internal medicine = back-up plan???

[Flobber]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hi, quick and uninformed question: I have heard several references made here about internal medicine being a relatively uncompetitive and rather "unprestigious" residency to land. Specifically, in the thread concerning the C=MD ideology. I am a MS1 and am interesting in going into IM and specializing from there, maybe cardiology. With all the great fellowships that stem from internal medicine, how has it been relegated to the status of undesirable? Am I missing something, is there another way to become a cardiologist/oncologist/gastroenterologist? I was under the impression that these specialties were difficult, competitive, and (least importantly) well-paid. Any thoughts?

 

[kinetic]

When people refer broadly to IM as being non-competitive, that's different from the subspecialties. It's quite easy to match into IM -- because it's the drain-catcher of the hospital, it has low prestige, it's relatively low paying, and there are so many spots open. However, most people today match into it in order to subspecialize; very few remain general internists. Once you get into IM, some subspecialties are quite competitive to match into (but not all). It's analogous to the relationship between college and medical school: you need to go through the one to get to the other, but the competition rises.

 

[Dr.Bevo]

When people refer broadly to IM as being non-competitive, that's different from the subspecialties. It's quite easy to match into IM -- because it's the drain-catcher of the hospital, it has low prestige, it's relatively low paying, and there are so many spots open. However, most people today match into it in order to subspecialize; very few remain general internists. Once you get into IM, some subspecialties are quite competitive to match into (but not all). It's analogous to the relationship between college and medical school: you need to go through the one to get to the other, but the competition rises.

Exactly, if you want to specialize, you should aim for a prestigious IM residency at a University affliliated program. Matching at these programs might not be as difficult as getting into a really competitive specialty, but at the same time, the C = MD mentality isn't going to cut it.

 

[Flobber]

Exactly, if you want to specialize, you should aim for a prestigious IM residency at a University affliliated program. Matching at these programs might not be as difficult as getting into a really competitive specialty, but at the same time, the C = MD mentality isn't going to cut it.

So, landing an IM residency at a University-affiliated hospital requires more than "middle of the road" status? Because right now, that's where I find myself...

 

[kinetic]

It depends on what university you're talking about. Duke, BID, breaking into California residencies, et al may be difficult, but there are lots of university programs where an average medical student would be more than competitive.

 

[DrPharaohX]

Are the competitive internal medicine subspecialties mostly competitive based on med school performance (boards, rotations, etc.), IM residency performance (later boards, etc.), or both?

 

[Dr.Bevo]

Are the competitive internal medicine subspecialties mostly competitive based on med school performance (boards, rotations, etc.), IM residency performance (later boards, etc.), or both?

Probably both. The fellowships also like to see research in their area - yet another reason to do your residency at University affliliated program.

 

[Pox in a box]

When people refer broadly to IM as being non-competitive, that's different from the subspecialties. It's quite easy to match into IM -- because it's the drain-catcher of the hospital, it has low prestige, it's relatively low paying, and there are so many spots open. However, most people today match into it in order to subspecialize; very few remain general internists. Once you get into IM, some subspecialties are quite competitive to match into (but not all). It's analogous to the relationship between college and medical school: you need to go through the one to get to the other, but the competition rises.

Which subspecialties are competitive and which are not as competitive in IM?

 

[doc05]

Which subspecialties are competitive and which are not as competitive in IM?

competitive= GI, cards, allergy

not competitive= endocrine, rheum, geriatrics

 

[efex101]

It is a shame that geriatrics does not pay better imagine the potential in the future...with all the baby boomers. I think that although many folks may be interested in such a specialty the low reimbursement keeps a lot of bright folks away from it.