About me

I’m a graduate of a U.S. medical school, had mostly Honors on my clinical rotations, and a Step 1 score that is above average for a matched independent applicant in every field except radiation oncology.  I’ve done translational research resulting in first-authorship on a published paper. I served on my school’s admissions committee and helped teach my school’s medical interviewing, clinical diagnosis and medical ethics classes. My two years of GME training were both completed in good standing, without any kind of probation in the interim.  Yet, I am unable to find training leading to board certification.  I’ve asked for help from my school and my training programs, and in response gotten only, “wow, tough situation. Good luck with that.”

I have an alarming amount of student loan debt, and without further training, no hope of ever repaying it. And there are, unfortunately, many people in a similar situation.  I see them at every interview I go to, and correspond with a few others who’ve essentially given up.