Is this the right thing to do?

[Snake89]

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Currently, I'm a final year student. I've been thinking about taking USMLE since Year 1. However, with my university's very frequent scheduling of exam, I'm unable to progress in my preparation. On top of that I'm a self sponsored student with convertible loan (convertible on excellent results), so all I could focus solely at the moment is university syllabus and nothing else. Electives is totally out of the question due to my financial status. I couldn't even afford observership/externship even after graduation (finance is again an issue here)

I intend to start preparing immediately for Step 1 after my Final examination.I have acquired all the study materials. I have roughly 5-6 months of free time before mandatory local training begins. My questions is:

1. Given my scenario, with no USCE, should I even attempt USMLE?

2. What's the minimum scores in Step 1 & Step 2 CK that I must obtain to be seriously considered for IM residency?(With '0' USCE and 3 publications in local journal with 2 Research Assistantship)

3. Is Step 1 doable in 6 months full time study for an IMG with just average basic science knowledge? (Delaying my local training any further might harm my chances of securing any at all due to the sheer number of applicants in my country.)

4. Any opinion on which Pathology text to use? Seems the majority now is in favour of Pathoma.

 

[EazyE1907]

1. Focus on doing well on step 1 first. If you do well you can find a way to get USCE. it's not that difficult to find an observership/intern year somewhere after doing well on step 1. but make sure when you are finished with step 1 you absolutely do a year of USCE. that is very important.

2. i would look at scoring 220+ and that is for IMG friendly residencies. 230-240+ you should be good to go, but of course don't expect any big name residencies, but you should get a decent amount of interviews.

3. Yes i think it is doable. with shear willpower, determination and hard work it can be done. if it is your absolute dream to become a physician in the states, then you have to be willing to make some sacrifices. That's just the way medicine is. If that means NOT matching in your home country than so be it. Think about it long-term. If you think you will be happier at home then just stay there.

4. Pathoma is like GOLD, that combined with the path and pathophys from UWORLD concepts and you are good to go. If you have time, i would glance over some goljan RR, or listen to his tapes, but if not it's ok, just really stick to pathoma, first aid and uworld.

good luck!

 

[EazyE1907]

Oh and make sure you do at least 2 qbanks. USMLERx for really nailing FA down and UWORLD of course. I did all three and didnt really find KAPLAN helpful compared to the other two as far as the real deal went but it did help with my questions solving skills. The more questions the better. But with 5-6 months i doubt you will have time for a 3rd qbank. Also make sure to do all NBME's on the nbme website, you might get repeats and will see similar concepts tested.

 

[Snake89]

That's really informative and encouraging, thank you.