Hey all.

I have a question and am hoping that someone can help me out with.

I BADLY want to go into a fellowship (cardio, GI, or nephro) after doing an IM residency. However, I am scared to apply in IM overall since I am not sure if I will be able to get a fellowship.

I don't want to offend anyone, but I would like to pursue a fellowship after IM. I am currently in the process of narrowing down and giving this residency thing a serious thought, which is why I came to this site.

What are the chances of getting these fellowships? I have heard that cardio and GI are VERY tough to get into. How does one go about improving their chances for getting one of these fellowship spots? Please realize that I am a med student and need to think about the FELLOWSHIP which means that I have to set up the IM residency accordingly. In essence, the residency becomes a "stepping stone." So, how should I plan my residency to aid my chances of a fellowship?

THANKS SO MUCH FOR ALL YOUR HELP IN THIS!! I am very hesitant (and worreid) about what to do regarding IM. I am scared that I will do IM and then NOT get into a fellowship.

Once again...I do not mean to offend anyone! Different strokes for different folks! (ok...that is the LAST time I use a cliche..especially a corny one like that!!)

Thanks!

I'm coming from a somewhat similar perspective in that I did internal medicine but decided to do anesthesiology as my "fellowship". When I was looking at prospective fellowships, and eventually other residencies, I did not have any problem getting strong interest because of where I was coming from and the academic reputation of the program.

I would strongly advise you to go to an academic center for your IM training if you want to maximize the chances of getting a fellowship. There are some exceptions for private hospital systems (Baylor - Dallas has a strong reputation and routinely places its residents in great fellowship spots), but for the most part, the larger academic programs will provide you with more clout on your resume and perhaps a smidge of better training.

When I left, I had the opportunity to take positions with either cardiology, pulmonology, radiation oncology, and anesthesiology. I know that my IM background gave me those opportunities and regardless of what you decide to do in the end, you will come out a well trained, thorough, and competent physician with your IM training. My IM training helps me daily in my new field and give me the confidence to make critical decisions without hesitation.

Good luck with your endeavors.

I really think people worry about this too much. Our residencies are in a university affiliated community program, about 60% of our IM residents go into fellowships, and in 8 years I know of no one who wanted a position but didn't get one.

Perhaps our faculty has better connections than average....

...a program director

In general just find a good/strong residency in a city where you'll be happy. Preferably this will happen at an academic center if you're looking for a fellowship of some type. If you KNOW and I do mean KNOW you'll do fellowship X you may want to target your residency towards a center that has a good reputation for that speciality and where you think you'd be able to stand living for 6-8 years.

Cards and GI are currently very competitive but who knows what the climate will be like in a few years. Most people who do not geographically restrict themselves will match into a fellowship, you just need to have a realistic understanding of how strong your application is and cast your net accordingly. For example are you the standard 2nd year resident who's done a bit of research, perhaps an abstract or such or are you someone who's finishing a chief year, have presented at a national meeting with a couple of solid publications and letter writers who know people on the fellowship selection committee at the center you're interested in going to? Both people can get a fellowship, just one has to be more willing to travel further.

Cards and GI are currently very competitive but who knows what the climate will be like in a few years.


Interesting quote.


I am curious as to what you folks' opinions are about the FUTURE of some of these fellowships. Will they be more difficult to get into? Less difficult?

I was looking at someone's post in the FP forum and they were ranting and raving about PA and RNs taking over FP jobs. What struck me was that they were also mentioning IM physician jobs being taken away also.

So...what are your opinions about the future of not only IM but the future of the fellowships in terms of difficulty in getting into them.

Your opinions are DEFINITELY appreciated!!

Interesting quote.


I am curious as to what you folks' opinions are about the FUTURE of some of these fellowships. Will they be more difficult to get into? Less difficult?

I was looking at someone's post in the FP forum and they were ranting and raving about PA and RNs taking over FP jobs. What struck me was that they were also mentioning IM physician jobs being taken away also.

So...what are your opinions about the future of not only IM but the future of the fellowships in terms of difficulty in getting into them.

Your opinions are DEFINITELY appreciated!!



Hey Medlaw,


Which thread was that ranting going on in again ;) ? Check out this link:

http://www.memag.com/be_core/MVC?mag=m&action=viewArticle&y=2004&m=05&d=21&article=pcprospect.html&path=/be_core/content/journals/m/data/2004/0521&title=Jobs+2004:+Primary+care+outlook&template=past_issues_show_article.jsp&navtype=m


Willamette