Journey to future- this was the title of my personal statement upon submission to ERAS. I am an IMG, yog:2010, finished Medical residency training in my home country on 2015 and practiced as an internist until 2017 when I chose to immigrate to the USA. The past 2 years I’ve been in the US, i became a mother. I focused on taking care of my child while finishing all the steps of USMLE. I tried working but salary couldn’t really afford all the expenses at home especially the child-care. Even if I was ECFMG certified and finished until step 3, no one will give me a decent salary here, (especially in CA) unless I have another certification for coding, billing, MA, or connections. I got too many rejections, I couldn’t count anymore. I know many of you will understand that it was really hard to feel like a burden—no job at age 30+ and still living in my relative’s roof (my husband’s immigration papers are still on process). It was even harder to look for USCE, with no connections here in US Medical field, I was at a lost. I really couldn’t afford thousands of dollars to pay for an experience. All i could afford was a thousand worth of 2-week observership in a different state. I contacted several people (some from previous Medical school who successfully matched here) but nobody could offer definite help and some did not even bother to reply to my messages (seen zone). Going to different states I guess would have been a better option for better opportunities but having a 1- year old kid by my side, really not a good idea. Only mothers would understand. I submitted my application few days ahead of September 15, with all USMLE steps, 4 LORs (1 US, 3 home country), 2 week observership, 9 yog, 2 posters, 1 volunteer and 4 work experiences. I applied to 153 programs in total, all IM. I really couldn’t see myself in another specialty. By mid October, I only have 6 interview offers, 2 were prematch and the other 4 will be joining the match. Having these few invites and even if I have more, I really wouldn’t be able to afford all the expenses of travels, accomodations etc. I told myself, if I will be offered the position for prematch, I will gladly accept it. I know some will think twice, but with my credentials, I am not choosy anymore. All I want is to have a decent job and finish the training in a program who believes in my knowledge and skills. Today, the long wait is over. One program believed in me and offered the position right away after the interview. It was a tough and exhausting journey indeed, but truly fulfilling.
I am sharing this to inspire other old graduates with no enough US experience, has a big gap in CV and have kids. Everything is possible. Just ask God to show you the way and to give you strength to face everything.
232/248/pass/224 all first attempt.
