Every medical student in the world is required to study for 4-7 years, get exceptional grades, and be, in essence, "perfect" to achieve educational goals. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, perfection means "complete and correct in every way, of the best possible type or without fault." But the question remains: Who is perfect, who can be perfect, and should we fault ourselves for not being it?
In the United States, the word "perfection" is more important for international medical graduates (IMGs) because we have a lower probability of getting matched in a medical residency program than American graduates.
We must strive and be persistent in our perfection because IMGs are often held to higher standards. We are expected to have higher United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) scores; extensive research experience; and even a flawless career trajectory just to get attention from the medical residency programs.
From being the top students in medical school to looking for the best opportunities so that you have a competitive resume for a spot in a residency program, you may have to leave behind your country and your family — and go through a world pandemic — to prep for the USMLE.
There seems to be a lot to think about that weighs on our mental health: from studying late, doing night shifts in hospitals, working part-time, receiving or not receiving financial help, taking loans, or even having to care for your loved ones.
