94. IMGRoadmap Series #92 Dr. Deborah Makinde (Internal Medicine)

Want to stay inspired with content tailored specifically to IMG’s looking to create their medical success story? Sign up for the IMGRoadmap Newsletter so you never miss a beat! ***** Quick pause: If you are an international medical student or graduate seeking to start residency in any of the 135 specialites in the USA next June, then this is for you! You don't want to regret missing out on this HUGE opportunity! Join the waitlist to be considered for the next round of the IMG roadmap course. The only course that helps you become a more competitive applicant for residency. Seats are limited. Sign up here to be considered! ***** Have you faced failure along your medical journey and you’re worried about your future? Dr. Deborah Makinde’s story will definitely prove to you that any roadblock can be overcome, to land yourself the residency position of your dreams. Keep listening to find out more! Nigerian-born Dr. Makinde moved to the US as a teenager and attended medical school at St. George’s University in Grenada. After her graduation in 2020, She decided to apply to 150 programs for the 2020/2021 match cycle where she scored 4 interviews, but unfortunately, she went unmatched. During the 2020/2021 application period, she highlighted the following roadblocks: She failed  the CS exam, but ended up taking the OET exam thereafter. She could not get ECFMG certified until the following year. Dr. Makinde then decided to take a gap year and reapplied in for the 2022 match cycle, scoring her over 11 interviews and a place on a few waitlists. She has since matched and is now about to be a resident in internal medicine. When asked what she changed about her application the second time around, she highlighted the following steps she took: Applied through SOAP. Tried to achieve a preliminary position, but did not get through. Applied to 250 programs instead of her initial 150 though she does not believe that it made a huge difference. Developed an application packet that was better and that had a theme to it. Wrote personalized statements customized to the prospective programs. Wrote Step 3 and passed. Contacted the programs she didn’t get into asking for feedback, which she applied during her second application. You can reach out to Dr. Makinde via her email ([email protected]) and her Instagram @toyin_20 You can also listen to the full episode on Apple, Spotify & Google Podcasts.