Need motivation not to give up.

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

VCorp

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Jun 17, 2013
Messages
411
Reaction score
60
I was browsing another thread about the topic of IMG friendly GS spots. There a poster posted this site:

http://www.facs.org/residencysearch/search/search.html

I went there looking at several of the GS spots across the nation. My first choice is to end up in Chicago. Everything about the city, I just love. I can see myself being there for five years. In addition, I'm really attracted to the programs that're there (ie UoC, UIC, & Rush specifically). However, looking at the site's data it shows that these programs have 0% IMGs.

Normally, I'm strong about not having things like this affect me - but tonight it's just coming down on a pile of bricks. There are programs that're IMG friendly, but I'm not really fond of living in the areas where the programs are (ie Creighton - Omaha & etc). I still have to take Step 2 CK, but just hate getting emotionally derailed in situations like this.
 
Your goal is to be a surgeon; the best surgeon you can be with the best training you can obtain.

And while I share your love for Chicago, you must be aware that there are many fine training programs elsewhere. Omaha? It might not be our cup of tea but there's at least one SDNer who feels differently.

You may have allowed yourself some lofty dreams; thats ok, we all do it. Programs that don't take IMGs may not be realistic options for you so you must explore other avenues and remind yourself (daily if need be) that your goal is to be a surgeon. There are many fine places outside of Chicago where you can make that happen.
 
I was browsing another thread about the topic of IMG friendly GS spots. There a poster posted this site:

http://www.facs.org/residencysearch/search/search.html

I went there looking at several of the GS spots across the nation. My first choice is to end up in Chicago. Everything about the city, I just love. I can see myself being there for five years. In addition, I'm really attracted to the programs that're there (ie UoC, UIC, & Rush specifically). However, looking at the site's data it shows that these programs have 0% IMGs.

Normally, I'm strong about not having things like this affect me - but tonight it's just coming down on a pile of bricks. There are programs that're IMG friendly, but I'm not really fond of living in the areas where the programs are (ie Creighton - Omaha & etc). I still have to take Step 2 CK, but just hate getting emotionally derailed in situations like this.

Those are self-reported stats on the ACS website. My guess is that there are plenty of IMGs in Chicago, as some of those programs don't have the world's best reputations.

That being said, if you are an IMG you will go wherever they will take you...often after some prelim time and even possibly some research...and you will have very little control over that.

As for Omaha, I agree that there are some wonderful, bad@$$ SDNers out there who have a healthy love for that town.
 
Lankenau medical center and Einstein were two programs in Philly I remember having IMGs. Lankenau, from what I remember, is a stronger program. If I recall, they had very impressive fellowship placement. Philadelphia was a great town to live in. Might want to check those programs out.

San Antonio has a significant number of IMGs as well. Unless you have a 260/260 with pubs type CV, you would have to rotate with us to get an interview. Definitely not Chicago, but San Antonio is fun.

You've basically got to make it past the bottle neck however you can and figure it out from there. From my limited experience, it seems like once you're done with residency, some of the limitations on what you can do go away. Our IMGs do well in fellowship matches, provided they perform well as residents obviously.
 
I hope you realize that UIC actually has THREE general surgery programs in Chicago? UIC proper, Metro-group/Advocate (UIC affiliated), Mt. Sinai (UIC affiliated). Some of these are not so picky that they wont look at IMGs. And you totally forgot about Loyola and Northwestern (but good luck with this last one).

As a personal opinion: Beggars can't be choosers. And sorry to say, as an IMG, you are essentially begging for a spot. I'm also pretty sure that surgeons aren't allowed to have feelings, okay? Specially hurt feelings. And what's this whining about how bad Omaha is... Warren Buffet gon' slap you. WTF.
 
Get your residency first, as WS indicated, then you can set up practice wherever you like. You can spend 5 years anywhere, and much of that time will be in the hospital or studying anyway. There are many great places to train that may not be in great places geographically.

You're right. I just need to realize this, and once I do - I'll be ok.

Those are self-reported stats on the ACS website. My guess is that there are plenty of IMGs in Chicago, as some of those programs don't have the world's best reputations.

That being said, if you are an IMG you will go wherever they will take you...often after some prelim time and even possibly some research...and you will have very little control over that.

As for Omaha, I agree that there are some wonderful, bad@$$ SDNers out there who have a healthy love for that town.

One of my other buddies says the same thing. As an IMG, I don't have the luxury to choose where I can go as an AMG, and I need to accept that. I guess after leaving Atlanta and seeing what else is out there, just opened my eyes up. Even though being in Chicago for the winter, and not going out - still had such a great time. Not sure what it is about the city that draws me to it.

Lankenau medical center and Einstein were two programs in Philly I remember having IMGs. Lankenau, from what I remember, is a stronger program. If I recall, they had very impressive fellowship placement. Philadelphia was a great town to live in. Might want to check those programs out.

San Antonio has a significant number of IMGs as well. Unless you have a 260/260 with pubs type CV, you would have to rotate with us to get an interview. Definitely not Chicago, but San Antonio is fun.

You've basically got to make it past the bottle neck however you can and figure it out from there. From my limited experience, it seems like once you're done with residency, some of the limitations on what you can do go away. Our IMGs do well in fellowship matches, provided they perform well as residents obviously.

This is what I'm looking forward to the most in fourth year. Just doing my absolute best. I wake up early anyways to read the financial news and trade Forex, so shouldn't be a problem. Be the last to leave, and show up everyday and just hit the ground running.

I hope you realize that UIC actually has THREE general surgery programs in Chicago? UIC proper, Metro-group/Advocate (UIC affiliated), Mt. Sinai (UIC affiliated). Some of these are not so picky that they wont look at IMGs. And you totally forgot about Loyola and Northwestern (but good luck with this last one).

As a personal opinion: Beggars can't be choosers. And sorry to say, as an IMG, you are essentially begging for a spot. I'm also pretty sure that surgeons aren't allowed to have feelings, okay? Specially hurt feelings. And what's this whining about how bad Omaha is... Warren Buffet gon' slap you. WTF.

Yeah, the FACS site did show those - however none were really filled with any IMGs. I figured anything above 15% IMG I consider "friendly". Only reason I'd like to go to Omaha and find out when the next split for his Berkshire Hathway stocks would happen...ha!
 
Top