Competitiveness for Academic IM (with minimal research)?

[Mike97]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

I'm planning to apply IM for the 2026-2027 match and trying to decide which programs I would be competitive for. I'm most interested in "mid-tier" academic programs (doximity rank 30 - 60). Would these be reasonable, and would top-tier programs be worth trying for? My biggest concern is lack of research. I was planning to apply EM until recently, so have not prioritized it. Now switching to IM, I'm worried it may look inconsistent and rushed. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Application
Step 1: First-time pass
Step 2: 266
Clerkships: 2/7 Honors (IM included), 4/6 High Pass, 1/7 Pass
Strong LOR's
Consistent volunteer/community service
Research: 1 poster presentation from undergrad; no current presentations or publications during med school (have 1 case presentation and 2 projects that I'm currently working on... hopefully can get more but timing may be difficult with applications starting later this year)

 

[TwoDogMed]

Congrats on your excellent S2 score. From what I know you are extremely competitive for mid-tier and very competitive for uper mid-tier IM programs. Your research may hold you back at top-tier programs. Do a couple of IM sub-i at top tier programs, kick ass and I think you might have shot. My input is based on a number of good friends who matched into IM at top-tier programs. My knowledge lies with ophthalmology so take my input with a large grain of salt. Perhaps someone who recently matched a top-tier IM program can chime in.

 

[eteshoe]

@TwoDogMed pretty much covered everything I would have said. The only caveat is doing a sub-I at a top tier program. It comes with it's own risks since you look great on paper but coming from smaller or lesser known programs it could help at least secure an interview. I would advise against doing more than 1 away sub-I.

 

[true_royal]

Since when is a rank #30 program a mid tier? Lol. I think you have a great application for true mid tiers though (T65). Your research will definitely hold you back a bit at "top tier" programs but it sounds like that's not really a concern of yours anyway. Also what tier of med school are you coming from? That makes a big difference with academic IM unfortunately