FAQ #3 - about Step 3, program directors, extra-curricular activities, MoH, and duration

1. Did you complete Step 3 and then proceeded to apply to the US? Is it mandatory to finish Step 3 as an IMG to improve your chances of securing a place?
I did not complete my Step 3. It is good to have Step 3, especially if you have low Step 2 CK scores. It also does improve your chances.

2. Do the directors look at your Step 1 score ONLY or do they also consider your medical school transcript?
Well, this depends on the program directors. Most will only look at your Step score as they would never have heard of your medical school before. Plus, it is hard to standardize a foreign medical school from India vs one from Brazil – for example.

3. Does extracurricular activities play an important role? I do not hold any significant positions at my university. I love volunteering and such I do a lot of volunteering. Will a good Step 1 score help mask this area?
Step 1 score is definitely the main factor. This is because usually when US med students apply, they will only have their Step 1 score, and not Step 2 (they apply at the start of their 4th year). Extra things other than your score will just help you make you “unique” among other applicants. If they want to compare two applicants with equal step 1 score, then they will look in other areas such as volunteer activities.

4. Is a publication important? At my university, we have US graduates coming to talk to us about their experience and they stress the importance of publishing a paper. This is quite tough, as I am not aware of such opportunities to participate in research as undergrads. May I know if you have published anything and could you tell me how I would go about with obtaining a position?
I did not publish any paper before getting a position. Yes, research indeed will help improve your chances of getting in, especially if you have a lower Step score, or if you are aiming for a University based program.

5. Will it be possible for me to come back to Malaysia with a US residency degree and work with the government sector?
Absolutely. There are many US-trained specialist already practicing in University Malaya Medical Center and UKM Medical Center. Do keep in mind that you can even come back to work even if you quit housemanship midway. When you work with UM or UKM, you are hired by the MoHE, not the MOH. If you have not quit housemanship halfway, you can apply to the MOH. You can also apply to the MOH if you quit halfway, but you will rejoin under the contract basis. Most specialist trained overseas will want to work in UM or UKM only though.
Also take note that most Malaysians trained in the U.S. usually head directly to Singapore or Australia. Many will also just continue staying in the U.S. Depends on what are your priorities.

6. Do I have to wait a long period after graduation and before obtaining a place in the States? Could you tell me the duration, is it around 1 and ½ years? How long did you have to wait after you graduated and till you start your residency program?
It depends on whether you have completed your USMLE Steps, and how fast you can prepare for it. Every year, residency application opens in September. If you miss the boat, you will have to apply the following year. It is best you plan your strategy depending on which month you graduate from medical school.