Low Scores but Matched with Proper Guidance | IMG Real Story | 2026 IM Match

In this exclusive USMLE Sarthi interview, Dr. Rahul Chikatimalla shares his real 2026 Internal Medicine Match journey as an IMG. Despite achieving excellent USMLE scores and building a competitive application, he faced unexpected challenges during the Match process. Learn valuable insights about: USMLE Step scores and their impact Internal Medicine Match 2026 IMG residency application strategy Visa sponsorship considerations Interview experiences Common mistakes IMGs make How to strengthen your residency application This honest conversation provides practical guidance for International Medical Graduates planning to match into Internal Medicine in the United States. 📍 Presented by USMLE Sarthi #IMGMatch #USMLE #InternalMedicine #ResidencyMatch #Match2026 #USMLESarthi #IMGJourney #ERAS #ResidencyApplication #MedicalResidency #USMLEStep1 #USMLEStep2 #VisaSponsorship #DoctorLife #IMGSuccess Looking for more guidance and support for your IMG residency journey? Visit Sarthi for expert assistance with USCE, research, Fellowship, SOAP, Interview Preparation and more. Check out our services- Residency Match Plan- https://www.usmlesarthi.com/residency... For Season 2028 & Later- https://www.usmlesarthi.com/flexible-... Rotation - https://www.usmlesarthi.com/clinicalr... Research - https://www.usmlesarthi.com/research.... For inquiries, contact us at: Website- https://www.usmlesarthi.com/ Email: [email protected] Get in Touch Instagram -   / usmlesarthi   Facebook -   / usmlesarthi   Twitter -   / usmlesarthi   LinkedIn-   / usmlesarthi   Social media groups Telegram - https://t.me/+MPopi5dhe0VjOGZh Facebook-   / usmleresidencymatchbestgroup   LinkedIn-   / 13894264   00:00 – Intro & Background 00:25 – Medical School & Step Scores 00:46 – First Match Cycle Failure 01:08 – Research Position at U of Miami 01:25 – Second Cycle Success 01:49 – Value of Research Mentors 02:29 – Mock Interview with Dr. K 03:21 – Key Interview Tips 04:09 – What Changed Between Seasons 05:13 – Closing Thanks