Mahnoor Waqar

Dr. Waqar’s interest in psychiatry was deeply personal, influenced by a family member’s struggle with schizophrenia and her psychologist mother’s insights. Her passion for the field solidified during her house job psychiatry rotation, leading her to complete a year of psychiatry residency in Pakistan before pursuing the US Match. She emphasized that psychiatry has become highly competitive and should not be treated as a backup specialty.

She stressed the importance of gaining US Clinical Experience (USCE), noting that even private clinic exposure can be valuable if it results in strong, personalized letters of recommendation (LORs). She also highlighted that Step 3, though not mandatory, can be a major advantage if completed before or during the interview season. Additionally, she underscored the significance of crafting a compelling personal statement and engaging in psychiatry-related research to demonstrate commitment.

Regarding interviews, she pointed out that strong history-taking and communication skills are essential in psychiatry and that USCE helps in adapting to the US healthcare system. Her final advice was to trust one’s instincts in the Match process, proactively seek opportunities, and maintain persistence throughout the journey.