[FSUSTC]

Few points :
1. My graduation year 2008
2. Passed step 1 86 , CK 96 , CS = all step in 1st attempt and have ECFMG certification .
3. volunteer in family medicine 6 months .
4. Have US green card .
5. volunteering with 2 doctors now ( will do another one later month )
I will only apply Internal medicine , will apply this year for Match 2012 ...
NOW MY QUESTION IS
i have straight 6 months left before applying residency .. which should be my top priority ... step 3 / volunteer / observership / research ?
Your wise advice is needed
Thank You

 

[khanar]

Out of the choices you gave, I pick research as the best thing you do, though there's even a better option that you did not list which is externship.

 

[FSUSTC]

externship is a bit tough to get ... but now i am doing work in a doctors office .. he gave me permission to take history and examine patient .... does it count as externship .... i m not sure about it .....

 

[annashah]

hi FSUSTC,

I am sailing in same boat as u r,... am confusd since i jus am done with CS ,and am left with some time,... I was thinliking of step 3, what is ur future planning, please may be we culd share something that can be usefull to both of us..

 

[FSUSTC]

hi FSUSTC,

I am sailing in same boat as u r,... am confusd since i jus am done with CS ,and am left with some time,... I was thinliking of step 3, what is ur future planning, please may be we culd share something that can be usefull to both of us..

Hello annashah ,
Research is tough , i talked with a prof and send my CV , he told me he will let me know ... But now i m trying to get few observer ship at least where i m doing volunteer .... If i finish those early , i will go for step 3 before residency application ..... i may change my plan according to the situation and opportunity ... What about u ...

 

[annashah]

Hi FSUSTC,

Thanks for the reply! presently I am volunteering at two clinics, one is hands on. And I have one oppurtunity of oservership in may but that is for only two weeks. so I was planning for step3 but my verification is pending so i m not yet certified. about rsearch It is easy for me to get but i heard research is not that impo as hospital experience so i m confused....:notsure:. If u have plans for step3 please do share with me wat is ur plan and stuff u wil be using as that can be helpful....

 

[FSUSTC]

Hi FSUSTC,

Thanks for the reply! presently I am volunteering at two clinics, one is hands on. And I have one oppurtunity of oservership in may but that is for only two weeks. so I was planning for step3 but my verification is pending so i m not yet certified. about rsearch It is easy for me to get but i heard research is not that impo as hospital experience so i m confused....:notsure:. If u have plans for step3 please do share with me wat is ur plan and stuff u wil be using as that can be helpful....

Hello annashah
USCE is a bit confusing for IMGs ... some says observership imp some say research and some volunteer ( but externship count by all , its great u r doing that , u never know 2 wks observer ship may open ur door of opportunity ... I thought volunteering is not that good , but today i talked with the program director in the hospital where i do volunteer in family med to ask about observer ship there , but they don allow ... But she asked my scores and attempt and visa status ... After that she told me , to apply there this year and put in my CV that i volunteer there and also told me to call them then and tell them that i volunteered there .... now i m not sure what to do , as i want IM and will apply IM ... but i will apply 1 FM program only there .... for step 3 i will go for my CK notes as i prepared them well and as i finished ck 7 months before and remembered things from that book plus UW plus Kaplan Qbank plus master the board as a rapid review plus archers CCS review .... wht is your plan ..

 

[annashah]

Hi FSUSTC
sorry for late reply, I am still not sure abt step3... for time being i am trying to get chances of sme hospita experience. my mind is occupied wth dat..
do keep in touch your plans.

 

[FSUSTC]

Hi FSUSTC
sorry for late reply, I am still not sure abt step3... for time being i am trying to get chances of sme hospita experience. my mind is occupied wth dat..
do keep in touch your plans.

hello , its ok ... My condition is exactly like you . I will finish my volunteer work this week . Next month will start observer ship in a hospital and also get chance to do research work after that in another hospital . Doing work with private doctors. Now i m completely confused , either i will take this exam or doing rest of the works, becoz scoring above 90 is very imp in step 3 , for that u need straight atleast 2 or 3 months full time study .... Let c what happens .. keep in touch