Where There Is a Will There Is A Way Always-

My background
I am an IMG who graduated in 2016 from a semi-private organization in India. I worked hard yet achieved average USMLE scores on my step exams. I sought the Sarthi team's help way later in my Residency Match journey. I was not able to get my clinical electives done in the USA, another disadvantage for my application. After becoming ECFMG certified, I got some research experience with a couple of publications. To overcome the lack of electives on ERAS CV, I did a Sub-Internship in in-patient rotation. I worked in a clinical setting without a break since the time I graduated. 
 
I planned and worked on each and every part of my ERAS application to make it better and stronger with the help and guidance of Sarthi team. Sharing my experience of my USMLE journey along with Sarthi team :

Here are my tips and suggestions for USMLE aspirants who are IMGs specially older years of graduation and average USMLE scores
1.  ERAS CV
As an IMG, how do I make my ERAS CV for residency programs in the USA appealing? Dr. Dahiya’s and Dr. Vilanilam’s classes on writing ERAS CV are very good. After listening to the class, I learned the impactful technique behind writing a solid CV is that you should have most of your interview responses ready. 

2. Personal Statement for residency programs
How do I write an impactful persona statement for residency? Dr. Raina Garg came to the rescue and mentored me with my PS. Also, a friend whom I trust, edited it multiple times. It is a fact that your PS needs multiple thorough edits because, with every clinical or research experience, you are gaining experience and are becoming more experienced. Pawan helped me with edits, his suggestions are gold. 

3. Research for residency
What kind of research publication is good for residency? My mentor Dr. Hany Eskarous helped me to get a case report on my profile, making my ERAS CV more appealing and strong. I got some publications published while working at a university hospital, that added weight to my application.

4. Residency Interview preparation

Good preparation for interview is the key to get through NRMP residency Match. I listened to all the Sarthi classes. I ran out of my mock interview sessions last season. So, I took help from Dr. Zeeshan Mansuri who helped me with the interview responses. He is blessing in disguise for me who helped me win this war. 

Interview skills is the most important part of the application. I missed my spot on first cycle due to poor interview skills. I was near a term pregnant. All women who are juggling family and trying to crack Match, keep up your spirits and continue pursuing your goal. We all will get there.

The only thing that matters after getting the interview and before the Match is how you perform in the interview. That 15 minutes window is the most crucial period to convince the interviewer that you are worthy of getting one chance and preparation is key. 

5.  Closed telegram Sarthi group:  Dr. Zin’s directions on the group is what I wake up to every morning. Her words are not sugar coated and only honest opinions.

6.    Last but not least, One "TIP" from me is to “Trust In Pawan”. In every step of my journey Pawan’s guidance acted as a torch light for me to do the next right thing. I used to set up a meeting with him whenever I felt lost about what I should be doing next. He is the best advisor and counsellor for all the IMGs.

If you have low USMLE scores like me, try to strengthen other aspects of your application. Get quality in-patient rotations, work hard and earn good Letters of recommendations (LORs) . Especially with the pandemic and tele rotation, residency Program Directors are looking for what your letter writers are say about you. Get more research and publications added in your profile. To all fellow applicants and future residents, keep working hard, chase every opportunity, give it your all. There is light at the end of the tunnel. 

To repeat USMLE match applicants, I know how it feels to go unmatched. Please take some time for yourself and don’t give up. The whole matching process is stressful but it is attainable just like any other USMLE exam or getting a competitive research position. 

Please try to get all the aspects of the application right, follow experts advice and believe in yourself because you are stronger than the Match process. May all the luck be with you. Best wishes.
Geethika E