Sincere solid advice

[shualguam786]

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I am an IMG grad of 2001. I was hoping for sincere advice regarding if I have any scope at all for psych residency in USA. This will be my first match.

My credentials:

1. Step 1 (3)-76
2. Step 2 (7)-75
3. Step 2 CS (1)-Pass
4. Step 3 (2)- 76

Experience:
1 year Psych Oberservership in Hospital Setting in Canada
2 LORS from Canadian Psych docs
2 LORS from Canadian Family Med docs
1 year research in USA--1 US LOR

Is it over with me....

The reason for many attempts in Step 2 CK--family business lopsided--lost home etc--had to work in factories....life was hard but I kept my chin up. But lately feeling very depressed---was this all worth it? Any constructive advice will be appreciated...

 

[BlondeDocteur]

It sounds like you've been through a lot. Congrats for hanging on.

Honestly, though, that many fails (10+) is the brightest red flag I can think of. If part of it is a poor command of English (though you certainly don't write like it), then that might bode all the worse for psychiatry, where you obviously have to be an effective communicator.

If I were you, and I really really wanted to become a psychiatrist in the United States, I would put all my eggs in one basket. Find a program that has a reputation for being IMG-friendly and not "numbers" people. Volunteer there. Work there. For many, many months. Let them get to know you and realize that you do indeed possess the skills to be an effective resident. Apply to that program only for the match, and make sure they know you're doing just that. If they don't take you, keep sticking it out. Apply the next year.

I think the only way your application won't get immediately discarded, with those low scores, many fails, and distant graduation year, is if you are *not* an anonymous candidate who is subject to internal program ERAS algorithm screens.

Good luck.

 

[DeLaughterDO]

Have you been in training somewhere else? With a 7 year lapse since graduation, it will be nigh impossible to find a residency position anywhere unless you have been in practice or training elsewhere. Even with prior training, it will be very difficult, I fear. Multiple attempts at board passage will complicate the issue further.

Best of luck to you. Would not want to be in your shoes.

jd

 

[Faebinder]

Wow....

Time for some honesty.

Yes it's over. You can't even get licensed in half the states.

If you are a US citizen, maybe you could go become a PA, it should be a breeze since you went through med school.. and faster.

 

[Doowai]

Faebinder - so when it says 7 years to complete USMLE, does that mean until you have passed step3?

 

[NotAProgDirector]

Faebinder - so when it says 7 years to complete USMLE, does that mean until you have passed step3?

7 years from the date of your first passed step to the date you pass Step 3

 

[shualguam786]

I wud like to thank for your honest advice. I have been working as a Physician Assistant. So, there is no gap in my CV. Been working in local clinics.

Yes, I know that I can't apply to half the states....I will take my final chances and apply in this match...may be my 2nd and last...

However, I don't understand--being an imperfect world...there are ppl with credentials than me and they pre-matched/matched this year. So, I guess its possible?

Now I am compelled to wonder---was this whole venture a waste of my effort and mockery of my life...

Thnx😳

 

[gutonc]

Faebinder - so when it says 7 years to complete USMLE, does that mean until you have passed step3?

Yes. There are waivers available but in general they are for people who complete dual degree programs (MD/PhD, MD/JD, etc) rather than for people who just blew off Step 3.

 

[Faebinder]

I wud like to thank for your honest advice. I have been working as a Physician Assistant. So, there is no gap in my CV. Been working in local clinics.

Yes, I know that I can't apply to half the states....I will take my final chances and apply in this match...may be my 2nd and last...

However, I don't understand--being an imperfect world...there are ppl with credentials than me and they pre-matched/matched this year. So, I guess its possible?

Now I am compelled to wonder---was this whole venture a waste of my effort and mockery of my life...

Thnx😳

Alright, lets look at the whole thing from a different angle. NRMP data shows that 7,797 active applicants went unmatched last year. The total number of active applicants was 28,737. That's 27.1%, so do you feel your profile beats a quarter of all applicants? Really?

To make it worse, if you look at your true classification in the match, 48.1% of active US IMG applicants (I assume you are a citizen or a green card cause you work as a PA) did not match. Do you feel your profile beat 1 out of 2 US IMG applicant profile?

I am just being realistic. Good luck with your next match.