40. IMG Roadmap Episode #58: Dr. Jessica, Neurology

On this episode of IMG Roadmap, Dr. Jessica shares with us her journey to becoming a neurology specialist.

Despite the common misconceptions, neurology is actually an IMG friendly specialty with a broad spectrum of fellowship opportunities available. For Jessica, her interest in neurology began before she ever made it to medical school. Through her graduate degree Jessica participated in research and clinicals as an observer in neuro. This allowed her to gain experience and see a bit into the field before she ever learned the anatomy of the brain.

Once it came time to apply for medical school, some advised Jessica to wait due to academic struggles, but others encouraged her to consider Caribbean schools. After getting in, school was still a difficult challenge along with her STEP exams. Despite these challenges, Jessica was persistent and kept moving forward and is now a neurology resident in Kansas City.

For IMGs looking into neurology, don't shy away from it!

This specialty is 100% accessible and attainable if you put forth the work and have the desire to do so.

Dr. Jessica struggled to get clinicals within the neurology specialty, but highly recommends taking electives and any other opportunities to open doors to network within your desired specialty. When apply for residency, be sure to plan ahead and keep up your networking relationships over the years. It is wise to have recommendations from your specialty, but also from a psych specialty and attendees that can attest to your character as well as what kind of physician you will be as a whole.

For those struggling through STEP and other exams, remember to PRACTICE and familiarize yourself with the types of questions.

And for every IMG, when you find yourself struggling or overwhelmed, remember:

Your journey is not over because of a low score or failure. It is only over when you quit.

Persistence will break resistance!

If you would like to connect with Dr. Jessica, you can do so on Instagram @procrastinationmd

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