For many international medical graduates (IMGs), the dream of practicing medicine in the United States is both exciting and intimidating. Each year, thousands of IMGs apply to residency programs, and while the process is competitive, success is very possible with the right preparation, persistence, and strategy. Understanding the eligibility requirements,...

As you begin thinking about residency applications, one of the most important considerations — after specialty interest and training quality — is work-life balance. Residency is an intense period of growth, responsibility, and long hours, but not all training experiences are created equal. Many students now prioritize lifestyle, wellness, and...

A calm, student-centered guide for navigating Match Week with clarity and poise instead of panic.   For many students, the moment they learn they didn’t match is one of the most emotionally jarring experiences of medical school. There’s the initial sting of shock, the sense of falling behind your peers,...

Passing the ABP pediatric certification exam is a major career milestone - but it doesn’t have to feel like an isolated, stress-filled marathon. With the right mindset and pacing, you can make residency your prep - layering in review, reinforcing weak areas, and safeguarding your well-being along the way.  ...

Introduction: Why SOAP Matters Match Week is one of the most exciting (and nerve-wracking) times in a medical student’s journey. By Monday of match week, you’ll find out whether you matched. For many students, this brings relief and celebration. But for some, it’s the start of an incredibly stressful process:...

Applying to residency is one of the most exciting and pivotal steps in your medical journey. For most U.S. medical students, the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) is the mechanism through which you will tell your story, showcase your qualifications, and secure those all-important interviews and ultimately a spot in...

The Step 2 CK exam score is one of the top factors residency programs use when selecting candidates to interview. Most students in the United States take the USMLE Step 2 CK after their third-year clinical rotations—typically between May and July—to align with residency application timelines. This schedule ensures you...

With the change of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 transitioning to an entirely pass-fail examination, more emphasis has been placed on the USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (Step 2 CK) score in the residency selection process. [blurred_unlock] KeyPoint Details Importance Step 2 CK is one of the most important...

Congratulations! You did it! You took USMLE Step 1, the test you spent months studying for, and now you’re anxiously awaiting that email notification telling you that your Step 1 score is available. So now what? 

Residency application is fast approaching and students need to decide which programs they want to apply to and ultimately interview at. When compiling a list of these programs, there are several key factors that ought to be kept in mind.