As medical students, we usually focus on all the work and effort needed to succeed in medical school, but rarely do we take a moment to celebrate our successes. However, this is so important to not only boosting morale of the individual IMG student, but also for inspiring the next class of IMG’s hoping to match. Here are some success story testimonies from four IMG’s who recently matched some competitive medical residencies. including their experience with Kaplan and their advice for you as your own success story plays out: IMG Match Success Stories #1: Dr Adeleh Our first success story comes from Dr. Adeleh. Her experience is very relatable to IMGs, many of which start out knowing very little about the USMLE process when first coming to the US. Her story proves that you can begin the process knowing little to nothing and still match into the residency program of your dreams. She attributes much of her knowledge and success to Kaplan—especially the positive and supportive environment it fosters for IMG students. Here’s what she has to say about her Kaplan experience and her advice to future residency applicants. Kaplan experience: “I believe Kaplan does a great job providing information and resources to residency applicants. They have the most updated resources for USMLE exams, and they have great lectures, they have great seminars about the US residency interview process, they have great advisors that help students in their study schedules, and most importantly, it’s the environment. That environment helped me a lot in preparing for my us residency exams.” Advice for IMG’s: “Stay positive. The whole process may seem tough, but there are just a few steps you have to take. If you work hard, if you have a positive attitude, you’ll get what you want. You have to stay focused, and don’t let anything distract you from what you’re doing and what you want to achieve. I always tell my friends to take each Step one step at a time.” IMG Match Success Stories #2: Dr Francisco (Nicaragua) Our next testimony from Dr. Francisco is a wonderful example of a medical student who went above and beyond the call of duty. He applied to over 110 residency programs, received 15 invitations, went on 13 interviews, and matched into his top choice. He also used kaplan for every Step. Having received so many different interviews and experiencing interviews as so many different schools, his advice can be very useful to you as you explore your various options. Kaplan experience: “This could not have happened without the help of Kaplan. Kaplan not only guided me during every step of the residency, but also helped me organize all my thoughts, and enlightened me with all this knowledge and all these great instructors. Kaplan is definitely the best tool that you can use to beat the USMLE. Advice to other IMG’s: “Put all your efforts into the Steps, which was the most important part of your application to get an interview. Once you’re interviewed, your charm and personality will make you match. Think about the rest of the application later on. Once you’re done with your Steps, you can take care of the rest.” IMG Match Success Stories #3: Dr. Karminder (India) Our next success story comes from an IMG student on the more minimalistic end of the spectrum, Dr. Karminder. While he only received one interview, with the help of Kaplan and the support of his family and friends, he is now a proud medical resident of an internal medicine program in the Bronx. His journey goes to show that you don’t have to apply to 100 schools to be successful or increase your chances. Everyone has their own path, which is equally valid and can lead to similar results and success. Kaplan experience: “When I first came to the US, I joined Kaplan, and it was my first experience to study abroad. It was really a good experience. From my point of view, Kaplan is the best source.” Advice to other IMG’s: “If think what would happen if you don’t match or get into residency, I think you will feel more discouraged. Try to keep your morale and enthusiasm up as much as you can.” IMG Match Success Stories #4: Dr. Nyein (Southeast Asia) Even after working several years as a physician in his own country, Dr. Nyein struggled to study for the USMLE, especially when it came to revisiting concepts in basic science. His story shows us how challenging the road to practicing in the US can be, even for practicing physicians, and how IMG’s can sometimes feel like they’re going backwards in their careers. Yet, Dr. Nyein also proves that with the right resources and faith in yourself, you can achieve your goals from any experience level. Kaplan experience: “The Kaplan course was very helpful to me. The Center Prep course included recorded video which helped to revisit all the important information before my live lectures. During the live lectures, I got a chance to ask questions from faculty around the country. With Kaplan’s help, I was able to get my desired score in Step 1 and Step 2. Beyond the exam, Kaplan also provided us with a very quiet study place, and also I got the chance to know other physicians for all around the world and also people who already matched. So it’s a good place for us to network.” Advice to other IMG’s: “Set a goal, and you have to work very hard and very consistently towards your goal every day. Also, take a Kaplan prep course. While you’re preparing for the exam, also try to improve your CV, including your English skills, and find any opportunity to get any US clinical experience and research experience. Last but not least, persist and have faith in yourself.” Source
