How I matched without onsite USCE?

Introduction

My name is Surbhi Valmiki. I graduated from All India Institute of Medical Sciences in 2019.
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I started my USMLE journey in 2020. I had average scores in USMLE Step 1 and USMLE Step 2 CK and got ECFMG certified via Pathway 1.

I had no onsite USCE. I did three months of tele rotations (all in pediatrics.

I had Home Country work experience, three review articles published, and volunteer experience in pediatrics and UNICEF.

I studied in a graduate certificate program on Brain disorders management in Canada and was matched in Child Neurology at Saint Louis University School of Medicine in the 2023 main US Residency Match.

Challenges I Faced

• No hands-on US Clinical Experience - Because of COVID and limited visa appointments, I could not have USCE.
• Lack of guidance - As an IMG, I had only a few seniors and classmates in my shoes. Thus, I was unaware of the important parts of the residency application.

How I overcame those challenges?

• I did Tele-rotations to get an idea of the US healthcare system and wrote my learnings (patient education, counseling, didactics, simulation, multi-disciplinary approach, etc) in the CV. As we know, something is better than nothing!
• USMLE Sarthi helped me put all the parts of my application together in a timely manner. They provided help and support throughout my match journey.

How Sarthi's services helped?

• Analyzing the profile - At the very moment of joining Sarthi, I spoke to Pawan Khera and got an idea of what is appropriate and what needs to be added to the application. Also, my mentor provided one-on-one interactions and supported me throughout the match season.
• Choosing the Rotations - USMLE Sarthi advised on gaining US Clinical Experience as early as possible to have the LORs uploaded on time and suggested the best rotations.
• Getting documents ready - After getting 2 Journalist reviews and 2 physician reviews on my ERAS CV and Personal Statement (PS), my documents were in good shape and were appreciated in some of the interviews. 
• Program Outreach - USMLE Sarthi provided me with lessons on how to search for programs I am eligible to apply for and suggested that I make a list of programs based on my search. They also helped with program outreach which helped me in drafting a personalized email to reach out to programs.
• Interview preparation - USMLE Sarthi’s interview practice, short and comprehensive lessons, and mock interview sessions helped me gain confidence in the real interview.

US Residency Match Tips for Future IMGs

• Start early - Have an ECFMG certificate in hand at the time of application. Start searching for programs early during May-June and make your own list of programs you are eligible to apply for based on scores, whether they sponsor visas, and whether there are IMGs on their resident roster or not.
• Perfect US Residency Application Have a little bit of everything on your EREAS CV. Do not focus on just getting High scores or having 10 Publications. Make an all-rounded CV with step scores, USCE, work, volunteer, and research experiences.
• Reach out to programs - Program outreach is important and should be done frequently (monthly in the early season and biweekly later) with a personalized email, highlighting your credentials and genuine interest in their program.
• Make that one interview count - If given only one chance, shine in that interview, initiate conversations, and do not make it monotonous. Instead, give it a humorous tint.
• Acknowledge everything on your email - Be sure to remain active on your email during the interview season as you may receive interview invites any time of the day and thank the programs for any information you receive from them.

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