Re: is it right to try for the forth time
TheOne - 06-07-08 17:23

Let's be realistic, 1997 graduation, an attempt on step2, observership in private clinic.. All these are negatives on your resume except for the observership which might be a little bit positive.

First Step is to admit the above problems and to try to work harder and keep trying. Don't count the 2006 match as you were non-certified.

Recommendations:
1) Hardwork.
2) Consistency.
3) Sacrifice.

How?
1) Join an observership/externship in a hospital setting.
2) Join a research "even unpaid one" and stick there for at least 6 months.
3) Publish some papers, you can do that while you're on a research.
4) Prepare all your documents, I mean everything, before September 1st this year.
5) This may sound awkward, but if you can improve your legal status here in the US then Go for it, either by marriage, lottery..
6) Improve your resume by adding simple yet important stuff like ACLS. PALS, ALSO, ATLS and languages "Spanish".

You know, this one is going to be my third try, well in 2006 "the first time" I didn't have my ECFMG when I applied and I choosed some of the toughest specialties and programs to get. So, I guess I won't count it. Anyway, Keep trying.. Keep doing it.. You will get it..

It's all a matter of time and we humans get.. Well, I let you finish that with your imagination. GL

Re: is it right to try for the forth tim
docraj - 06-08-08 11:20

I think ur better off going back to your home and being happy. As your time from graduation increases your chances become slimmer. I plan to give up after this year when I have completed the step 3, Even if I fail the step 3. I have one year of research and one year of observership experience. I am a US citizen also.Lets face it the situation is hopeless. How much time and money do you want to waste?

Re: is it right to try for the forth tim
radhamesramos - 06-08-08 19:46

I disagree! That depends where do you apply and how: let's summarize that if you have observership and research, just try to get other experiences and see who do you meet that can recommend you and get you interviews...once the programs get to know you. your chances increase

Re: is it right to try for the forth tim
docraj - 06-08-08 21:58

Ok then keep trying like the rest of us and dont ask about our opinion to quit. I have the same record as you more or less. Could you tell me what yuou did tro pass the step 3?

Re: is it right to try for the forth tim
hrudaya - 06-17-08 10:34

the few facts are scaring me. this will be my first attempt but i passsed out in 1999 and completed internship in 2000. quite a long gap

Re: is it right to try for the forth tim
radhamesramos - 06-17-08 16:49

Everybody is scared! I am a 2001 graduated, and got matched this year, with average scores. Just make your application look unique (USCE, great LORs, try to publish something, step 3) and don't apply to very difficult to get in programs.

Re: is it right to try for the forth tim
TheOne - 06-17-08 22:02

I have to laugh, I'm sorry.. But when I speak to my friend who just finished his 3rd or 4th publictaion at John Hopkins and the way he makes things easier for me makes me laugh :)

Well, to tell you some of the stories he encourages me with:

1) An Indian Doctor with low 80's score will try for ENT this year, he has done 3-5 years of research there.

2) 2 Iraqi Doctors, one of them is a Chief Resident in Surgery at John Hopkins will finish their residency this year, they worked there "volunteered precisely" for over 2 years before getting into the residency and.. Well, just read the first sentence again!

3) An Iranian Doctor has has just matched into a Urology Residency in Cali. Isn't that one of the Impossibles you guys are talking about???
The trick was VOLUNTEERING & RESEARCH.

Guys, Nothing comes easy but if you want something and you want it really badly.. You can get it!! How? By sitting and doing NOTHING.