Hi peeps, how are you doing?
These last four months have been an emotional rollercoaster! In December 2017, I got invited for a residency interview! It was so exciting to get that letter in the midst of the rejection letters I received.
Fast forward to January. I had the interview in Edmonton. I was a bit nervous, and in retrospect, I feel I could have answered the questions better than I did. In February, I submitted my rank list (for that one program) and prayed for the best.
The CaRMS match results were released on March 1st. I checked them with great trepidation and I was extremely disappointed that I didn’t get matched.
Undaunted by this, I put in for the second iteration and I was still very hopeful that I would at least get an interview. Two interview rejection letters from The University of Calgary came in 2 days ago. Another one from McMasters came in this morning. They have broken me down completely and I am so sad.
I’ve been in Canada for two years and I was really banking on starting residency in this cycle. The main odds I think against me at this point are my year of graduation, my limited clinical experience, the gaps in between, and my recency of practice. With every year that passes and I remain in Canada, these issues worsen. So, I realize I have to do something about the amount of clinical experience and recency of practice. This means that I might have to go back home for a stint at clinical practice.
At this point, I can honestly not tell you that I know what lies in the road ahead but what I do know is this: God has great plans for me so I’m glad I’ve got him in my corner and everything will eventually work out for my good and to His glory. I will not be deterred by the Canadian IMG process, CaRMS or any other obstacles in my way.
What to do if you don’t get matched in the CaRMS
I will continue blogging about the process for IMGs to practice medicine here in Canada. I’m also going to reapply during the next CaRMS cycle.
While I’m at it, I intend to prepare for the USMLE and maybe PLAB, so I just decided to go social! I started a YouTube channel and Instagram, Twitter and Facebook pages where I will be sharing my experiences, materials including live and recorded videos on my exam preparations. If you are interested, please follow me. My social handle is Doctor Ufuoma (DoctorUfuoma) on all the platforms.
Still, I rise!
I am beginning again!
Journey with me!
I admire your courage and determination. It can only get better. Explore other options and stay positive. God will do it for you!
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Thanks, doc! God will indeed do it for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Good luck to you! This process is extremely difficult and draining in many ways. I feel though, that if this is our goal and our dream we cannot quit on it until we have tried ALL avenues to get it. Glad to see your blog 🙂 Let’s keep at it!
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Thanks VR for your comment and for visiting my blog! You’re right that we can’t give up. We just can’t and we won’t.
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Dear Ufuoma, like the Mary Mary song… You can’t give up now,.. come too far from where you started from. Nobody told you the road would be easy and you don’t believe He brought you this far, to leave you! It will surely end in praise for you sis. Thanks for being a source of encouragement even in your struggles.
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Thank you so much for your comment, Funmi. I’m glad I could be an encouragement!
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Some disappointments may bite hard but they strengthen you and allow you re-evaluate and approach the issue from a clearer angle. As you have your heart set in this i believe you would take the steps necessary for you to succeed. In addition i believe in the power of good. You have written this blog over so many years and information you have so freely shared has blessed someone somewhere. God sees and He will reward. Stay upbeat it can only get better 🙂
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Thanks for the uplifting words, Dr Sandy. 🤗
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I must say; You are wonderful!! Every post of yours is either a source of inspiration or information.I can’t wait to celebrate you when you finally start the residency you are so passionate about.
Following…
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Thank you for your kind words, Dr Arinze. I sincerely appreciate it!
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Doctor Fomski, I was wondering since you are thinking of taking the PLAB and therefore practicing in the UK, has anyone advised you on how to go about it? Because I am thinking of taking the PLAB too however they appear to be very stringent on clinical gaps so I don’t know what advice they give to doctors who are old graduates
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Hi Mimi. I think the best thing to do might be to go back to your country and practise for a while to get some experience?
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