Do I stand a chance?

[shigella]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I'm a 2005 graduate. Still have to get done with the steps. Need a bit of guidance from those" who've been there and done that" .
Don't want to sound mushy but its been a dream since as long as I can remember.
I've been working with a doctor in private practice, just to get the hang of the US system .Thats all I've done so far. And preparing for the boards.

The only thing in my hands right now are 2 certificates of honor in ophthalmology and 2 gold medals from the president of my country (In ophthalmology) . Thats all. And I realise that no matter how hard I tried to do great in my country, it just doesn't count here with all the competition .

Just need to know how hard do I have to try. The worst thing is that I'm not a US citizen or GC holder and I haven't done any internships or research in Ophthalmology .But I'm willing to do anything that'll get me in. Years n years spent in research....I can afford to lose a few years in that since I'm 24 😀
Just want a little guidance as to how to go about it . Or should I stop thinking about it? 🙁
After all SOME Imgs get into ophthalmology every year , though the number is small but not impossible.

 

[salmonella]

It's very very difficult for IMG to match in ophtho; just simply too few spots out there. But a good alternative is to do a neurology residency, then do a fellowship in neuro-ophthalmology. You won't be licensed to do eye surgery, but at least you will be a highly specialized eye physician. Another pathway is to attend optometry school. They are now allowed to treat straightforward ocular conditions and simple procedures...who knows, in a decade or so, they may be allowed to do refractive surgery.

 

[shigella]

hmmm....
So I've a looong looong way to go.

That neurology residency part seems like a good option ... but sigh!! I loved the surgery part...

Any other suggestions?
Anybody who has a friend or a friend of friend or just a mere acquaintance who was an IMG and got matched..His/her stats?
I really have to decide this pretty soon n start working on my application. Any feedback will b highly appreciated..

 

[4424]

i'd say try and get involved in research at a university in the US that has an ophtho program. that way you get some research on your application and you will know that department.

 

[DiveMD]

Shigella:

I don't want to interfere in a conversation between bacteria but I don not agree with Salmonella. First take your boards and see how you do. Don't quit just because someone is discouraging you right off the bat. BTW, you already said it: some IMG actually do match every year. You could be one of those.

 

[shigella]

Thanks a lot for all the support. I thought nobody would bother answering.
Its like a little ray of sunshine... Yes boards should be # 1 on my list. I'm scheduled for step-1 in Feb. Trying desperately to get a good score cz in my case a decent score won't do, it has to be "astronomical" 🙄

Is it advisable to have my step-3 score report in hand when I apply to programs? Or does research or USCE matters more in Ophtho?

 

[blanche]

does anyone else think it's funny that salmonella responded to shigella's post??

 

[4424]

i have to admit i was laughing a bit at dive's post

 

[drhk111]

An FMG with 240 score in step 1, with 2 years of residency in home country and 4 years of working as an assistant in a U.S ophth. practice does'nt get a single interview call with LORs from US ophthalmologists. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure it out what ur chances are. 🙄

 

[shigella]

Ahan....right 🙁

But those lucky 25-30 who match every year must have SOMETHING which gets them Ophtho.
I'm looking for that something...lets c if I figure it out myself.... ....

P.s. I'm not asking ppl about those who DID not get matched.

 

[GuP]

Ahan....right 🙁

But those lucky 25-30 who match every year must have SOMETHING which gets them Ophtho.
I'm looking for that something...lets c if I figure it out myself.... ....

P.s. I'm not asking ppl about those who DID not get matched.

Its all about who u know. If the aforementioned guy, who did 4 years of work in US, had done research with a PD at a residency program, he would have had a 99.9% chance of getting a residency. Moreover, if he was smart, he would have foucsed his research on retina, this would have facilitated him to get a fellowhsip in surgical retina, if he so chose to after residency.

Shigella, at the present momemt, just focus on your boards. Do as well as you can. Then try to get some research in ophtho under your belt. Then try to get some LORs from academic opthalmologists. Then apply. If no go, then do a year of research and get some papers out and apply again. Keep continuing research till you get in. Sounds simple but it's easier said than done!

 

[shigella]

I know that, Gup. Its not easy and it definitely doesn't SOUND simple.. But who said life was easy.
Some of my family is practicing here as doctors...uncle, aunt, cousins.They r into family med, paeds,cardiology and the likes.They do know a lot of other doctors who can easily put me up somewhere. Thats usual. Success here is a lot about contacts.. But, I want to do things on my own.Don't need to hear my family telling me one day that the place where u'r at right now is because of us.
I'm definitely going to try very hard. One day , I'll b posting my successful story here, who knows. 🙂

 

[stepBYstep]

Thanks a lot for all the support. I thought nobody would bother answering.
Its like a little ray of sunshine... Yes boards should be # 1 on my list. I'm scheduled for step-1 in Feb. Trying desperately to get a good score cz in my case a decent score won't do, it has to be "astronomical" 🙄

Is it advisable to have my step-3 score report in hand when I apply to programs? Or does research or USCE matters more in Ophtho?

Step 3 doesn't matter..

 

[snowbank]

Hey guys,
I know these posts are old, but Id beg to differ on Step 3. its certainly helpful to have it when you apply, though not absolutely necessary. I dont think it will hurt you. But for an IMG, you DEFINITELY need it before you start internship if you are interested on a H1 visa. For j1 it doesnt remember, and nowadays you can even get your program to pay for step 3 if you take it in intern year.
Bottom line, at least for app. purposes, its helpful, but the lack of it wont hurt. Also, you definitely to be ECFMG certified when you apply.

Since its been 4 years since the OP, I'll Pm you....

 

[aspiring img]

hi...........jus checking to see if shigella did finally get into the program?????

 

[odieoh]

And what country is Shigella from where the president gives out gold medals in specific medical fields? I'm waiting for mine from Obama but nothin yet. Probably lost in the mail.