No interview in pathology so far

[GATO]

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I am an IMG.
I passed Step 2 CS on October 12.
Although I applied 50 pathology programs, 25 didn't offer interview before October 12. So far no interview. Do I still have a chance for interview before Match? 50 applications costs more than $1,000 (pain in my neck).

Thanks.

 

[Sulfinator]

Not that I want to be the bearer of bad news, but it doesn't seem very likely that programs will be offering many (if any) interviews between now and Match day. I don't know what your chances might be in the scramble. Maybe someone else can speak to that?

 

[KeratinPearls]

I am an IMG.
I passed Step 2 CS on October 12.
Although I applied 50 pathology programs, 25 didn't offer interview before October 12. So far no interview. Do I still have a chance for interview before Match? 50 applications costs more than $1,000 (pain in my neck).

Thanks.

I agree that you may not get any interviews. If you're lucky you may get 1 invite but dont get your hopes up. You need to get ready to scramble, which is also hell. Programs in the scramble get a hundred calls, faxes from applicants in hopes of obtaining a spot. You just have to do the best you can. If you truly want to do path, apply next year.

Good luck.

 

[green mantis]

The fact that you haven't passed Step 3 is probably limiting the number of interviews you're getting. As you probably know, IMGs tend to have difficulties passing this final step. At my residency program, we interviewed people w/out Step 3, but they usually wound up pretty low on our rank list.

Here's the rationale. 1st years at my program were responsible for grossing. We typically needed 9 grossing residents every rotation, but we managed w/ 8 occasionally. If a 1st year needed to take time off to study or take the exam, it impacted the remaining 7 or 8 grossing residents. While this is fine if you're doing it once, it gets rather annoying if someone has to do it 2 or 3 times.

This is unavoidable for USMGs since we can't take the exam yet. However, programs can cherry pick IMGs that have passed all 3 parts of the USMLE. Keep in mind that this has nothing to do w/ your ability to function as a pathology resident, so don't get discouraged.


----- Antony

 

[Cloaca]

The fact that you haven't passed Step 3 is probably limiting the number of interviews you're getting. As you probably know, IMGs tend to have difficulties passing this final step. At my residency program, we interviewed people w/out Step 3, but they usually wound up pretty low on our rank list.

Here's the rationale. 1st years at my program were responsible for grossing. We typically needed 9 grossing residents every rotation, but we managed w/ 8 occasionally. If a 1st year needed to take time off to study or take the exam, it impacted the remaining 7 or 8 grossing residents. While this is fine if you're doing it once, it gets rather annoying if someone has to do it 2 or 3 times.

This is unavoidable for USMGs since we can't take the exam yet. However, programs can cherry pick IMGs that have passed all 3 parts of the USMLE. Keep in mind that this has nothing to do w/ your ability to function as a pathology resident, so don't get discouraged.


----- Antony

Actually IMGs often can't take the Step III either because we have to wait until we get our ECFMG certificate before we can apply for the exam. So there's basically no chance to take it between graduation and starting residency. Unless, of course, you take time off after graduation.

To the op, you may get an invite or two as programs realize they may have problems with their matches. Have you contacted all the programs you applied to to make sure they've received all your materials, etc? I would call all of them, remind them of your existance, ask for an interview.

But overall, be very ready to scramble. Have ALL your documents ready, a computer and fax ready, etc. Good luck to you! There are usually a few path programs that scramble so you very well may get something!

 

[ResDame]

I am an IMG.
I passed Step 2 CS on October 12.
Although I applied 50 pathology programs, 25 didn't offer interview before October 12. So far no interview. Do I still have a chance for interview before Match? 50 applications costs more than $1,000 (pain in my neck).

Thanks.

You don't say if you passed CK. There are some programs that will not consider an IMG unless they have both parts of Step II and are ECFMG certified.

 

[green mantis]

Actually IMGs often can't take the Step III either because we have to wait until we get our ECFMG certificate before we can apply for the exam. So there's basically no chance to take it between graduation and starting residency. Unless, of course, you take time off after graduation.

I don't think any of the IMGs at my residency were recent graduates. Most have been in the US for a while doing research, so they had time to study, take & pass all parts of the USMLE.


----- Antony

 

[GATO]

Thank you for all information. Yes, I work for a biotech company in San Diego, CA. My ECFMG certification will be ready in February. I will take Step 3 and apply next year again.