IMG and Neurosurgery Research

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Just wondering, since for IMGs dreaming of hoping for a neurosurgery residency, research is a must, does research for maybe 2 years with a research-oriented neurosurgeon (with publications) in his/her lab carry more weight than say a neuroscience PhD?

Originally Posted by JCX

Just wondering, since for IMGs dreaming of hoping for a neurosurgery residency, research is a must, does research for maybe 2 years with a research-oriented neurosurgeon (with publications) in his/her lab carry more weight than say a neuroscience PhD?

Are you IMG or FMG?

Research with a neurosurgeon who is well regarded and associated with a neurosurgery program would likely be more fruitful than a PhD. Neurosurgery is a small community and a lot of attaining a residency position, with the odds against you, is who you know. The PhD, however, opens other opportunities if things do not work out and provides an additional degree/training that may look better objectively.

Thank you very much. I am an IMG.
Are there formal programs for working with a neurosurgeon in His lab?

definitely choose to do research in an American neurosurgeon's lab over a neuroscience PhD (even if the program is in the US).

there are many IMGs who match into neurosurgery programs each year. there is one who was from South America and matched into HOPKINS some years ago--and he did research at Hopkins for about 3-4 years before landing a spot.

basically, you want to get into the lab of a well-established, well-connected, well-regarded neurosurgeon, and work your butt off.

good luck to you.

Originally Posted by DaeHanMD

there are many IMGs who match into neurosurgery programs each year.

Many is a bit of an overstatement, each year there are several IMGs that match.

Originally Posted by DaeHanMD

there is one who was from South America and matched into HOPKINS some years ago--and he did research at Hopkins for about 3-4 years before landing a spot.

This is not entirely rare. Often, IMGs will spend several years working in a lab at a well regarded neurosurgery program. The ones who end up matching have an all around stellar application. While I do not have numbers of people pursuing this track, or a ratio of those involved and those who match, a glance at the websites of several larger neurosurgery departments suggests that there are far more IMGs conducting research than those who match each year..

Thanks, all
So, how does one land a research job in a neurosurgeon's lab

Originally Posted by JCX

Thanks, all
So, how does one land a research job in a neurosurgeon's lab

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