How Dr. Davion Bartholomew Secured a Pre-Match Offer Despite Multiple Step 1 Attempts (IMG Roadmap Series #130)

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How Dr. Davion Bartholomew Secured a Pre-Match Offer—Even After Setbacks

Have you ever wondered if matching is still possible—even with multiple Step 1 attempts?

Dr. Davion Bartholomew is living proof that it is. As a U.S. citizen IMG who graduated in 2020 and faced more than one Step 1 attempt, her path wasn’t what most would consider “ideal.” And yet, she went on to secure multiple interviews and ultimately a pre-match offer in family medicine. Her story challenges one of the biggest fears IMGs carry—that one setback can permanently close doors—and shows that with the right adjustments, those doors can still open.

Do you feel like you’re doing everything “right” but still not seeing results?

That was exactly where Dr. Davion found herself early in her journey. She was using the same resources everyone else uses—UWorld, NBME exams, standard study methods—but something still wasn’t clicking. What she later realized is that success isn’t just about what you use, but how you use it. Once she shifted from just “working harder” to actually understanding her gaps, everything began to change.

What if the problem isn’t your knowledge—but something deeper?

For Dr. Davion, the issue wasn’t a lack of knowledge. It was endurance. Sitting through long exam blocks caused her focus to drop significantly halfway through, which affected her performance more than she initially realized. Once she identified this, she stopped trying to fix the wrong problem and started training for the real one—building the stamina needed to perform consistently from start to finish.

Have you ever tried to rush the process just to be “done already”?

Dr. Davion openly shares that she initially approached the journey this way. She wanted to move quickly—pass exams, apply, and match as fast as possible. But that urgency ended up working against her. It wasn’t until she slowed down, became more intentional, and focused on one step at a time that she began to see real progress. Sometimes, the fastest way forward is actually to stop rushing.

What actually changed between failing and finally passing?

The biggest shift was mindset. Instead of letting failure define her, she used it as feedback. She started addressing not just how she studied, but how she thought, how she prepared, and how she approached challenges. That internal shift gave her the confidence and clarity she needed to move forward differently—and ultimately, more effectively.

Have you been told that your chances are low because of your background?

Dr. Davion heard that too. Being several years out of graduation, having multiple attempts, and applying as an IMG can come with a lot of discouraging opinions. But instead of accepting those narratives, she stayed focused on what she could control—her preparation, her strategy, and her persistence. Her results speak for themselves: nine interviews and a pre-match offer.

What does it really take to stand out as an IMG today?

It’s not just about scores. Dr. Davion applied broadly, leaned into her interest in family medicine, and made a deliberate effort to connect with people. She reached out to colleagues, followed up with programs, and stayed proactive throughout the cycle. That level of effort—combined with a clear direction—helped her create opportunities that might not have come otherwise.

Have you ever thought about skipping an opportunity because it felt inconvenient?

One of the most pivotal moments in her journey came from an interview she almost didn’t attend. It required traveling for an in-person interview, something she hadn’t planned for. But she decided to go anyway—and that decision led directly to her pre-match offer. It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes the opportunity that changes everything is the one that feels hardest to say yes to.

What would she say to someone who just failed an exam?

She would tell you to pause. Not quit—but pause. Take time to process what happened, get honest about what didn’t work, and then rebuild your approach with intention. Jumping back in too quickly often leads to repeating the same mistakes. Growth comes from reflection, not just repetition.

So… is a pre-match really possible for you?

If Dr. Davion’s journey shows anything, it’s that there is no single “perfect” path. Even with delays, setbacks, and doubts along the way, she was able to position herself for success. Not because everything went smoothly—but because she adapted when it didn’t. And that’s what ultimately made the difference.

Listen to the full episode here:


https://open.spotify.com/show/45NNJ7ewtqynqyssbwm1xz

Connect with Dr. Davion

Instagram: @davi_bartholomew

Mentioned in This Episode

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