Does having a MPH help to get into cardiology??

[kvh78]

My situation is a little bit complicated. FMG, community program grad, in basic research for 2 years. I have 2 "low-impact" first author papers and bunch of co-authorships in Circulation, Sciences and .....
Still didn't get matched this year.
I am running out of options.
Would it be helpful to start MPH at University program?
I can finish it up in 18 months period.

Please comment.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Myostatin]

Sorry to hear you didn't match - obviously its very difficult as an FMG. I'm a bit suprised given it seems like you have very strong research. I don't think an MPH will help you in the cardiology match. What would help more is working closely with physician scientists who are well known for their research as well as in cardiology circles (i.e. among program directors). Given that you already have 1st author pubs, the rest is largely political. Of course continuing your research, basic science or otherwise, and aiming for a 1st author pub in circulation, jacc, etc. will also help.

 

[kvh78]

Thanks for your comment,

 

[dragonfly99]

kvh,
sorry about your problem
I think your barriers are
a) being IMG
and
b) being from a community program
I don't really think an MPH would help that much.
I think you should try to work every connection you have....apply to all programs where any of your letter writers might be known. You may also have to consider alternative specialties...the Match rate in cards for IMGs is low, as I'm sure you know. I am AMG from well known program and still I had to try 2x to get into cards fellowship. There are just so many people applying. You might be able to do a lateral move and essentially become a cardiologist-type (endocrine specializing in lipid disorders, renal doc studying cardiovascular dz in dialysis patients, a HTN specialist with one of those 1 year HTN fellowships etc.) without actually ever doing cardiology fellowship. Not that it's ideal, but it's something to consider.

Have you considered doing a 1 year CHF or HTN fellowship? These are around...though nonaccredited. It would give you extra training and likely a chance to meet some clinical cardiologists who could potentially pull strings to help you get in to a cardiology fellowship.

You have to think about the opportunity cost of doing all this stuff, however. I would at least be thinking about other specialties at this point.

 

[punk]

My situation is a little bit complicated. FMG, community program grad, in basic research for 2 years. I have 2 "low-impact" first author papers and bunch of co-authorships in Circulation, Sciences and .....
Still didn't get matched this year.
I am running out of options.
Would it be helpful to start MPH at University program?
I can finish it up in 18 months period.

Please comment.

It is tough for FMGs but still doable. I dont think that it is advisable to do a MPH. Because, you mostly do clinical research during MPH (i.e. if you do any). Having both clinical and basic research on CV sometimes confuses programs about your future plans. Build upon your basic science credentials and on your interviews, show your interviewers a vision for the future. Take up a post-doc position in basic lab and get an AHA post-doc grant. Fix your visa and get a green card. Do post-doc only at a program that has its own fellowship program. Make contacts with influential people. All the best.

 

[copacetic]

Sorry to hear you didn't match - obviously its very difficult as an FMG. I'm a bit suprised given it seems like you have very strong research. I don't think an MPH will help you in the cardiology match. What would help more is working closely with physician scientists who are well known for their research as well as in cardiology circles (i.e. among program directors). Given that you already have 1st author pubs, the rest is largely political. Of course continuing your research, basic science or otherwise, and aiming for a 1st author pub in circulation, jacc, etc. will also help.

i agree. cardiologsits tend to be amoungst the most fanatical of non surgeon physicians about what they do. alot of the field is who you know and politics. just get to know some top dogs and show a genuine interest. cards is still relatively small (academically) and alot of the academics know each other.