How Dr. Safadi Prepared for the IMLE Exam: BTALK Podcast Episode 1

Dr. Yasmin abu seif
Dec 20, 2025
3 min read

Passing the IMLE (Israeli Medical Licensing Exam) on the first try is a challenging goal, in fact over 70% of foreign-trained doctors do not succeed the first time.

In this BTALK podcast episode, Dr. Safadi, a first-time passer, shares his personal journey preparing for the IMLE exam. He opens up about the resources he relied on, his study strategies, the mistakes he learned from, and the biggest challenges he faced on exam day.

About Dr. Safadi

Dr. Ali Safadi is from the Golan Heights and completed his medical studies in Napoli, Italy. He took the IMLE in English, even though his first language is Arabic, which added an extra layer of challenge. In the podcast, he candidly shares how he navigated a massive syllabus, multiple resources, and the stress of exam day, offering practical tips for other foreign-trained doctors preparing for the IMLE.

The Preparation Journey

Dr. Safadi admitted that at first, his study routine was inconsistent and scattered. “I was jumping between several resources and using 2–3 question banks at the same time. I had no clear structure, and I kept forgetting what I had studied,” he said.

The turning point came when he created a more organized study plan. “I broke down the topics into daily sessions, practiced questions every day, and focused on understanding the concepts rather than just memorizing facts,” he explained.

He emphasized tracking progress: “I noticed which questions I kept getting wrong and spent extra time on those areas. Being consistent, even when I didn’t feel like it, made all the difference.”

Check out our ready-to-use 6-month study plan for IMLE exam preparation. Click here to view the plan.

Understanding the IMLE

Dr. Safadi stressed the importance of knowing the exam format. “The IMLE is mostly case-based multiple-choice questions. It tests how you think through patient cases, not just what you remember. The core subjects are Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, OB/GYN, and Psychiatry.”

He added, “If you don’t understand how to approach questions step by step, it’s easy to get lost. You need to practice thinking like a doctor, not just a student.”

Learn how to solve IMLE questions step-by-step with Dr. Amin. Click here to start reading

Key Lessons from Dr. Safadi

From his experience, Dr. Safadi highlighted several important takeaways for anyone preparing for the IMLE:

Focus on reasoning, not just memory: Understand the ‘why’ behind every case.
Consistency is key: Daily practice and steady progress matter more than cramming.
Practice real cases: Simulating patient scenarios trains your clinical thinking.
Prepare for exam day: Manage stress, pace yourself, and trust your preparation.

Dr. Safadi’s story shows that success on the IMLE is possible, even with a large syllabus, a second language, and exam stress. His journey is a reminder that careful planning, persistence, and smart study strategies can help foreign-trained doctors overcome the challenges of one of the most demanding licensing exams.