Applying for FP in WI, MN, SD, ND

[BellKicker]

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As an IMG, this seems like mission impossible. Almost every program wants US clinical experience or valid ecfmg certificate; looking over their residents, there are very few IMGs in those states.

At the same time, all the IM programs are filled with IMGs and don't have the same requirements.

What's going on? Thoughts?

I find myself applying to Mayo IM as a back-up. It doesn't seem right, when everyone tells me how uncompetitive FP is.

 

[NuMD97]

OK my first question is: Do you want to go into FP because as an IMG you perceive it to be "easy" to get into, or are you interested in the specialty?

Secondly, any program will want a 'valid ECFMG certificate' before hiring you. That's just a given. Ideally, you do need American "hands on" experience as well, to allow for some way to evaluate your clinical skills and judgment.

Thirdly, I am familiar with at least two of the states that you mention, and I know for a fact that they have programs that take IMGs. What they do seek are folks they feel are good fits for their programs, AMG OR IMG. I think you need to look again.

In the meantime, concentrate on finishing your boards for ECFMG certification and knock on every door that you know to get that all-important clinical skills experience.

Start there.

All the best,

Nu

 

[BellKicker]

Hi NuMd,

Yeah, I imagine they'll want me to be certified before I start........ I don't see what that has to do with demanding ecfmg certification before the interview, though. I have knocked on every door and I'd say for about half the programs I have convinced them to consider my application without the certificate. Hey, I have a few interviews from some of those places, already. 🙂 Many program won't budge, no matter how illogical it may seem.

I want FP. More than that, though, I want to stay in that area. After carefully contacting every program I have appliedto to only 12 FP programs. For instance, only one program in Minnesota welcomed my application (and has since invited me for an interview). One program!

Anyway, this isn't about me and my application. My point is that if someone wants to stay in those states, IM is far easier to get than FP.

I know FP is anecdotally an IMG specialty. I just wonder where all those IMGs are at because it's not in the upper midwest.

 

[Imhotep]

isee you are still foaming off about FP/ I do notice that you are applying to IM as a back up. Did I not knock any sense into you dude?
Email me, we need to talk! This has gone too far.

 

[BellKicker]

LOL, Imhotep. 🙂 (You freak)

Since we're in the FP forum, I'd imagine you're outnumbered.

Do I wish it paid more? That it had more status? Yes.

I still think being a generalist fits my personality. I have yet to find any one thing in medicine I would want to do every day. And that includes the wild and crazy world of scanning isotopes in dimly lit rooms...... 😉

BK

ps. I wrote you a rather long email, as you probably know.