IMG applying anesthesia

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Evravon30

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This question probably gets asked loads but would appreciate any advice/information. I don't want to come off as bragging I just don't have a lot of information as people similar to me are quite rare.

I'm an IMG from Oxbridge, top 10% of cohort, STEP2 27x, 3 LoRs (all US - 1 anesthesia research, 1 anesthesia and 1 pediatrics anesthesia attending), a lot of research (15ish publications in decent journals, 10 or so posters), volunteer experience, teaching. Recent graduate. Applying anesthesia this cycle. I feel I have a strong well-rounded application - but I am still an IMG and require a visa which is a red flag, so the two together make assessing the likelihood of an interview at certain places difficult.
Interested in programs on the West Coast - would top-tier programs in particular UCSF or Stanford who statistically accept 0 IMGs screen me out?
I'm also interested in Virginia Mason which again has not accepted any IMGs and seems to pick residents with a certain vibe.

Do let me know/any unsolicited advice is welcome.
 
Some schools are more IMG friendly for students like you: Mayo, Baylor College of Medicine, UChicago, Hopkins, some of the Harvard hospitals. Not sure about west coast. But apply broadly, your profile seems solid.
 
Probably not top tier programs. You will be fortunate to match at any US anesthesia program since it’s become so competitive

They accept 0 IMGs for a reason (likely due to a screen)
 
This question probably gets asked loads but would appreciate any advice/information. I don't want to come off as bragging I just don't have a lot of information as people similar to me are quite rare.

I'm an IMG from Oxbridge, top 10% of cohort, STEP2 27x, 3 LoRs (all US - 1 anesthesia research, 1 anesthesia and 1 pediatrics anesthesia attending), a lot of research (15ish publications in decent journals, 10 or so posters), volunteer experience, teaching. Recent graduate. Applying anesthesia this cycle. I feel I have a strong well-rounded application - but I am still an IMG and require a visa which is a red flag, so the two together make assessing the likelihood of an interview at certain places difficult.
Interested in programs on the West Coast - would top-tier programs in particular UCSF or Stanford who statistically accept 0 IMGs screen me out?
I'm also interested in Virginia Mason which again has not accepted any IMGs and seems to pick residents with a certain vibe.

Do let me know/any unsolicited advice is welcome.
You are not the typical IMG. You seem to have a good application. You need to see if any of the doctors at your university know any US doctors in academics and then they need to make a phone call. It’s your best shot to get your foot in the door.
 
Thanks for the information so far - very useful! Working as a research fellow at a great program so my PI said that they will reach out to programs I'm interested in. Also interested in the Seattle programs (U Washington & Virginia Mason) if anyone has information about them. Any other advice/information is welcomed.
 
Yeah I mean you clearly have a stellar application. If you were US you would have your pick, but unfortunately programs will always have a strong bias towards picking US graduates. Apply broadly and look at what programs have historically took IMGs. I wouldn’t waste money on a program that hasn’t taken an IMG in many years
 
I have a question (maybe a dumb question so I apologize), if I am an international student attending a USMD, would i be considered IMG for residency since I am not American?

Thanks!
 
I have a question (maybe a dumb question so I apologize), if I am an international student attending a USMD, would i be considered IMG for residency since I am not American?

Thanks!

That’s a good question. Although I don’t know the answer my gut says you would be a USMD. When we say USDO vs USMD vs USIMG vs IMG we are merely referring to where you did your medical school training. I don’t know how visa status affects you. If you were able to attend a USMD school on visa I’m sure you’d be able to get the same visa extension for residency. So I’d consider you a USMD. Curious if someone else has better knowledge on this
 
As far as ERAS/NRMP are concerned, you are a USMD.

If you need a visa, that may limit some options but only slightly. You will need a new working visa as a resident. You can always get a J visa with no issues at all. You can often extend your student F visa for one year (OPT) and then transition into an H visa. Not all programs will sponsor both, and some programs may not sponsor visas at all.
 
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