Earlier this month, I started having thoughts about sharing my story on social media; especially my journey as an international medical graduate (IMG). I always wanted to tell it, but felt I had nothing special to offer.

Yes, we all have different stories but there’s nothing unique about mine.

I thought to myself, “Who would want to hear how an old IMG & mother of 2 (now 3) migrated to the US for pediatrics residency. There’s a younger population out there, who people want to know what they are doing.”

But I continued to feel the unsettling spirit within; so much that I had to let it out.

So, over the weekend, I did a selfie photo session after my father’s birthday celebration, but still didn’t decide on a caption.

I mean, I have a grid on my instagram account to help me be more organized (how I decided this on another post) and I know sooner than later I would draft my caption.

I prayed about it but still had a lot of doubts.

On the morning I shared, I woke up early with a full heart and mind. I was ready to burst if I didn’t let it out.

I had never shared my USMLE scores openly. Ok, I mentioned it briefly on this podcast but never discussed  my frustration and hopelessness during the interview season. But this day  something wouldn’t let me defer sharing it again.

I sat in the restroom and starting letting it out.

When I was done typing,  doubt  set in again.

“Why do you think you need to share this? Who wants to read this?”

This time i didnt let ithe negative thoughts win. I posted immediately so I wouldn’t change my mind again (for the millionth time in my life)

Mid-interview season in the residency application cycle can be frustrating and disheartening for IMGs- the uncertainty of Interview invites or even matching was ‘the worst feeling.

I wanted to let people know there was still hope; there was still time to get interviews because my interviews were late too.

Here’s what I didn’t expect when I shared my story, :

– that people will identify so much with it to blow up my direct message (DM).

– that someone, somewhere, was waiting for my message to have hope, and to believe again.

– I struggled to get through them but promised to fulfil the hope I started sharing. 

I also decided within me to never stop sharing my stupid stories, my old IMG path, my struggles and never stop giving hope.

I decided to share some of the feedback I received annonymously to encourage you and I to share more.

There’s power & purpose in every story.

God not only gave us the the successes to share but also the struggles and frustrations.

Share your story! You may be sitting on someone’s hope