Official 2013-2014 Heme/Onc fellowship application cycle

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My friend with similar background with green card, Zero interview. She is really upset.



qv3755 said:
it's your Visa. Without the Visa issue, you will have interviews 9/10 places that you applied. Get married or go to some remote places to work to EARN your visa. There's no other way to put it.
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Medres1 said:
Is it still early for me to have ONLY 1 INTERVIEW ?????????? 😕 Please tell me it is still early!!😕
stats:
IMG needs Visa
Scores > 240
14 publications, posters and oral presentation some in big name journals like blood and NEJM
4 excellent LOR

PLEASE TELL ME WHAT IS WRONG IN MY APPLICATION??! I AM NOT A CHIEF, IS THAT A MISTAKE?!
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being chief is the least of your worries. that's an outstanding profile but like others have said, it's your visa.
 
Its NHLBI today and it says the IV is in conjunction with NCI - for both hem and onc.
 
letDdiceflyhigh said:
Its NHLBI today and it says the IV is in conjunction with NCI - for both hem and onc.
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that's right. they're pretty interchangeable. If you want to spend more months doing liquids then choose NHLBI. If you prefer 12 months of your clinical training is on solids then choose NCI. There're 3/4 spots on the NHLBI side and 10+ spots on the NCI side. There're no better places to get a head start in your academic career than these two places. Clinically, you might be at a disadvantage though. Good luck. Got mine invite from NHLBI, too.
 
hemeonclover said:
My friend with similar background with green card, Zero interview. She is really upset.
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does she have good LORs? green card is better than J1/H1 Visa but it still ain't US citizenship. I think there's a slight different. If i'm not mistaken, there're some programs that ask for US citizenship candidates only.

how many programs did she apply?
 
qv3755 said:
it's your Visa. Without the Visa issue, you will have interviews 9/10 places that you applied. Get married or go to some remote places to work to EARN your visa. There's no other way to put it.
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BTW, i believe age is also a factor. If you're in your late 40's, it will be a negative despite your 14+ publications. If you're already trained in hem/onc in your country and world famous, then it wouldn't be an issue.. having your own grant money would help.
 
Can great letters (and i mean great letter using previous examples provided by Gutonc) be bad for smaller programs? ie. will programs not send out invites because they don't think that you will come? is that possible?
 
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qv3755 said:
that's right. they're pretty interchangeable. If you want to spend more months doing liquids then choose NHLBI. If you prefer 12 months of your clinical training is on solids then choose NCI. There're 3/4 spots on the NHLBI side and 10+ spots on the NCI side. There're no better places to get a head start in your academic career than these two places. Clinically, you might be at a disadvantage though. Good luck. Got mine invite from NHLBI, too.
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Did you apply for both NIH and NCI? Just looked at their site and notice that they say that if you are not sure about the primary focus then apply to both
 
letDdiceflyhigh said:
Did you apply for both NIH and NCI? Just looked at their site and notice that they say that if you are not sure about the primary focus then apply to both
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applied to both. perhaps stating my primary focus will be liquids did not help my chance at NCI. 🙂 and other programs not so strong in liquids.. well, i couldn't really lie and end up doing somethign that i don't really like doing..
 
She is at her mid 30s, good letters, applied ~70 programs.

I have similar research background, Ok USMLE, got only one IV. :-(


qv3755 said:
does she have good LORs? green card is better than J1/H1 Visa but it still ain't US citizenship. I think there's a slight different. If i'm not mistaken, there're some programs that ask for US citizenship candidates only.

how many programs did she apply?
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hemeonclover said:
She is at her mid 30s, good letters, applied ~70 programs.

I have similar research background, Ok USMLE, got only one IV. :-(
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listen to Gutonc. As long as you don't have 50% rejections, you're ok. Last time i checked, we're still in August. It's not like we're in Oct already.. All we need is just one spot. I think i get anxious just like you from reading our forum superstars getting interviews at every other places that they applied.

if it makes you feel any better, here are my official rejects - UCSF, DFCC, Emory, VCU, Wake Forrest + many more to come..
 
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Dude, your are really nice. Good luck to us all.

qv3755 said:
listen to Gutonc. As long as you don't have 50% rejections, you're ok. Last time i checked, we're still in August. It's not like we're in Oct already.. All we need is just one spot. I think i get anxious just like you from reading our forum superstars getting interviews at every other places that they applied.

if it makes you feel any better, here are my official rejects - UCSF, DFCC, VCU, Wake Forrest + many more to come..
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IMG with J1
Step 1 and 2 more than 250
8 publications
1 ASCO poster
4 good LOR
Age 29
So far 2 Interviews and 2 rejections
I applied 93 programs
I am still waiting for more :xf:
 
Medical11 said:
IMG with J1
Step 1 and 2 more than 250
8 publications
1 ASCO poster
4 good LOR
Age 29
So far 2 Interviews and 2 rejections
I applied 93 programs
I am still waiting for more :xf:
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Then I think the visa issue REALLY plays a HUGE rule in this game!! anyway I am 27 in response to the age thing, and I applied to 80 programs, and added 10 medical oncology programs last week as backup. To be honest, I am interested in both benign and malignant heme more than solids.

Anybody with J-1 visa issues applied to medical oncology programs as well?

maybe there will be more next week 🙄
 
Newyork7999 said:
Same thing here. No need for a visa Zero IV
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for MD/PhD IMG like yourself - there're several questions that might affect why you're getting zero IV:

1. how're long have you been out of medical school
2. were you always interested in Hem/Onc (dose your CV show it?)
3. the age factor - cannot be too old
4. the normal stuffs (USMLEs scores, LORs, publications, etc.)

Other than that, it's still early as there will be second and third rounds of IVs. As long as programs are not sending you rejections, you should be good.

It's very comforting to know there are normal applicants like you and me in this forum after reading how our forum superstars are having IVs left and right. Good thing they can only accept 1 position at the end of the day. Good luck!
 
I don't need H1/J1 although I am not a citizen & don't have green card, but don't have good scores. I applied to all programs except the top programs to increase my chances. I have given up on Hem/Onc fellowship dreams due to my low scores but, is there anything I can do to offset my scores if I want to try again next year?

I have poor test taking skills (I know my stuff very well according to all my attendings) but, I could re-take all steps in about 3 years (when the 7 year limit lapses) if getting higher scores will get my application to the review table?

IMG (196, 211, 216), all 1st attempt, No visa needed
1.5 years research experience
Stellar LORs (1 from a well-known Professor)
Uni-based residency program without a cancer program/center (we rotate with private practice & VA Hem/Onc's who don't have academic contacts)
1 Pub and 3 Case Reports (1st author)
Small ACS research grant recipient

I am not interested in private practice. With my scores, can I still hope for an academic career? I don't have a PhD, but planning to do an MS (Clinical Research) after residency (or during fellowship if I miraculously get an interview and match!).

Thanks for your suggestions. Good luck to everyone this season.
 
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bearhugger said:
I don't need H1/J1 visa sponsorship, but don't have good scores although I passed all steps in 1st attempt. I applied to all programs except the top programs to increase my chances. I have given up on Hem/Onc fellowship dreams due to my low scores but, is there anything I can do to offset my scores if I want to try again next year?

I have poor test taking skills (I know my stuff very well according to all my attendings) but, I could re-take all steps in about 3 years (when the 7 year limit lapses) if getting higher scores will get my application to the review table?

IMG (196, 211, 216), No visa needed
1.5 years research experience
Stellar LORs (1 from a well-known Professor)
Uni-based residency program without a cancer program/center (we rotate with private practice & VA Hem/Onc's who don't have academic contacts)
1 Pub and 3 Case Reports (1st author)
Small ACS research grant recipient

I am not interested in private practice. With my scores, can I still hope for an academic career? I don't have a PhD, but planning to do an MS (Clinical Research) after residency (or during fellowship if I miraculously get an interview and match!).

Thanks for your suggestions. Good luck to everyone this season.
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you said you don't need H1/J1 sponsorship.. but you're a J1 or H1 visa holder though, right? if you are then your chance is very minimal despite your excellent research background. The scores are low but it showed improvement from step 1-> 2 -> 3. I don't think it will hinder your chance much. You might not get the first go around but when round 2 and round 3 come about.. you name will come up through the filtering mechanism. One other thing you could do if you don't get in this year is to go to as many ASCO/ASH conferences as you can and introduce yourself to as many people as you can.. and tell them about your special interest in Hem/Onc.. might even do a couple of away electives at multiple places to increase the odd. When there's a will, there's a way. I think i read some AMG with low 200s scores but had multiple IVs so far this year. I think he/she has very similar research/pub. record. So, keep your hope up!!
 
qv3755 said:
you said you don't need H1/J1 sponsorship.. but you're a J1 or H1 visa holder though, right? if you are then your chance is very minimal despite your excellent research background. The scores are low but it showed improvement from step 1-> 2 -> 3. I don't think it will hinder your chance much. You might not get the first go around but when round 2 and round 3 come about.. you name will come up through the filtering mechanism. One other thing you could do if you don't get in this year is to go to as many ASCO/ASH conferences as you can and introduce yourself to as many people as you can.. and tell them about your special interest in Hem/Onc.. might even do a couple of away electives at multiple places to increase the odd. When there's a will, there's a way. I think i read some AMG with low 200s scores but had multiple IVs so far this year. I think he/she has very similar research/pub. record. So, keep your hope up!!
Click to expand...


Hey, thanks for the reply. I edited my post, no I have ead now (will have gc soon, hopefully) and don't need sponsorship.

My program does not allow away electives so that is another problem - not very supportive of resident's interests or those who want fellowships due to their current budget constraints it seems.

I think it is very different for AMG though because scores don't matter for them as much and they will have people calling programs on their behalf too (medical school faculty, etc). I know one AMG in my program with poor residency record so far and got plenty interviews in Endo. We can't compare with them.
 
bearhugger said:
Uni-based residency program without a cancer program/center (we rotate with private practice & VA Hem/Onc's who don't have academic contacts)
.
Click to expand...
Something to share with incoming IM residency candidates - if you're interested in Hem/Onc and has the option of choosing a Univ. based or a University affiliate/Community programs but have their own Hem/Onc programs, please choose the latter. The reason is simple - it will give you more exposure to more Hem/Onc projects and you will get to work with Hem/Onc fellows. In turn, you will have more opportunities for research/publication/poster/attend conferences. VS. a University based program is just a name if it cannot provide all of the things mentioned above. So choose wisely when you have to make your decision.
 
bearhugger said:
Hey, thanks for the reply. I edited my post, no I have ead now (will have gc soon, hopefully) and don't need sponsorship.

My program does not allow away electives so that is another problem - not very supportive of resident's interests or those who want fellowships due to their current budget constraints it seems.

I think it is very different for AMG though because scores don't matter for them as much and they will have people calling programs on their behalf too (medical school faculty, etc). I know one AMG in my program with poor residency record so far and got plenty interviews in Endo. We can't compare with them.
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Agree. Also, Endo is much easier to get in if you're willing to relocate. If you're in the in-between phase (visa going to GC) then it's tough. You can write to PCs or PDs to let them know of your situation if you didn't already done so. Otherwise, there's always next year. Your chance will be slightly better next year..
 
qv3755 said:
for MD/PhD IMG like yourself - there're several questions that might affect why you're getting zero IV:

1. how're long have you been out of medical school
2. were you always interested in Hem/Onc (dose your CV show it?)
3. the age factor - cannot be too old
4. the normal stuffs (USMLEs scores, LORs, publications, etc.)

Other than that, it's still early as there will be second and third rounds of IVs. As long as programs are not sending you rejections, you should be good.

It's very comforting to know there are normal applicants like you and me in this forum after reading how our forum superstars are having IVs left and right. Good thing they can only accept 1 position at the end of the day. Good luck!
Click to expand...

Agree with you!

But as I said earlier, I have papers (research, review), ASCO/ASH posters. Masters basic science, excellent LOR's, extremely interested in Hemonc since med school, mid Thirty. about 9 years from med school.

I was not expecting to be a superstar.
BUT I got nothing this is REALLY SURPRISING.
Nevertheless, I worked too much in hemonc, I can not step backwords now, I know about Hemonc more than anything else.
So, if I am not good this year, will see what next year brings. (Got well more than 30 rejections)
Best of luck
 
Newyork7999 said:
Agree with you!

But as I said earlier, I have papers (research, review), ASCO/ASH posters. Masters basic science, excellent LOR's, extremely interested in Hemonc since med school, mid Thirty. about 9 years from med school.

I was not expecting to be a superstar.
BUT I got nothing this is REALLY SURPRISING.
Nevertheless, I worked too much in hemonc, I can not step backwords now, I know about Hemonc more than anything else.
So, if I am not good this year, will see what next year brings. (Got well more than 30 rejections)
Best of luck
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wow. i'm quite surprise to hear this.. are you a green card holder? or sort of like the in-between phase? i have a hunch you will get plenty of IVs later..
 
oncobsession said:
new to the forum

invite form U of Iowa: any input on this program?
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chair of Hem from Stanford came from this program.. so it speaks volume by itself if you don't mind the corn field. 🙂
 
qv3755 said:
Something to share with incoming IM residency candidates - if you're interested in Hem/Onc and has the option of choosing a Univ. based or a University affiliate/Community programs but have their own Hem/Onc programs, please choose the latter. The reason is simple - it will give you more exposure to more Hem/Onc projects and you will get to work with Hem/Onc fellows. In turn, you will have more opportunities for research/publication/poster/attend conferences. VS. a University based program is just a name if it cannot provide all of the things mentioned above. So choose wisely when you have to make your decision.
Click to expand...

I am strongly against this idea. I think going to the most academic university-based IM residency is the best option. Most community heme-onc programs dont have that many projects and dont necessarily take their own.

I'm a DO candidate. Plan on going 10-15 interviews.
 
med98 said:
Medonc, can you comment on the strengths of the program? How's the training for solid tumors and BMT? Thanks! 🙂
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Very strong in aerodigestive (lung, head and neck). In fact, chair, executive vice chair and division chief are all aerodigestive oncologists. Solid GI and breast program. BMT program is very myeloma heavy and very busy clinically. Research time is well protected.🙂
 
Niviancer said:
I am strongly against this idea. I think going to the most academic university-based IM residency is the best option. Most community heme-onc programs dont have that many projects and dont necessarily take their own.
.
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i'm with you for the most part. however, in my own experience, if I have to choose between a mediocre/small university program that has no Hem/Onc fellowship and has no track record of no one matching in a hem/onc fellowship within the past 3 years VS. a university affiliate program that has a Hem/Onc fellowship program which takes 1 of their own every year and also allow me to do an off-site elective, I would choose the latter in a heartbeat. But then again, if I had to choose b/t a small community program that doesn't take its own resident(s) VS a stellar academic university program with no Hem/Onc fellowship, I might have to think twice about it.. There's really no secret formula here. 😍
 
Newyork7999 said:
Green card holder !
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how many places did you apply to? did you have excellent LORs? if you applied to ~80 programs and have great LORs then you will have a great chance this year. It's still early to give in.
 
medonc said:
Very strong in aerodigestive (lung, head and neck). In fact, chair, executive vice chair and division chief are all aerodigestive oncologists. Solid GI and breast program. BMT program is very myeloma heavy and very busy clinically. Research time is well protected.🙂
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Thank you! 👍
 
qv3755 said:
chair of Hem from Stanford came from this program.. so it speaks volume by itself if you don't mind the corn field. 🙂
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Interesting. Who is the chair? At least on stanford's website, the chair of heme came form stanford 😉 maybe a former chief? anyways - any other insights about how good the training might be there? I don't mind the midwest - all I care about is quality training.
 
Anyone know about strengths and weakness of UCDavis program? My significant other (who is an AMG) got an invite there.
They mention lot of research on their website but do not seem to have too much heme? How about their onc? How does the program compare with others in the west? Thanx.
 
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Niviancer said:
I am strongly against this idea. I think going to the most academic university-based IM residency is the best option. Most community heme-onc programs dont have that many projects and dont necessarily take their own.

I'm a DO candidate. Plan on going 10-15 interviews.
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Amazing collection of interviews for a DO candidate, you must have an impressive CV! Congrats!
 
oncobsession said:
Interesting. Who is the chair? At least on stanford's website, the chair of heme came form stanford 😉 maybe a former chief? anyways - any other insights about how good the training might be there? I don't mind the midwest - all I care about is quality training.
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sorry, must be former chief. all I heard through the grapevine is that they're strong in liquids/BMT for a Midwest program.
 
qv3755 said:
sorry, must be former chief. all I heard through the grapevine is that they're strong in liquids/BMT for a Midwest program.
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Thanks qv3755. I am more interested in solids - I've also heard that they are good in heme but was wondering if I would get good solid tumor training there. Thanks for your input!
 
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