Taking USMLE-1 after 2nd year of med school (in the Philippines)

[iguodala_fan]

I've read from previous posts that there were some medical students who took their Step 1 during the summer just before their 3rd year. I believe this is quite exceptional, as they had to do a lot of self studying for the boards considering the education they're receiving does not really focus on high yield content for the USMLE. I've been told by a couple of MDs (from PI) that they prepared for their boards right after they graduated. These graduates gave themselves roughly three months to review independently (full time) for step one, took the exam and got decent scores. Then after two months, one of them took step two and passed. The other finished his internship before taking step two - and he also passed.

I would like to hear from anyone regarding this and any advice/thoughts is greatly appreciated. I think medical school is hard enough to even focus on something beyond what is required to pass all my courses in a Philippine med school (which serves to mostly locals, unlike offshore Caribbean schools which educate their students solely for the USMLEs)

So, is it best to just wait until after I graduate before I take these U.S. Medical Licensing Exams?

[hunteradam07]

I've read from previous posts that there were some medical students who took their Step 1 during the summer just before their 3rd year. I believe this is quite exceptional, as they had to do a lot of self studying for the boards considering the education they're receiving does not really focus on high yield content for the USMLE. I've been told by a couple of MDs (from PI) that they prepared for their boards right after they graduated. These graduates gave themselves roughly three months to review independently (full time) for step one, took the exam and got decent scores. Then after two months, one of them took step two and passed. The other finished his internship before taking step two - and he also passed.

I would like to hear from anyone regarding this and any advice/thoughts is greatly appreciated. I think medical school is hard enough to even focus on something beyond what is required to pass all my courses in a Philippine med school (which serves to mostly locals, unlike offshore Caribbean schools which educate their students solely for the USMLEs)

So, is it best to just wait until after I graduate before I take these U.S. Medical Licensing Exams?
As someone who going through the process nw, i can tell you that you should take it as early as you can! I took my step 1 after graduated, and guess what i forgot most of everything back in 1st and 2nd yr. Also the fact is this if you take ur usmle step 1/ck/cs after you graduate, you will be missing one year match, which is about two yrs in actual time. This because match only happens from Oct-March of the previous year. Therefore, unless you think u can do step 1 before July following your graduation (usually in late March or April), then CK and CS by Oct, then you surely miss your match. Furthermore, i think those guys who u said only took 3 months post-grad to study must be very smart, because took me 6mons to do mine.
So if i have to do it overagain, this is what i would do. Unless you are planning to practice in PI, you should consider Carribean Med schools first before commit to PI medical schools. For many reasons this is so. However, the main one is timing for the match/Usmle cirriculum. PI is your only choice for whatever reason, then consider this timeline (i will do this way if i can):
1. Concentrate on ur kaplan videos/notes on day one. Just try to pass your course, but dont focus on PI cirriculum. Even if you barely pass, yet you have 2 years to watch kaplan videos and notes. OH boy jz think how high you will score on ur step 1, and that is all that matter for residency in US.
2. Take one sem off after 2nd year and take the damn thing. Do well before go back to third year.
3. Graduate in Oct instead of March, but u still can make the match that way.
4. Or do some extra-electives in US for 4 months to make up the missing clinical clerkship, then grad in March following year.
Bottomline is by taking one sem off 4 months, you will gain 2 years of your life back. Trust me on this. Good luck my man, i wish someone would have told me this long ago. S***!

[EthanHunter]

Yea i wish someone told me this too. I m 20 weeks short of electives and one match behind, because i didnt take my step 1 after 2nd year. Man the wait really sucks, and it's hard to explain to residency program why you are one match behind your graduation. For those who serious consider going to PI med schools, Take these advices and follow it. This would save me lot of time.

[SACTOBOY]

hi,

I agree with hunter... I will be starting med school tomorrow at the SLU Baguio City and I will try to follow the advice from Hunterdamo07. I brought with me my kaplan videos and the goljian stuff as well. My luggage was packed with USMLE materials and started to watch the videos yersterady. I plan to take step 1 summer term prior to 3rd year and I made it clear with the school just to make sure that they will process the required paperworks without delay. My question to Hunter..is - what are the requirements (papers, certification, etc.) needed for sterp 1?

By the way,I visited dfferent schools in Manila and finally landed to SLU because they have not only a good reputation but also Baguio offers the weather like the one we have in California- I'm loving it here. Tuition is only 64,000.00 per sem around $1,500.00. Yes it is very affordable.

Hunterdam-just to let you know I have been reading all your posts prior to coming here and I'm finding your wisdom very helpful. Thank you!

[hunteradam07]

hi,

I agree with hunter... I will be starting med school tomorrow at the SLU Baguio City and I will try to follow the advice from Hunterdamo07. I brought with me my kaplan videos and the goljian stuff as well. My luggage was packed with USMLE materials and started to watch the videos yersterady. I plan to take step 1 summer term prior to 3rd year and I made it clear with the school just to make sure that they will process the required paperworks without delay. My question to Hunter..is - what are the requirements (papers, certification, etc.) needed for sterp 1?

By the way,I visited dfferent schools in Manila and finally landed to SLU because they have not only a good reputation but also Baguio offers the weather like the one we have in California- I'm loving it here. Tuition is only 64,000.00 per sem around $1,500.00. Yes it is very affordable.

Hunterdam-just to let you know I have been reading all your posts prior to coming here and I'm finding your wisdom very helpful. Thank you!
Thanks for the complement Sac! U can look up all the step 1 requirements at ecfmg.org, and remember you will apply as a student not a graduated. Therefore, the paperworks will be different. Remember to focus on ur kaplan videos and notes, and try\try\try to incoperate into ur SLU cirriculum. It's depend on ur premed knowledges, but i would focus on anatomy and physiology for the first year. Pathophysio/physio is the biggest section in step 1. And the guy who taught kaplan physio is fanatastic, he incooperates so many concepts and graphs that i understand more after watching his videos, then the whole freaking year at FEU's physio. If you bring some of these graphs to ur professor and ask then explain the relationship and connections, i really doubt they can do it. It's not really their fault it's jz a different way they learned them (memorize) instead of understanding. Although, i never been too SLU, but i heard great thing about it. Yea i would love the climate there. Manila is too hot and humid. The problem for me back then, they didnt answer my phone calls and email. Oh well! I also heard that they have the best marijuana there :). So dont smoke too much hahaha. Good luck SAC!

[iguodala_fan]

--------------------------

...you should take it as early as you can!
I took my step 1 after graduated,
and guess what i forgot most of everything back in 1st and 2nd yr.

...20 weeks short of electives and one match behind,
because i didnt take my step 1 after 2nd year.
Take these advices and follow it.
This would save me lot of time.

I plan to take step 1 summer term prior to 3rd year
and I made it clear with the school just to make sure that
they will process the required paperworks without delay.

An early morning post by me.. I just checked back now (after night classes) and found very informative responses on this thread. Thank you for taking the time to offer your thoughts.

It seems everyone is unanimous concerning this matter. But I guess it involves a lot of persistence and hard work, even a bit of luck (in terms of timing). I've read threads here and at SDN that medical students in the Philippines (who are planning on returning to the U.S.) won't have as much time to follow the U.S. medical curriculum independently, so it looks like no one really has a choice but to take both steps after graduating. I mean, classes pretty much last all day long, and you barely have time to even review for tests during the time spent outside class. With all the other factors like traffic delays, sleeping problems, language barriers, you name it! I don't really see how it has been done before. Anybody?

Maybe it is possible. Would it help if I take a year (or two) off before medical school and work a full-time job while independently studying basic sciences materials (1st 2 years)? At least, this would take some pressure of not having to 'force' learning. As for hunteradam07's advice to take a semester off after second year med, maybe your school (FEU) allowed you (or others) to do it but I've read that UST, UERM, St Luke's, Fatima, and some of the schools in Visayas would require a lot of paperwork and justification - they won't easily let some Fil-am med student to just take a leave of absence unless it's an emergency. I'm not countering your post, but in reality it's unusual for them to deal with a situation like this.

HunterAdam, your suggestions are great! But unfortunately, I've realized that some medical schools there won't allow their students to take the Step 1 after their 2nd year. Which universities authorize their students to take the exam (while still a med student)?

EthanHunter, could you really have done it if you took your step1 after second year of med? If so, please let me know how to most effectively approach this dilemma of mine.

SactoBoy, maybe you can show me the way on how to manage my time effectively and learn as much material as I possibly can during those 1st two short years of med... it appears to me that you are very determined and ready to take on this endeavor of studying a lot more than your peers just to be well-prepared for the exam. Can you give me some advice? By the way, good luck with your studies!

And no, without passing the USMLE-1, it is almost impossible to do visiting clerkships in the U.S. (Unless the school arranged it for the student, however, this proves to be costly).

I agree with suggestion #1 by hunteradam07, but can you give more details on how life in a PI medical school is.. a typical schedule perhaps (is it really 8am to 5pm?).. what month does the school year begin.. how much studying do i need just to 'pass' my classes.. how to be best prepared to take the steps.. how to deal with bad professors, or the admin.. and other things...

Any recommendations from you and other readers would really be helpful.

Also, if anyone can tell me if there is any overlap of course materials from the PI curricula to that of the USMLE content? The focus might be quite different, I don't really know.. or are there certain topics emphasized more in the PI that differs from what's needed to do well on NBME shelf exams (offered by U.S. and Caribbean med schools)..

It makes sense to prioritize encompassing the typical curriculum of a U.S. med school in my independent studying. I'll just try to pass all of my courses, as has been suggested, and focus on medical books and all other resources (like kaplan videos, goljan, etc).

How it can be done.. remains a conundrum.

[hunteradam07]

Well i can tell you how one of my friend, who took his step 1 after 2nd yr did it. He simply tells the admin that he doesnt have enough money to pay for third year, because of his father bussiness failing! So he needs to take sometime off and go back to US. Mean while he asks them if he takes his step 1 while working out financial issues. Guess what they said yes and sent all his paperworks to show him good faith that the school willing to help him continue with studies. So the key is to talk to the admin early (even in first year), and tell them your intention.
Yea PI medical schools aint NO JOKE folks! It's very time demanding and competitive specially at Fatima foreign class from what i heard. Since they only passed top 5-10% per class, that is why it's very competitive. But here is my take on this: Look most of the subjects are the same. It's not like they invent a new cardio or resp system overthere rite? Same books and concepts. Hwever, the keys are how do the materials are been taught and tested? USMLE is concepts and correlations while PI is memorize, memorize and do some more. Yet if u study your kaplan notes/videos/goljan and do your UW, trust me you will at least passed the damn class in PI. You might not be the top-notcher, because you didnt focus on the tiny detail during lectures. So u are not the top-knocker there :). Who cares! Just think u have 2 years of review for step 1, so 90%+ is very reasonable. I dont know whatelse to tell you. If u dont think it's a risk you should take and you want to follow the traditional way of doing thing, then it's ok too. LOOK I M DOING IT NOW RITE! Just be prepare to put your life on hold for 2 yrs post grad. Good luck.

[iguodala_fan]

Hunteradam07,

So do you think that FEU is a good school to study med?

[FSUNOLE08]

What are ya'lls undergraduate majors?

[hunteradam07]

yea it is great when i was there. I would recommend it to anyone. The teachers are pretty good. Not so many terror teachers! I think u wont go wrong with FEU, EU, St. Luke, SLU, and La Salle. There are so many decent schools, but remember no PI med schools will teach u USMLE cirriculum. Good luck

[Locutusofborg]

... Might not happen at all schools since many have their subjects year long, rather than a semester long. You might end up taking a full year off instead.

For me, I am starting first year at UERM (Cebu), and I will try to follow the curriculum with my BRS books as well as the assigned textbooks. Im working on getting someone to send me a CD of kaplan videos as well:P

[iguodala_fan]

... Might not happen at all schools since many have their subjects year long, rather than a semester long. You might end up taking a full year off instead.
That's exactly what I was thinking. When will you take your Step 1?

For me, I am starting first year at UERM (Cebu), and I will try to follow the curriculum with my BRS books as well as the assigned textbooks. Im working on getting someone to send me a CD of kaplan videos as well:P

Oh I thought you're in Southwestern University (based on your previous posts and responses to my threads).. So are you staying in UERM for good?

[SACTOBOY]

This is my third day of class and I could honestly tell you that I'm already overwhelmed although I think I made the right choice to study at SLU after got scared to live in the carribean islands. I could tell you now that I'm afraid that my parallel study for USMLE curriculum may or may not happen depending upon the flow in the next few weeks. Here in SLU their goal is to maintain their standing in the boards(PI). Although PBL is already incorporated in most of the subjects I feel that to pass you need to prepare yourself to memorize memorize and memorize...thing that I hate the most. It's 2 AM and I'm still awake trying to re-read my whole day topic and be prepared for tommorrow. Yes, they expect you to read your topic in advance...now I wonder how would I squeeze in for my kaplan review...I let you guys know how it goes.

[hunteradam07]

Now you know what i mean by PI cirriculum is all memorized and regurged. Waiting until you have to take quizzes and exams. U will see how details orient they are. Hang in there my man, what i suggest for you to do is bring the kaplan notes in class and use it as frame work. Try to follow the lectures with them and take notes on top of it. Good luck

[SACTOBOY]

SO then...i had my first long quiz in Physiology (my favorite subject). I believe I prepared really well with only 2 hours of sleep and mastered all the medical concepts from the prof lec and Mr. Guyton only to get the worst frustration that the quiz was only focused on one table in one of the chapters talking about statistics and percentage of bla bla bla for...I mean it would be more relevant if they asked stuff like the principle of hydration, when to use isotonic, hypotonic and hypetonic solution for that topic and other clinically related stuff other than asking how many percentage of CHON in the ECF for the egyptians as compared to the black people d...was like...what the heck was that....Anyway my point is...USMLE step 1 prior to 3rd year may not be realistic for me anymore...my class is from 7:30 to 5-6 M-Saturday. Lotucutosof... i was as optimistic as you are about taking it early but I can almost tell you you will be posting the same post like this when you start...Remember that your dean or admin would always say its possible to encourage you to stay with them but like what I said I wish you the luck and please let us all know how it goes...this is not to discourage you for going to PI med school but if I'm rethinking right now...whether or not I will apply to carribean school for the summer .
Good luck everyone!

[hunteradam07]

What did i tell u? Didnt i say that it's memorize, memorize, and memorize some more? Now u believe me or what? That is why i said many many many times before about going to US med schools should be the first option, then the big three in the Carribean second, PI med schools should be consider after Mexico schools, and others. But there are those who argue with me about it. Well, what i can tell u are these; Things are only going to get worst in term of the difficulty: Biochem, Anatomy, and others. So jz do you best and hang in there. Still look at the kaplan books and videos, it will help with the concepts. Good luck

[Locutusofborg]

ITS BOTH Memorize and Understand. At least in UERM. Now, Im talking from exactly 1 unit's worth of experience at UERM (1/4th of a semester as of this week). Its definitely both: Memorize AND understand. We get a lot of conceptual questions, especially in physio. In fact, all our physio quizzes are essays, and only exams multiple choice.

Of course there is some Filipino education ** thats hard for us westerners to stomach - Anatomy quiz questions from left field like, "Who built the anatomical theater in Padua", or parasitology questions like, "Which intestinal parasite has 3 anterior and 1 posterior flagella". Its not that they ask these questions IN PLACE of serious in-depth medical stuff, but they do that on TOP of it all, just to test your limits. For me, attending school here is as much about discipline as it is about education. Yes, it sucks sometimes.

However, extraneous ** will neither make or break anyones grade. Im following our curriculum pretty closely with BRS books, and so far, I'd say there is about 10% USMLE stuff we don't cover, and about 20% of what we cover is not on the USMLE. Thats pretty good overlap if you ask me. Now, the dean promised us to have USMLE bank questions available by the end of the year. If the promise comes true, Ill save some money - but if not, me and other US students will chip in on a subscription. Bottom line: Im determined to take step one in the 4 weeks break between 2nd and 3d year. Im studying USMLE now, and Ill continue to do so during the year. So far, our curriculum and USMLE curriculum have pretty good overlap.

Lets see how the year progresses.

PS Does anyone know where I can get Kaplan videos on the cheap?:) PM me with some info please...

[hunteradam07]

Didnt u use to go to some school in Cebu? What happend? Now u are at EU? Best of luck with ur study at EU.

[GregoryG]

my class is from 7:30 to 5-6 M-Saturday

I see how you'd have a hard time putting some time in for your USMLE review. I'm surprised you have classes on Saturdays.

Your schedule isn't going to get better in 3rd year I suppose. That would be really tough if you want to write Step 1 after 2nd year. How about 10-15 hours a week?

I know in Caribbean schools, the quizzes and exams are in USMLE format, and questions are like Qbank questions. There are a few months allocated too for Step 1 review.

SO then...i had my first long quiz in Physiology (my favorite subject). I believe I prepared really well with only 2 hours of sleep and mastered all the medical concepts from the prof lec and Mr. Guyton only to get the worst frustration that the quiz was only focused on one table in one of the chapters talking about statistics and percentage of bla bla bla for...I mean it would be more relevant if they asked stuff like the principle of hydration, when to use isotonic, hypotonic and hypetonic solution for that topic and other clinically related stuff other than asking how many percentage of CHON in the ECF for the egyptians as compared to the black people d...was like...what the heck was that....Anyway my point is...USMLE step 1 prior to 3rd year may not be realistic for me anymore...my class is from 7:30 to 5-6 M-Saturday. Lotucutosof... i was as optimistic as you are about taking it early but I can almost tell you you will be posting the same post like this when you start...Remember that your dean or admin would always say its possible to encourage you to stay with them but like what I said I wish you the luck and please let us all know how it goes...this is not to discourage you for going to PI med school but if I'm rethinking right now...whether or not I will apply to carribean school for the summer .
Good luck everyone!

[GregoryG]

Locutusofborg, are you planning to do some rotations in the US ? Do you know how many weeks UERMMMC will allow you to do these? Is there a formal affiliation that exists between the school and a teaching hospital in the US?


ITS BOTH Memorize and Understand. At least in UERM. Now, Im talking from exactly 1 unit's worth of experience at UERM (1/4th of a semester as of this week). Its definitely both: Memorize AND understand. We get a lot of conceptual questions, especially in physio. In fact, all our physio quizzes are essays, and only exams multiple choice.

Of course there is some Filipino education ** thats hard for us westerners to stomach - Anatomy quiz questions from left field like, "Who built the anatomical theater in Padua", or parasitology questions like, "Which intestinal parasite has 3 anterior and 1 posterior flagella". Its not that they ask these questions IN PLACE of serious in-depth medical stuff, but they do that on TOP of it all, just to test your limits. For me, attending school here is as much about discipline as it is about education. Yes, it sucks sometimes.

However, extraneous ** will neither make or break anyones grade. Im following our curriculum pretty closely with BRS books, and so far, I'd say there is about 10% USMLE stuff we don't cover, and about 20% of what we cover is not on the USMLE. Thats pretty good overlap if you ask me. Now, the dean promised us to have USMLE bank questions available by the end of the year. If the promise comes true, Ill save some money - but if not, me and other US students will chip in on a subscription. Bottom line: Im determined to take step one in the 4 weeks break between 2nd and 3d year. Im studying USMLE now, and Ill continue to do so during the year. So far, our curriculum and USMLE curriculum have pretty good overlap.

Lets see how the year progresses.

PS Does anyone know where I can get Kaplan videos on the cheap?:) PM me with some info please...

[thekindofguy]

I am a little confused. Do you not get a summer vacation whilst you are in medical school in the Philippines. Could you not foreseeable use this vacation to study for and write the USMLE step 1 after your second year of medical school?

Locutus - You mention a 4 week summer break. Is that a standard with all medical schools? I am assuming that it is different from the regular courses. Currently, I am in my undergrad at Silliman and we get a 10 week vacation. There are some nice blogs about people who discuss their study schedules for the USMLE. Some of them are 4 weeks.

[trauma]

I am a little confused. Do you not get a summer vacation whilst you are in medical school in the Philippines. Could you not foreseeable use this vacation to study for and write the USMLE step 1 after your second year of medical school?

Locutus - You mention a 4 week summer break. Is that a standard with all medical schools? I am assuming that it is different from the regular courses. Currently, I am in my undergrad at Silliman and we get a 10 week vacation. There are some nice blogs about people who discuss their study schedules for the USMLE. Some of them are 4 weeks.
Just a reality check for someone who has been there. Yes. you can take the exam between 2nd and 3rd year, however, it is very difficult to pass if you have not studied during classes as 2-3 weeks review is DEFINITELY not enough. Some take 6 months break and still don't pass.

[iguodala_fan]

Just a reality check for someone who has been there. Yes. you can take the exam between 2nd and 3rd year, however, it is very difficult to pass if you have not studied during classes as 2-3 weeks review is DEFINITELY not enough. Some take 6 months break and still don't pass.

I think if one puts in the work and studies full time for the step (like HunterAdam), it's more likely to pass or maybe even get a decent score, so i think 6 months after graduating with an M.D. is too much time for some hardworking and persistent individuals.

[trauma]

I think if one puts in the work and studies full time for the step (like HunterAdam), it's more likely to pass or maybe even get a decent score, so i think 6 months after graduating with an M.D. is too much time for some hardworking and persistent individuals.
I'm talking about after your 2nd year of med school. Of course, it's easier to pass after 6 months. I only studied for 5 weeks for both steps and passed but you are underestimating the time required if you are planning to take it after your 2nd year.

[hunteradam07]

yes it requires a lot of time to prep for step 1 in my opinion! This is because the fact that PI medical schools dont have same or even simliar cirriculum as USMLE. I know we have debated this issue to death, but i still a firm believer in conceptual base teaching (USMLE) Vs Memorize and regurg style (PI). I think that is why most PI graduates myself included take along time to prep, because it's like relearn everything that u didnt learn during your first two yrs. Furthermore, u are already 2 years removed from basic science courses, so it's even harder to recall basic concepts during ur prep. Bottomline in my opinion is you can take step 1 after your second year (which i recommended), but only if u can take one sem off and really prep for it. Heh if u can do it in 5 weeks like trauma more power to you.

[iguodala_fan]

I only studied for 5 weeks for both steps and passed.

But you are talking about a different medical board exam. It says on this website (ECFMG 2002 Annual Report - ECFMG History: Examination History (http://www.ecfmg.org/annuals/2002/examhist.html)) that it used to be called the American Qualification Exam (AMQ) then it was changed to ECFMG Examination for foreign graduates
(and then to Foreign Medical Graduate Examination in the Medical Sciences).

I heard it was not that hard to obtain certification back then as compared to now. At the time, there was a shortage of doctors in the U.S., and that's why there was a lot of IMGs who were able to take advantage of that system.

[iguodala_fan]

you are underestimating the time required if you are planning to take it after your 2nd year.

I'm NOT undervaluing the time required to prepare. All I'm saying is that this is a difficult test that requires a lot of time to prepare and IT'S IMPOSSIBLE to take it after one's 2nd year.

[Locutusofborg]

First of all, its a BIG exhaggeration to say that PI teaching is "regurg" style. Yes, we are asked to memorize MORE than US students. But at least at my school, we get a LOT of ideas and concepts as well. Our last unit exam in anatomy was about 50% clinical cases, and only 50% straight structure/function questions. I have my Kaplan USMLE review books, and I would say about 80-90% of what is in the books is covered in lecture.

And even the regurg part - im sorry, but even in the US, even on the USMLE YOU NEED THAT. 50% of medicine IS memorization. You MUST know the body parts, the bacteria, the tissues, the enzymes and so forth.. Their names NEED to be remembered. Some things should also be understood conceptually - not just the what but the why - like krebs cycle, your bp regulation etc. But its also high yield to memorize the things that you don't have time to understand. And some things just DONT have an answer for "why", they just need to be remembered and thats it. It is highly misleading to think that in PI they are giving us a hard time with all the facts, while in the US they just want you to understand. Memorization is not self-sufficient, but its certainly not optional.

I agree that if you spend your school time reviewing old test papers rather than reading your books, its impossible to prepare for the USMLE in 4 weeks of vacation. However, if you are on the ball early on, if you open your USMLE books at least once in a while alongside your textbooks, if you spend your 1st year summer break reviewing what you learned and studying ahead for 2nd year - I really dont see how one can't prepare for the exam. Its definitely doable, its been done before, and I will do it - watch me!

[hunteradam07]

Why dont you put your money where ur mouth is Sign up for NBME and see how closed ur school questions compare to some retired USMLE questions. For a guy who still going through the process, you seem to think that you know everything. Well good luck. Oh and dont worry bout US clerkship it's not important for the match!

[trauma]

But you are talking about a different medical board exam. It says on this website (ECFMG 2002 Annual Report - ECFMG History: Examination History (http://www.ecfmg.org/annuals/2002/examhist.html)) that it used to be called the American Qualification Exam (AMQ) then it was changed to ECFMG Examination for foreign graduates
(and then to Foreign Medical Graduate Examination in the Medical Sciences).

I heard it was not that hard to obtain certification back then as compared to now. At the time, there was a shortage of doctors in the U.S., and that's why there was a lot of IMGs who were able to take advantage of that system.
You are wrong. Whether you took the NBME tests or USMLE, the coverage is the same. It's not the passing that became difficult as you are being compared to your PEERS. It's the matching process. Also more people are prepping now with Kaplan. In my time NONE used any review center just dilapidated 10year old reviewers.
Also if you reeally think you can do it, GO AHEAD and try it and report to us the result.

[trauma]

I'm NOT undervaluing the time required to prepare. All I'm saying is that this is a difficult test that requires a lot of time to prepare and IT'S IMPOSSIBLE to take it after one's 2nd year.
It's not impossible but VERY DIFFICULT and i dont disagree with you on that one.

[iguodala_fan]

It's not the passing that became difficult as you are being compared to your PEERS. It's the matching process.

I absolutely agree with you on this one. Some IMGs have scores in the high 90s and they are in a better position to obtain a more desirable residency than those who merely passed. And even if one aces that exam, getting accepted in a residency that's beyond primary care is highly unlikely. An IMG will always be at the bottom of the hierarchy.

Also more people are prepping now with Kaplan. In my time NONE used any review center just dilapidated 10year old reviewers.

Very true indeed. Medical students and graduates have more choices of review books now, as compared to before. Not only that, but there are some high yield kaplan or usmleworld questions made available to everyone. I would say that back then, IMGs didn't have a chance to even prepare for a 350-multiple choice Exam, not to mention the lack of readiness in the exam format. I have the highest respect for those who managed to successfully take these exams and obtain a residency anywhere in the U.S. , regardless of whether it was in the 60s or in the 90s. It's nothing short of spectacular.

[lungdoc]

when you take step 1 is important in that you want to make sure that you score well. dont take it just to pass. remember the Indians and Pakastani's score in the high 90's. for me, I focused on doing well in medical school and didnt think about the USMLE until after I graduated. Studying for medical school was so stressful for me but I graduated in the top 5% of my class back in 1998. That work ethic propelled my USMLE studies. I bought all the top books for topics as recommended by First Aid for the Boards series. Well I'm in private practice here in Florida and I'm glad that part of my life is over. Wait until you have to get ready for the specialty boards.

[iguodala_fan]

When you take step 1 is important in that you want to make sure that you score well. Don't take it just to pass. remember the Indians and Pakastani's score in the high 90's. For me, I focused on doing well in medical school and didnt think about the USMLE until after I graduated. Studying for medical school was so stressful for me but I graduated in the top 5% of my class back in 1998. That work ethic propelled my USMLE studies. I bought all the top books for topics as recommended by First Aid for the Boards series. Well I'm in private practice here in Florida and I'm glad that part of my life is over. Wait until you have to get ready for the specialty boards.

This is a great piece of advice from "someone who's been there and done that." It could not have been said better. I think this pretty much concludes this thread; I've gotten several helpful and informative responses from different viewpoints
(MANY THANKS TO DOC TRAUMA, HUNTERADAM, LOCUTUSofBORG, SACTOBOY, and everyone else who contributed to this discussion)

- I personally like this one the best. This reinstates the fact that scoring well is absolutely doable, with hard work and persistence.
Lungdoc, your post will go a long way in helping me. Thank you very much. Hopefully, I'll get there someday.

[SACTOBOY]

I am presently attending med school in Fatima particularly the special class for Fil-AMs. Our upper classmen took their USMLE after 2nd year and all of them got scores above 90. Some of our professors are USMLE passers with good scores so they pretty much know what we are talking about in terms of USMLE. Also, we do not have a Saturday class, and on Thursdays we only have to go to school half day. In the special class they took out the irrelevant and time-wasting stuff specific for Philippine setting. As for me, I am having a good time doing parallel study with USMLE books concurrent with school topics... and yes on Saturdays that is my USMLE independent study day. I think it is really possible depending upon your school situation. If you are mixed with the locals, hell yess I know that it is almost impossible for you to do a parallel USMLE study. At least in my situation I it is possible to do more independent study. Dont get me wrong Fatima is a tough school...we have shifting exam everyday ....they provide you with the notes so you dont have to spend and waste time writing while the prof is teaching...so the class time is devoted on discussing the topic instead of writing and catching everything the teacher has to say and learn nothing after the class...this is true in traditional Philippine school. Good luck everyone and yes....step 1 after 2nd year can be done.

[trauma]

I am presently attending med school in Fatima particularly the special class for Fil-AMs. Our upper classmen took their USMLE after 2nd year and all of them got scores above 90. Some of our professors are USMLE passers with good scores so they pretty much know what we are talking about in terms of USMLE. Also, we do not have a Saturday class, and on Thursdays we only have to go to school half day. In the special class they took out the irrelevant and time-wasting stuff specific for Philippine setting. As for me, I am having a good time doing parallel study with USMLE books concurrent with school topics... and yes on Saturdays that is my USMLE independent study day. I think it is really possible depending upon your school situation. If you are mixed with the locals, hell yess I know that it is almost impossible for you to do a parallel USMLE study. At least in my situation I it is possible to do more independent study. Dont get me wrong Fatima is a tough school...we have shifting exam everyday ....they provide you with the notes so you dont have to spend and waste time writing while the prof is teaching...so the class time is devoted on discussing the topic instead of writing and catching everything the teacher has to say and learn nothing after the class...this is true in traditional Philippine school. Good luck everyone and yes....step 1 after 2nd year can be done.
If that is your schedule and setup, yes it is possible. A lot of time is wasted taking notes and transcribing instead of reading and discussing. It will also depend on your dedication.
The best thing to do is try to parallel review on your first year, if you feel that it is difficult to do, then take the USMLE after your 4th year.

[gringostudent]

I did undergrad at silliman too. Is there still the hayahay reggae wednesdays?

[hunteradam07]

I saw this post awhile back and not sure if it's truth. And since you are going to FU, so is it accurate?


Business Figures: Fatima College of Medicine, Philippines
Fatima Business Breakdown:

I just graduate from Fatima, these are the real figures. Other school are better like UE, FEU, AUF and more….. fatima people are LIER, especially Josie.
Fatima is business not school.


Donation: $6,000
Per semester: $3,500 x 8= $28,000
Clinical fee if you do in USA: $5,000per 3 months (plus your tuition)
Graduation fee: $5,000
Hidden fee: $1,000

Remedial fee: 5000 peso per class (if you fail the class, mostly everyone fail)
If you attend remedial fail: $500 per major class, $300minor class
If you donot attend remedial: $1,000 per major class to pass, $600 for minor class

Room and Rent: $200 per month (around 7,500peso, prince range from 5,000peso to 9,000peso)
Electricity and water: $50 per month (around 2,000peso)
Internet: $25 per month (999peso)
Food cost depend on you I would say $200 per month


Government Fee:
Visa fee 1st time: $500 (20,000peso)
After every semester: $250 X6= $1,500 (9,500peso Fatima charge, if you do it alone around 7,000peso)

Everytime you leave Philippines: $100 (3000peso, airport tax)
Last edited by FatimaFamily; 06-12-2008 at 05:42 AM.

[hunteradam07]

come on Sactoboy! we still waiting for you input. I think this issue is very very important to this forum. We need to clarify once and for all especially since you said you go to FU. So this is very informative for the rest of us. We just want the truth! And is that all we care about on this forum? Please Give us your input about the post i mentioned above! Thanks in advance Sactoboy.

[lungdoc]

This is a great piece of advice from "someone who's been there and done that." It could not have been said better. I think this pretty much concludes this thread; I've gotten several helpful and informative responses from different viewpoints
(MANY THANKS TO DOC TRAUMA, HUNTERADAM, LOCUTUSofBORG, SACTOBOY, and everyone else who contributed to this discussion)

- I personally like this one the best. This reinstates the fact that scoring well is absolutely doable, with hard work and persistence.
Lungdoc, your post will go a long way in helping me. Thank you very much. Hopefully, I'll get there someday.


No problem. Just keep up the hard work and focus. Good luck.

[TrumpTight]

This post is for anyone interested in going to UST and planning to go back to the States. I am currently a fourth year Fil-am student at UST. First off, I just want to say that UST is a good school, it is one of the "best" medical schools here in the Philippines, they have a long outstanding history, and there are many doctors practicing in the states who graduated from UST. HOWEVER, if your plan is to take the USMLE step 1 after 2nd year of med school (which I believe you must do, or least after 3rd), then I strongly suggest to take UST off your list. Reason being is that the way the curriculum is set up 1st & 2nd year and 3rd year, it is very difficult to read or study USMLE material at the same time. Every class, even the so called "easy" classes make you do so many things on top of the tests, some stuff youre not gonna need (like doing a presentation on sanitation laws here in the PI). With the hours of studying you hafta put trying memorize things for tests (like previous post mentioned) and all the other stuff piled onto that, its hard to make time to study. This is fact, the previous 5 year graduating batches of Fil-ams, did not have one student take the USMLE after 2nd year, or match the same year of graduation (we will see this year if the previous batch could break the trend, go class of 2008!!). Also, noone currently in 3rd year took the USMLE this year. I tried so very much to take it after 2nd year. I even set up the testing block. But 2nd year was so taxing, that I just didn't have the energy to do it. My opinion of why this is so is because UST straight up prepares its students for the Philippine boards. They don't really care about preparing you for the USMLE (UERM passing out Q-bank questions?? Thats Awesome!!!). I do suggest like what was said in a previous post to consider the Carribean schools before any schools in the PI. Yes its expensive and all, but it is US-based training and you do clerkship for 2 years in the states and you do histories in English (you learn to do histories in English at UST, but you practice doing it in Tagalog). If you do decide on the PI, you should go to UERM, or Fatima. It seems like these schools to me are more accommodating to Fil-ams. Don't get caught up on which school is better or whatever. You also have the option of clerkship in the states at both schools. UST has no affiations with any hospitals in the US, so if you wanna do some clerkship in the states while going to UST, you have to do all the legwork. Hope this helps anyone. Those currently in 1st year/2nd year at UST reading this post, I hope you guys could pull off taking Step 1 after 2nd year. Good Luck!!!!

[TrumpTight]

This post is for anyone interested in going to UST and planning to go back to the States. I am currently a fourth year Fil-am student at UST. First off, I just want to say that UST is a good school, it is one of the "best" medical schools here in the Philippines, they have a long outstanding history, and there are many doctors practicing in the states who graduated from UST. HOWEVER, if your plan is to take the USMLE step 1 after 2nd year of med school (which I believe you must do, or least after 3rd), then I strongly suggest to take UST off your list. Reason being is that the way the curriculum is set up 1st & 2nd year and 3rd year, it is very difficult to read or study USMLE material at the same time. Every class, even the so called "easy" classes make you do so many things on top of the tests, some stuff youre not gonna need (like doing a presentation on sanitation laws here in the PI). With the hours of studying you hafta put trying memorize things for tests (like previous post mentioned) and all the other stuff piled onto that, its hard to make time to study. This is fact, the previous 5 year graduating batches of Fil-ams, did not have one student take the USMLE after 2nd year, or match the same year of graduation (we will see this year if the previous batch could break the trend, go class of 2008!!). Also, noone currently in 3rd year took the USMLE this year. I tried so very much to take it after 2nd year. I even set up the testing block. But 2nd year was so taxing, that I just didn't have the energy to do it. My opinion of why this is so is because UST straight up prepares its students for the Philippine boards. They don't really care about preparing you for the USMLE (UERM passing out Q-bank questions?? Thats Awesome!!!). I do suggest like what was said in a previous post to consider the Carribean schools before any schools in the PI. Yes its expensive and all, but it is US-based training and you do clerkship for 2 years in the states and you do histories in English (you learn to do histories in English at UST, but you practice doing it in Tagalog). If you do decide on the PI, you should go to UERM, or Fatima. It seems like these schools to me are more accommodating to Fil-ams. Don't get caught up on which school is better or whatever. You also have the option of clerkship in the states at both schools. UST has no affiations with any hospitals in the US, so if you wanna do some clerkship in the states while going to UST, you have to do all the legwork. Hope this helps anyone. Those currently in 1st year/2nd year at UST reading this post, I hope you guys could pull off taking Step 1 after 2nd year. Good Luck!!!!

Hunteradam: Is it really true that US clerkship doesn't matter? Please elaborate, thanks!!!

[lungdoc]

US clerkship is not necessary if you are applying for certain residency programs. I am a Fil-AM who graduated from UERM in 1998. Then I did a year of post-graduate intership at PGH (I thought of taking the PI boards, then changed my mind). I didnt take any clerkships in the US. I scored well on my USMLE's and applied for residency with the match. I was asked to interview for both general surgery and IM residency programs - sometimes both programs at the same hospital. In the end I ranked my IM programs o top. Starting in 2001, I went to a university program for IM and completed my fellowship there in pulm/cc. Now I'm in private practice. So, I having been there I can tell you that back then, good USMLE scores and either being a US citizen or having a green card were all that was needed. In addition, you should join the match to have a much better chance. Its difficult to find a program through the scramble (the hectic time after the match when unfilled residency slots are trying to filled). BTW, I took my USMLE's after graduating when I had time to focus. My goal was to score as well as a I could not just to pass. Remember, you have to compete against Indians and Pakistani's who score high 90's. Also, at UERM, it took so much of my time to study just for medical school. I couldnt imaging studyig for the USMLEs at the same time. The school is Fil-AM friendly but treated us the same as the locals. One thing I learned was how to work hard. In my 4th year at UERM we had horrible call schedules - 34 hour on, 14 hours off for a month straight. With the Bell commission rules for US residencies, call was mutch easier. Pulmonary fellowship however was like the Philippines. Thanksfully that is all behind me. I hope this helps.