Master the USMLE Match!

Dr. Deepa Kosuru's Journey as an IMG

#SuccessStory

International Medical Graduates (IMGs) have a ​higher set of challenges to face when compared with their US medical graduate counterparts. Cultural barriers, education mismatch, bias and lack of resources segregate international medical graduates (IMGs) into a pool of applicants who need to work harder with a specialised training. 

US medical graduates (USMGs) may have better access to mentoring and networking opportunities within the U.S. medical community, as they are more familiar with the system.

IMGs may need to proactively seek out support and mentorship to navigate the ​National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) application process.

USMLESarthi is one of a kind platform with the aim of empowering IMGs and making the match process as streamlined and easy to navigate through as it is for the US natives.
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In this article we scan through the journey of our student, Deepa Kosuru, a 2021 foreign medical graduate who successfully matched in Family Medicine (FM) with the impactful guidance of USMLESarthi. 

How To Bring Glorification To Your IMG Status?

IMGs need to be exceptionally proactive in their USMLE preparation and lay-out a robust profile that brings about a reason for Program Directors to get them into the US healthcare system.
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In order to outshine amongst a common pool of diverse applicants, Dr. Deepa charted her strategy in a manner that promptly delivers the essence of being an IMG and highlighted how it enhances the present structure of the US medical arena.

What did she include?

Highlighted the diverse experience she carries: Coming from a unique social background, your medical journey led you through a variety of rigorous cases, developing a lesser-found critical thinking aptitude.
The diverse exposure to culture and healthcare enhances the existing reasoning most medical practitioners have and sets you apart as a doctor of higher aptitude.

Common Theme of ERAS CV, Personal Statement (PS): In order to forge a clear message of what you add-on to the US medical system, it is an impactful practice to mention it everywhere, not just in your documents, but also during residency interviews.  

The patient population, caseload and the variety of it sets you apart in a good way. Implement your IMG status as a boon that enriches your clinical skills.

Deepa’s central focus in her applications profusely displayed her passion towards Family Medicine, and she MATCHED!

How did USMLESarthi catalyse her Match Journey?

Considering foreign graduates, navigating through the USMLE on one’s own is a task, rather an intimidating task. 
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The best a candidate coming from a different educational and social background can do for themselves is reaching out for mentorship.

Deepa, like every other international student, struggled to find accurate and comprehensive information about the USMLE, its various steps, registration process, and study resources.

USMLE Sarthi served as a channelised source of authentic information which also reduced the time she would have otherwise spent meandering between a pool of unorganised information and unhelpful resources.

Contribution to the Community reflected Deepa’s intention and cohesion to Family Medicine. Giving back to the community demonstrates your commitment to patient welfare and can enhance your reputation as a caring and compassionate medical professional.

Focused on one speciality. In her second USMLE attempt, upon the advice and mentorship from USMLE Sarthi, she made sure to direct all her efforts into one speciality. Deepa took research and rotations specifically in family medicine. The channelised approach compounded the effectiveness of her preparation and reflected complete commitment to a single medical domain. 

Residency Program Outreach: One prominent learning she gained at USMLE Sarthi was the impact and absolute necessity of intensive program outreach.  Regular follow-up of the programs while also seeking feedback from them is a healthy practice that keeps you in contact with the program. It would eventually lead them to take notice of your consistent and genuine passion towards their program.  

Letters of Interest: USMLE Sarthi consistently insisted upon the impact of letters of interest (LOI). A well-crafted letter of interest can significantly enhance your chances of securing a residency position. It may even open doors for further communication and an interview invite!

Enhanced understanding of the USMLE algorithm and an Effective, Fresh approach towards Interview

Through powerful guidance and nurturing classes at USMLE Sarthi, Deepa gained a clear understanding of what residency programs look for in applicants.

Armed with this knowledge, she started preparing for the USMLE in alignment with those expectations.

For interviews, she gained effective communication skills at USMLESarthi that educated her on how to frame compelling answers, along with presentation etiquettes. 

All in all, USMLE Sarthi freshened-up her USMLE profile, guided her to adhere to one speciality, rectified and provided solutions for what hindered her from NRMP match. 

From program outreach to networking, USMLE Sarthi transformed the USMLE narrative for her. 
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She matched as a FM resident in the US!

If you, too, wish to overcome your match challenges and are ready to put aside excuses for your white-coat, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us right away!

Write to us at [email protected]

Happy Learning!

Team,
USMLE Sarthi