If you are thinking about doing a residency in the USA, you must’ve given it a long, hard thought by now. The most important first step in the process is gathering information, which is why you are on this blog !
Know the process and deadlines beforehand. Be very very aware of the deadlines because getting delayed in the process – even a little – can severely effect your application. Residency programs get hundreds or thousands of applications each year and if you missed deadlines, you better have a sparkling, blindlingly brilliant CV for you to call and ask them to review your (missed) application.
Some of the steps in the process require you to come to the USA. Specifically, USMLE Step 2CS (not CK), and the interview process (obviously!) require you to be in the USA. The most efficient and cost-effective strategy is to have taken Steps 1 and 2CK beforehand and then schedule 2CS and interviews. Schedule them in a way that you are able to:
- take Step 2CS
- get the results in time, which can take a few weeks
- and, schedule and do the interviews
…all in one trip.
Easier said than done, right? Believe me, it is very well possible and is probably the “standard way” of doing this part of the application process.
This is a wonderful blog. Very well written and very informative. Wonder why nobody has commented on any posts yet. Thank you so much for your posts – poster and imposter.
Thank you very much AJ, those are encouraging words indeed. We try to share what we’ve experienced during our life as IMGs. If our experiences help someone, this blog will have done its job!