Chances of IMG matching into neuro

[neurology2015]

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[neurology2015]

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[Top Gun]

Its not impossible. I mean, its not as easy as, say, family medicine or psych, but its not uber-competitive like derm or plastics either. You do have above-average scores, and some neurology research under your belt, so that works in your favor. I would still apply to something less competitive as a backup as well as neuro, though.

 

[Winged Scapula]

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[neurology2015]

Would it help using a family contact of a neurosurgeon to contact the chair of the neurosurgery department at this place where I am interested in matching at, so that this chair of neurosurgery can give me tips/recommend me to the neurology department at this institution? Does having the letter of a neurosurgeon help when applying for residency in neurology? This neurology department is top 15 in the nation, and while it says it takes IMG's it seems like mostly the residents are all American medical graduates btw

Also, do your chances increase at a program if siblings go to the medical school of that program you're interested in and if I have family who were alumni of the program as well as friends who are residents at that institution?

How much does it hurt my chances, despite having scores like an average american medical graduate, but having much more research and contacts and extracurriculars to match into neuro being a Caribbean medical student?

 

[Gastrapathy]

Your grammar leaves something to be desired for an English major.

Better clean it up for any professional correspondence.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Winged Scapula]

Would it help using a family contact of a neurosurgeon to contact the chair of the neurosurgery department at this place where I am interested in matching at, so that this chair of neurosurgery can give me tips/recommend me to the neurology department at this institution? Does having the letter of a neurosurgeon help when applying for residency in neurology? This neurology department is top 15 in the nation, and while it says it takes IMG's it seems like mostly the residents are all American medical graduates btw

I dunno - you're an adult, asking your father to talk to a neurosurgeon who doesn't know you, to talk to the Chair of NSGY who also doesn't know you, to talk to the Neuro Dept about you. I can't imagine that would be helpful and may come off as attempting to use nepotism and shaky connnections which is distasteful.

Also, do your chances increase at a program if siblings go to the medical school of that program you're interested in and if I have family who were alumni of the program as well as friends who are residents at that institution?

No. The medical school has no influence on residency matching decisions. Having friends there may help but mostly if they're in the department you're applying for.

How much does it hurt my chances, despite having scores like an average american medical graduate, but having much more research and contacts and extracurriculars to match into neuro being a Caribbean medical student?

What is your visa status? You haven't mentioned whether you are a US citizen; that can be a significant issue in matching as some programs will not sponsor visas.

In the end, Neuro is a relatively easier match and quite IMG friendly. Your connections and research may be helpful but you must cast a wide net especially if you need a visa. The most telling piece of information is your comment that your dream program is all AMGs. You should not expect to be the exception to the rule.

 

[neurology2015]

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[Winged Scapula]

I am a US Citizen. The program's FAQ states they take IMG's yet all their current residents are AMG's.

Seems to me that actions speak louder than words in this case.

do know the neurosurgeon very well who is a family friend as well. Will having a neurosurgeon's letter of recommendation help as well when applying for neurology?

Unless you have worked with this Neurosurgeon clinically, an LOR from him/her does not support your application. LORs from family friends, government officials, clergy etc are not to be used for residency.

Will having 5 publications, help match into my dream program, which is known to be a major research center as well? my biggest drawback on my application is the fact that I am a Caribbean medical student, and I'm trying to mitigate all of that with my extracurriculars, research, and connections.

Research will augment applications especially at academic medical centers. Your step scores at good for Neuro and you have connections. But if your dream program doesn't take IMGs (despite what their website says), then that will be difficult to overcome.