´ll be fine. Although a few Hospitals want really "fresh" graduates, in general less than 5 years postgraduation fits the criteria of most of the programs. Here in Nicaragua it´s like Panama, we do a 1 year rotator intership in the capital city and then we go for another year to a rural area, in what we call "servicio social". The advantage is that you get your diploma after you finish those two years, so you can be a "fresh" graduate once you apply for the Match.
|
| qjata
Forum Newbie
Topics: 5
Posts: 23
|
Thanks principito and mazinger for the information, really appreciate it, has cleared a lot of doubts.
Principito, here in Panama is the same, but the difference is that when you graduate you get the diploma but cant do anything untill you do the internship. So if i wanted to leave right now i could. The only difference is that i cant work in Panama, cause i haven't done the internship.That's why sometimes i feel like not finishing my internship.
|
| veroni14
Forum Senior
Topics: 5
Posts: 133
|
Hi everybody and qjata, I'm from Panama too. Graduated in 2002, finished internship in Panama and them moved to US. I'm only done with the step1 since I had to repeat it. Now that I'm preparing for step 2 ck, now more than ever I'm glad I did the step 1 first (totally agree with principito and mazinger), the reason is because in order to pass I had to review all the basics in medicine throughout (I realized this the bad way with a 72). But eventhough it was hard for me to start studying after that fail, it have been good for me know that I'm back with the clinical stuff, is easier to remember the findings, signs, labs if you have fresh in your mind the physiopathology of the disease, to say an example.
I can understand that you feel that way about your intership but my advice to you is not to quit, you'll have the time to keep on with your residency, I wish I would started as soon as you are now, if you start preparing now you will be done with the steps by the time you finish internship...but it will take a toll....you probably will have no life, specially this first year, but is worth while, and it will open to you a million oportunities.
That 2 years I learned so much in clinical experience, you won't get that type of experience not even here, because once you are graduated externship are so hard to get. Must of the IMGs from europe for example have clinical exp near to none. Enjoy the oportunity you have now to learn with the patient and not only with the books
Edited by veroni14 on 08/28/07 - 12:07 PM
|
| Carmencita
Forum Junior
Topics: 12
Posts: 36
|
Hello. I have a question. In most latin american countries, as you know, people are registered with two surnames, one from the father and the other from the mother. Being this my case, my medical school diploma has my name with both surnames. When registering with ECFMG, should I put in my two surnames or only my main surname, which is my fathers surname?
Thanks.
|
| Principito
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 12
|
PUT YOUR NAME EXACTLY AS IT APPEARS IN YOUR DIPLOMA!!!!! If not, you´ll be in big trouble. My application for step 1 was rejected because of that: I only put one last name on it the first time I registered, and then I had to send documentation to prove I had 2 last names .
|
| qjata
Forum Newbie
Topics: 5
Posts: 23
|
Thanks principito, mazinger and veroni14 you guys have really helped clearing my doubts....
I guess ill finish my internship here in Panama, and try to match in 2010!!!!!!!
|
| Carmencita
Forum Junior
Topics: 12
Posts: 36
|
Principito wrote:
PUT YOUR NAME EXACTLY AS IT APPEARS IN YOUR DIPLOMA!!!!! If not, you´ll be in big trouble. My application for step 1 was rejected because of that: I only put one last name on it the first time I registered, and then I had to send documentation to prove I had 2 last names .
Thanks. I see. Currently, is your name in the ECFMG record with two surnames or only one?
|
| Principito
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 12
|
Two
|
| GLO MD
Forum Guru
Topics: 9
Posts: 810
|
Hello guys just wanted to say hi! I am an IMG from Mexico... I understand your problem with surnames guys...I had that same problem when registering for step 1. I thought I only needed to register my first surname and 2 weeks prior to the exam I found out I needed both since my name had to EXACTLY match the one from my ID, I freaked out and had to undergo a name change process and pay for an express delivery of the orange permit so that I had it in time for my exam...it was a nightmare so most deffinitely when they ask you for your lastname put the 2 and just add an space between them. Take care you guys!!
Edited by GLO MD on 09/12/07 - 12:07 AM
___________________
Keep your eyes on the stars, but remember to keep your feet on the ground....Theodore Roosevelt
|
| cargue2007
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 27
|
Hi everybody,
Nice to see people from Latin america in the forums. I graduated in 2004, and I am applying for Peds in the upcoming Match. Anybody going to Peds too? Would be great to share info with everyone?
Has anyone applied yet? I have just submitted my application yesterday.
Regards,
|
| Dr.A
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 6
|
Hey!
Another fellow MD from Central America . I'm in miami, FL at this time preparing for CS and in desperate need of guidance and a Study partner. I've been told is a must in order to have a strong chance at passing. Any advice on which site is more IMG friendly?
|
| Principito
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 12
|
That´s right, the best to thing you can do is to practice a lot. But I´ll tell you, it´s not neccesary to practice with another doctor, you can do it with a friend or a relative. I practiced with my sister (with the cases in CS First Aid) and I did pretty well in the exam. When are you taking it? What about the other steps?
|
| Dr.A
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 6
|
Hello Principito,
I've tried practicing with friends not related to the medical field and somehow it seems to take forever...hence, the reason for searching for a study partner.
Answering your question, I've already taken step 1 and passed (sadly not on the 1st attempt), now I've decided to get CS out of the way and have already set a date. Any advice?
By the by, where did you go to school in Nic?. I have friends (Doctor friends) there.
|
| Principito
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 12
|
I went to UNAN Managua, graduated in 2006. Who do you Know from Nicaragua? Where are you from? The same happened to me at the begining, but then I had my sister read the cases a few times before practicing. I guess the fact that she had a great will to help me was an advantage. But If you want to find a partner, I´ve heard usmleforum.com is a good source. My advice for the exam would be: Be as nice as you can with the SPs, never forget to give an smile, make eye contact, ask permission to examine them and never, but never forget to give counsseling and explain the possible diagnosis. If the SPs like you, you´ll do great in the exam. see you
|
| lila99
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 5
|
Hi everybody!
I'm so glad to find so many Latin american IMGs! I'm from Argentina, living in US. Trying to hit the books after a while.
Nice to meet you all!
|
| Pathologist
Forum Newbie
Topics: 2
Posts: 11
|
Hi im from Chile. Gimme the power latin american
i
|
| posh_doc
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 2
|
Hi!
I'm from Quito- Ecuador but currently in the Bay Area, expecting my score report for the USMLE CK this week.
Nice to see more IMGs around here!
|
| Dr.EJCV
Forum Newbie
Topics: 5
Posts: 26
|
Hey everyone nice to have all the responses...well just wanted to give a follow up, I got step 1 grades and well didnt pass ...now I am still studyin for step2 CK but have Step2CS date coming up in April...any recommendations on how long to study for CS and where to study from? I am planning on using First Aid for it and maybe USMLE World...suggestions? Anyways, I was just wondering if anyone knew wether the fact that I failed Step1 once affect my probability in getting into a good hospital, does it appear on my trascripts at the time of the Match? well that I failed it even though I will pass it hypothetically? How important is this? Thanks again and well Happy New Year...positive thoughts/wishes to everyone!! 
ps: anyone know grades required to get into Baylor Peds?
|
| Anamgarcia
Forum Senior
Topics: 5
Posts: 181
|
Hello guys I am colombian... going to this year's match... I just wanted to see if anybody is applying to OB and if so, how possible you think it is to get into a university program (being IMG) .... pls share your thoughts
|
| Dr.EJCV
Forum Newbie
Topics: 5
Posts: 26
|
Hello I just got a new Palm....anyone have good FREE programs? Suggestions on what programs to get? I was thinking of maybe Harrison's or the Washington Manual? Already have ePocrates...which I recommend....thanks!
|
| arkangel
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 1
|
Hi Everybody! It's nice see people from Latinamerica (brotherhood). Im from Monterrey Mexico and I plan to take the tests in the current year... Im in N Y studing for step 1 ( I dont like Biochemistry but I have to).
then if somebody has a advice to me I'll thanks or If I can help ...
Have a good week.
|
| Principito
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 12
|
So bad you don´t like BQ because it is a "hot topic" in step 1, lots of questions. I don´t like either, that´s why I studied it even harder. Good luck!
|
| cargue2007
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 27
|
Hi there,
Anyone done or going to take the step 3? I'm gonna start studying for it and would like to see if someone has some sort of advice.
Any pointers?
All the best,
C
|
| uba08
Topics: 5
Posts: 40
|
Hi I'm an IMG from argentina! we are few, huh?!
passed step 1 and trying to get done with step 2 but haven't been that focused.
|
|
| |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
