fetta
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 4
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Hello doctors,
I hope this is the right section of the forum to post this.
This is my first post after reading many interesting info, but I still don't know what to do in my situation.
I am an IMG, I graduated in 2005 but it took pretty long, so my beginning in medical school dates back in the '90s.
I did pretty well at studying, but I lack a lot of practical experience.
Plus, I am now a mom of a 1 and half yo boy.
The good thing is that I live in the US as a permanent resident, so at least no visa-related problems!
When I was still in my country,during the last period of medical school I almost decided I didn't want to continue with residency. But it seems like I am changing my mind now.
I am willing to find day care for the kid and to study for the USMLE. And try to get into a residency program (btw in this case my first choice,because it is the dream of a life,would be Family Medicine, I read that it is not very competitive right?)
But I don't know if my expectations are too high or if this is something that I can possibly achieve.
My other alternatives are stay-at-home mom or find whatever kind of job, but what could an IMG possibly do that is not Target or McDonalds?
So here are my questions if I decide to try, in case some kind soul is willing to answer 
In the best scenario that I pass the steps, if I start studying now for step 1, when is the first match chance I have?
I will be able to study 3 to 5 full hours a day. Do you think that would be enough if done on a regular basis?
And regarding the books, considering my needs and the reviews I have read, I thought to start with these:
Goljan RR for pathology and Katzung review of pharmacology.
I also read that Kaplan would be good for Biochemistry and Microbiology, did I get it right?
Ok, my son has been patient enough to let me post this and I think it's all for now.
I would appreciate any kind advice, even if you think I better give up the idea given the circumstances I'd appreciate the honesty!
Good luck to all,
fetta
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| arlete
Intern in 2009!!!!!
Topics: 30
Posts: 2,216
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Hi, fetta!
Yes, it is possible you'll enter a Family Practice residency program.
I've heard people passing all the steps in a one-year time frame, but with exclusive dedication to study. If you are going to dedicate 3-5 hours a day, I think 2010 is your best bet.
Don't think plan B right now, put all your efforts in what you really want.
Good luck!
___________________
When men make the rules, God decides the exceptions.
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| fetta
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 4
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Thanks arlete for your reply!
I sure need some sort of support in my decision making, and practical info so that I can see if study will fit in my family management.
Oh, when I wrote honest in the title, I wasn't assuming to get dishonest replies!
I was just hoping to get any kind of reply, even a negative one.
Thanks again,
fetta
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| mjbapana
Forum Senior
Topics: 27
Posts: 153
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Hi!Fetta,
I'm not really the one who should be giving any advise so here goes just in case it might be of some help to u. well as to a career once a doc always a doc is what i have realized for myself atleast, i graduated in 2000 and have been a stay at home mom for the last couple of years quite happily i must say , i enjoy it but for me it just does'nt seem to be enough, i always end up coming to my books. on and off but i do, so if u r anything like that i would say don't think of other career options. from u r post i assume that u put in a lot of effort to complete ur grad, so why let it all go to waste. atleast give it a try and then if things don't work out u can think of other options.
books: i'm using Goljan for pathology and Kaplan for every thing else including pharmacology. and First aid.(i read in one of the posts somewhere that there is a problem with th e2008 issue so just check befoe u get one.
Time:as a mom 3-5 hrs/day is as much as i can give to my studies. and to start with i think for u that is great and as the day for exam gets closer u can probably put in more time. bu tfor now great.
try to get a study partner either in u r place, local library, online or by phone, in the begining it helps to get u into a routine and alsohelps u to focus.
Start with a subject u like. so u won't get disheartened with sujects u don't like.
kaplan materials if u need and are not taking their course u can get at e bay. don't forget about goljan audio. everybody says it is a must. Kaplan q bank after u r first read. and Usmle world q bank later on . well this is what most people do.
u will have to tailor every thing according to u r needs.
Trust me u r not alone. lot of moms on this forum in the same position as u and lot of them have done it too.
well all the best in u r decision making.
Mary.
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| fetta
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 4
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Hi Mary,
it's good to know that there are other moms.
You are right, after all the effort I should at least give it a try. The only way to know if this is my way or not.
Now I am a little lost about the USMLE-ECFMG application, but I guess it won't hurt to start studying while I try to figure out what I need.
BTW, I hope to be right in this, but I don't need my country's licensing examination right?
thanks again,
fetta
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| fetta
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 4
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ah mjbapana I am reading now the thread you started, and I am finding a lot of support for myself.
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| arlete
Intern in 2009!!!!!
Topics: 30
Posts: 2,216
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No, you don't need your country's licensing examination, only your diploma and final medical transcript.
___________________
When men make the rules, God decides the exceptions.
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| one_more_time
Forum Newbie
Topics: 5
Posts: 23
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hi fetta seems like we are in the same boat i also graduated in 2005 have a one and a half year old daughter ,IMG,can dedicate 3-5 hrs a day and i just started my prep well not exactly im still finding books to study if u want we can be study partners or we can keep each other motivated
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my daughter rocks!!!!!!
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| mousumi
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 3
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Hi All moms
I was searching for any mom preparing for steps. I am really very happy to read all these. now I feel, I am just not alone, there are many just like me in the same boat.
oH, I forgot to introduce myself, I am an IMG, graduated in 2002. I am a mother of 2 and half year old, and I work full time in research. I have just started my preparing for step 2CK, I hardly get 5 hrs time to read per day. So it is really difficult to get myself motivated. I hope we can keep each other motivated.
Mou
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MK
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| arlete
Intern in 2009!!!!!
Topics: 30
Posts: 2,216
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I had a lot of moms writing in my post, if you are interested...
http://www.prep4usmle.com/forum/thread/56808/
Good luck!
___________________
When men make the rules, God decides the exceptions.
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