In need of help...

[Jani]

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Hi Guys

I have a very shocking sad story to share with you all..

I passed step I, II with reasonably good score, went for interviews, limited my interviews 'cos the first two places were quite happy with my credentials. My number one choice even wrote to me last week to say they were very impressed with me and hope to see me on their list on the match day.

Todays mail was a total shock to me, I have failed in the CSA.
So am not ECFMG certified. I am Australian, so theoretically FMG needing ECFMG certification to participate in the match.

Now I dunno what to do, my partner has found a job in the US, we have sold most of our furniture and we are pretty much all done nearly ready to move to USA for good.

I reapplied for CSA today with another US $ 1200 and sent by express mail.

But, Do I have a chance for 2003 match . I asked for H1 visa, now thinking if J 1 visa might help me get some place ...😕

I dunno what options are there if there is any..

Does any of you have any suggestions to me ...
( I know I am a stupid overconfidant 'nut case' .. but never slipped this way before ) 😕 😕

 

[nychick]

OK, first the bad news. You will not be able to participate in the 2003 Match. The worst case is you wait for the 2004 Match, but you do not have to necessarily.

The good news? You may be able to land a position in a non-traditional way, i.e. not through the Match.

Firstly, I suggest signing up for the CSA again. Usually, their mail should tell you things that they thought you were weak in, so focus your studying on that. Also, remember to always knock before you go in, introduce yourself by name, wash your hands, be respectful to the patient, and counsel on smoking cessation etc. At least now, having done it once, you know what to expect.

I'd also suggest writing or calling the programs that you interviewed at and explaining the situation. Tell them that you failed, the NRMP will pull you from the match cause you're not certified, and that you're wondering whether they have any off-calendar positions that they might be looking to fill throughout the year (see more on this below).

Focus on getting ECFMG-certified and taking Step 3 if you want to go for an H1-B. Once you're certified, sign up for the find a resident service--this is a service that shows slots that open up during the year, either because a resident dropped out of the program or because the program has some off-calendar positions. You can find details on find a resident here:

https://services.aamc.org/findaresident/

I would only start doing this once your have everything squared away. You want to be in the position to interview on the spot. Also, I think it helps to be in on site (i.e. in the US) when you start doing this. Usually, places are looking to fill slots that free up suddenly during the year right away, and it is often a matter of being in the right place at the right time.

If there is any way that you can move to the US with your partner prior to having found a position, I would suggest you do that. Since your partner has a job here you might be in the position to do this.

I wish you the best of luck.

 

[Annette]

FindaResident isn't a very effective way of getting a spot, unfortunately. The best way is to keep checking web sites, such as www.ama-assn.org and search open residency positions. The ama web site also has links to other places that list open spots.

 

[gluteus maximus]

Hi Jani,
Sorry to hear the news. But, dont lose heart. In addition to what NYchick says you can try the following. Get CSA registration early and clear it, next, as you will be out of the match, you could scramble. You may be able to get a list of unfilled places from NRMP or using your AAMC id or ask any of your friends still in the match. It would really help if you are in the US then. Also, be ready to take Step3 if you want an H1B (preferably). I know of a person who talked to the PD that really liked him, and the PD agreed to wait till he cleared the CSA.Finally waiting another year is the last resort. Good luck,
GM