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anonymous

7h ago

IM Applicants w/Red Flags (fml)

For USMDs who applied IM this cycle with red flags on your app (remediation, failed step, etc), how're interview invitations going?

Reason I ask this is due to my own circumstances: I remediated a preclinical course, but went on to perform very well subsequently. I presumed the upward trajectory of my performance would prevent remediation from being a hindrance to my candidacy; however, this does not appear to be the case. We are over a month into the cycle and I have received more rejections than invitations, and all of the programs I signaled have already sent out the majority of their invites. The NRMP data for unmatched USMD IM candidates last year shows the average number of ranked programs at 3.....I have three invites. After working so hard, I am feeling very defeated and alone. Everyone else is sharing how well the cycle is going for them and the relief of being wanted; I wish I, too, could bask in this glory. Ofc I am so happy for my friends and colleagues, but simultaneously I am sad and feel isolated. My family isn't in medicine, so they don't understand. I talked to my advisor and they were confused, offered some thoughts and prayers, which I guess is all they really can do atp. Was it the remediation that caused me to be in this position, or was it something else? Knowing the answer wouldn't change anything, but the question remains on my mind.

What was the point of all of this? who tf did I think I was, thinking I could be a physician? ppl like me aren't supposed to make it, but I thought I beat the odds. That hard work got me into medical school. That when the grief of losing a family member left me depressed and unable to pass one singular exam, that it would still work out bc I would come back better and stronger. I pulled myself up and I didn't give up. But for what?

And to the random white men who asked for the institution of the NRMP bc they were getting job offers and felt pressured, we have beef.

Anyway, rant aside, I wish they would publish data on residency explorer or on program websites on whether or not remediation is a disqualification or if it substantially decreases your odds (the way they have it listed for the step exams). The cleveland clinic states it clearly on their website, which was very much appreciated, but nobody else did.

TLDR: remediated preclinical course, cycle not going well, feeling alone and disillusioned, needs hug, anyone else feel the same/in similar position (if so, can we be friends plz)

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