Preparing for the USMLE exams is never easy. Doing it while working full-time  adds a whole new level of complexity, but it is  possible—with the right approach, consistency, and flexibility. Here’s how I balanced clinical duties and Step 2 CK prep. Why I chose to take Step 2 CK during foundation years After finishing my medical degree and having passed Step 1, I knew that sitting Step 2 CK was the next necessary step. I preferred to get Step 2 done as close as possible to fi

As of August 14, 2025 , the ECFMG is officially transitioning all USMLE-related services to the MyIntealth portal , marking the end of an era—and the beginning of a more structured, less forgiving system. While MyIntealth promises clarity and efficiency, it also removes the flexibility that many relied on, particularly when juggling complex timelines across Step 1, Step 2, and medical credentialing. Let’s break it down. Old USMLE system by ECFMG: the multitasker This was a s

As someone currently engaged in a research “residency” (a specialized foundation program) in the UK, I've often wondered if similar opportunities exist in the US for those passionate about research. The good news is that international medical graduates (IMGs) can pursue research-integrated residency tracks in the United States. However, eligibility varies depending on the specific pathway. Let's explore the options available for IMGs interested in research-focused residency p

Addressing physician shortages in the U.S. In response to the growing physician shortages, several U.S. states have introduced...

Application Process The application process typically opens in mid-February. You must complete a Google form comprising 150-200 words...

When I started Foundation Year 1 (F1), I assumed the hardest part would be adapting to clinical life—learning to balance ward rounds with...

Stepping into specialty training in the UK can evoke a mix of excitement and apprehension. With limited spaces and rising competition,...

After spending 4 months as an F1 doctor in the UK, I’ve had time to reflect on the realities of the role and the healthcare system....

Preparing for the Specialised Foundation Program (SFP) interviews can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. This year, some medical...

Preparing for the USMLE Step 1 is a high-cost, high-effort process, but one that I approached with no regrets. I took Step 1 in my final year of medical school, as it felt like the best and only time I could commit to it. The journey was as rewarding as it was challenging. Here’s a glimpse into my real study timeline and how I managed competing priorities along the way. Why I took Step 1 in final year I wanted Step 1 knowledge just before I started my elective because I wante

A medical elective is a period of study where medical students have the freedom to choose a specific area of medicine or a specialty that...

You may need to submit an academic CV to apply for postgraduate courses or academic jobs and funding. The purpose of an academic CV is to...

The recent announcement from the UK Foundation Programme Office (UKFPO) regarding the integration of Specialised Foundation Programme...

The UK Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA) is an exam that will officially be coming into effect for medical students graduating in 2025...

The Foundation Programme is a 2-year training programme for newly graduated doctors. It is a structured, supervised workplace-based...

It is no secret that many students are hoping to move abroad to practice medicine at some point in their careers. The reasons vary...

With a third of UK medical students planning an early exit from the NHS either to practice abroad or abandon medicine altogether, many...

Medical students in the UK dedicate years of their lives to studying the intricacies of medicine, preparing themselves to become...

Yet another change has been confirmed to how junior doctors will be given their jobs from 2024 onwards, so if you're a 4th-year medical...

As of 2021, the average student loan debt for medical students in the UK is around £71,000 (most students graduate with £70,000-90,000...