Dr. Vikram Madireddy’s PLAB 2 Journey: A Medical Nomad’s Path to Success with RadXMed
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At RadXMed, we take pride in supporting international medical graduates (IMGs) through their journey of securing medical licensure abroad. One such inspiring journey is that of Dr. Vikram Madireddy, a physician-scientist with a passion for neurology, global medicine, and research. With experience spanning across the USA, Japan, and the UK, he came to us for PLAB 2 preparation, completing three mock exams that played a key role in his success.
Here’s how RadXMed helped him navigate the unique challenges of adapting to the UK medical system and excelling in the PLAB 2 exam.
The Making of a Medical Nomad
Growing up, Dr. Madireddy dreamed of becoming a police detective, which, in a way, isn’t too different from his current career.
"You take the information provided, investigate, and draw a conclusion—only I traded a gun and badge for a stethoscope and white coat."
His curiosity and analytical mindset led him into neurology, fascinated by the complexity of the human brain and language processing. Japan became a pivotal part of his journey, where he not only pursued research but also developed a passion for the Japanese language.
"Japan has some of the best imaging technology and endovascular techniques in the world. Learning Japanese opened the door for research opportunities I never imagined."
However, before settling into his long-term dream of bridging neurology research between Japan and the UK, he needed to complete PLAB 2 and gain clinical experience in the NHS.
PLAB 2 Preparation: Lessons Learned with RadXMed
Unlike many IMGs, Dr. Madireddy chose to skip expensive PLAB academies in the UK and fully rely on RadXMed’s online mock exams to sharpen his skills. His experience was far from smooth at first.
"I failed my first two mocks, but it was necessary. I needed to unlearn my American medical habits and adapt to the UK’s patient-centered communication."
With each mock, he refined his approach. The most crucial shift came after his second mock, when he took Dr. Nilesh Jadhav’s advice to completely restructure his study plan:
- Reviewing UK guidelines daily (charities, referral protocols, NHS practice)
- Practicing with study groups
His "aha" moment came between the second and third mock—scheduled just hours before his flight to London.
"I trained like hell using all the feedback and feedback forms. By the third mock, my mind had shifted from American to British—even though I had only set foot in the UK a handful of times."
Why RadXMed Was the Perfect Fit
Dr. Madireddy deliberately chose RadXMed over an academy, citing several key reasons:
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Flexibility – No need for long-term accommodation in the UK
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Affordability – High-quality coaching at a fraction of the cost of academies
- High-Impact Feedback – Personalized examiner critiques that shaped his progress
"RadXMed knows what they’re doing. They’re remote, flexible, affordable—and without them, I don’t think I would have passed."
His biggest piece of advice to future PLAB 2 candidates?
"Understand the country you want to work in. I didn’t know what a GUM clinic or PALS was before studying. The UK system is fundamentally different from the U.S.—you need to fully immerse yourself in it."
Another challenge he faced was adjusting his communication style:
"As an American, I tend to talk fast and casually. In the UK, patients expect doctors to be more formal and composed. The examiners taught me how to adjust my demeanor to fit NHS expectations."
What’s Next for Dr. Madireddy?
With PLAB 2 behind him, Dr. Madireddy is now preparing for FY1 in the UK, while continuing his brain-mapping research between London and Tokyo.
The image above captures a significant milestone in his journey—a meeting in New York with Ambassador Mikio Mori, the Consul General of Japan in New York, who stands at the center. To his left (second from the right) is Dr. Madireddy, whose innovative neurology research has earned him Japanese government funding as a scholar at the University of Tokyo. His work focuses on language processing in the brain, contributing to advancements in stroke recovery, Alzheimer's treatment, and cognitive neuroscience.
His future plans include:
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August 2025 – Starting FY1 in the UK
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2027 – Returning to Tokyo to complete his PhD
- Long-Term Goal – Passing the Ishi Kokka Shiken (Japanese Medical Licensing Exam)
"If I pass USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), and the Ishi Kokka Shiken (Japan), I’ll have licenses in three countries. My dream is to bridge global neurology research across these nations."
Ultimately, he hopes to become a physician-scientist in neurology, focused on language circuits and cognition.
"The human brain is the most complex organ in existence. Studying how it adapts to learning different languages could unlock groundbreaking treatment options for stroke and Alzheimer’s patients."
For now, he embraces his nomadic lifestyle, splitting his time between London and Tokyo.
"At some point, I may have to settle down, but for now, I’m living my dream—studying medicine across the world and exploring new cultures."
Final Thoughts: Advice to Future Doctors
Dr. Madireddy’s journey wasn’t always easy, but his persistence, adaptability, and strategic use of RadXMed’s mock exams helped him ace PLAB 2 and move one step closer to his dream.
For future IMGs, his top advice is:
- Immerse yourself in the country’s medical system
- Seek mentors and make local connections
- Don’t just memorize—understand the WHY behind clinical practices
"I went to a student party during my UK elective and almost didn’t go. That night, I met professors who later became my research mentors and helped me navigate the UK system. You never know when an opportunity will present itself—take every chance to network!"
We at RadXMed are incredibly proud to have been part of Dr. Madireddy’s journey and can’t wait to see what he accomplishes next.