Hey Everyone,

Lately, in the past few weeks, I have been tricked or misled by people on more than one occasion about important things relating to AUC, FMGs, licensing, tests, and residencies. I have learned that I have to be much more skeptical (hope that is spelled right), but some of them seems so convincing at first, sure of what they were saying, and it looked like they had stuff to back up what they were saying. I don't know if they do this stuff (misleading. . . crying wolf, etc.) on purpose, but I will now be more careful. I let myself get worried over stuff that just wasn't true. Now mind you, I didn't get completely stressed out by what they were saying, but I should not have giving what they said any credence (boy, I really need to work on my spelling. . . been used to the spell checker for to long). From now on I will read and listen to what people have to say, but then I will check it out and not stress about it until I do. A lot of misinformation and stuff out there, so be careful. Now, I know we won't have it easy, and that we will have to work hard. But some of the stuff I have been hearing about the outlook for the future for FMGs, our chance at getting residencies (and I am not talking about the real hard ones to get), etc. have just been ridiculous, outlandish, and untrue. I usually try to be careful about what I say, but I will be especially from now on because of how it seems others aren't or just are trying to mess with people and their dreams for whatever reason.

well if you pass and arent picking you will get a residency somewhere---

most places would rather taking a person who speaks fluent english over some guy from shanty towns of indian---
furthermore most places dont want to deal with visa issues so if you are US citizen then it makes it easier on them---

so study and you will be fine

skipper

__________________
My ID says MD....wow!

Formerly known as "AssyrianSkipper"

PGY-1 Internal Medicine
Goal, not to kill anyone during my first month of residency.

No, I cannot help you get a residency.

President and Dean of--
Skipper's Medical Univeristy of the Dutch West Indies--SMU-DWI
Apply Now.....Get an MD in 6 Weeks....

If you fail at AUC, SGU, or Ross why not transfer to SMU, if you fail at SMU, why not try another SMU.

I know that some people have had bad experiences and stuff, and I know that some people are just bias against us for whatever reason, but come on now. Anyways, just thought I would bring to light what happened with me for the sake of some of you others. Good luck to everyone, and I hope you are able to make your dreams come true.

By the way, but us I mean foreign medical students, students at AUC, and those of us who are willing to try different ways at achieving our dreams.

Also, I know that there have been some disreputable schools out there from time to time (and some disreputable students and faculty for that matter), but for the most part, schools like AUC, Ross, and the other reputable schools out there get a bad rap from some of the others that have not been up to the standards of what a medical school should be. Now mind you things are not perfect at these schools (and sometimes there are students at these schools and everywhere that shouldn't be doctors), but they are far different than what you sometimes hear about them, how their students and grads do, their faculty, etc.

in going through the process now, i can tell you that it is nowhere near as bad as i thought it would be. and, i didn't even think it would be all that bad.

some common misconceptions i have had dissolved:
1. as IMG's we get leftover spots...well, while it is true that as an IMG some spots are simply not going to take us, there are still a LOT of very strong university programs that don't really care where you went to school.
2. board scores are the be all end all of getting a spot...again, good boards certainly help, but middle of the road passing scores are just fine as well. i think one good board score (step 1 OR 2) is more than enough. they just want to be sure that you will pass any exams during residency.

one thing that is helpful is being a citizen and not having visa issues. and, there are some programs that for some reason will interview an IMG and still not rank them simply because they are an IMG (had an interesting conversation with a PD about that). and, the above is pretty much only true in the specialties that are as competitive as ob/gyn or less competitive. i am sure the derms and plastics programs out there do care more about step 1 (or at least more freely use it as a screen). but, by and large, if you are an excited person that will clearly be a good resident, that will get you a LOT further than an extra 10 points on step 1. don't forget that.

best of luck to everyone!

Oh, I am U.S. born and bred. . . and I think I speak English quite well. . . well usually, lol.

damn, i get nervous reading things about visas, 'cause i'm canadian and will need one....oh well...

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don't stress....while it is certainly an extra hurdle, you just have to make sure to prove to the programs you are worth it. and, if you apply smart (that is to programs that are receptive to visas) then it will be a very minor issue.

please take neil's observations to heart. these are spot on. ive been saying it since i went trhoguh the process.

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Steph
If you get a warning, put on yer manpants and stop whining about it.