zrf80
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As I posted earlier, I plan on applying for Match 2008. I am not familiar with how the process works, so maybe some of the experienced here cna give me advice... Here's some of my credentials.
Graduated: 2004 from Carribean school
Step 1: 198 / 81
Step 2: 221/ 90
Step 2 CS: pending (October will get my results)
USCE: I worked as a MEDICAL ASSISTANT for 1.5 years. Im not sure if it counts, but the internists/ family practioners DID allow me to conduct history + physicals, and even small procedures like suturing. Very hands-on. Im not sure if this qualifies or not, since it was a paid job.....but it was experience nonetheless. Even got a good LOR from a doctor. Can anyone elaborate on this ? Or does this equate to me not having any USCE at all ?
Also worked as a pharmacy technician for 1.5 years. I had to take some time off medicine to support my family, but I tried my hardest to stick with the medical theme. Hence, working as a pharmacy technician and medical assistant.
What are my chances for some good Internal Medicine programs ? I know BBB has given great advice to fellow posters. Can some friendly typists give me soem honest opinions on what my aim should be ?
Thank you...... 
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| mazinger
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Posts: 920
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zrf80 No offense to you or anyone, but how could someone guess wether you will match or not??? its not only a credential race, its also about how well you perform in your interview day and your personality if they all fit what the PDs are looking for... Hundreds of personalities and hundreds of goals in hundreds of programs..
It has never EVER been shown that someone can predict the future in any sort of way,..
My sincere and honest advice is that you may try to focus on whats really important, improving your cv and improving your interviewing techniques..
Good luck and may you match in the program of your dreams..
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original mazinger z
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| zrf80
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^^^ Thanks for the advice. Quite honestly, I believe in exactly what you said. I guess my question should have been more specific, and that is whether or not my job as a medical assistant would count as USCE ?
I have seen candidates that scored 90s on all exams get rejected because of poor interviewing techniques, and I also know a guy that got a residency 14 years after he graduated with poor USMLE scores. So, as you said, there's more than meets the eye when it comes to matching.
To rephrase..........does working as a medical assistant count as valid USCE ? I have obtained an LOR that cites I had hands-on experience. I conducted H+Ps, EKGs, Paps (assisted), and also minor procedures like suturing and excisions, etc.
Or sohuld I try to gain some experience via observership this fall ?
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| mazinger
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zrf80 wrote:
To rephrase..........does working as a medical assistant count as valid USCE ? I have obtained an LOR that cites I had hands-on experience. I conducted H+Ps, EKGs, Paps (assisted), and also minor procedures like suturing and excisions, etc.
From my perspective working as a PA is HANDS ON EXPERIENCE more than any observershit by all means!!!
Could anyone confirm what I just said..
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original mazinger z
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| Dr.Luck
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I agree mazinger...I mean doing physical exam & EVEN SUTURING....what else can count as "HANDS ON".....U R IN GREAT SHAPE ZRF80.......BEST OF LUCK TO ALL OF US 
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| zrf80
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Thanks for the lift guys. I really worked hard to getto that position. My boss, who was a registered nurse at the facility, hired me with the intentions that this was a hands-on opportunity for me. At first, I did the typical medical assistant stuff. Prep the rooms, bring in patients, vital signs, glucose check, and electrocardiograms.
As time passed, and doctors got to know me better (and my situation), a level of trust started to form. Pretty soon, doctor were letting me examine patients. I was doing physicals. One GREAT doctor let me see all his Spanish speaking patients (since he was not fluent in the language). I took histories, physicals.........even sutured a few bad boys. I became a master at washing cloggged ears out (I know...nothing to be proud of), and I even cut acrochordons (skin tags) for the doctors.
It was a great great learning experience for me. Unfortunately, I moved to Long Island and the commute became too great to bear.
Im hoping to mention this experience in my interviews, but I dont want to come off as a showboat or trying to pretend I did so much..........
Thats why I aks all of my friends here at prep- whether they think this would qualify as "hands-on" usce. If not, I will just tell program directors that it was a paid job as a MEDICAL ASSISTANT.
Thanks for any advice offered............
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