nqt_2008
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 3
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Hello everyone,
I am an IMG graduated in 2001. After graduation, I did the basic research for 5 years from 2002, even though I like to practice medicine. I decided to come back doing the clinic work, just simple because I love it very much. So I applied to get USMLE step 1 since 2005, but I did not attend the exam two times, just because of my family problems. I was really disappointed about that. Some people told me that “unable to attend the exam” is considered as” failure to take the exam”! Now I am still thinking about the residency program in US, but I am so anxious about my condition. I am 30 years old already, without pratice medicine for a long time, and unable to take the exams two times!
Should I continue to spend my time on the exams? Please give me some advice! Thank you very much!
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| arlete
Intern in 2009!!!!!
Topics: 30
Posts: 2,235
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Some people told me that “unable to attend the exam” is considered as” failure to take the exam”! - They are wrong! Only failures are reported.
If you really want it, go for it!
I graduated in 1992, not working as a physician for 7 years, and I am going for it!!!!
___________________
When men make the rules, God decides the exceptions.
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| grechita12
Forum Senior
Topics: 4
Posts: 192
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NEVER give up!!!!!
you can do it and you should do it......
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| acintya
FOCUS on your Goal!
Topics: 7
Posts: 765
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Oh My God nqt2008....it's as if you are narrating my life story! ....and I am still struggling to take step 1.....
I certainly think that if you want it, PLEASE DO NOT GIVE UP. Keep trying.....
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Life is a Mind Game! Remember, obstacles aren't meant to prevent your success; they only slow you down and show you where you must work harder.
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| kissie07
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 1
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 i guess, i'm a member of this club ..... 7 years out of practice, but i'm planning on reviewing this year.... as they say, "quitters never win".
let's just do our best .... in everything.
actually, i still don't know how to work out my schedule coz i work during the day, i have 3 kids to take care of .... and tentative plan is study at night. i'll see how that works out. maybe, concentrate on studying a few months before the exam.
still, let's go and do our best for the 99!!
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"do your best"
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| Liederlich
Forum Junior
Topics: 17
Posts: 31
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Hey, NEVER give up, and if you only take the exams for your inner calm ! I will take them after 6 years out of the business and will see what good comes from it. That way I will not regret that I never took them !
Good luck to all off you !
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| nqt_2008
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 3
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Many thanks to your advice!
As many people said "quitters never win", we should keep trying. Actually there are a lot of steps in front of me now. And when I think about the chance of success with my situation, I feel worried too much! That's why I post this thread, hope to get your experience and your sharing ideas.
Once again, thanks arlete, grechita12, acintya, kissie07, Liederlich and everyone. Goodluck.
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| babydoc4usmle
Forum Guru
Topics: 18
Posts: 634
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i could tell you that it is not easy, to be out of clinical medicine for a long time, but you have very good "excuse" - research is considered a good one.
i graduated in 2000, and was not practicing in USA, only 1 year back home, so you can say no practice for 6 years..
i took USMLE last year, still step 3 to come, and after the Match i will be able to say if it was doable for me or not
for now - it is hard....
if you want it - go ahead and do it. the fact that you never took it before means nothing.
good luck
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| myna
Forum Junior
Topics: 16
Posts: 29
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Hello nqt_2008. Like you I graduated in 2001. I haven't been sucessful in passing my steps yet, but would like to start soon. The problem is I don't have any research experience. If you don't mind, could you tell me all the details on how you applied for it, what kind of setup you're working in and all the details of what to do to get a research position. Any prerequisites to apply for research? Would appreciate a reply as soon as possible. Thank You.
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| Novak75
Forum Senior
Topics: 3
Posts: 394
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nqt_2008.....Hi, arlete is right, if you didn't show up for the exam it doesn't count as a failed exam, I am in a similar situation, I also payed the exam twice and didn't present them, I called ECFMG to be sure about this and they told me it won't show in my transcripts.
I know that you have 7 years to finish all the steps, starting counting from when you first apply (someone correct me if I am wrong), so if you applied for the first time in 2005, you have plenty of time, so if this is what you want go for it, don't give up before you try.
I am sure you will find lots of support and help from this forum, and as you can see there are a lot of people in the same boat as you or in a similar one, so go ahead and fullfil your dream!
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leave the old behind—leave behind old behavior, old thinking, old words.
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| babydoc4usmle
Forum Guru
Topics: 18
Posts: 634
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Novak75 wrote:
I know that you have 7 years to finish all the steps, starting counting from when you first apply (someone correct me if I am wrong), so if you applied for the first time in 2005, you have plenty of time, so if this is what you want go for it, don't give up before you try.
the 7-year part is true, but not from the moment you applied, but from the moment you have TAKEN the exam.
also remember that there are sates with no limits, and there are states that have 5 years (or before residency ends) limit between Step 2 and Step 3, also there are states that instead of 7 have 10 years for MD/PhD residents
I am not sure, but there also can be that those 7 years should be between first SUCCESSFUL exam and last exam (meaning, if you failed the first time the rule doesn't apply)... but it could be a first attempt in all cases....
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| jeyasudhahar
Forum Junior
Topics: 21
Posts: 47
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Dear,
I graduated at 1996.I got 244/99 in step 1 on Nov 2007.
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| babydoc4usmle
Forum Guru
Topics: 18
Posts: 634
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congrats!
old school rules!!!
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| nqt_2008
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 3
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Hi everyone, Thank you so much for your support ideas. Now I am studying for the Step 1. It's hard to review and study new medical knowledge while I haven't touch on the bedside work for a long time.
Babydoc4usmle, novak75, jeyasudhahar and everyone, Thank you for your nice ideas!
@myna
Sorry for the late reply, I am quite busy lately. About the research experience, I applied for a research office position after graduation. If you have experience about doing research or you got a post graduate degree, you can get a higher position such as Research Associate or Fellow. I am not doing the research in the US, so I thought it would be a disadvantage when I try to apply the US residency program. I don't know how difficult to apply a research position in the US for a foreigner. But I think the publication and degree are the most important factors.
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| babydoc4usmle
Forum Guru
Topics: 18
Posts: 634
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i am sure you have read it by now, bit i thought i mention it here as an "add on" to my previous post - I matched with my #1 choice...and if I put WashU my #1, i could have matched with them (they went unfilled this year),.. hard to imagine, but a fact, so work hard and don't let disadvantages to stop you, work around them, and you will be successful
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