FAQ: What are my chances?

[agcmd]

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First post here.
I have been quietly observing sdn forum and seriously you all are amazing and have helped me during my usmle days. So thank you.

I am an FMG. YOG 2015 with 1 year mandatory service in my country so finished all in 2016. Aiming for general surgery and IM.
Took Step I in 2017: 225
Took Step II in 2017: 242
Step II CS in 2017: pass all first attempt

Research: none (one little research during med school days with no pubs so i think it doesnt count)
USCE: would do some gen surg externships and IM ones. Expecting a few LORS from them. Would apply to several univ observership programs if accepted.

Due to some reasons, geographically restricted to some states. I have looked it up and ended with around 30ish community and univ-affiliated programs and 60ish IM programs (community and univ-affiliated programs). how good are my chances for next match cycle? Thanks for helpful reply.

 

[ThoracicGuy]

First post here.
I have been quietly observing sdn forum and seriously you all are amazing and have helped me during my usmle days. So thank you.

I am an FMG. YOG 2015 with 1 year mandatory service in my country so finished all in 2016. Aiming for general surgery and IM.
Took Step I in 2017: 225
Took Step II in 2017: 242
Step II CS in 2017: pass all first attempt

Research: none (one little research during med school days with no pubs so i think it doesnt count)
USCE: would do some gen surg externships and IM ones. Expecting a few LORS from them. Would apply to several univ observership programs if accepted.

Due to some reasons, geographically restricted to some states. I have looked it up and ended with around 30ish community and univ-affiliated programs and 60ish IM programs (community and univ-affiliated programs). how good are my chances for next match cycle? Thanks for helpful reply.

If you really want to train in the US, you'll need to expand your list.

 

[GoSpursGo]

What've you been doing since 2016? Hopefully something clinical?

Assuming you have been doing clinical work, honestly, I think you should also apply to FM. With your scores, gen surg and IM are not impossible, but unless there is something outstanding somewhere else on your app I think you seem pretty average, which is a scary place to be.

 

[cableguy555]

In 2016, 236 and 241 were the step 1 and step 2 scores of non-us IMGs who matched into IM. For general surgery its even higher: 242 and 245. BUT given that DO and MD residencies are merging soon, it may be possible that some more programs open up for MD applicants. I think your best bet is to do a few observerships, possibly in the hospitals where you'd like to get matched. Keep in mind that a lot of IMGs entering into general surgery residency typically have surgical experience in there home country. It may be easier for you to match with IM because your step 2 score is closer to the average.

Have you considered the IM/Peds combined residency programs? You get to be board certified in IM and pediatrics and the step 1 and step 2 scores are much lower: 229 and 238... Its usually overlooked by a lot people

 

[agcmd]

If you really want to train in the US, you'll need to expand your list.

yeah i would need to i guess. i would look it up again. esp i need visa sponsor *sigh

What've you been doing since 2016? Hopefully something clinical?

Assuming you have been doing clinical work, honestly, I think you should also apply to FM. With your scores, gen surg and IM are not impossible, but unless there is something outstanding somewhere else on your app I think you seem pretty average, which is a scary place to be.

i had a full time job in a private hospital for a whole year (until this April 2018 but i had to resign as i need to work on my USCE) as a GP in my country. So i studied for usmle while working full time. I worked in the ER for the last 4 months as a doctor. Nothing outstanding alas. But i hope to match somewhere.

 

[agcmd]

In 2016, 236 and 241 were the step 1 and step 2 scores of non-us IMGs who matched into IM. For general surgery its even higher: 242 and 245. BUT given that DO and MD residencies are merging soon, it may be possible that some more programs open up for MD applicants. I think your best bet is to do a few observerships, possibly in the hospitals where you'd like to get matched. Keep in mind that a lot of IMGs entering into general surgery residency typically have surgical experience in there home country. It may be easier for you to match with IM because your step 2 score is closer to the average.

Have you considered the IM/Peds combined residency programs? You get to be board certified in IM and pediatrics and the step 1 and step 2 scores are much lower: 229 and 238... Its usually overlooked by a lot people

yes thank you for your suggestion.. I think i still will give gen surg a shot and internal medicine too since i am interested in cardiology as well. Tough choices i know. I have 2 months hands on in surgery and 1 month hands on in internal medicine upcoming may. I also secured an observership in a community hospital. So i would try harder.

 

[agcmd]

If you really want to train in the US, you'll need to expand your list.

I created the list of possible programs, the ones that are within my credentials reach.. So list shortens into around 30 programs for gen surg and 60ish for internal medicine.. haha. I crossed out the ones who dont sponsor visas and obviously the top ones got crossed out immediately. So i aim for community ones. I made the list with the help of freida so i dont put the ones with higher cutoff score in my list and their average applicant who matched there with higher scores also got crossed out. is that a bad move? it shortens my list for a considerable amount. But i guess 17 states are indeed narrow.. I would try to look in more states. Thanks.

 

[ThoracicGuy]

I created the list of possible programs, the ones that are within my credentials reach.. So list shortens into around 30 programs for gen surg and 60ish for internal medicine.. haha. I crossed out the ones who dont sponsor visas and obviously the top ones got crossed out immediately. So i aim for community ones. I made the list with the help of freida so i dont put the ones with higher cutoff score in my list and their average applicant who matched there with higher scores also got crossed out. is that a bad move? it shortens my list for a considerable amount. But i guess 17 states are indeed narrow.. I would try to look in more states. Thanks.

You need to consider and evaluate every program that has a chance of taking you. So you should consider all 50 states.