Recently failed Step 2 CK - pretty devastated

[JoshuaNY]

Hey all, just found out that I failed Step 2 CK. Here is my scenario:

Step 1: 197
Step 2 CS: first - failed, second - passed (failed ICE portion on first go, had a horrible insuppressible cough throughout test and was washing hands religiously but I think that came off poorly to SP, because a few mentioned it)
Step 2 CK: 204 (failed, passing was 209)

I am a US citizen and went through offshore program where clinical years were done here in the US.

Seeking any guidance:
1. Suggestions on approach to my future and how to stay positive.
2. Best approaches to taking up studying for the second go.
3. Experiences of any residents that had similar scenarios and overcame them.

I know the realities. I know the complexities of the situation I’m in. I appreciate any feedback and experiences you are able to share with me.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Chemstudent]

Best advice: quit or practice in Australia. All of those test results are lethal. I'm sorry but someone has to give it to you straight.

 

[Rekt]

I agree with above. I doubt you'd ever have a shot at a US residency. Your best bet is to come home and find something else to do. You're an extreme risk to US residencies for failure.

 

[Dr. Opout]

I respectfully disagree with the above two posters. I think you have a shot, albeit an incredibly slim one. Many of us can give examples of how we know a guy who knows a guy who matched with those scores (I can too). But I'm not here for anecdotes. Last year, 104 US IMGs matched into family med with step 1 between 191 and 200 (vs. 42 in IM and 0 in anesthesiology). I'm sure there were other factors involved, but the point is that they made it.

If I'm in your shoes, this is what I'm doing:
1) Decide right now if it's worth it to practice in the US. Because buddy, you have a mountain in front of you. No one wants to start climbing and then decide later on that they're not really feeling it. Weigh the options and make a well-informed decision.
2) Pass CK. Join a course, get a tutor, do whatever you need to do. You have the capacity to succeed if you can pass a practice test by a few points. Figure out your issues, address them, and do better next time.
3) Find a research position in the US, particularly in your desired specialty (hopefully FM or IM) and preferably at a program with IMGs. Your research background should serve you well here. Be prepared to make a commitment for 1-2 years. This will allow you time to shine and show faculty your work ethic. Only then will people be willing to go bat for you and call around to get you interviews. You need to give 100% every day though. Outwork anyone they've ever seen. Make them see that you'd be an asset to the field.

For people in your position, this is usually the course of action many take to match. I'm not saying this will definitely work. It may not in the first few years. But I do know that this is the way to maximize your chances. People with your score have matched in the past year. Based on that fact alone, you can do it. Everything else is background noise. Best of luck to you my friend, I wish you success.

 

[Rekt]

I respectfully disagree with the above two posters. I think you have a shot, albeit an incredibly slim one. Many of us can give examples of how we know a guy who knows a guy who matched with those scores (I can too). But I'm not here for anecdotes. Last year, 104 US IMGs matched into family med with step 1 between 191 and 200 (vs. 42 in IM and 0 in anesthesiology). I'm sure there were other factors involved, but the point is that they made it.

If I'm in your shoes, this is what I'm doing:
1) Decide right now if it's worth it to practice in the US. Because buddy, you have a mountain in front of you. No one wants to start climbing and then decide later on that they're not really feeling it. Weigh the options and make a well-informed decision.
2) Pass CK. Join a course, get a tutor, do whatever you need to do. You have the capacity to succeed if you can pass a practice test by a few points. Figure out your issues, address them, and do better next time.
3) Find a research position in the US, particularly in your desired specialty (hopefully FM or IM) and preferably at a program with IMGs. Your research background should serve you well here. Be prepared to make a commitment for 1-2 years. This will allow you time to shine and show faculty your work ethic. Only then will people be willing to go bat for you and call around to get you interviews. You need to give 100% every day though. Outwork anyone they've ever seen. Make them see that you'd be an asset to the field.

For people in your position, this is usually the course of action many take to match. I'm not saying this will definitely work. It may not in the first few years. But I do know that this is the way to maximize your chances. People with your score have matched in the past year. Based on that fact alone, you can do it. Everything else is background noise. Best of luck to you my friend, I wish you success.

Did those 104 IMGs fail two board exams? Pretty useless metric.

 

[Dr. Opout]

Did those 104 IMGs fail two board exams? Pretty useless metric.

Haha most of them probably did not. But to tell someone to pack up and go home without even trying the research route is misguided. New programs pop up every year. Research has been proven to be the great equalizer, especially in IM. It's a slim chance but a chance nonetheless.

 

[itmeusmle]

Only priority should be to pass CK (If possible, at the average or better) and get your MD if thats what it requires.

On that note, wouldn't it be more beneficial for this person to pass Step 3, and work as a physician assistant to maintain clinical skills? I think thats more impressive then simply doing research where you probably won't see any publications if its <1 year of work.

Benefits of passing step 3;
1) Lower risk for residencies
2) Sooner probably the better to take step 3, knowledge base already has weaknesses. I can't imagine taking 1-2 years off from studying to do research would benefit your cause, and probably increases your chances of another unsuccessful attempt .
3) If you improve/pass on 1st attempt, it may be your last shot to show them you can sit for an exam, and rock it. Might give them some confidence that you can pass whatever speciality board.
4) Finding a job where you can keep your clinical skills is probably more beneficial. Research is good but you're not going for your PhD. I would try and focus on finding a job where you can see patients. As a last resort, hop on some research. Universities are begging for people to sit at a microscope or punch in data to excel.

Just my perspective.

 

[itmeusmle]

And just to add to my previous post. If I were you, I would honestly go to AAMC website or FREIDA, look at the family medicine residency list, find all the programs that are IMG friendly and e-mail the PC a short description of your credentials, like you did here (minus the explanations of why you weren't successful) and ask them if they would consider offering you an interview come ERAS next year. I think thats the best way to get an honest answer. Some might not respond, but I'm sure some will and that will give you a better idea of where you stand. Taking advice from people on here who got 250's, 19 pubs, and did radiation oncology clerkships on the space station won't help your cause either.

 

[GoSpursGo]

Only priority should be to pass CK (If possible, at the average or better) and get your MD if thats what it requires.

On that note, wouldn't it be more beneficial for this person to pass Step 3, and work as a physician assistant to maintain clinical skills? I think thats more impressive then simply doing research where you probably won't see any publications if its <1 year of work.

Benefits of passing step 3;
1) Lower risk for residencies
2) Sooner probably the better to take step 3, knowledge base already has weaknesses. I can't imagine taking 1-2 years off from studying to do research would benefit your cause, and probably increases your chances of another unsuccessful attempt .
3) If you improve/pass on 1st attempt, it may be your last shot to show them you can sit for an exam, and rock it. Might give them some confidence that you can pass whatever speciality board.
4) Finding a job where you can keep your clinical skills is probably more beneficial. Research is good but you're not going for your PhD. I would try and focus on finding a job where you can see patients. As a last resort, hop on some research. Universities are begging for people to sit at a microscope or punch in data to excel.

Just my perspective.

Unless you mean as an "assistant physician," which only exists in one state that I'm aware of at this point, that's not a thing--there's a totally separate school to be a PA.