Ultimate USMLE IMG guide 2022
Updated: Feb 11, 2022
How to begin USMLE application as an IMG?
The internet is full of blogs and advisories providing tips and resources to secure that coveted US residency. Thousands of IMGs apply for The Match every year into US Medical institutions, and guiding them are a variety of resources, blogs and residents who have already matched in previous years. Here is a step-by-step explanation of the stepping stones and hurdles that you face while applying for a US residency program.
USMLE STEP 1
The STEP 1 exam tests the applicantโs knowledge of the basic sciences.
STEP 1 is a one-day examination with a total duration of 8 hours. The exam is a multiple-choice based exam, with questions being divided into 7 blocks. Each block has upto 40 questions, and the total number of questions do not exceed 280.
A more detailed description is available at the following link:
United States Medical Licensing Examination | About
United States Medical Licensing Examination | Step 1
Q. What is the scope of the prospectus?
A broad generalisation of subjects from where questions are asked in this exam are as follows:
Behavioral Sciences
Biochemistry & Nutrition
Genetics
Gross Anatomy & Embryology
Histology & Cell Biology
Immunology
Microbiology
Pathology
Pharmacology
Physiology
Q. What do I need to do to apply?
You would need to apply for an ECFMG (Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) certification online on the IWA website (ECFMGโs Interactive Web Application), from where you get a unique USMLE/ECFMG identification number that can be used for all USMLE-related purposes.
Application for ECFMG Certification: Overview
Application for ECFMG Certification: Instructions
After receiving a USMLE ID number, and on logging into the ECFMG portal, you will notice a link to a Form 186, which needs to be filled and uploaded on the ECFMG portal of Notary Cam website. Then, you need to assign a time for a notary to verify your passport and identification via a scheduled video call. Every information including date and time will be communicated between the applicant and the notary via email. The online session takes about 10-20 minutes. After completion, you will receive an email to notify about the acceptance of your Form 186.
After applying for certification, you need to verify your student or graduate status by your medical school, and upload any additional required documents including Form 183. Afterwards, you get scheduling permits, which provide an eligibility period when you can take the STEP 1, via the Prometric website (Prometric ).
Q. How much will STEP 1 cost me?
Fees for STEP 1 is $975, along with an International Test delivery surcharge of $180 if youโre taking the exam outside of the US/Canada.
Rescheduling, extension of eligibility period, changing of test centers all will incur extra charges.
Q. How much should I score in STEP 1?
In STEP 1, you should try aiming as high as you can! One must also know the average score of the specialty you are applying for, as they differ for different specialties. Competitive specialties need a higher score, while others do not need as high of a score from IMGs.
Q. Now Step 1 is pass/ fail report?
Exactly, on January 26, 2022 step 1 report now is pass/ fail, with a passing score of 196. No more numbers, however you should study very hard as if it was a numeric report, because that will build a strong knowledge for you step 2 ck and step 3 ๐
This is an example of how the new reports looks like:
This does not mean that the exam is easier or harder because the subjects you understand well in Step 1 will help you in Step 2 (50-60% of exams Step 1/ Step 2CK is almost the same)
For more details on Pass/Fail:
https://www.usmle.org/usmle-step-1-transition-passfail-only-score-reporting
You can read on my blog a post that I made about my recommendation on how to study for Step 1
On project IMG we are creating a platform with all the study material for step 1 for free, make sure to start checking out our uploaded video lectures, they are awesome and super well explained ๐
USMLE STEP 2 CK
STEP 2 used to comprise of two exams- STEP 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge) and STEP 2 CS (Clinical Skills). While STEP 2 CK can be answered in your home country via an online 9 hour test, the USMLE STEP 2 CS exam has been discontinued permanently.
Q. What is the STEP 2 CK?
Step 2 CK tests the application of medical knowledge, skills, and understanding of clinical science, and emphasises on public health principles. Step 2 CK also tests your knowledge of the principles of clinical sciences and basic patient-centered skills, all to enhance provision of the best patient care that can be provided under supervision.
Step 2 CK is a one-day examination. It is divided into eight 60-minute blocks and administered in one 9-hour testing session. The number of questions per block on a given examination may differ but do not exceed 40. The total number of items on the overall examination are upto 318.
The examination also includes a minimum of 45 minutes of break time and a 15-minute optional tutorial. The time available for breaks may be increased by finishing any test block or the tutorial before the allotted time expires.
United States Medical Licensing Examination | Step 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge)
Some applicants answer the STEP 2 CK exam before answering STEP 1, although most Residents do not vouch for this method.
Q. What is the scope of the prospectus? What is asked in the exam?
The STEP 2 CK exam asks questions related to body systems just like STEP 1, with more focus on investigations and management. Along with it, another part of the exam design is Physician Tasks and Competencies, where test questions are designed to assess any of the physician competencies listed on the www.usmle.org website. The system specifications are also listed on the website itself. Here is a link to the website:-
United States Medical Licensing Examination | Step 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge)
Step Booklet Covers_2017 Step Booklet cover
Q. How to apply?
Applying for the STEP 2 CK is the same as STEP 1, via the IWA website. You can choose the city and date to answer the exam via the Prometric website, just like STEP 1.
Q. Fees for applying for STEP 2 CK?
Fees for STEP 1 is $975, along with an International Test delivery surcharge of $200 if youโre taking the exam outside of the US/Canada.
Rescheduling, extension of eligibility period, changing of test centers all will incur extra charges.
Q. What are the average scores of different specialties for STEP 2 CK?
The results of STEP 1 and STEP 2 CK are determined by NBME and they issue the score reports. ECFMG sends the email notifications to IMGs on availability of the score reports.
The USMLE program will change score reporting for Step 1 from a three-digit numeric score to reporting only a pass/fail outcome. This policy will begin from January 1, 2022 with further details to be published in late 2021.
InCUS - Invitational Conference on USMLE Scoring
Q. Are there any limits on the times the STEPs can be taken?
From July 1, 2021, examinees will be limited to four attempts per Step exam instead of the six allowed currently. This limitation intends to correspond to the attempt limits for AMGs in the majority of the states. After the changes are effective, a student who has attempted any USMLE Step for four or more times will be ineligible to answer other Steps.
OET Medicine
OET - English language test for healthcare professionals
Requirements for ECFMG Certification for 2021 Match | English Language Proficiency Assessment
Q. What is the importance of OET Medicine in my USMLE application?
Instead of the STEP 2 CS, now applicants need to answer the OET or Occupational English Test that is tailor made for applicants to the healthcare section.
IMG USMLE aspirants are supposed to answer this test (OET- Medicine) along with STEP 1 and STEP 2 CK. OET Medicine should not be misrepresented to be as simple as answering a basic english grammar examination, it has SAT-level questions and reasoning.
The OET Medicine exam has 4 components:
Listening (45 mins, 42 marks)
Reading (60 mins, 42 marks)
Writing (45 mins) ( has 6 criteria; โPurposeโ has a maximum score of 3, the rest have a maximum score of 7)
Speaking (20 mins) ( maximum of 6 marks on each of the four linguistic criteria, and a maximum of 3 marks on each of the 5 Clinical Communication Criteria)
The Listening and Reading tests have the same content for all health professions, while Writing and Speaking tests are specific to professions, as they are based on different situations in different workplaces.
Each component requires a score of 350 (grade B) to avail a passing mark. A score of 350 equates to at least 30 marks in each component. According to the ECFMG website, if you do not attain the minimum score of 350 (Grade B) on each of the four measured components of OET Medicine (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) and you request a score re-mark, this will delay your results by several additional weeks. ECFMG expects OET Medicine results by the 31st of January of your match year. For example, if you are participating in the 2022 Match, ECFMG must receive your OET Medicine results by 31st January, 2022.
How do I give verification institutions permission to view my results? โ OET Helpdesk
Graduating from medical school
For an international medical student or graduate to be eligible to apply to ECFMG for ECFMG Certification and examination, their medical school should meet certain ECFMG requirements. The eligible schools are listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (World Directory) as those meeting these ECFMG requirements.
www.wdoms.org - Check if your medical school or college is listed here.
ECFMG 2020 Information Booklet - Medical School Students
ECFMG 2023 policy change: (from the website)
โThe ECFMGยฎ has announced that, effective in 2024 (previously 2023), physicians applying for ECFMG Identification number will be required to enrolled/graduated from a medical school that has been appropriately accredited. To satisfy this requirement, the physicianโs medical school must be accredited by an accrediting agency recognised by WFME. However, this doesn't mean that the applicants have to give step examinations before 2024 too. Once the ECFMG Id is generated, applicants can apply for step examinations and ECFMG Certification whenever they wish to.โ
You can check the post on OET in the blog with all free resources and detailed explanations :)
Apparently this year OET wonโt be required anymore, we are waiting for official announcement from ECFMG on what will be the replacement
Research
To get an edge in the match applications, many applicants perform from 6 months to upto 2 years of research, either in their home countries or in the United States. Surgical residencies value research work and are more likely to award an interview to applicants with papers published in reputed journals. Very rarely are applicants the lead authors, and this is not a requirement of any program. The more research articles you have published, the higher your chances are of getting an interview into the program of your dreams. The competition is increasing every year as many AMGs (American Medical Graduates) are also taking a year off from medical school for research purposes, especially those interested in orthopaedics and plastics.
Research opportunities are tough to get in the US, and most are unpaid positions. Hence, it is important to have an adequate source of personal finances for living and emergencies. One needs to apply to multiple places, send hundreds of mails, and maybe you will get accepted for a research position.
Networking is important, but with covid and the ensuing travel restrictions imposed by governments of different countries, this part is destined to become something of a roadblock for those wishing for surgical specialties or more competitive specialties like radiology or dermatology.
Here are 7 ways to get a research positions:
๐. ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐
This is the way most of my friends got their research positions in Argentina and then in the USA. Itโs ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ but itโs also the one that ๐ฌ๐ค๐ง๐ ๐จ ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐๐๐จ๐ฉ.
โข๐๐จ๐ฐ ๐๐จ๐๐ฌ ๐ข๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ค? Talk to doctors in your country, in your University or Hospital. ๐ป๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐, itโs not just in the USA, and the ones that work in research in your country probably know a doctor in the USA that is involved in research too, or knows a doctor that knows a doctor in the USA.
โข๐๐จ๐ฐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐จ ๐ข๐ญ? ๐จ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ the doctors in your community, ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ your interest, ๐๐๐๐ them your passion, ๐๐๐๐ them ๐ฐ๐ก๐ฒ this is so important for you, and that you want him/her to ๐๐ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ๐จ๐ซ. Look up what kind of research they work on and tell them some projects and ideas that you can add to his research. ๐ก๐ฒ๐ ๐ ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฝ: Once you start working with them, gaining their trust, getting publications, it will help you a lot to start getting that research experience, and ๐๐ช๐๐ก๐๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ ๐จ๐ฉ๐ง๐ค๐ฃ๐๐๐ง ๐พ.๐. with publications. After some time they will get you in contact you with ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ผ๐บ๐จ that can hire you, or make you publish with them!
๐. ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐บ๐ธ
โข๐๐จ๐ฐ ๐๐จ๐๐ฌ ๐ข๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ค? If you are going to North America for a ๐ฐ๐น๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ธ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ฝ or ๐ผ๐ฏ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ฝ, you will meet a LOT of people. ๐ โข๐๐จ๐ฐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐จ ๐ข๐ญ? Talk to the doctors, approach them, tell them the same things that I mentioned before.
Itโs your opportunity to meet them in person and show them your interest, donโt miss it!!
Donโt go back to your country empty handed!!๐. ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ โข๐๐จ๐ฐ ๐๐จ๐๐ฌ ๐ข๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ค? If you know people, or have a family member that is a doctor/ professor, talk to them, tell them how important this if for you and ask for their help. Don't be afraid to approach your aunt that still treats you as if you were 10 years old, or that doctor that you met five years ago and haven't talked for a while. โข๐๐จ๐ฐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐จ ๐ข๐ญ? Simple, just approach them, being very charismatic, showing interest, passion, and enthusiasm!! ๐
๐. ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ โข๐๐จ๐ฐ ๐๐จ๐๐ฌ ๐ข๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ค? Simple, just find the doctorโs email and email them expressing your interest and how you can be helpful! ๐๐จ๐ฐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐จ ๐ข๐ญ? Make a template email, and send it to as many ๐จ๐ฆ ๐ฑ๐ผ๐ฐ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ as you can (Important to check their background, if they are from your country even better!) ๐ โข๐๐จ๐ฐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ ๐๐ญ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ข๐ซ ๐๐ฆ๐๐ข๐ฅ? Go to the University/ Hospitalโs website, look for the doctors/ professors that work in the field that you like. If their email is not published, you can get it very easly too. 99% of the times their email goes like this: ๐ ๐ข๐ซ๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐๐ฆ๐.๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐๐ฆ๐@๐ก๐จ๐ฌ๐ฉ๐ข๐ญ๐๐ฅโ๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐๐ข๐ง. Just look at any email from the hospital (Human resources, or anyoneโs email), and you will get their domain. Eg, ๐๐ผ๐ต๐ป ๐๐ผ๐ฝ๐ธ๐ถ๐ป๐โs domain is: @jhmi.edu, ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฑ Medical School domain is: @hms.harvard.edu
I got friends from all over the world that got in contact with American doctors doing this, and got a researcher visa sponsored to come and work with them!๐. ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ All of the Hospitalโs have research position posted in their websites. ๐ป โข๐๐จ๐ฐ ๐๐จ๐๐ฌ ๐ข๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ค? This will work better if you have a ๐ธ๐ฐ๐ณ๐ฌ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ท๐ช๐ด๐ข, ๐จ๐ณ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฏ ๐ค๐ข๐ณ๐ฅ, or ๐๐ ๐ค๐ช๐ต๐ช๐ป๐ฆ๐ฏ. โข๐๐จ๐ฐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐จ ๐ข๐ญ? Open google and search typing this โ๐๐จ๐ฌ๐ฉ๐ข๐ญ๐๐ฅ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ญ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐ฅ๐ข๐ค๐โ + โ๐๐๐ฌ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ก ๐จ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฌโ and you will find tons of them. Just apply and wait!!
๐. ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ Just like Drake sings: "Started from the bottom, now we're here" โข๐๐จ๐ฐ ๐๐จ๐๐ฌ ๐ข๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ค? Most of the Hospitalโs have volunteer department. This is in fact the way I got my research position and USCE! You can read it on detals on one my ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ on my page. Start a normal volunteer job (probably it won't be research related), but ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ in the campus, ๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ there, and ๐ฌ๐ค๐ง๐ ๐ฎ๐ค๐ช๐ง ๐ฌ๐๐ฎ ๐ช๐ฅ! If they like you they can ask their Department and Human Resources ๐๐ผ ๐ผ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ป ๐ฎ ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฐ๐ต ๐ฝ๐ผ๐๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐, they will hire you, and if you really really earn their trust they will let you go to the clinic, ๐๐ฒ๐ฒ ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐, and sometimes even ๐ด๐ผ ๐๐ผ ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ถ๐ฟ ๐๐๐ฟ๐ด๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐!! โข๐๐จ๐ฐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐จ ๐ข๐ญ? Open google and search typing this: โThe Hospital that you likeโ + โVolunteer opportunitiesโ and you will find tons of them. Just apply and wait!!
๐. ๐๐ฌ๐ ๐๐ข๐ง๐ค๐๐๐ข๐ง
This is a great website if you know how to use it, you can find research position, clerkships/ observerships/ extenrships, and meet great people
I'll soon make a post on how to use Linkedin.
Now ๐ฅ๐ฐ๐ฏ'๐ต ๐ด๐ข๐บ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ข๐ต ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ณ๐ฆ ๐ข๐ณ๐ฆ ๐ฏ๐ฐ๐ต ๐ฐ๐ฑ๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ณ๐ต๐ถ๐ฏ๐ช๐ต๐ช๐ฆ๐ด, ๐ช๐ต'๐ด ๐บ๐ฐ๐ถ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ข๐ต ๐ข๐ณ๐ฆ ๐ฏ๐ฐ๐ต ๐ด๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฌ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ฎ!
I just want the best for all of you, I want you to succeed!!
๐ฆ๐ต๐ผ๐ ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฒ ๐ต๐ผ๐ ๐ด๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ!!Volunteer work:
Applicants may perform volunteer work as a part of non-governmental organizations as a medical professional; any volunteer work can be listed and needs to be backed up by a certificate by the organisation.
In project IMG we also always have open volunteers positions, you can message instagram @projectimg to get on board
You much know that if your join the team, we expect deadlines to be acomplished
USCE (United States Clinical Experience)
USCEs are a necessary part of the USMLE application. It is important to research the specialty you want to get into and accordingly apply for specific electives or observerships. These USCEs generate Letters of Recommendation (LoRs), which help the residency programs to filter candidates on the basis of their knowledge of US medical protocols and methods. An LoR from a doctor (usually an attending or the dean, if possible) is held to a higher standard than an Lor from your home country. Applying for any clinical experience is easier and cheaper if you have given your STEP 1 and have a STEP 1 score at hand. Most of these USCEs have a duration of 1 month per USCE.
Electives/Clerkships
The best USCE for an application is an Elective/Clerkship. Available only to those who have not yet graduated from medical school. More often than not, it provides a more personalised LoR. The cost of electives can go upto $5000 per elective.
Subinternships
Very similar to internships undergone by AMGs, sub-internships are when a certain number of patients are assigned to your care. You will be performing duties similar to a PGY1 resident and avail a greater clinical experience. Hence, the LoRs are quite personalised, and these sub-internships are difficult to acquire.
Externships
Similar to a sub-internship, but for medical graduates. It provides a good LoR, but is difficult to get. Applicants are allowed to examine and interact with patients, again substantiating the clinical experience.
Observerships
Observerships are a good choice for graduate medical students, where they shadow an attending on their rounds. They do not allow you to interact with patients, however, this gives you an opportunity to become acquainted with the doctors and the staff, and develop networking opportunities.
Telerotations
With the rise in covid cases and travel restrictions, applicants adopt telerotations in a specialty of their choice. Although this is not an ideal contender for a USCE, something is better than nothing when building a resume. It also generates a generalised LoR. Most telerotations cost from $1500 to $2000 for a month.
On Project IMG we are offering rotations at low cost, they are $750 telerotation for 4 weeks, you can dm on instagram @doctor.Sebas for more info :) It will provide LOR for ERAS ๐
lo So far we have cardiology, infectious disease and Pulmonology ๐
Research Electives
A good choice for graduate medical students are research electives in the US. Research with reference to your choice of specialty has a huge potential. These may or may not be paid positions. Research and subsequent publications add to the betterment of a resume as they generate a quality LoR.
Total cost (approximate)
Application for ECFMG certification=$150
For Step 1 application=$975+ $180+ extra charges if applicable
For Step 1 resources= $1000-$1100
For Step 2 application= $975+ $200+ extra charges
For Step 2 resources= a minimum of $500- $600
For step 3 application: $875
For OET application = $500
For ECFMG certification via the OET pathway= $900 + $100(for verification of credentials via EPIC)
For Electives or Observerships= $1000-1500 each, at least 3 required; so approx. $4500
Visa and Flight costs= according to the country
Food and accommodation for 3 months of USCEs= $3000-4000
Health insurance for 3 months= $300
Malpractice insurance for 3 months= $900
ERAS token= $150
NRMP token= $85
Sending USMLE transcript= $80
Program Application fee= $99 for the first 10 programs, $16 each for the next 10 programs, $19 each for the next 10 programs, $26 each for next all programs
For application into 100 programs, the total cost is= $2270
Interview costs (to travel to the interviews)= $500 each, for 5 interviews= $2500
This money is saved in case of online interviews
Visa processing fees (J1 visa mostly, for IMGs)= $500-$1000
TOTAL= $22000-25000 (about $3000-4000 less if online interviews occur)
Note that you can significally decrease the cost by using PIMG (Projectimg.com ) platform, since all the resources are free!
Match Fees - The Match, National Resident Matching Program
SAP Crystal Reports - (2021 Match Data for AMGs and IMGs)
Initial apprehension
Many factors prevent students from taking the USMLE route. It can be due to easier lives in their home countries, fear of leaving family alone, shortage of information, fewer resources and financial constraints. Sometimes senior doctors who have settled into the US as IMGs offer hard-hitting advice that is not palatable to many. Medical graduates outside the US might be scared off because opportunities seem low after graduation. Also many become tired of the lengthy process and fail to persevere due to other opportunities and life goals taking precedence.
ECFMG 2021 Information Booklet - Time Limit for Completing Examination Requirements
How to keep up the self-motivation?
The most difficult thing in any studentโs journey is the ability to keep up their own motivation while chasing a goal. End goals are hyped up in the mind of a student which lead to anxiety, self-doubt, and the ubiquitous imposter syndrome.
There is nothing to prevent exam-related or USMLE-related anxiety or faltering of wills, it happens to everyone. However, some methods can help calm a person down and re-focus on the work that needs to be done.
Have a clear picture of your goal.
Take one day at a time. The future is nothing but a day just after today, and if you can handle today, you can take on tomorrow.
Money is important, but so is your Step 1 score.
Breathe. A severe form of anxiety needs therapists and psychiatrists, and a panic attack can be prevented with the help of breathing exercises.
Take time off from studying and worrying to spend time with family and/or friends.
Learn something new, practise a hobby, or just take a nap at regular intervals.
Keep a list of every requirement in the USMLE pathway that you need to check off when completed.
Do your proper research. There is no such thing as over-research.
Talk to seniors and medical professionals working in the United States, they are friendly and are eager to help, having been on the same path themselves.
Choose your own comfort zone
Studying is a personal matter. Some people take delight in informing people how they should study and when they should ideally study or that their technique is wrong. Shut out the haters, and pay attention to your mind, how much it can take, and how you can retain the best. Find your ideal time to study. If you can study with a partner, do that, but more than 1 partner hinders the process. Choose the best comfort zone to function in.
Follow through with your passions.
If you are passionate about working as a doctor in the US, there is literally nothing that can stop you. It can take some time, but nothing worthwhile ever comes easy. Your patience will be tested, you will face a lot of rejections, naysayers, self-doubt, but having a clear picture of your end goals in your mind will help you tide over any shortcomings to achieve success.
We created #ProjectIMG, a free revolutionary platform where you will find everything needed for USMLE and more!
Including video lectures, research/biostat/EKG/ surgical/ language courses, Qbanks, flashcards, 24/7 emotional support, The Usmle book, weekly podcasts๐ฅ, a 24/7 online study library, volunteer and observerships opportunities, jobs for IMGs and even peer to peer free mentoring.
โขIt was created to help international doctors, medical students, residents, fellows, and all the medical community๐
โขAll the content is our own, and created from IMGs and AMGs to their peers :)
โขYou will meet study partners, discuss problems that we are facing in our USMLE journey, get guidance from people that have gone through what we are going
Share opportunities like research, volunteer, USCE,ย
Announcing the next IMG Events, monthly newsletters ๐
โขWe invite you to create your free account today to start getting unlimited acces to our platform www.projectimg.org
Post written by: By Susmita Sengupta