How Are You USIMGs and FMGs Faring on the Interview Front?

[Unty]

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How are you guys doing in terms of # of interviews? I haven't received many interviews...does that mean I am in some deep sh@t? I am still hoping some programs will invite me in the next few weeks. It seems to be very tough since there aren't many spots at these path programs, which receive at least 100 apps.

I called the programs I applied to and they said my application is still "under review", which I take to mean:

1) you are in the "second" group of applicants -after we invite the "first" group of applicants and depending if there are any candidates out of the first group, who decide not to interview, we will consider you.

2) we get calls from applicants, like you, everyday. Thus, we are too lazy to check on your status, so we say it's still "under review."

3) we haven't even looked at your application at all and it's collecting dust in the corner of the office near the recycling bin.

The bigger university programs tend to want US grads first then the USIMGs/FMGs second. I am not a stellar candidate so it makes it a lot tougher. I applied to 55 programs and only have 2 interviews. I applied in mid Oct and some at the end of Oct. I have received rejection emails from 6 programs. I know some other programs I applied to will not even send you a rejection letter.

I seriously cannot see myself doing anything other than path. I am thinking of applying to FP, but I am not a big fan of clinical medicine. If I did FP, I would just be doing it to "move on" in life and do it, just "to do it." Any advice?

 

[pathfreak]

Hi. I am FMG. SO I thought I should respond to your post. First of all I would like to say "Dont lose hope" and dont go for FP or IM just because you didn't get Path interviews. And I dont know if applying for IM or FP now would fetch you any interviews. You can get interview calls till late december. And if you are interviewing at 3 to 6 places your chances of matching are same.(According to NRMP data 2007).
So just hang on .Focus on your two interviews. Best of Luck!!!🙂

 

[raspberry009]

I just wanted to chime in. I do know that pathology is getting more and more competitive. In my interviews I have had 2 program directors state that there is a surprisingly increased interest in pathology and that there will be less spots available to be filled by FMGs. Now, please consider this information is through the grapevine. In my graduating class alone there are at least 10 people interested in pathology, whereas in the past, 1-2 ppl at the very most would go into path. 2 other programs in my state also have the same phenomena. It's always good to have a backup plan. Do you have to be in the USA for residency? As I'm telling my brother-in-law who is currently trying to get a US residency spot as an FMG from China (he's not chinese either), do some medical school electives here, this way directors can really give you preference over other FMG applicants. If it is too late for this year's match, maybe it will help for next years match. Research may also be an option. I'm sorry I can't give you any statistical data, just subjective info. But as for words of encouragement, you have a couple interviews already, which is a big deal for a lot of FMGs.

 

[TMZ2007]

UNTY,

Can I ask if the 2 interviews are at univ. or community programs? Did you apply to many community programs??

I'd say keep calling the programs at this point. It wouldn't seem to hurt if you start working the phone persistently at this point.

 

[Unty]

I am a USIMG from Ross U. I applied to both Univ. programs and Community programs. The thing is that these comm programs have 1-2 spots and interview 30 or so applicants. Univ. programs have on average 5-7 spots and they receive 200+ applications.

Most University programs will consider US grads first and then USIMGs/FMGs second.

I have two University-based programs (according to Frieda) lined up for interviews.

 

[NCpath]

Hi Unty,

I'm also from Ross, applying for a pathology position in the match next year.

I applied to 30 programs in mid October. Within a week I received two interview offers from university programs. Since that time things have turned ice cold! No offers, but 5 rejections...and like you say, some programs won't take the time to formally reject you. So, I applied to 15 more programs earlier this week.

I haven't reached the panic point just yet, but I am becoming more concerned and I'm beginning to wonder if this is the end of the interview road.
I worked as a med tech before med school, and it's path or bust for me! I refuse to settle for family or medicine. I'm still optimistic that more interview offers will come through for us USIMGs next month, or maybe even early January.

Feel free to PM me if you'd like

 

[Shining path]

OK, I hate to be the bad guy, but I think there are some facts that should be brought into the discussion. There is a general consensus (see many previous discussions) that there are too many training spots in pathology for the number of jobs out there. Candidates who are having a hard time getting interviews, even at "community programs" are likely to find it even harder to find a decent job in pathology when they complete their training, especially since some of the least competitive programs provide very substandard training (see this thread for a cautionary tale: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=429699).

Contrast that with the situation in primary care and medical fields, where the demand for new docs will continue to outstrip supply of US-residency-trained grads for decades into the forseeable future, and you will have many job opportunities no matter where you train. It may not exactly be the career you had in mind, but failing to match into a low-caliber pathology program could be the best thing that ever happed to you.

 

[coroner]

It may not exactly be the career you had in mind, but failing to match into a low-caliber pathology program could be the best thing that ever happed to you.

I think it depends on the individual. Some may want the job security with more geographical options, others would rather put a bullet in their head than round on patients. Speaking as someone who did a year of primary care before switching to Path, I couldn't be happier. Sure I could've finished earlier, gotten numerous calls from job recruiters, and kept flirting with the cute nurses, but I would be miserable to this day had I not made the switch. You may not be able to put your finger on the map and point to where you want to go, after residency, but you won't be shoveling **** for a living either. In other words, put your M.D. to use, but make sure you did your best to pursue what has the most career satisfaction.

 

[yaah]

There is a general consensus (see many previous discussions) that there are too many training spots in pathology for the number of jobs out there.

Just to provide a counterpoint - this is not really a general consensus. Most people on this forum have suggested that, but there is no true evidence. It SOUNDS like it has to be true because pathology is a smaller field and there are anecdotal stories of people having trouble finding good jobs (I have not encountered many people who had serious trouble and were not serious problems themselves), but you have to be careful about jumping to conclusions. Regulatory agencies, CAP, USCAP, etc, all say that the field is continuing to grow and the growth in residency positions is warranted and necessary. Conspiracy theorists, of course, say that's what they want you to believe because they collect money from everybody and things like that. But bear in mind that they also have a vested interest in keeping their memberships (which includes people in jobs and those looking for jobs) happy. I don't really know what to believe. I do see lots of job postings but many of them look like crappy jobs (but many of them don't). But I have also talked to some private practice people who say they do get a lot of job applications that they don't pay much attention to, and they can afford to be somewhat selective.

 

[Matte Kudesai]

Have not met a single pathology grad that was either DO, IMG, FMG, or AMG that has not gotten decent job offers. Pathology residents have more time than most to perseverate about who's schwartz is bigger than who's and for what reasons. Most of this stuff ends up amounting to gasssss in the long run.

 

[bosco77]

Caribbean FMG
applied to 49 programs
8 invites
9 rejections
At this point there is not much you can do but keep waiting and make the most of the opportunities you get.
Good luck.

 

[TMZ2007]

For those of you guys/ladies who feel like you're not getting enough interviews, did you apply to programs that you felt you were well qualified for? Are you getting rejections from places you thought you had a very good chance of interviewing?
Good luck to everyone!! 🙂

 

[podozilly]

Hi! I am a FMG, MD/PhD. I applied to 10 programs and got interviews everywhere. Most are great programs, so I think it IS possible to get into a competitive program as an FMG. It might not be as easy as for AMGs, but it's possible! And the best is, guys: If they really like you, they can offer you a spot outside the match! What I have noticed though, it's good to know some people, it helps if you have considerable research experience and/or a completed residency in another field, and good scores don't hurt. So, relax a little! If you're good, you'll get in!

 

[TMZ2007]

Hi! I am a FMG, MD/PhD. I applied to 10 programs and got interviews everywhere. Most are great programs, so I think it IS possible to get into a competitive program as an FMG. It might not be as easy as for AMGs, but it's possible! And the best is, guys: If they really like you, they can offer you a spot outside the match! What I have noticed though, it's good to know some people, it helps if you have considerable research experience and/or a completed residency in another field, and good scores don't hurt. So, relax a little! If you're good, you'll get in!

OMG! Let's see... I don't have a PhD, tons of research, or ANY DESIRE WHAT SO EVER of completing a residency in another field before applying for a Path residency program. That would take me an extra 6+ years!!!! Good gosh, NO! 😱 😱 😱 If that's what it takes to make into Path as a FMG I'm sooo not going to make it!

It sounds like a couple people on here that are American fmgs are having problems so far in getting more than 2 interview offers. I'm just wanting to know how I compare to those applicants. The OP stated he wasn't a stellar applicant... what about the others?

 

[podozilly]

Ok, fair enough, maybe I am not the norm, but I am also talking about the really competitive and research-crazy programs. I worked pretty hard to get to where I am, and yes, my chances might be above the average FMG. I agree, it might be hard to get into those if you don't have a record of any kind in the US. But I am sure if you have good scores, have done some electives in pathology programs in the US to obtain some good LOR's from pathologists (they really like that!), write a nice personal statement that says something about yourself and tells them you are not a nut and know what you want, you can still get into a reasonable program. Maybe not the program of your choice, but if you do well there you can always try to get into a great program for a fellowship. Don't let anybody tell you it's not possible! That's all I'm sayin`!

 

[TMZ2007]

thanks for posting that! it's nice to hear that my hard work so far is going to pay off in the end. I'm going to keep pushing along! 😀

 

[Unty]

..have done some electives in pathology programs in the US to obtain some good LOR's from pathologists (they really like that!),

By the way, how did you get to do electives in the US? I was not able to do rotations at any of the Univ. hospitals in my area because my school is not LCME-accredited.

 

[podozilly]

I don't know, honestly. I am from Europe, so I have only little knowledge about the rotation system here. 😕 Maybe you can do an inofficial additional elective at a program of your interest in the US, even if it's not your official rotation. I basically spent a couple weeks "shadowing" at a program just to get to know people there, and let them get to know me, show my interest etc. Other than that, I can't really help you, sorry. But getting to know people in the field, no matter how, and get their attention, is always a great help! I know it's harder for students, but I would try and do anything I could to achieve that! 🙂