When you say you are an old graduate, what does that mean?

So I’m not sure if this is a standard rule by USMLE. But candidates who graduated from medical school more than 5 years prior to applications and those over 40 years of age are considered older graduates.

I matched into residency 8 years after medical school. That makes me an older graduate.

Did you start thinking about USMLE’s during or after medical school?

My plans for USMLE started almost 4-5 years after medical school. I got married immediately after medical school and migration wasn’t on my mind then.

Why did you decide to start the IMG journey even though it was late?

It’s never late for anything. Everyone’s path is different and you only need to start and stay on your path and blaze it.

As I previously highlighted, I got married immediately after medical school and had my first child within 1 year. As a new family, I wasn’t well situated to move. We needed time to understand and decide our plans as a family

Did you do any other training between medical school and residency?

I completed an MPH program. I didn’t start any residency program in my home country, Nigeria.

How long did it take you to study for and take your exams?

I made the decision to take USMLEs about 1 year after my MPH (why I did mph). It took me about 20 months to complete all the exams (including step 3)

Did you take time off work to study for USMLE?

Nope. I worked full time as a medical practitioner and the public health physician. I was also a mom, but had a nanny to help at home

How did you study while having a family?

That was one of the toughest parts.

I made a plan of work I had to accomplish. Visualizing work to be done helps me plan better.

As a morning person, I studied before I went to work (I’m a morning person).

During the early days of my study, I spent alternate sundays at the Terra Kulture Library (after church till dawn). As my exams got closer, I spent my weekends there.

I had a nanny for my kids. My husband and parents were very supportive too. You need some support

Did you have a US Clinical Experience

Yes I did. I did 1 month in an internal medicine clinic that is affiliated to a hospital. It was a private clinic.

While hospitals are preferred, you don’t have to narrow yourself down. Explore different options.

How did you know you had a chance despite being an old graduate?

I didn’t know.

But I knew if I didn’t try, then I wouldn’t have a chance.

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

                                                        -Wayne Gretzky