One of the most expensive mistakes is spending time and effort on things that don’t actually move you closer to your goals.
There is a famous principle in business and investing called the 80/20 rule. Accordingly, 80% of results usually come from the 20% most important activities. What’s interesting is that this principle is also absolutely true for USMLE journey and the path to American boarding school.
1. The 80/20 rule in the USMLE journey and US boarding records
Many Vietnamese doctors I have met are very hard-working people.
- They make efforts to get more degrees.
- They invest in scientific research.
- They actively volunteer.
- They participate in a lot of activities to make their profile stronger.
And I want to make it clear: none of this is wrong.
Research is a very important part of the application. Volunteering can show commitment to the community and ability to adapt to new environments. A suitable degree can open more opportunities, especially when a person needs more background, time, or a transition path to prepare for the path to practice as a doctor in the US.
But in the journey to becoming a doctor in the US, the value of an activity does not just lie in how it “sounds good” on the CV.
2. The true value of an activity lies in the context
The true value of each activity on your profile depends entirely on context:
- How well it fits your goals.
- At what stage in your journey does it appear?
- What does it add to the overall story of the record?
- And is it helping you become a clearer, more convincing candidate?
Same research, but for two different people, the value can be very different.
It’s the same volunteering, but in two different profiles, the meaning may not be the same.
It’s the same thing as studying for another degree, but some people do it as a strategic step, others do it because they don’t know what the next step should be, and just continue to follow their instincts.
Therefore, the issue is not whether or not to do research. It’s not whether or not you should volunteer. Nor is it right or wrong to study for another degree.
The core issue is: Is what I’m doing really serving my direction, or is it just making me feel more secure because at least I’m still “trying”?
3. The difference between effort that produces results and “busyness in disguise”
Because the naked truth is: not all efforts create equal value.
There are activities that produce real results. But there are activities that just create the feeling that we are making progress.
That’s why two people spend the same amount of time and spend the same amount of effort: one person goes very far, the other is still struggling near the starting position.
Differences do not always lie in intelligence. It’s not always about the level of diligence. Many times, the biggest difference lies in strategy:
- What they choose to focus on.
- They courageously refuse anything.
- And they understand what’s really important at each stage.
What I realized after many years of working with doctors who want to practice in the US is: Most of you do not lack ability. Most of you do not lack willpower. What you really lack is clarity – a map, a sufficiently objective perspective.
And sometimes, you need a leader to help you distinguish between real value creation, and what is just busyness disguised as “preparing documents.”
4. An effective long-term strategy to become a doctor in the US
Lost money can be earned back. But time is absolutely not.
Age 25, age 35 and age 45 are very different stages of life. We all have a finite number of years to pursue our most important goals.
So the question isn’t just: “Can I try harder?” but:
“Of all the things we could do, what are the things that actually produce results?”
Because effort gets you far. But the right strategy will help you not waste your own time and effort.
Are you really getting closer to your goals, or are you just busy?
If you are a medical student or a doctor in Vietnam who wants to conquer your dream of becoming a doctor in the US and need guidance and support, please send a message to your inbox for advice.
What do you think about these shares? Please comment to let me know. Please share if you find it useful!
Dr. Christina Nguyen
Phoenix Medical Academy
