USMLE EXAMS

When should an IMG start the whole process to becoming an IMG in the US 

This question will differ per person and by the stage of your career or life you are in.

If you are still in medical school, I suggest you conisder starting the process 1-2 years before you graduate.

Start doing research for exams and think about taking step 1 while in medical school too. (this depends on your school curriculum too).

Great things take time so always start early. Starting early may also help you avoid gap years that most people have if thsy start late

If I would change 1 thing in my journey, it would be to start early while i was in medical school. However, as an older IMG, I have a different life perspective which is great.

On average, most people take about 1 year to study for USMLE 1 but remember everyone is different.

Here are the steps to USMLE again to make it easier for you to plan: IMG steps to residency | Dr Nkeiruka Orajiaka

VISAS

What visa would you recommend I choose?

This is a great and common question that most IMGs forget visa choices because most are focused on matching into residency. As much as IMGs need to focus on the match, there is life after the match that you also have to think about.

Here’s my last post on visa applications. Be sure to read it. If you have an option, always choose H1B. Read more here: IMG Q&A April 2021 | Dr Nkeiruka Orajiaka

I also cover this in my ebook: Guide to next steps after residency match.

IMG Moms/ Parents

I’ve been in the US for a few years and get so caught up with fmaily life, I feel so discouraged to start

First, I’d like to say ‘Don’t compare your path with another’s’. Life happens and everyone’s path is different. When you get the comparison thought out of the way, you will sart to chart a peth for your journey and take bite-sized pieces of it.

You can’t change your blessing of having a family but you can change your mindset and your daily activities to start planning for residency training, if it is indeed what you hope for.

Planning is Key. Start today. Break it down in pieces:

• Decide why you want to do residency and if you ever thought about alternatives
• Decide if you really want to get on this journey
• Give yourself an estimated year of when you think you can (consider your family dynamics)
• Then work backwards, down to when you should take the exams and how much you need to be studying daily

What other questions would you want me to answer

What would the route if i decided to become a Physician assitant

I have 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.

If you would like to join a community of IMG moms, send me a message in the contact or leave a comment below.

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

                                                        -Wayne Gretzky