Be PERSISTENT!

I quickly found that I had to work in order to support my family. Unpaid internships and externships solely weren't practical financially and I felt I needed to put the needs of my family ahead of my career. My younger sister was also going through medical school, so she really needed the financial help as well. I found myself working several odd jobs in order to make ends meet. But even with all the difficulties I had, I still maintained my passion in medicine by finding time to work as a medical assistant with a physician(unpaid), do limited research, and save money to study for step 2 CK once again.

Fast forward to 2016 when I finally had a chance to take Step 2 CK and by God's grace did well and passed. This gave me renewed confidence in myself as a candidate and I tried applying last year(didnt get my scores in early and applied late but not to a lot of programs). I had 2 interviews, one IM and one FM. I didnt match, tried to SOAP and was crushed. I felt hopeless, but I still wasnt ready to give up. I really wanted to give this one more shot, and with my best effort. In 2017, I found myself working like a madman, building on my clinical experiences, making legwork by scoping out programs and places I could apply to...and it was extremely hard. That being said this was my biggest focus. Asking around, calling programs often... and tried to do externships at university programs... This allowed me to get amazing letters from prominent physicians in the community. Then early on and right as the date opened, I submitted my applications to everything I could afford applying to approx 170 FM and IM programs...I found myself getting 7 interviews total a mixture of both. The interviews went very well. I researched everything about the program, the faculty and residents. It made me look very strong as a candidate, and several PD's were impressed at my knowledge about the program that others may not have known. I followed up with thank you cards to each and every person I met and talked to...(each resident, faculty i interviewed with, the coordinator, and director). I sent a follow up email to the programs the first week of February reiterating my interest. AND then I prayed...PRAYED SO MUCH.

Today, I matched into a categorical IM program. It is hard to be persistent in your dreams to be a physician. But people with true passion will continue to pursue their dreams in-spite of every obstacle. DON’T give up if this is your passion...but you have to have a real plan and have a focused approach. There is nothing more rewarding or satisfying once you match. I cried uncontrollably for hours. For me, this has been a long time in the making (5 plus years), and I am thankful for each and every person that has stood by me throughout this difficult journey. I wish you all the very best, and I hope to have inspired those who are struggling."