Asking the same question. How can improve my chances? Can I get some input.

[joti]

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I had the similiar question last year. I am here again. Guess what I did not match into Cards (No I am sorry I did not get an interview)
I am a very disappointed guy, but at the same time I know I have to be persistent.
Now Cheif Resident in a mediocre University program. Have excellent LORs. Already have 3 papers (2 research papers and case report). One paper is in revision in Circulation (this might be my trump card). Had 12 abstracts last year. Presented in AHA, ACC, TCT, SCAI, ESC last year including oral presentation in AHA. 4 papers is in submission process. I did all these during my residency. Last year I did not get a single interview. I dont have any visa issues. I think the major issue here is FMG status.

I really doubt how many programs open the ERAS application. The most frustrating part is the amount of money we have to spent for the application and negative response. Anyway I am ready to fight till the last moment. I fought this my much through out my career. I have only one choice too. Cardiology!
My mentor is really surprised. He thought last year my CV was one of the best (considering the fact that all these was done during residency without taking an off year for research).

Any input about how to strengthen my application will be greatly appreciated. I know there are lot of experienced guys in this forum.

Thanks

 

[NDESTRUKT]

do you have a fellowship at your own residency program!?

 

[joti]

do you have a fellowship at your own residency program!?

No. This is the biggest problem. It should have been easier if we had fellowship in our own program.
Thanks

 

[Dreemer005]

That's an impressive C.V. The things that would help you the most at this point are probably strong letters from individuals well known in cardiology and having faculty make phone calls on your behalf to programs. The other thing that might be worthwhile is looking for programs with individuals who do similar research to what you have done and contacting them, in order to get an initial look.

 

[ProgCoordinator]

I wholeheartedly agree with Dreemer005. The Circulation citation should help this year.

 

[joti]

Thank you very much Dreemer005 and Progcoordinator. I really appreciate your input in this matter.

 

[golytlely]

I am sure that in your research you have interacted with some top cardiology people. What I would say is have them put in a phone call to a program director or division chief, so that you make the initial cut. Many programs in order to make the decision easier will just make cut based on FMG status, DO status, coming from a community program, even though it is totally bogus, and you are probably better than half of the people applying from US Med Schools.
Good Luck!! First author Circ should go a long way.

 

[tigerfan]

yes, u r at disadvantage being an fmg, however u r not as discrimated as u think u r (at least by some programs). remember, this year about 30% of cards spots r taken by fmgs (ofcourse, some of them may be by their own programs but not all). in addition to what dreamer and golytely said, my suggestion would be to find out and focus on fmg friendly programs.
having credentials is one thing and how u sell yourself and personality is whole different thing. it is not the number of papers what counts....it is the quality of work and contribution in producing them (not being 1st author does not count much).
good luck

 

[Sousuke]

Hey Joti,

Congratz on your circulation pub! Well done.

If you don't mind, could you reveal some of your other stats? -- year of grad from med school, your age, usmle scores, # of fellowship programs you applied to..

You mentioned you're an fmg.... where did you graduate? Are you a us citizen / perm resident, or are you from there?

And about your current residency program-- how many resident slots are there? And do they have any fellowship programs, other than cards-- which you said they don't have, right?

I know this seems like a background check, but i'm genuinely surprised that you didn't get any invitations with your cv...

Take care.

 

[joti]

Thank you very much for the input.
I have only 2nd name in the Circ article. It is not yet accepted. We resubmitted the revision.