Foreign student wanting Peds

[ZpfM]

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Hi!

I'm a Portuguese med student (not a genious one, just ordinary I would say), wanting to do my residency in Pediatrics, in the USA. So, my question is, how difficult is it for a foreign student to get into a program in the usa? What grade would i have to have in the steps?
Do you think it is worth to try, or I don't have a chance at all?

Thank you 🙂

 

[michigangirl]

This is a very complex questions. Many IMGs get into pediatric residencies in the US-- of course the higher Step scores you have the better. My research fellow from Saudi Arabia just matched into a great peds residency program. Some residency programs don't interview IMGs, but many many do, and many are high quality programs. It helps to have a research experience or something that sets you apart.

 

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[zeyad]

I'm curious as to why you only received 2 interviews. Did you apply broadly? Us IMGs have to - it's a numbers game.

Your Step 1 score is great for pediatrics. Step 3 should certainly help (assuming you pass it) but I don't personally think that it will make or break your application. Did you have good LORs? And yes, I think doing more pediatric observerships and externships, and getting strong LORs from them, will significantly improve your chances.

 

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[zeyad]

The reality is that 50 isn't really that many considering we're IMGs. I'd apply to double that amount if you want to be safe (and can afford to). Also, apply on time. This actually makes a big difference! If you get some pediatric experience, apply to >50 (including many of the community or uni-affiliated programs.. not just university programs) and apply on time, you'll get plenty of interviews.

 

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