How much is too much?

[anencephalic]

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With regards to applying to Path residencies, how much is too much?

Avergage Board Scores
Passed Steps on 1st attempt
Great LORs
9+ years previous Path experience
IMG


I've currently got 30 programs that I'm considering, many of which I know have taken IMG's. So, the question is....is 30 enough, or all of you in the know advise more program apps.

It seems to me that it would be better to turn down interviews than not have enough, but I don't really have a feel for what the climate is for path and IMG's. I've gone through Yaah's FAQ's but didn't find a clear answer (or at least the answer I was hoping for 🙄 ).

Thanks in advance for your replies.

 

[b&ierstiefel]

As an IMG, nothing is really too much. I've had this discussion with other IMG folks in the past. It's a shame that programs will interview a crappy AMG over a highly-qualified IMG...but that's just my opinion and I'm not inclined to start the whole AMG vs. IMG quibble-quabble again.

IMGs are at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to applying for programs; do not be surprised if you do not hear from many programs. Therefore, it is prudent for you to cast a wide net and apply to many programs. 30 seems fine. I think going over 50 would be overkill.

You definitely want to be in the position to turn down interviews. Nothing is worse than to apply to say 20 programs only to be interviewed by 3. That sucks. Then come rank order list entry time, you're on the road to being SOL.

 

[anencephalic]

You definitely want to be in the position to turn down interviews. Nothing is worse than to apply to say 20 programs only to be interviewed by 3. That sucks. Then come rank order list entry time, you're on the road to being SOL.

Yeah...that's exactly the situation I'd like to avoid...

 

[LADoc00]

With regards to applying to Path residencies, how much is too much?

Avergage Board Scores
Passed Steps on 1st attempt
Great LORs
9+ years previous Path experience
IMG


I've currently got 30 programs that I'm considering, many of which I know have taken IMG's. So, the question is....is 30 enough, or all of you in the know advise more program apps.

It seems to me that it would be better to turn down interviews than not have enough, but I don't really have a feel for what the climate is for path and IMG's. I've gone through Yaah's FAQ's but didn't find a clear answer (or at least the answer I was hoping for 🙄 ).

Thanks in advance for your replies.

9+ years of path experience?! Youre gonna to have explain. Like what, you did surg path in Bangkok?

 

[yaah]

I think it depends on what your 30 programs are. If they are all programs that are acknowledged to be competitive, and at which IMGs are not common, it might not be enough. But if you have some "safeties" it's probably more than enough. The thing is, you will probably figure out once you start getting interviews- if you are getting interviews at most places, you're most likely safe. If only 10 of the 30 grant you an interview, maybe not so much.

 

[b&ierstiefel]

I think it depends on what your 30 programs are. If they are all programs that are acknowledged to be competitive, and at which IMGs are not common, it might not be enough. But if you have some "safeties" it's probably more than enough. The thing is, you will probably figure out once you start getting interviews- if you are getting interviews at most places, you're most likely safe. If only 10 of the 30 grant you an interview, maybe not so much.

OMG yaah...did you even READ his post?

I've currently got 30 programs that I'm considering, many of which I know have taken IMG's.

 

[yaah]

No, I did read it. Whether they take IMGs occasionally doesn't mean they frequently do. The advice still holds!

 

[b&ierstiefel]

No, I did read it. Whether they take IMGs occasionally doesn't mean they frequently do. The advice still holds!

No I know...I was just bustin' yer chops. Yeah, I wouldn't really count programs that took like the one IMG in the past year...that doesn't necessarily make the program "IMG-friendly".

 

[deschutes]

You can always apply to 20 programs the moment ERAS opens, wait for a bit to see if anything bites, and then apply to more depending on how impoverished you are and how much money you can afford to part with.

 

[soopa]

So is path a pretty tough residency to get for IMGs? I still don't know the answer to this. I see many IMGs get into Anesthesia........and I presumed that was a little harder to get than Path due to the recent popularity of Anesthesia.

Seems like info about Path is limited or kept secret or something? hahaa j/k

Are there a variety of Path programs out there, like in undesirable places for US people that others would take? Anesthesia has a lot of those so FMGs can get in.

 

[anencephalic]

9+ years of path experience?! Youre gonna to have explain. Like what, you did surg path in Bangkok?

Nah...ASCP/AAPA Certified PA...practiced surgical and autopsy path at a small community hospital.

 

[anencephalic]

No I know...I was just bustin' yer chops. Yeah, I wouldn't really count programs that took like the one IMG in the past year...that doesn't necessarily make the program "IMG-friendly".

That's true...perhaps I should revise that to "IMG Accessible"?

 

[soopa]

How about Step 2 scores? I know US students dont' even take Step 2 til later, but I am an IMG and our school requires us to take Step 2 early.

How does Step 2 look compared to Step 1 for us IMGs for path programs? thanks

 

[uhoh!]

As an IMG, nothing is really too much...it is prudent for you to cast a wide net and apply to many programs. 30 seems fine. I think going over 50 would be overkill..Nothing is worse than to apply to say 20 programs only to be interviewed by 3..

I applied to 40 programs with a similar profile to yours, except I was a fresh graduate, mostly east coast and mid-west, visa sponsoring programs (which were the IMG friendly ones in my book). Got interview calls from 11, but more towards end Dec-Jan, when others on SDN were going done-with-interviews-woohoo.

I did have my anxious moments, but was pacified by having applied to as many programs that fit my profile and needs. Seriously, its al a matter of where you feel comfortable. I know of dudes who applied to 60-70 Int Med programs (though there are waaay more IM positions, they wanted to cover their bases and not regret underapplying). I suggest you find out how many of the programs have restrictions as to how many years out of med school you need to be, as I believe some have a sort of limit to taking very old grads. Just a thought..
Good luck!!

 

[b&ierstiefel]

I applied to 40 programs with a similar profile to yours, except I was a fresh graduate, mostly east coast and mid-west, visa sponsoring programs (which were the IMG friendly ones in my book). Got interview calls from 11, but more towards end Dec-Jan, when others on SDN were going done-with-interviews-woohoo.

who cares? there are quite a few folks who don't finish interviewing until late january. 🙂 I remember, I was one of them.

I did have my anxious moments, but was pacified by having applied to as many programs that fit my profile and needs. Seriously, its al a matter of where you feel comfortable. I know of dudes who applied to 60-70 Int Med programs (though there are waaay more IM positions, they wanted to cover their bases and not regret underapplying). I suggest you find out how many of the programs have restrictions as to how many years out of med school you need to be, as I believe some have a sort of limit to taking very old grads. Just a thought..
Good luck!!

Yup...and those IM folks are taking call every 4th night...sorry...no thanks. You made the right choice.

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