About Us

Dr. Ryan Downey is currently the Learning Strategies Specialist supporting the Physician Assistant Studies program at Stanford University School of Medicine. He brings a unique blend of experience drawn from a 20+ year career encompassing cognitive neuroscience research, educational assessment and test development, and product management.

Dr. Downey began his career coordinating research programs in the Division of Cognitive Neurology at Johns Hopkins. This formative experience led him to pursue doctoral training in a branch of cognitive neuroscience focused on the neural substrates of language processing, memory, and attention.

With the help of Dr. Desai, Dr. Downey founded MD2B Diagnostic, LLC, with the mission of using technology, learning science, and assessment to help IMGs and medical students overcome obstacles on their way to achieving personal and professional fulfillment.

Dr. Downey holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Michigan and an M.S. in Basic Medical Science from Wayne State University. He earned his Ph.D. from the Joint Doctoral Program in Language and Communicative Disorders from San Diego State University and the University of California–San Diego.

Dr. Samir Desai serves on the faculty of the Baylor College of Medicine in the Department of Medicine. Having mentored and taught many U.S. medical students and IMGs who have achieved high scores on the USMLE Step 2 CK and COMLEX Level 2 CE exams, he has gained tremendous insight into the factors that lead to success. Dr. Desai also has personal experience with the Step 2 CK exam, having earned a score in the 99th percentile.

A dedicated teacher, he has received numerous teaching awards. Dr. Desai is an author and editor, having written 21 books that together have sold over 250,000 copies worldwide. As a faculty member, he has served on the medical school admissions and residency selection committees. His commitment to helping students reach their professional goals led him to develop the website TheSuccessfulMatch.com. The website's mission is to provide residency applicants with a better understanding of the selection process. 

After completing his residency training in Internal Medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago, Dr. Desai had the opportunity to serve as chief medical resident. He received his M.D. degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine, graduating first in his class.