USMLE FAIL: FAILED STEP 1 - CAN I STILL GET INTO RESIDENCY?

[@rojdabesimekarayel378]

Is it possible to match after a step 1 fail. I dont want to give up. But everyone around me tells me that it is nearly impossible

[@RandyNeilMD]

Possible, but harder...mainly fro the standpoint of screening applicants on who they invite, if they don't know you. COMPLETE all 3 STEPS (to remove the academic 'risk'). Be different... Think outside the box about what you can do to improve their program... More people have failed Step exams than they talk about... If you are IMG it's harder, but not impossible. Enjoy the process... there is no finish line.

[@rojdabesimekarayel378]

@@RandyNeilMD I am IMG. What exactly do you mean by difference?

[@romeolim5067]

Thank you for making these videos. I am 61 years old and a December 2019 Foreign medical graduate. Getting the MD was in my bucket list. I am realistic about my chances of getting into residency. I´ll be happy to get that ECFMG certificate. I am a retired Clinical Laboratory Scientist and a California licensed attorney. I have learned a lot from your videos.

[@RandyNeilMD]

Romeo, Don't give up if it is your dream... Thank you for sharing your story. Keep me posted.

[@romeolim5067]

@@RandyNeilMD thank you very much.

[@rayannabizadeh3201]

Respect Sir. I’m still in med school but it would be an honor one day to work with someone as passionate as you clearly are.

[@romeolim5067]

@@rayannabizadeh3201 thank you!

[@omar-ut9vz]

That is crazy.. How did you manage to do it. Thats very inspirational. I am a chartered accountant and 33 years old. I am still contemplating if i should take a plunge as i have responsibilities and got small kids. My wife is a full.time mum. I am the sole bread winner. The idea of leaving a good paying job and my family in a misery makes me feel selfish as i may not be able to provide for them for atleast 6 years and may not be able to see my children grow with more daddy time.. A real tough call. Besides i live in Asia and have left the UK. So student loans and council benefits are things of the past.... Really proud of what you did man!

[@himanigarg4948]

Thank you so much for this video. I’m myself going through this phase. Failed step 1. I know it’s a difficult journey all together. Trying not to lose hope🤞🏼

[@RandyNeilMD]

Himani, STAY STRONG...STAY FOCUSED... REGROUP and ATTACK in a NEW DIRECTION!!

[@sareenchandani7569]

@Himani Garg hi did you pass?

[@snekjuce]

Did you pass?

[@Bharatkumar-dc7tv]

Thank you, Doc! I just finished Step 1 in 2nd attempt, and now I'm gearing up for Step 2. I recently talked to a friend who's doing their residency in the USA about the idea of getting US Clinical Experience (USCE). Unfortunately, they were pretty negative and suggested I give up. However, I came across your video this morning, and it gave me hope and positivity. I won't give up, and I'm determined to overcome my red flags. I plan to start teaching, as you suggested, and one day, when I've succeeded, I'll come back to this comment section to share my journey with you. Thanks for the encouragement! #spreadpositivity

[@RandyNeilMD]

Yes, never give up on a dream if it is your True passion... ENJOY the PROCESS.

[@Nandoman37]

Thank you Dr. Randy, I got my USMLE STEP 1 score today, 174, very inspirational video, I will keep trying. There are some biochemistry and genetic information I must learn better next time.

[@RandyNeilMD]

Regroup...the ATTACK it again.

[@princessz5087]

Dr. Randy, Thank you very much. Very inspirational video. Distinguished USMLE channel.

[@RandyNeilMD]

Princess Z, Thank you for always being supportive.

[@carmenjcr3365]

Thank you for this, Im an IMG single mom and when I started studying for step 1 my husband asked for the divorce, he left me with our baby all by ourself and just couldnt get through it, obviously I failed step 1 and now im not sure what to do. Im gonna try it again but working full time, taking care of my 2yo daughter and studying is one the most difficult things i have been through in my whole life. I hope I can get certificate someday.

[@RandyNeilMD]

Carmen, Keep moving forward!! Thank you for sharing.

[@snekjuce]

Whatever ended up happening? I failed twice and now looking like a third fail in 9 days 😞

[@saimaanwar2846]

@@snekjucehi can i dm you?

[@ladyfree3492]

This is a good video for people struggling with steps. Alot of folks out there making videos only about how they scored 260 upward

[@RandyNeilMD]

There are more of us (avg), then them (260+)...

[@jameelashkar9244]

Hi Dr Neil, I'm in this boat , yet my attitude always been positive ! I was one of 7 students out of 23 students who passed 2nd year of med school on time ... Everyone has a unique story with the steps ... I'm finding out , it's not a smooth ride for everyone ... * I separated from family as I'm studying for step 1 .. long story short , my oldest daughter was in a car accident as I was studying and this just threw me off guard ... I'm back at it again and I know I'm going pass all my 3 steps before residency ... * God from heavens shower you with his mercy and blessing.. thank you for this video , means a lot ...

[@RandyNeilMD]

Thank you for sharing Jameel. Stay STRONG! KEEP MOVING FORWARD!!

[@areg6068]

Thank you for your video... I am feeling depressed right now because of failing step 1 after so much effort. I feel I still have a lot to think about my life. But is so overwhelming.

[@RandyNeilMD]

AREG, Regroup... ATTACK in a different direction. It stings, but not the end of the road. IT CAN BE DONE.

[@OShawna23]

Haven’t been admitted to medical school yet -but I’ve received 30 rejections so far and failed my MCAT 4 times -trying to pick myself back up again-and try again for trial 5 -hearing this video is #inspiring and gives me hope although it about USLME ✅🙏🏾 #THANKYOU The “Whatever it takes Mentally “ is noted ✅🙏🏾

[@RandyNeilMD]

Don't give up on the dream...EVER. It only takes one opportunity. Stay focused and BELIEVE!!

[@dermislife3129]

Glad I came across this video. Thank you for this video, Dr. Randy! I needed this. As an IMG, I've been extremely confused whether to take my step 1 exam again (after failing) or to give up on my dream and study for the home country exam, which is what I definitely don't want to do. Kindly advice!

[@RandyNeilMD]

I'm just not a big fan of quitting... Regroup and attack in a new direction.

[@drwidhyadevi1530]

did you attempt again ?

[@mansoorhussain9715]

Hey, did you attempt again?

[@chetanreddycds]

Monday Motivation Thank you Dr Randy Neil :-)

[@RandyNeilMD]

Chetan, Start the week strong... STUDY HARD!!

[@dr.sylviacastelino8025]

I haven't taken the exam yet as i lack confidence.. I am too afraid of this exam than anything right now. Can you please make a video on how to overcome this fear? I sure a lot of students have the same problem especially being an IMG... Thanks in advance.

[@RandyNeilMD]

Sylvia, Thank you for sharing... I've been there for sure... Let me see what I can do...

[@harvey2733]

best video for people like me who didn't score up to the mark. u talk like an elder brother. thank u dr. neil

[@RandyNeilMD]

Suraj, Glad it was helpful. KEEP MOVING FORWARD!!

[@moriahakiola1554]

Thanks so much. This is uplifting. I can’t thank you enough. I have been down the whole day 😔

[@RandyNeilMD]

Regroup...then ATTACK.

[@sunvavachi]

Thank you for making this video. I am so behind videos but plan on listening to them this week! Things have been stressful!

[@RandyNeilMD]

Sunethra, Stay focused... Pace yourself. Glad you are back...

[@sunvavachi]

@@RandyNeilMD thank you. Yes, I started your GI videos and plan to use others as I go along. 2020 has been quite a year. Blah. Hope you're well. :)

[@m.noshabzaheer8310]

I loved your video I haven't taken the step exam yet I have just started preparing for it but i already have this fear of failing step 1 especially being an IMG I needed this video Keep videos like this coming Thank you so much ❤️ BTW i loved the interview hack of showing the interviewer that the failure had just made me stronger

[@RandyNeilMD]

Glad it was helpful. KEEP MOVING FORWARD!!!

[@m.noshabzaheer8310]

Will do 🙏

[@mdstudent2620]

Thank you, I really needed this

[@RandyNeilMD]

Glad it was helpful.

[@nopuedeserreal1669]

My wife failed the step 1. She received the bad news today and she wants to leave the school because she was studying a lot and now she is really sad. I don't know how can I help her, this is her dream. Thank you.

[@RandyNeilMD]

Don't make such an important decision when emotional. PUMP THE BRAKES... I assure that every medical school from HARVARD to the Caribbean medical school with a volcano, that every school has had people fail and still "make it". REGROUP, then ATTACK AGAIN...

[@nopuedeserreal1669]

@@RandyNeilMD She was talking with the dean and she cannot apply to dermatology because of this error... Thanks for your words doc.

[@meowmeowone8479]

There were 99 likes. I made it a 100, why? Because Randy Neil always keeps it 💯always!

[@RandyNeilMD]

MMO, Thank you... otherwise my Mom would have to keep creating new accounts... Much Appreciated!

[@meowmeowone8479]

@@RandyNeilMD Ahahahahaaa!!!

[@agh6452]

Thank you so much, I scared a lot that is why I can’t take the risk

[@RandyNeilMD]

Stay STRONG... Stay POSITIVE.

[@aishachohan4888]

I am foreign medical graduate .and graduate of 2015 , I haven't started even for usmle prep bcz I feel I amtoo old graduate to take residency over there .but my dream never dies.

[@RandyNeilMD]

Aisha, NEVER too old... The biggest regret people have isn't failing or being told "no"... it's regretting never taking the chance. Pursue your dream.

[@superior120v5]

I feel like you shouldn't be a doctor if your not a good test taker, their job is heavily reliant upon high stakes testing, just creates too much anxiety and you'll be stuck with all that debt if you can't pass. I already know I couldn't handle that type of pressure. Those tests are very hard too so you can be smart and still fail. I choose k-12 public school teaching lol. I'm an okay test taker, but probably couldn't make it through all medical testing. It's tough 😪

[@RandyNeilMD]

Test ARE very hard... I guess the message of video is how to respond to failure... it doesn't mean 'never', just 'not now' and regroup and move forward.

[@tal8871]

I wonder if this might change in the coming years since step 1 is now p/f. so those who pass may have passed narrowly or with flying colors, but from the standpoint of a program director, the difference in knowledge between someone who passed on their first attempt vs second attempt is much harder to quantify. Except if you look at step 2 and 3 scores.

[@nicolebrent9351]

I haven’t taken the test yet, but I watch your videos for confidence and encouragement. How do you feel about working a light job (2 days a week) while studying for STEP.

[@RandyNeilMD]

We still have to eat and pay the bills... I think it will only sharpen your study skills and make you more efficient.

[@happyworld2985]

You are so awesome. You have such a warm and caring voice with such a humble personality. You are so sweet. If I pass my steps and get into residency, can I marry you? I haven't taken any exams yet. I am too scared to fail.

[@RandyNeilMD]

Sublimation. Stay focused on your studies and CRUSH the exam...

[@vidiyasrikakulapu8065]

How about failing step 1 twice? Be hopeful or should you just move on?

[@RandyNeilMD]

Watch the video about "when to Quit?".... that's how I feel.

[@buggaboomd7068]

Thank you dr Neil. I’m pretty nervous taking step 1. It’s very stressful idk I just don’t know if I will pass.

[@RandyNeilMD]

STAY FOCUSED... STAY CONFIDENT.

[@thewhitch85]

Hello, I am IMG, already with specialty in Pathology. I am working in a hospital as researcher, so I have to work and study at same time. It is really hard. I would like to take the exam but I feel scared to fail. I don't know what to do because is a really slow process and I feel already overwhelmed. I would like to take the test already but I don't know what is worse, fail or have low score. 😢

[@RandyNeilMD]

The Fear will always be there and no one ever feels ready... The key is NBME to make sure you have a legit chance to pass... STAY CONFIDENT and BELIEVE on the outcome. Everything you are feeling is very common... and real (to me).

[@cecillealarcon815]

Thank you so much! 🙏😭🙏😭

[@RandyNeilMD]

Cecille, You are most welcome.

[@dannyd9964]

I’m severely depressed after I got my score. I cannot describe how I feel at all.

[@RandyNeilMD]

Yep. It hurts. Regroup. Attack the exam again. Assess which are needs the most work and make it #1 priority.

[@densmokers5919]

I failed step 1 twice! I was doing great in nbme! Even when i left my both exam daya i felt good and thought i nailed it! I got 250 in step 2 can i still match? I am an IMG graduated in 2018

[@museicxfuhnatic]

US img here. Found out this morning that I failed the step 1 exam. I was definitely not expecting to fail. Do you think it affects an applicant more since it is now pass/fail? Also, thank you for your advice. I think it does make sense to not apply for residency until next year after I have all 3 exams done

[@RandyNeilMD]

Rosa, Not end of the world, though it may feel like it. Many people have overcome failed attempts. The key will be getting all 3 out of way, then "do the extra" stuff... For now, regroup and attack STEP 1. Don't place any worry or thought into anything else...

[@drinaciofernandes]

Your biostqts videos were the only ones I watched for biostatistics

[@RandyNeilMD]

I hope it was helpful.

[@drclassickaur4503]

thanx for this motivational video

[@RandyNeilMD]

You are most welcome.

[@maimoonazubair1989]

Dr randy I am an img .i graduated in 2014.did my inturnship/ housejob in 2017.i gott married in 2015 .failed step 1 in may 2019.because i didnt sleep well the night of exam and performed really bad.ii am a mother of 3 kids too. M planning on giving the exam again . Do u think ill have a chance on residency if i do well now. I really dont want to waste my degree.

[@RandyNeilMD]

Maimoona, It's never too late... Make the connections. Go with your HEART/GUT... it won't lead you wrong.

[@intisar221]

Thank you so much doc for the motivation . I wanna ask you , does the new year is 2022 will help a lot ?? Since step 1 pass or fail will be . I mean for step 1 failed ppl ?? Ur opinion matters 🌹

[@두두도도-k7k]

Thank you for uploading such a good vedio. I am 41 year old IMG in Asia and I am already green card holder. I did step1 yesterday but feel like I fail. It was so hard. I am a mother of 6 yr old boy and now I quit my job as an OBGYN doctor and tried as possible as I could but step1 was more harder than I thought. I was disapponted. Do you think there is possibility to be matched later if I have fail history and also I am old IMG. It will be grateful for giving me some advice or cheerful message. Thank you so much.

[@RandyNeilMD]

Wait for the results before deciding next step... Feeling like you failed means you took the same STEP exam as all of us (and a relatively normal feeling). Enjoy the time between now and result...then attack the next step that you CHOOSE.

[@erkanbatti]

I work as an RN ICU at the hospital which has an FM program. I talked to the director of the program and he told me to go and try some other hospital. he didn't care that I am working there as an ICU RN. he didn't bother to ask about my background... they see you as a three-digit number. all the work behind it is nothing to them

[@RandyNeilMD]

That's a bit of a stomach punch... I think a good Program Director can see beyond the 3 digit score... The Score matters to a point, then "work ethic", "integrity", "loyalty" should be a bigger part of the decision process... I'd be glad you see where you stand so you don't get too focused on that hospital only...

[@drlovie]

Hello Dr Neil. Thank you form your videos. Can you please provide the link to the other videos about your late match application? I am going through a challenge and I would still like to apply this year…even if it is in December. Do you also have any strategies for SOAP? Thank you

[@SydneyObeng]

Hi did you end up applying? I gonna be doing the same this year

[@snekjuce]

If I failed it twice (as an IMG) and I'm about to take it in 9 days and I know for a fact I'm going to fail it again, should I not sit for it. I'm assuming that'd be better than attaining another FAIL on the record smh. I hope you see this before then. I'm really stressin' on this man.

[@RandyNeilMD]

I wouldn't sit for any exam where my mind is assuring me I will fail... I'd make sure NBME scores are high enough. Ask yourself if this is a "Knowledge" issue or a "Confidence" matter... typically, it's a combination of both. You biggest issue is the number of fails will affect any program taking you from a licensing standpoint. Most states have a limit on number of attempts, despite what ECFMG/USMLE says... some states won't license you with 3 attempts...

[@snekjuce]

@@RandyNeilMD Alright, thanks alot brothaman. And yeah it's def a combination but moreso knowledge...being that I have now been out of medschool for now 3 years. Alot of the info I had has just evaporated unfortunately. Appreciate the response though, bless you.

[@owfonewishforum2878]

Failed my ck. Step 1 is good 241. Totally gave up on my dreams to work in USA.

[@RandyNeilMD]

Nah... REGROUP. ATTACK the EXAM again... just now have to PASS STEP 3 before applying... still doable.

[@Medbuddy07]

Hi. I am a non us img 2022 graduate. It's my dream to get into a neurology residency in the US. Can I match into it with step 1 Pass 2nd attempt, step 2 250, 25+ neuro publications, and lors?

[@RandyNeilMD]

Difficult but not impossible. The fact that Step 1 is now PASS/FAIL helps... I would take STEP 3 to remove the 'academic risk" and then I'd even start a KZbin channel specifically learning NEUROLOGY BOARD CERTIFICATION material... If you were my Brother, that's how I would advise...

[@Medbuddy07]

Thank you so much 😊

[@CutestPetYouBet]

With step 1 becoming a pass fail exam without score. What does a failed attempt 10years back mean for matching into radiology especially if I have a greencard and I have done residency in radiology from Philippines since I attempted it back in 2013.should iI pursue radiology still or try to change speciality?

[@RandyNeilMD]

Nothing is impossible until it is mathematically impossible based on Law... The journey is the reward. Sounds cliche or even 'far fetched' but I don't feel anything is impossible... may take a small miracle but 'move towards' your goal...

[@mariumkhalid2934]

Hi. I am a non-US IMG and I failed step 1. Do you think it’s worth starting again? please reply.

[@RandyNeilMD]

Video made today (May 16th) made for you and this question...

[@janebridge2068]

Love your videos. Wondering if theres a way to contact you just for some basic advice related to step 1? Email perhaps?

[@RandyNeilMD]

Lilly, Sorry for not seeing this earlier... If you still need help, feel free to email. randy.neil8 @ gmail.com

[@janebridge2068]

@@RandyNeilMD I think I did email you? perhaps it didnt get through? I will email again

[@hamzaalam4116]

When some one sir take just passing marks not come in merit above 240 so he can apply for step 2 and 3 and then residency

[@RandyNeilMD]

Thank you for sharing Hamza

[@hamzaalam4116]

@@RandyNeilMD ???

[@hamzaalam4116]

Yes I am doing mbbs now a days

[@hamzaalam4116]

Sir u having the mcqs link which help me in usmle step 1

[@sarael7030]

is it possible to get matches in competitive fields if one have to retake step1?

[@RandyNeilMD]

Not impossible, but takes much more effort. I have known many people who have had to retake.

[@darlenecortez8897]

Hello Dr.Randy. Thank you for the video. ❤️ I am foreign medical graduate in 2009 and did my residency in internal medicine in my country finish in 2013. I moved to the United States in 2016 . Currently I am a citizen. I am 37 years old. I haven't worked since this year. Firstable trying to learn English that is not proficient yet. I take step 1 October 2021 and I fail and I will retaken in two days but unfortunately take three NMBE tests and don't reach the pass rate. I am so frustrated. My question is what is my opportunity to enter the residency if I failed twice step 1 ??? I heard that it is better not to go to the exam so that it is not registered, that means, a red flag, that is true??? Please I need advice. Thank you so much!!!!!

[@RandyNeilMD]

I'm a big believer in the accuracy of the NBME as an estimator of your predicted score +/- 10 points. Not sure a 2nd fail is a deal breaker but there are no limits for State licenses on attempts...

[@HT.100]

what is the music that plays in the background?

[@RandyNeilMD]

Ethan Moore - Checkmate.

[@HT.100]

@@RandyNeilMD thank you dr. Randy

[@drinaciofernandes]

As a foreign medical graduate. I scored 193 in February 2020. I had since given up the plan for usmle . But off lately I have been thinking about it again Is it possible to give it again and still match . I'm 30 years old

[@drinaciofernandes]

When you say you need to make contacts. If that's not a possibility should I give up ? Is it possible to get an interview through only with the scores?

[@RandyNeilMD]

@@drinaciofernandes Making contacts helps, but that could mean volunteering at hospital, going to CME events and posters....anything. If it's humanly possible...then it's possible. Create your own story. Don't end the book with "this was my score" and I gave up. This is just my take on it. Be creative and an original...then inspire the next guy in line.

[@drinaciofernandes]

Thank you so much for the prompt reply. I'm muddled by these thoughts still 2 years after getting my score . Your video and your advice was really helpful. Thank you so much for your time

[@venkatraamudu]

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@RandyNeilMD]

You are welcome.

[@venkatraamudu]

@@RandyNeilMD hello Dr Neil, I am an IMG from India, want to prepare for step1, can you please guide me regarding this, there are a lot of resources to prepare so I am confused!!

[@OneGirlRecipes]

I got my score today. I failed... :-(

[@RandyNeilMD]

REGROUP...Attack again.

[@OneGirlRecipes]

@@RandyNeilMD Would I still need to continue doing Uworld questions or can I just go through content and do NBME's?

[@claudioagmfilho]

👏🏻👏🏻🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷 awesome awesome video …

[@RandyNeilMD]

Glad it was helpful.

[@mohdabulubbad9953]

thank you doctor should I pay another time to retake exam or it is free?

[@RandyNeilMD]

Nothing is ever free... unfortunately, it will cost.

[@JewJitzer]

What about for ortho ?

[@zorrento14]

Thank you for your videos Dr. Neil, I am an IMG graduated in 2010, my biggest fear is that the time from graduating serves as a red flag for my interviews, also I have been working in hospitals in the US for about 4 years now as a medical assistant. my questions are: can these 10 yrs after graduation decreases my chances to enter a residency program? Does medical assisting counts/helps in any way at the time of an interview?

[@RandyNeilMD]

The time frame does play a factor from my experience, but again, only from the perspective of getting through the screening process... I'm hoping the medical assisting is in a residency hospital or with someone who is connected...

[@reminemi1153]

I am in same boat as you with respect to graduation years but I am hoping to go all the way !

[@0HolyFudge0]

You failed Step 1?

[@agh6452]

🙏💐💐💐👏👏💐💐💐

[@RandyNeilMD]

You are welcome.