Things to do on the last 2 days for USMLE Step 2 CK:
-NBME pics
-Vaccination
-Screening
-Heart sounds (medzcool)
-ECGs (Dirty USMLE)
-All the antibiotics
Topics from FA
-Protozoa (complete with pictures)
-Immunology (immune deficiency syndromes,
(1/2)
Use this prompt:
“I’m going to give you disease. Break it down strictly using First Aid, NBME, and UWorld not internet sources.
Cover Cause of the disease→ Classic Presentation and the most troublesome symptoms with which the patient presents → findings on physical examination
Some people asked me for Step 2 CK tips, so here is what worked for me:
I studied for ~3 months, around 10h/day.
1️⃣ UWorld: one complete pass, tutor mode, random blocks, ~100 questions/day.
Follow the thread:
🚨 IMPORTANT UPDATE: Physician Exemption Confirmed by ECFMG
ECFMG / Intealth, the organization that certifies international medical graduates and enables entry into U.S. residency and fellowship training, has confirmed that USCIS has lifted the processing hold for physicians already inside the United States.
This is a meaningful step forward. But policy language alone does not fix what is happening on the ground.
🔴 What this actually covers (inside the U.S.)
USCIS is expected to resume processing for:
• I-485 (Adjustment of Status / Green Card)
• I-765 (Work Authorization, including C(9) and renewals)
• H-1B petitions filed by U.S. hospitals
• O-1 and similar specialty petitions
• I-539 (change or extension of status)
👉 These physician cases are now eligible to move again.
⛔️ What it does NOT cover
This update appears to apply only to physicians already inside the U.S. It does not clearly extend to:
• Incoming residents starting July 1
• Physicians outside the U.S. with signed job offers
• J-1 consular processing
• H-1B visa stamping abroad
👉 For these groups, the bottleneck effectively remains.
⛔️ Reality on the ground
• No defined timeline for adjudication
• No consistent operational guidance to USCIS field offices yet
• Expedite requests continue to be denied
• Across large physician groups, no confirmed approvals yet since the exemption announcement
So yes, the policy has shifted.
But it has not yet been operationalized.
⚠️ Why timing matters: July 1
July 1 is when U.S. healthcare resets:
• Residency and fellowship programs begin
• Physicians graduate and relocate
• Hospitals rebuild staffing schedules nationwide
It is the single largest coordinated workforce transition in American medicine.
⁉️ The real question
Can USCIS implement a pathway fast enough to process a year-long physician backlog before July 1?
If not, the consequences are immediate:
• Physicians unable to start scheduled roles
• Disrupted call schedules
• Increased burden on already stretched staff
• Delayed or fragmented patient care
• System-wide operational strain across hospitals
This is not theoretical.
This is operational.
🔴 What implementation actually requires
• Clear internal guidance to adjudicators
• Prioritization of physician cases tied to July 1 start dates
• Active processing of EADs and green cards
• Decisions delivered in weeks, not months
✅ Bottom line
This exemption is necessary. But without rapid execution, it will come too late to prevent disruption.
Policy is step one. Operationalization is everything.
In the end, this is a real test of USCIS operational efficiency, whether the system can move with the urgency healthcare demands and deliver decisions before July 1.
#LiftTheHold #PhysiciansOnPause #USCIS #ECFMG #IMG #HealthcareWorkforce #USCISPa
The answer lies in respiratory physiology. While viruses and bacteria are the primary causes of infection, physical factors create a permissive environment for them to thrive.
First, exposure to cold triggers local vasoconstriction. When the blood vessels in your throat narrow, it reduces the immediate delivery of white blood cells specifically neutrophils and lymphocytes to the area. This temporary drop in local immunity allows any existing viral or bacterial load to take hold more easily.
Second, constant airflow from a fan or AC leads to mucosal drying. Your throat is lined with a protective mucus layer and tiny hairs called cilia that move pathogens out of your system. When this lining dries out, the escalator stalls. This cracked barrier makes it much easier for germs to invade the underlying tissue.
In short: The virus or bacteria is the cause, but the cold and dry air are the physical catalysts that disable your body’s first line of defense.
How to avoid it:
• Nasal Breathing: Use your nose; it’s your natural humidifier and filter.
• Indirect Airflow: Position fans/AC so they don't hit your face directly.
• Hydration: Keep fluids up to ensure your mucus layer stays functional.
Okay that's it for today, tomorrow we will discuss another important topic. Follow for more!
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My 30s: A Decade of Bold Execution(A thread)
I entered this decade with dreams in my heart and fire in my spirit—and I’m leaving it transformed.
Started this decade as a single sales associate at Sephora in 2015–2016 (Ages 30-31)
Earned my PhD in Engineering in 2017 (Age 32)
I just released an article on my journey to matching into residency.
Tried to be as detailed and honest as possible, hopefully it answers some of the questions I’ve been getting lately.
Grateful for all the kind messages. Hope it helps someone out there
https://t.co/E29Lg6yiI4
New York Limited License (without Residency)
IMGs and medical graduates can practice under supervision and get paid resident salaries in New York with a limited permit before residency.
Requirements:
•ECFMG certification
•Recognized medical degree
•Supervised practice under a NY-licensed physician
Details:
•Valid for 2 years (renewable)
•Work in hospitals, nursing homes & nonprofit institutions
Tip: Connect with NY healthcare facilities for opportunities. And build a good relationship with NY hospitals
1) Find an employer
2) Fillout Limited permit Application, get it signed by your supervisor and apply with NYMB
3)Get FCVS Credentialing meanwhile
Comment to attend our virtual event/webinar for guidance
#MedTwitter #IMGs #Meded