DECODING USMLE-> Prep to Match

The apparently rugged and maze-like pathway of the most deemed international medical licensing exam, USMLE, is a standalone test that checks for one’s capability to align skills with real world problems. 
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​This  is my USMLE journey to help you take insights from!

I was lost, and that intensified with every brand new article and its fancy-schmancy terms. 

This is the initial story of every aspirant, atleast for most of them. This is the stage where aspirants seem to lose their patience and find themselves rendered directionlessness with no source of guiding light.

I, too, was clueless, and by then had known that I needed help. Authentic and genuine help. I never stopped looking out for possibilities and that thankfully helped me bump into USMLE coach Mr. Pawan Khera and his awesome team USMLESarthi.

Ever since my initial years in undergrad med school, I was certain that what I wanted laid beyond the borders. This is important to know, your desire, your wants. 

I got a pre-match without even having an in-person hands-on experience at a medical space in the US.

This is very much possible, trust me. You have to stand-out, let your ambition drip in your work, speak through your personality first, CV second.

This does not necessarily have to go by the set-standards, you can defy them.
Although this is no lie that a hands-on adds to your CV and definitely gains points for your profile.

I had telerotations endorsing my CV. I was yet to appear for my step-three, bound in my home-country, India, as for the COVID-19 travel restrictions.

I had a chunk of personal issues impeding my preparation, but I deciphered along the way, that it is only one's strategy, combined with the right guidance that is an absolute essential for cracking USMLE.

I did not have a Visa, my preparation is lauded but there are still many could-haves that dangle around in my mind. 

I’d want you, ambitious explorer who never stopped searching, to have a grip over all that I held loose!

How did I make that possible?

• Clarity: Clarity in thought and practice is the first underlying step of USMLE. I saw my friends waddling around, trying out everything, knowing nothing. Prior to starting the preparation head-on, it is crucial to have clarity about what you want and why you want that. You should be able to confront yourself when your determination questions you. I always knew this is the path I want to walk upon, and so I did!
• Take the first step, START!: This is a continuation of clarity. Your certainty initiates and accelerates action. I had a little idea about some requirements of research and paper publications for USMLE, therefore I started!

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I started right where I was, in AIIMS Patna. Besides, I also got into ICMR(Indian Council of Medical Research) that offers research grants and had fun there.

• Be Beyond Books: This is inevitably a continuation of the prior two! I had a clear, sharpened vision, and that prompted me to go beyond books. I started my own innovation club, Avishkaar, which is a healthcare tech start up at AIIMS Patna. It is now aided by the government of India. I strived to change, I used my knowledge to spark those series of changes. The foundations of a system need to be worked upon to stabilise and strengthen its entirety. Therefore, we solve in-community healthcare issues. We look for what is wrong and how it can be mended. We look for solutions.

This was one factor that outweighed the lack of my on-site USCE. I had to do tele-rotations as an IMG because of the unavailability of VISA at the time of the pandemic. Most of the interview questions were based on stirring a communal change, on how eager the applicant is to solve in-community issues.  Avishkaar, my start-up, gave me the confidence I needed in my interview. 

• Sarthi (Guide):USMLESarthi was my guide and companion. Pawan Sir was in contact with me throughout. There were days I would frantically call him, email him and he was there, always.  Although I missed on on-site USCE, I completely relied on USMLE SARTHI for finding rotations, seeking reviews and for feedback. 

​Mr. Pawan,  individually took my mock interviews and that had prepared me well for a tapestry of  questions and scenarios that might be put forth.
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The one-on-one interview facility at USMLESarthi is unmatched. 
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My ERAS, CV, LORs and rotations were all taken care of by them! I also remember how grateful and relieved the closed Sarthi Telegram Group chats made me feel. It had everything I ever needed. Its vastness held the answers to all my queries, it was truly a databank. 

I rarely had to post a question that did not already exist. Sarthi and Pawan sir eased my preparation at so many levels!

What should you keep in mind?

1. Apply for visa timely.
2. Appear for Step 3: I had taken my step 3 after my match, yet it increased my interview calls. It is always amazing to take step 3, it increases the flux of interviews you get called for tremendously.
3. Clinical Experience, Research and Scores: With step 1 becoming a pass/fail indicator, most disparities are hidden. It becomes essential for a candidate to stand apart in the other available spaces. Use step 3, CK, Research and have an excellent clinical experience to exponentially increase your matching possibility. 
4. Do not overlook your ongoing curriculum: While it is great to volunteer in campaigns, have medical experience alongside your degree program, it is extremely important to keep yourself from overlooking your USMLE preparation and your  ongoing degree because of these add-ons. They are add-ons, they add to your CV but your primary degree and steps shall always be the framework thereof.
5. Disintegrate the big steps into smaller ones, start walking.
6. Trust: USMLE SARTHI is the place you should be at for leaping to the US, I am the testimony. 

USMLESarthi was my true guide throughout my journey. I completely relied on Sarthi for finding rotations and interview preparations. My ERAS, CV, LORs and rotations were all taken care of by Sarthi!

I can not stress enough on how Sarthi and Pawan sir eased my preparation at so many levels!

Are you looking for complete guidance to match?

USMLE Sarthi is offering “Bridge To Residency”. The course includes the ERAS, CV, LOR, Rotations, and Research. Click here to know more.
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For any queries drop us an email at [email protected]