Not finishing a core before interviews, will it affect me?

[ScubaV]

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I am a US-IMG who plans to enter the 2013 match. The way my current schedule is set up I have a 6 week break in May/June during which I plan to study for and take Step 2. Then I have my last core, surgery, from July to mid-September. I'd like to move my surgery rotation to January, the next available spot, so that I can get some electives in before the application and interview season. I'm not sure which specialty I want to do, but I do know that I am 100% not interested in any kind of surgery hence my desire to move the rotation. The only thing holding me back is any possibility that this will come back to bite me. Will it?

TL;DR Will not finishing surgery, something I have no interest in, until midway through 4th year negatively affect my application for other specialties?

 

[jcu]

Short answer is no.

But, keep in mind many hospitals require all core completion before scheduling any electives. Others don't mind. In general, maximize your app as an IMG by: having your CS and CK grades up by September 1st; having most of your LOR's uploaded by September 1st; having an elective or two under your belt in your intended specialty. G'luck.