Odds of matching into a Peds Program with no US Peds Rotation.

[usmle313]

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I am a US IMG and really only want to get into a pediatric program.

Step1: 241
Step 2CK still waiting for the results.
I had a difficult time finding US experience and basically did everything I could even if it wasn’t peds.
2 months at a Pain clinic
2 months at a IM clinic
2 months at a FM clinic.

How important would you say US Peds experience would be? Do you think it’ll lower my chances of getting interviews? I’m kind of freaking out because it’ll be a waste to apply to all those Peds programs if I really don’t have a chance but then again I can’t imagine myself doing IM or FM.

 

[zafonte86]

With your step score you are fine.

I am a US IMG and really only want to get into a pediatric program.

Step1: 241
Step 2CK still waiting for the results.
I had a difficult time finding US experience and basically did everything I could even if it wasn’t peds.
2 months at a Pain clinic
2 months at a IM clinic
2 months at a FM clinic.

How important would you say US Peds experience would be? Do you think it’ll lower my chances of getting interviews? I’m kind of freaking out because it’ll be a waste to apply to all those Peds programs if I really don’t have a chance but then again I can’t imagine myself doing IM or FM.

 

[SurfingDoctor]

I am a US IMG and really only want to get into a pediatric program.

Step1: 241
Step 2CK still waiting for the results.
I had a difficult time finding US experience and basically did everything I could even if it wasn’t peds.
2 months at a Pain clinic
2 months at a IM clinic
2 months at a FM clinic.

How important would you say US Peds experience would be? Do you think it’ll lower my chances of getting interviews? I’m kind of freaking out because it’ll be a waste to apply to all those Peds programs if I really don’t have a chance but then again I can’t imagine myself doing IM or FM.

I'm not sure it is that important. Letters certainly matter, and the lack of a Peds one is not optimal, but your other letters (as long as they are strong... the FM person if they can add a pediatric related anecdote) should be sufficient. I would also add a line in your personal statement about your inability to find a Pediatrics rotation didn't deter your passion in pursuing Pediatrics... or something like that (turn a negative into a positive and all the stuff)

 

[usmle313]

I'm not sure it is that important. Letters certainly matter, and the lack of a Peds one is not optimal, but your other letters (as long as they are strong... the FM person if they can add a pediatric related anecdote) should be sufficient. I would also add a line in your personal statement about your inability to find a Pediatrics rotation didn't deter your passion in pursuing Pediatrics... or something like that (turn a negative into a positive and all the stuff)

Thanks for the reply! I super appreciate it!
My personal statement already scream peds but I'll try to squeeze that in there if I can.
And luckily the FM doctors I rotated with know I'm leaning more towards peds so hopefully they'll throw that in there.
Thanks for the advice!
I super appreciate it!

 

[usmle313]

With your step score you are fine.

I'm hoping you're right!
Appreciate the reply!

 

[sella.turcica]

So, how did you do?