Advice needed, lack of interviews

[dolhan16]

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Hey guys,

I posted in another thread but thought starting my own would be better.

Currently worried about my lack of interviews this season. Applied all over (250+) for FM and IM and have only received 2 offers. I had a third that was tentatively given by a resident (during a telephone interview) but I got an official "no" from the program today.

Me- US IMG. 220/220/P, had to repeat CK once. Nearly all A's in clinicals. Decent letters. I did not match last year because I got my repeat CK scores back mid december.... too late in the process to have a complete application. I had one interview last january and no match.

Since I finished school I tried to boost my app by volunteering in medical related areas (hospice care), improving my spanish speaking skills, taking PALS/ACLS, and I just took step 3 two week ago. So step 3 scores are on the way (was ~230s on UW, but we'll see the final result). I also plan to work in an urgent care clinic after I get my step 3 scores back and/or do research.

Long story short, I am concerned about the lack of offers. Do I keep waiting? Or should I take an active role and contact PC's and PD's to express interest. I have heard from about 60 out of 250 programs, but we all know that not all programs respond.

Any help is appreciated. I have no issue paying for more applications but I feel that I covered it pretty well.

-cheers

EDIT: Wanted to add that I applied to many programs off the beaten path (ie rural, non university, and distant corners of the US)

 

[BlondeDocteur]

If it were me, I would be as proactive as possible (as it sounds you are in general). Target 20 or so programs where you realistically feel you fit the resident profile and in which you're most interested. Write a succinct but highly specific email to the program director (not coordinator!) outlining your interest in their program, and request a 'status update.' It's all quite kosher and will, in general, get your application looked at and a yay/nay decision. If the yield from those 20 is low, select another 20.

In order for this to be effective you have to be both sincere and knowledgeable re: each program to which you've applied, in terms of why you're interested. Don't be vague and don't make it look like a form letter you've copied & pasted.

 

[Iamnotme]

Hey guys,

I posted in another thread but thought starting my own would be better.

Currently worried about my lack of interviews this season. Applied all over (250+) for FM and IM and have only received 2 offers. I had a third that was tentatively given by a resident (during a telephone interview) but I got an official "no" from the program today.

Me- US IMG. 220/220/P, had to repeat CK once. Nearly all A's in clinicals. Decent letters. I did not match last year because I got my repeat CK scores back mid december.... too late in the process to have a complete application. I had one interview last january and no match.

Since I finished school I tried to boost my app by volunteering in medical related areas (hospice care), improving my spanish speaking skills, taking PALS/ACLS, and I just took step 3 two week ago. So step 3 scores are on the way (was ~230s on UW, but we'll see the final result). I also plan to work in an urgent care clinic after I get my step 3 scores back and/or do research.

Long story short, I am concerned about the lack of offers. Do I keep waiting? Or should I take an active role and contact PC's and PD's to express interest. I have heard from about 60 out of 250 programs, but we all know that not all programs respond.

Any help is appreciated. I have no issue paying for more applications but I feel that I covered it pretty well.

-cheers

EDIT: Wanted to add that I applied to many programs off the beaten path (ie rural, non university, and distant corners of the US)

This is a tough one. Unfortunately it seems that the match is getting harder each year in general. I also think that typically non competitive specialties such as IM/FM are getting more AMG applicants given some uncertainty with typically competitive specialties and more AMGs going the hospitalist route. I think the CK repeat may be an issue unfortunately. Given the large # of applications, it's possible that your application may not be looked at. It's a tad late in the game, but consider taking a more proactive approach, and perhaps applying to other non-competitive specialties if you are able to.

I think this is becoming even more difficult for IMGs, even if US. I have talked to a number of med students rotating at my program, and for those who are IMG, they have mentioned that they don't have too many interviews either.

Best of luck.

 

[PHHM]

hey, im really surprised by your lack of invites. It doesnt seem like your app is so different than a lot of FMG who are getting more invites. Can you call your dean and ask him to review your LOR? are your writers IM/FM people? is your essay good? get someone to look at it! Im really sorry to hear you are going through this difficult time. have you tried new programs, like inova? have you tried programs that traditionally take FMG, like creighton and nassau? do you have classmates in different programs you can ask to put a good word for you?
Good luck!

 

[dolhan16]

Thanks for the replies, ill definitely take them in consideration. Reviewing my top choices now (not those i really want, but the ones I have the best chance at).

Yes, it is getting much harder for IMGs overall. And I definitely know my failed step 2 was a major red flag. That AND being an IMG is a double whammy. Not disillusioned at all, I know my application is below average.

And to the last response- yes! I am surprised too. I am not expecting to get derm at hopkins. Not even surgery. I know how competitive I am and thats why I focused on primary care fields. Ill email my dean and see if there are any other flags in my application (though my school may deny any requests to ask about LORs). My writers for IM are all IM people, 1 from an IM sub-I, 2 from IM electives and 1 general (i think). My essay is strong in my opinion, and it went through 7 drafts with 4 different people, all educated and better writers than I am.

All in all I am at a loss. I wish I could be patient but the clock is ticking and its hard not being proactive trying to solve the problem

 

[rokshana]

Thanks for the replies, ill definitely take them in consideration. Reviewing my top choices now (not those i really want, but the ones I have the best chance at).

Yes, it is getting much harder for IMGs overall. And I definitely know my failed step 2 was a major red flag. That AND being an IMG is a double whammy. Not disillusioned at all, I know my application is below average.

And to the last response- yes! I am surprised too. I am not expecting to get derm at hopkins. Not even surgery. I know how competitive I am and thats why I focused on primary care fields. Ill email my dean and see if there are any other flags in my application (though my school may deny any requests to ask about LORs). My writers for IM are all IM people, 1 from an IM sub-I, 2 from IM electives and 1 general (i think). My essay is strong in my opinion, and it went through 7 drafts with 4 different people, all educated and better writers than I am.

All in all I am at a loss. I wish I could be patient but the clock is ticking and its hard not being proactive trying to solve the problem

who told you not to be proactive?

call the programs you haven't heard from and tell them you are interested in their program and would like a chance to interview there...ask the status of your application...ask about last minute cancellations...

if you have friends that are interns at places, ask them to speak on your behalf (or at least get the PD to look at your application).

 

[drcrispmd]

What kind of work are you expecting to do at an urgent care once your step 3 scores come back?