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Can Older Medical Graduates Have a Chance in Starting a Residency?

1K views 2 replies 3 participants last post by  zyovka 
#1 ·
Hi,
I am a FMG who obtained his medical diploma back in 1999. By the time I will take and pass the USMLE steps, it will be 2019, which means 20 years would have elapsed since med school graduation.
Should I be concerned?
Thanks for anyone who can shed a light. Maybe some of you are in a similar position.
 
#3 ·
It's not going to be easy ( talking from my personal experience!). You have to pave your way with a hard work, discipline and unquenchable motivation to do your best. Part of your success will also depend upon the strategy you are going to be conformed to, which is an extremely important factor in every one's preparation, and especially for old IMGs like us. So many factors are in play here: your family situation, financial and immigration status, the amount of time you can allot for dedicated preparation ( do not forget, its not only the Steps to be successfully completed, but as much your entire profile, which by the time you will be applying for residency, absolutely must included some kind of US clinical experience, and to improve your chances some research). Step 3 becomes a big player for IMGs now too. Finally, contacts, they are becoming eqaully important for IMGs, especially if you are so called "old IMG" (5+ years). This "old" sounds horribly discriminating, but it is what it is, man. So it is for you to decide either you want to try this. I told to myself, that I have to try, otherwise I would not forgive myself for not trying. So, I encourage you to try and to bring this huge hope into your life. There are alternatives, but again, this is mostly defined by your situation: immigration status, family status, financial abilities, contacts, and your personal motivation to get somewhere.
 
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