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Dealing with burnout?

Feeling the burnout creeping in. How do y’all cope?

fetal-basilisk49
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1 1
Fellowship

Take it one day at a time. Focus on why you started medicine in the first place. Also, don’t forget self-care.

horrifying-beauticia
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6

IMG here, worried about low Step 1 score, any advice?

Just got my Step 1 score, and it's not as high as I hoped. How much will this hurt my chances for residency?

deprived-texture26
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13 2
IMG_Students

Been there! Focus on strengthening other parts of your app, like research or Step 2 scores. A single score isn't everything.

bottled-insert69
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1

Try to get some good LORs, they can really make a difference. Also, work on your interview skills. 🙌

unreadable-dragonfly
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-1

Easiest states for IMGs to match into?

Any particular states that are easier for IMGs to match into?

undeveloped-angel84
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4 1
IMG_Students

Rural states or less competitive ones like New Mexico, North Dakota often have more openings for IMGs.

driven-ale39
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14

Best time of year for clinical observerships?

Is there a best time of year to do observerships? When should I start applying?

artificial-scare11
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Step 3 before residency?

Is it a good idea to get Step 3 out of the way before residency starts?

cumulative-boudoir21
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8 2
ERAS

Depends if you can manage the prep time. It's hectic but doable.

accessible-sanction4
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6

Personally think it's a great idea, less stress during residency!

ideological-unicorn4
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4

Match algorithm questions??

Can someone explain how the Match algorithm actually uses our rank list?

mounting-crudity38
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9 1
Rank_Order_List

Your list is confidential and it pairs it with programs' lists to find a stable match. Your rank order of programs is the most important factor, so rank them true to your preference.

repeating-savagery82
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11

Research mentor not responsive?

What do u do if your research mentor is always MIA? Need advice, as deadlines are creeping up.

mercantile-phenomeno
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1 1
Research

Try setting up regular meetings and be upfront about your expectations and deadlines. Sometimes a nudge is needed to get things moving!

varying-easel21
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9

Stressing over COMLEX Level 1 pass rates?

Anyone else freaking out over the pass rates of COMLEX Level 1? Feeling doubtful about my chances.

colorless-churchyard
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2 2
COMLEX_Level_1

I try not to focus too much on the stats. Just focus on doing your best and preparing efficiently. Stress won’t help you pass!

sporting-standing21
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4

It’s daunting but remember, most people pass. Just make sure you put in the work, use quality resources, and test yourself regularly with practice exams.

indomitable-moaning6
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1

Observerships for non-clinical roles?

Are there observerships that focus more on healthcare management and less on direct patient care?

manipulative-veteran
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Combining clinical work with research?

Any tips on combining full-time clinical duties with ongoing research?

tight-lipped-instrum
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1 1
Research

It's all about efficient use of your time. Maybe align your clinical interest with your research topic to synergize your efforts!

gaping-blanket68
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3

Observership prep advice?

Got any advice on how to prep for my first upcoming clinical observership?

uninformed-boarding3
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Brush up on common procedures and terminology of your specialty. Also, show enthusiasm and be proactive in learning. Good luck!

shocked-hotshot19
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15

Memory tricks for microbiology?

Micro’s just too much info. Any memory tricks to help retain all the tiny details?

dizzying-cleric17
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USMLE_Step_1

Any particular resources that were gold for your COMLEX Level 2 prep?

Hit me with those resource recommendations that you swear by!

limited-tat19
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8 1
COMLEX_Level_2

UWorld all the way, man. It’s the gold standard for a reason. Plus, their flashcards helped a ton too.

self-effacing-devast
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2

Is UWorld enough for Step 1 prep?

Do you guys think just doing UWorld is sufficient to prepare for Step 1, or should I be looking at other q-banks too?

self-contained-ferry
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3 2
USMLE_Step_1

UWorld covers a lot, but I’d def add FA and pathoma into the mix. The more diverse your prep, the better prepared you’ll be.

seven-year-fanatic49
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11

UWorld is pretty solid, but don't put all your eggs in one basket is my advice. Kaplan and Amboss have some good questions that can help expose you to different styles.

eight-year-old-concu
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1

What’s the role of hobbies in application?

Should I include my hobbies in my residency application? Do they make a difference?

boiled-fanny80
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5 1
IMG_Students

Definitely include them! Shows you're a well-rounded individual, and gives you something unique to talk about during interviews.

whirling-retardant86
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12

Flashcards - digital or physical?

Is it better to use physical flashcards or digital ones for Step 1 prep?

institutionalized-ru
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0
USMLE_Step_1

Do extra-curriculars make a difference?

As an IMG, should I focus on extra-curricular activities? Do they matter?

balmy-extravaganza69
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5 1
IMG_Students

They do, but prioritize clinical experience and your USMLE scores first. Extra-curriculars are like the icing on the cake.

narrative-damsel26
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3

Exam in Dec, any prep strategies?

With the exam in December looming, how are you planning your schedule?

handmade-eyebrow57
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7 1
OET

I break the workload into weekly targets. Keeps the stress manageable and spreads out study time.

indecent-undergradua
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4

Resource sharing?

Anyone want to swap some study resources? I have some great notes on the speaking section.

outer-ovulation38
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12 1
OET

That’d be dope! I've got some solid stuff on reading strategies. PM me!

driven-ale39
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13

Is redoing practice questions effective?

Does redoing practice questions you’ve gotten wrong before help or just a waste of time?

worrying-punishment7
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11 1
COMLEX_Level_2

Def helps. Shows you what you didn’t grasp the first time and reinforces learning.

bearded-captain41
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2

Worst rotation experience?

Anyone willing to share their worst rotation experience?

automotive-snowplow4
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7 1
Fellowship

Had a rotation where the supervisor was MIA most of the time. Self-learning to the extreme!

idle-p48
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1

Effective resources for COMLEX prep?

Starting to gear up for the COMLEX. What are some must-have resources I should be using?

rhetorical-toy70
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-1 2
COMLEX_Level_1

Anki decks tailored for COMLEX were my go-to, alongside First Aid for Osteopathic Med students. Keeps the crucial points in mind.

safe-harpsichord34
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8

Definitely UWorld, and don’t overlook the COMBANK question bank specifically for COMLEX. Pathoma and SketchyMedical are also super helpful for visual learners.

tinny-sprawl17
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0

Recommended NBME Forms?

Which NBME forms are must-do for CK?

sleepless-parishione
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10 1
USMLE_Step_2

Def do the new ones, like Form 8. Also Form 6 was pretty predictive for me.

ten-year-old-novella
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0

COMLEX Level 3 Timing?

Hey guys, when's the best time to take Level 3?

heathen-reek85
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3 2
COMLEX_Level_3

I'd say around January? Gives you enough time to settle into residency a bit.

grueling-revolution5
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4

Ideally, take it as soon as you can in your intern year, when stuff's still fresh.

erstwhile-jack85
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2

Value of tutor for COMLEX 3?

Would hiring a tutor help for Level 3?

mass-produced-bedrol
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18 1
COMLEX_Level_3

If you're really struggling or need tailored help, could be beneficial. Otherwise, it's really self-manageable.

gaping-blanket68
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-1

Resources not helping!

I’ve used a bunch of resources for COMLEX 2 prep but nothing's sticking. Feeling overwhelmed, what should I do?

protective-antiquity
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0 1
COMLEX_Level_2

Try sticking to just one or two main resources. Quality over quantity, don’t overwhelm yourself!

limited-missive22
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9

Ethics in residency research?

How big of a deal are ethical considerations in residency research projects? Got an interesting debate going on here.

inherited-disharmony
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7 1
Research

Huge deal. Ethical approval is a must, and maintaining high ethical standards is crucial for the validity and credibility of your research.

indomitable-moaning6
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6

Dealing with generic letters

Got a LoR that reads too generic. Ask for a redo, or use it as is?

derisive-realm81
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If you think a more personalized letter would significantly improve your application, then it doesn't hurt to politely ask for a more detailed one.

deepening-picker90
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9

When to apply for ECFMG certification?

I’m about to finish med school. When should I apply for ECFMG certification?

fearsome-teammate59
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2 2
ECFMG

Actually, you can start some parts now, like gathering paperwork and verifying school details. But full application needs your diploma, so right after graduation.

scrupulous-barrister
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15

Start your application process as soon as you graduate. The sooner the better because processing times can be unpredictable.

burgeoning-epigraph1
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5

Research Exp Significant?

How crucial is research experience for applying in IM?

wide-open-nightingal
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0 2
ERAS

Helps for sure, but not the end all. Clinical exp and LORs are super key too.

indicative-ad-lib42
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13

It’s pretty important, boosts the app + shows interest in the field!

upset-moral80
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5