This presentation outlines the basic steps and tips to prepare for the USMLE. It is mainly focussed for non US IMGs like me. I hope this will be of some use to all the USMLE aspirants.

1. USMLE for IMG- step by step
By
Swachchhanda Songmen
May 2017, Kathmandu, Nepal

2. We need
• Time ~ 2 years
• Money ~ 10-15 lakhs
• Test taking strategies
• Friends taking USMLE (preferred)
• How Difficult is to get matched?

3. PGY-1 positions

4. Non-US IMG match

6. “Non-U.S. IMG” top five
specialties/specialty tracks
Internal Medicine (categorical) (2,013)
Family Medicine (382)
Pediatrics (categorical) (250)
Neurology (categorical, advanced, and
physician positions) (188)
Surgery-Preliminary (PGY-1 Only) (177)

7. Study method
• Alone or group
• Home or library
• Morning or night
• How to keep the fuel burning?
• Order to study the materials?
• When to start self assessment questions e.g.
NBMEs?

8. Test taking strategies-
How to handle an MCQ?
• coverage of the materials, common sense,
ability to look at cues
• Try with the one with better skills
• Time management
• Highlight
• Order of sentence reading

9. Test Day- 1,ck,3
• Documents to bring with
• Snacks, tissue paper
• Break time management
• Sleep adequate
• Take bath
• Anxiety/ nervous breakdown during exam
• Eye strain/ Backache
• ? Anti- anxiety meds- NOT recommended

10. Step 1
• Duration: 6-12 months
• Books: Goljan << pathoma with video
• Uworld questions/day
• Final revision plan: must

11. Step 2 CK
• Duration: 2-6 months
• Books:
• ? Kaplan
• ? Board basic: important
• ? MTB/ ? FA
• ? Uworld step 3: Most important
• Drug ad/ article abstract: how to prepare

12. Visa application
• Documents? Photocopy & originals
1. Cover letter
2. Step 1 result, Step 2 CK result/certificate that it was
taken,
3. Step 2 CS permit
4. Visa letter sent by ECFMG (present in IWA)
5. Sponsor letter
6. ?? Parents source of income, property evaluation (done
by engineering consultancy), bank balance and certificate
from Chartered Accountant
7. ?? Relation Certification (done by government office e.g.
VDC/Municialty office)
8. ?? Affidavit letter from parents (expressing that they will
bear your financial and other responsibilities).
9. Educational Certificates

13. • Effect of DV application history? ?? No
• Effect of new political change? No to us
• Reapplication if rejected? Yes

14. Journey to the US
• Flight price cheaper & return date change
flexible via travel agent
• US immigration: check zone; so no open
unpacked unlabelled food stuff
• Take a mouse, keyboard for CS typing practice
• Power adaptor (US type)

15. • Overcoat
• 1 carry on suitcase
• Post cards of Mt Everest & Nepal: visit the
NTB for free large posters
• V neck sweaters: for interviews
• Meds
• Umbrella
• ERAS timeline print

16. Step 2 CS
• Duration: 2 weeks – 2 months
• Time of the year: by early July
• Test center? Houston> Philly> Chicago
• Partner: live>skype
• how many: 2-3
• Supervision?: mandatory for few cases
• Anything except FA?

17. Step 2 CS-
• ICE:
• Typing speed? Improve typing?
• Order of typing
• CIS:
• Rot memory or improvise?
• SEP:

18. Step 2 CS
• Test day prep:
• Visit earlier day
• No typing after “stop” command
• STICK TO THE RULE
• ? Anti anxiety meds No

19. IWA, OASIS, NRMP correspondence

20. Observership
• Is it USCE? How imp is observership? very very
imp, esp to get an LoR
• When to apply? ASAP
• How long to do observership? 2 weeks to 1
month (d/o how long it takes you to get a good
LoR)
• How many observerships? at least one
• Paid observership? NOT recommended
• Ask LOR- how/ when? ASAP you finish

21. Applications
• How many? research well, be selective, save
money
• How to choose the program?
• Highlight volunteer experience
• Write Personal statement

22. Interviews?

24. Increase interviews
• Score
• Knock every door possible
• Autopush function of email enable; confirm
ASAP; the program sends invitation to more
applicants than the interview slots; so
confirm the interview ASAP.

25. Travel tips
• Winter time:
• Muffler
• Do not expose the phone on cold weather
• rechargeable battery bank
• adequate time for travel to the airport/ station
• Do not take for granted the boarding gate
number based on the boarding pass
• Final checklist before leaving
• Kayak for flights

26. What if no interviews
• SOAP? Any chance? From Nepal or in the
US? almost nil (but drowing man catches a
straw)
• What next?
• Observership
• research