IMG applying anesthesia

[Evravon30]

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.

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[NotAProgDirector]

There's only one way to know. Apply and see what happens.

 

[pazzer2]

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.

 

[voxveritatisetlucis]

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)

 

[Tenk]

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.

 

[Evravon30]

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.

 

[Dr. Anonymouss]

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

 

[NoEgo1234]

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!

 

[Dr. Anonymouss]

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

 

[NotAProgDirector]

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.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

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