GAP YEAR OPTIONS

What did you do during your gap year and what do you recommend?

Firstly, I recently saw someone refer to this as ‘Growth’ year instead of ‘Gap’ year and I’ll always refer to it as such now. Those years are indeed of growth even though we are made to believe we missed out.

Now that we have agreed on calling it ‘Growth’ year, this will depend on so many things:- your family dynamics, your financial stability, your timeline for application and your interests,

I always talk about interests because as much as every IMGs dream is to match, taking on things you have no actual interest in will be a waste of your time and my have no benefit for your in future. You must have a little bit of an interest in any activity you take on and find a way to narrow it down to match your path.

It took me 7 years after medical school to match into residency. During that time, I did an internship and a mandatory service year (NYSC).  During this time, a friend recommended MPH to me based on my passion for population health and education.

I had reclined my plans for US residency to the backseat because I already had a family and didn’t think it will be possible.

But after my MPH, while working as a clinical officer is different places in addition to my public health job, I started planning for residency again.

In summary, my growth years from medical school to residency consisted of an MPH, clinical practice, public health job while studying and raising a family.

What do you think are the benefits and disadvantages of Virtual MPH programs?

With COVID, a lot of programs have implemented virtual options and mihg tbe taking more people  due to these challenges. When I did my MPH, there were limited online options.

Every program is going to different but here the pros and cons from my point of view

Pros:

-You might be able to easily get it into top tier schools

-You save a lot from not paying for cost of living. (this can be really expensive)

– Ability to combine this with other part time work you may do in your home country (visa limitations allows you to work only in certain places)

– Ability to collaborate with other schools

– Still  gives you a chance to add something great to your CV

Cons:

– You always lose the personal touch of face to face

– You may not be abel to network with other Drs which usuually helps with referral and applications

– You may make such a huge investment in paying for a program but the inability to physically meet with professors and be in a class takes that part away.

– You lose the chance to use the program as a way to get your ‘leg’ into the country.

What you could do (or consider)?

– when you research programs, ask if there is an inperson option for a few sessions

-Check programs which offer collaborations and ensure they offer that.

– Explore other departments in the school you were granted admission and see how you can benefit too. Maybe a business program or policy. there’s always a way to combine

– Be aggressive and assertive. You will always be remembered that way. No one wins an award for being QUIET these days. Advocate for yourself

Comparing a Master’s to USCE and research, which should we focus on during the 1 year gap time?

You can definitely get involved with research during your Master’s program. It all depends on what program and specialty you get involved with but also how aggressive you decide to get.

A lot of professors and teachers have a lot of research ideas but have no time to roll them out. So ask how you can help and what you can do. Go all out.

For US Clinical experience, this has been pretty hard with Covid and virtual options have been offered.

Here’s a list compiled by an IMG that I found very comprehensive and also helpful. Be sure to review, call and make your own connections with this. 𝟓𝟎 𝐇𝐎𝐒𝐏𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐒 𝐈𝐌𝐆’𝐬 𝐂𝐀𝐍 𝐆𝐄𝐓 𝐀 𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐔𝐒𝐀 🇺🇸 (doctorsebas.com)

IMG Moms/ Parents

HOW DO I STUDY WHEN I HAVE LITTLE CHILDREN?

Nothing in life comes easy and you will always sacrifice something.

But here’s what I want you to consider first- would you rather give up some time NOW with your little ones now and achieve your goal and then spend all the time with them LATER?

This helped me make my decisions to chase the IMG path.

I had 2 children younger than 4 years old when I started planning and studying. It was indeed hard leaving to my study location on Sundays  when  all I wanted to do with my family was cuddle and enjoy.

I hated leaving. But I knew that was the only place to focus to achieve my study schedule plans and I needed to maximize my weekends.

So here’s what I would advise:

– Work on your mindset. You are setting out to achieve a gal which will be best for your children eventually

– Write a definite timeline for when you want to apply and work backwards listing all the exams that need to be taken

-Break it down to the time it will take you to study for each exam.

– Create a routine- either daily or weekly. Routines maybe boring but helps foster a habit.

– Ask for and find help on days an times you are scheduled to study. Go to a quiet place and maximize that study time

– DO it all over again and multiple times till you no longer feel that going away is the wrong choice. When you achieve your study plans and timelines, you will be proud of yourself

Planning is Key. Start today.

What other questions would you want me to answer

I always put up question box in my instagram story but feel free to use the ‘Contact Me’ page to send in any other burning questions you may have.

You miss one hundred percent of the shots you don’t take.

                                                        -Wayne Gretzky