Applying to both FP and IM...

[Kate D]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I'm interested in primary care and have applied to both family practice and internal medicine programs and I think I'm going to have a really hard time comparing the two fields in order to rank the programs.

Of the family practice programs I applied to, I'm most interested in the OHSU Cascades East program at Klamath Falls and the U of Wyoming program in Casper. I'm originally from a very small village and hope to raise my family in a rural area too.

I'm an IMG and don't have much idea about the reputations of these two programs. Any ideas?

Thanks!

 

[deleted6669]

I am familiar with the fp residencies you are applying to and think that if rural med is your goal you would be disappointed with an im program. fp( and especially rural focus) programs have strong ob exposure(including surgical/high risk, etc) as well as peds exposure which you will not get at all with any im program. even a med/peds dual program does not prepare you as well for rural medicine as a strong fp program. as an fmg you should have a good shot at a large # of community based fp programs as many have unmatched spots every year. do yourself a favor and don't even consider im if rural is your goal. good luck.

ps also consider the programs at spokane, washington(rural track), natividad med ctr( ca) and contra costa county( ca)
ventura county( ca) is a great program too but as an img your #s would need to be stellar as many consider it the top fp program in the country.

 

[NuMD97]

Just know that as an IMG if you are applying to the state of CA, you first need a "Medical Letter" that is given by the medical board of the state; this allows you to enter into the interview process. You cannot be interviewed without it. Last I heard, the letter cost upwards of $700.00 for the state to "verify" that you are who you say you are. ECFMG status apparently is not enough. CA, it seems, needs the revenue.