Official 2014-2015 IM WAMC Thread

[235009]

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Programs that I should ad or eliminate? I understand the list is to long and I am looking to shorten it to 20 programs.

Cut it down by location. You have programs across the country, in big cities, small towns, college towns. Make some decisions about what you prefer

 

[IMPD]

reading the NRMP data is a bit tedious and the best source of information.

Combining that info and my own, limited, experience, here are some guidelines.

If you are an average AMG, make sure your rank list is at least 10 long. Which 10? Apply to 30 programs, putting 10 reaches on it (it's just money), 5 safeties and 15 in-your-wheelhouse. You'll get 18-20 interviews out of this (maybe 25) and you'll get through 15-18 (tops) interviews before burnout sets in and you cancel the rest. Don't schedule reach interviews in January. Duh. Rank at least 10, probably 15. You will almost certainly match one of your top 4.

If you are an above average AMG, forget about safeties and apply to 15-20 really good programs. You'll only need 5 mid-tiers. Your rank list will be determined by how many interviews you can get through. Rank every program you would go to. You will almost certainly match in your top 4.

If you are a below-average AMG, forget about reaches and apply to 25-35 programs about evenly split (mid-tier, safety). Your rank list should be closer to 20. Rank every program you would go to. You will almost certainly match in your top 10.

If you failed courses, failed steps and did not get good letters, talk to your Dean of Student Affairs and get specific guidance. You are in danger of not matching.

 

[irishmedgrad2016]

a

 

[redpanda]

My aim is to match in Pittsburgh (for personal reasons). If this is not successful I would like to be within a 4 to 5 hour drive.

The programs I am looking at are
UPMC mercy and medical education programs, Allegheny, Penn State, Drexel, Temple, Thomas Jefferson, U Penn, Pennsylvania Hospital, Johns Hopkins (all programs), University of Maryland, Medstar Franklin square, Sinai Hospital, Cleveland Clinic (all programs), Case Western, Ohio State, Fairview

I would be love to hear what people think my chances are of matching at these institutions. I realise that my scores probably aren't competitive enough for the likes of Hopkins, U Penn etc but I think it might be worth applying anyway. I would be particularly interested in hearing from anyone that knows a bit about the Pittsburgh programs. What worries me about UPMC is after looking at their list of current residents there seems to be very few IMGs. Any

Disclaimer: I'm a Pitt medical student.

I don't think you'll have any real chance at matching into UPMC Medical Education as an IMG. All the IMGs that I've met in the program (of which there are very few) are research superstars. I can't comment on the UPMC Mercy program, but having seen the West Penn resident list, I think you might have more luck over there.

 

[TemporaryAcct19451]

Hey everyone, longtime follower with new acct, would appreciate any help or direction.
Weighing whether to do the DO match or MD match.

Step 1: 200
COMLEX 1: 520
Haven't taken STEP 2 or COMLEX 2
Lower half of class
No research, 4 presentations
Great LORs, not anyone famous/PD etc.

I already have 3 DO IM interviews, as I got my ERAS for DO in early. I know I'm not really competative, so my list looks a lot different than you 250+ people out there. Listed below is what I've researched as my best chances to match MD based on board scores and DO friendly programs.
So, WAMC as is, right now? Anyone else I should be looking at? And also, if I took step 2, what would I need to get to make sure I match MD? Thanks!

Reach
Virginia Mason, Seattle
Iowa- Des Moines
VCU
Wake Forest
UF- Jacksonville

Competative/Somewhat Competative
Providence, Portland
Legacy, Portland
Nevada-Reno
St. Joes, Denver
St. Joes, Chicago
UIC/Advocate Christ
Advocate Lutheran, Chicago
Western Michigan
Christ H, Cincinnati
Trihealth, Cincinnati
Baystate MC-Tufts
Hopkins- Bayview
St. Lukes, PA
Carilion Clinic, VA
Louisville
Kentucky
ETSU
S Florida
S Alabama
UAB- Huntsville
E Carolina
Mercer- Savannah
Greenville, SC
New Hanover, NC
Moses Cone, NC

More Safe
VA Boise
North Dakota
New Mexico
Geissinger, PA
Reading H, PA
Lehigh Valley/Allentown
Summa-Akron
Mercy-Toledo

 

[235009]

Hey everyone, longtime follower with new acct, would appreciate any help or direction.
Weighing whether to do the DO match or MD match.

Step 1: 200
COMLEX 1: 520
Haven't taken STEP 2 or COMLEX 2
Lower half of class
No research, 4 presentations
Great LORs, not anyone famous/PD etc.

I already have 3 DO IM interviews, as I got my ERAS for DO in early. I know I'm not really competative, so my list looks a lot different than you 250+ people out there. Listed below is what I've researched as my best chances to match MD based on board scores and DO friendly programs.
So, WAMC as is, right now? Anyone else I should be looking at? And also, if I took step 2, what would I need to get to make sure I match MD? Thanks!

Reach
Virginia Mason, Seattle
Iowa- Des Moines
VCU
Wake Forest
UF- Jacksonville

Competative/Somewhat Competative
Providence, Portland
Legacy, Portland
Nevada-Reno
St. Joes, Denver
St. Joes, Chicago
UIC/Advocate Christ
Advocate Lutheran, Chicago
Western Michigan
Christ H, Cincinnati
Trihealth, Cincinnati
Baystate MC-Tufts
Hopkins- Bayview
St. Lukes, PA
Carilion Clinic, VA
Louisville
Kentucky
ETSU
S Florida
S Alabama
UAB- Huntsville
E Carolina
Mercer- Savannah
Greenville, SC
New Hanover, NC
Moses Cone, NC

More Safe
VA Boise
North Dakota
New Mexico
Geissinger, PA
Reading H, PA
Lehigh Valley/Allentown
Summa-Akron
Mercy-Toledo

The fact that you think you are even somewhat competitive at Hopkins-Bayview makes me seriously question your "research".

Anyway applications are cheap and you can easily throw your hat in the ring and see what comes of it. If you don't get enough interviews stick with DO. You already know your chances are pretty poor. Beyond that I doubt anyone on this board is familiar enough with these programs to give more specifics.

 

[TemporaryAcct19451]

The fact that you think you are even somewhat competitive at Hopkins-Bayview makes me seriously question your "research".

Anyway applications are cheap and you can easily throw your hat in the ring and see what comes of it. If you don't get enough interviews stick with DO. You already know your chances are pretty poor. Beyond that I doubt anyone on this board is familiar enough with these programs to give more specifics.

My bad, must've copied/pasted it accidentally from my working list, obviously not going to apply to Hopkins in any format. Thanks for the confirmation of my thoughts.

 

[irishmedgrad2016]

m

 

[letmeinplease12]

reading the NRMP data is a bit tedious and the best source of information.

Combining that info and my own, limited, experience, here are some guidelines.

If you are an average AMG, make sure your rank list is at least 10 long. Which 10? Apply to 30 programs, putting 10 reaches on it (it's just money), 5 safeties and 15 in-your-wheelhouse. You'll get 18-20 interviews out of this (maybe 25) and you'll get through 15-18 (tops) interviews before burnout sets in and you cancel the rest. Don't schedule reach interviews in January. Duh. Rank at least 10, probably 15. You will almost certainly match one of your top 4.

If you are an above average AMG, forget about safeties and apply to 15-20 really good programs. You'll only need 5 mid-tiers. Your rank list will be determined by how many interviews you can get through. Rank every program you would go to. You will almost certainly match in your top 4.

If you are a below-average AMG, forget about reaches and apply to 25-35 programs about evenly split (mid-tier, safety). Your rank list should be closer to 20. Rank every program you would go to. You will almost certainly match in your top 10.

If you failed courses, failed steps and did not get good letters, talk to your Dean of Student Affairs and get specific guidance. You are in danger of not matching.

This is a really dumb question., but how does one find out which programs would be in my wheelhouse? My step 1 was 243 and high passed all M3 clerkships. One second author pub and a few poster presentations.

 

[235009]

This is a really dumb question., but how does one find out which programs would be in my wheelhouse? My step 1 was 243 and high passed all M3 clerkships. One second author pub and a few poster presentations.

No such data exists

 

[Wizard25]

Calling all snides and cynics. Surmount your exasperation and give me an honest WAMC! Cmon ya'll crushing dreams is a team sport!

Step 1: 232
Step 2: 242
2nd quartile at a non brand name state school in the south
Pre clinical: Mostly As
Clerkships: Medicine B, Surgery B, Ob/Gyn B, Peds A, Family A, Psych A
Research: smatterings of dabblings, nothing substantial, no pubs
Letters: no one famous
AOA: negativo
Extra curriculars: substantial

Any hope at all?: OHSU, Colorado, UNC, UVA, Emory, Wake, BU, Tufts, Baylor, USC, Michigan, Georgetown, NYU?

 

[Atom bum]

Utah (although probably a stretch)

what's this then? Is Utah a specially competitive program for some reason?

 

[235009]

Calling all snides and cynics. Surmount your exasperation and give me an honest WAMC! Cmon ya'll crushing dreams is a team sport!

Step 1: 232
Step 2: 242
2nd quartile at a non brand name state school in the south
Pre clinical: Mostly As
Clerkships: Medicine B, Surgery B, Ob/Gyn B, Peds A, Family A, Psych A
Research: smatterings of dabblings, nothing substantial, no pubs
Letters: no one famous
AOA: negativo
Extra curriculars: substantial

Any hope at all?: OHSU, Colorado, UNC, UVA, Emory, Wake, BU, Tufts, Baylor, USC, Michigan, Georgetown, NYU?

That list is a good start. You'll most likely hear from about half of these places and match at one if you want. I would suggest doubling that list. If you truly don't have a geographic restriction as this list suggests you should be able to apply to 25 or so programs of this same caliber range

 

[gutonc]

what's this then? Is Utah a specially competitive program for some reason?

Location, location, location.

Also...it's a good program.

 

[Atom bum]

Location, location, location.

Also...it's a good program.

I don't suppose you know if they give any preference to people from the area?
It was at the top of my list, but I'm just an average applicant.

 

[gutonc]

I don't suppose you know if they give any preference to people from the area?
It was at the top of my list, but I'm just an average applicant.

I doubt it, but have no idea. Just apply.

Honestly, the answer to every single question in this thread is "just apply".

 

[Atom bum]

I doubt it, but have no idea. Just apply.

Honestly, the answer to every single question in this thread is "just apply".

Hey man, if I was not a neurotic bundle of anxiety, I would be a terrible med student.
By the way, will you look at this mole on my back I think it's melanoma.

Thanks for the info.

 

[Wizard25]

Just apply? You're better than this gutonc....

I had the impression Utah wasn't a great program for some reason but I'd love to live in Salt Lake.

I don't have geographic restriction happily and just want to get the best training I can get in a fun place.

What are some programs I should check out that are in the same tier as those I listed?

 

[Wizard25]

Shooting for general hospitalist, so I don't care if the program places 25/20 residents in Cardiology.

 

[gutonc]

Just apply? You're better than this gutonc....

I had the impression Utah wasn't a great program for some reason but I'd love to live in Salt Lake.

I don't have geographic restriction happily and just want to get the best training I can get in a fun place.

What are some programs I should check out that are in the same tier as those I listed?

Better than what exactly? You guys are asking unanswerable questions. Applying to programs is dirt cheap. If you think you might be interested in a program, might like a location or just want to take a trip to see a place, just apply. My #1 (where I matched) was a place I threw on the list at the last minute because I was going to be in the area anyway and didn't have anything to lose.

Just apply, see what happens, stop overthinking this.

And I'm not sure where you got that impression about Utah but it is as good or better than every single program you put in your (kind of odd, but whatever) list.

And if you really need random jackholes on the internet to help you get a job next year, I'd consider the following other programs based on what you're looking at right now (from left to right geographically):
MSSM
AECOM
Rutgers-RWJ
Pitt
Ohio State
Any Chicago program not called Northwestern
UMinn
Madison
Iowa
Utah
UAz
UC-Davis
UC-Irvine
CPMC

Oh hey...look at that...I doubled your list.

 

[Wizard25]

Glad to hear it about Utah

Is Univ of Arizona a good program?

 

[gutonc]

Glad to hear it about Utah

Is Univ of Arizona a good program?

It's the best program in the desert Southwest. Interpret that however you wish.

 

[letmeinplease12]

No such data exists

If I were to just apply to the top 25 ranked internal medicine residency programs. Granted rankings are rather subjective. I add in 5-10 back up programs how likely is it that I match in the top 25. This is rather a general question, but trying to figure out how competitive of an applicant I am, even though my 3rd year clerkship grades aren't spectacular. Like is it a 50/50 chance to match on the lower end of those ranked in the top 25? Just trying to figure out how to narrow down my list since I have no real preference in location choice.

 

[johndoe3344]

This is a really dumb question., but how does one find out which programs would be in my wheelhouse? My step 1 was 243 and high passed all M3 clerkships. One second author pub and a few poster presentations.

If I were to just apply to the top 25 ranked internal medicine residency programs. Granted rankings are rather subjective. I add in 5-10 back up programs how likely is it that I match in the top 25. This is rather a general question, but trying to figure out how competitive of an applicant I am, even though my 3rd year clerkship grades aren't spectacular. Like is it a 50/50 chance to match on the lower end of those ranked in the top 25? Just trying to figure out how to narrow down my list since I have no real preference in location choice.

What medical school are you coming from? What does a "High Pass" mean in your medical school (in terms of distributions). What is your class rank? Are you AOA?

 

[disorder]

What medical school are you coming from? What does a "High Pass" mean in your medical school (in terms of distributions). What is your class rank? Are you AOA?

Yeaup, all of this matters. Unfortunately, a 24X is pretty common these days amongst those "top 25" applicants. You're going to need a round app.

 

[letmeinplease12]

What medical school are you coming from? What does a "High Pass" mean in your medical school (in terms of distributions). What is your class rank? Are you AOA?

I am coming from a mid tier school in the Midwest. I doubt I will be AOA. I'm probably in the top third of the class. I'd estimate half class will get high pass or honors. Have a few research experiences with one second author publication. Overall nothing really special about my app. I'm just trying to get a general sense of my competitiveness.

 

[johndoe3344]

I am coming from a mid tier school in the Midwest. I doubt I will be AOA. I'm probably in the top third of the class. I'd estimate half class will get high pass or honors. Have a few research experiences with one second author publication. Overall nothing really special about my app. I'm just trying to get a general sense of my competitiveness.

Based on what you told us, I'd guesstimate your competitiveness at around bottom top tier / top mid tier.

So just naming a few university programs around the Midwest (not sure of your geographic preferences as you never stated any) off the top of my head:
UW-Madison
UIowa
UMinn
Baylor
Case Western
UTSW (reach)
Mayo (reach)
UChicago (reach)
NWern (reach)
WashU (reach)

If you have specific programs you're thinking about, or at least even a geographic preference, that'll also help us in terms of giving you a sense of your competitiveness.

 

[letmeinplease12]

Based on what you told us, I'd guesstimate your competitiveness at around bottom top tier / top mid tier.

So just naming a few university programs around the Midwest (not sure of your geographic preferences as you never stated any) off the top of my head:
UW-Madison
UIowa
UMinn
Baylor
Case Western
UTSW (reach)
Mayo (reach)
UChicago (reach)
NWern (reach)
WashU (reach)

If you have specific programs you're thinking about, or at least even a geographic preference, that'll also help us in terms of giving you a sense of your competitiveness.

Thanks for the help. Imma take a deeper look at similar programs.

 

[lulu09]

Any advice will be greatly appreciated! Basically goes to a good school with good research, but has low Step 1 and clerkship grades. Talked with medicine PD at home program and he says I should still be able to match into a mid- to low- academic program or high community programs. Just wanted a second opinion. Thanks!

School: Top 20, northeast
Step 1: 205 (didn't prepare enough and really shot myself in the foot)
Step 2: taken, scores will not be out till 9/24, hoping for 230-245, simulated in 240s
Grades: No honors, 2 HP (medicine and surgery), P for the rest (strong comments on clinical performance in MSPE but low shelf performances pushed me to P in most clerkships - shelves are weighted pretty heavily). Pass is ~50-60% of each clerkship, HP/H the rest, division varies.
Research: First author in major clinical journal, 2 national conference orals with poster, 1 regional conference poster only
Awards: 3 total at national/regional/and medical school for research (one each)
LOR: Probably will have "best ever" language in 2 out of 3
EC: According to adviser "above average" for peers at medical school, several activities with 4 year commitment + leadership

Applying broadly to several urban cities in the US, but with preference to California. Obviously not aiming for UCSF/UCLA/Stanford/UCSD, but curious about realistic chances at the other programs. Is my app even viable at UCLA Harbor/Olive View/Scripps/USC? Also applying to Kaisers + Santa Clara Valley, Irvine, Riverside, Davis, CPMC, Highland...pretty much the whole gamut except places in Central Valley. App list is similar for NYC/Boston/Chicago...(basically just taking out the top schools and then applying to a smattering of the middle schools and most of the lower schools). Probably 40-50 total.

 

[IM2GI]

Any advice will be greatly appreciated! Basically goes to a good school with good research, but has low Step 1 and clerkship grades. Talked with medicine PD at home program and he says I should still be able to match into a mid- to low- academic program or high community programs. Just wanted a second opinion. Thanks!

School: Top 20, northeast
Step 1: 205 (didn't prepare enough and really shot myself in the foot)
Step 2: taken, scores will not be out till 9/24, hoping for 230-245, simulated in 240s
Grades: No honors, 2 HP (medicine and surgery), P for the rest (strong comments on clinical performance in MSPE but low shelf performances pushed me to P in most clerkships - shelves are weighted pretty heavily). Pass is ~50-60% of each clerkship, HP/H the rest, division varies.
Research: First author in major clinical journal, 2 national conference orals with poster, 1 regional conference poster only
Awards: 3 total at national/regional/and medical school for research (one each)
LOR: Probably will have "best ever" language in 2 out of 3
EC: According to adviser "above average" for peers at medical school, several activities with 4 year commitment + leadership

Applying broadly to several urban cities in the US, but with preference to California. Obviously not aiming for UCSF/UCLA/Stanford/UCSD, but curious about realistic chances at the other programs. Is my app even viable at UCLA Harbor/Olive View/Scripps/USC? Also applying to Kaisers + Santa Clara Valley, Irvine, Riverside, Davis, CPMC, Highland...pretty much the whole gamut except places in Central Valley. App list is similar for NYC/Boston/Chicago...(basically just taking out the top schools and then applying to a smattering of the middle schools and most of the lower schools). Probably 40-50 total.

How do you end up at a "top 20" med school and then slack off for step 1?

I think saying you will match at a community program is overly dramatic. Someone will take a chance on you, but apply broadly and send out a lot of applications as you will get screened out at a lot of programs.

 

[disorder]

Any advice will be greatly appreciated! Basically goes to a good school with good research, but has low Step 1 and clerkship grades. Talked with medicine PD at home program and he says I should still be able to match into a mid- to low- academic program or high community programs. Just wanted a second opinion. Thanks!

School: Top 20, northeast
Step 1: 205 (didn't prepare enough and really shot myself in the foot)
Step 2: taken, scores will not be out till 9/24, hoping for 230-245, simulated in 240s
Grades: No honors, 2 HP (medicine and surgery), P for the rest (strong comments on clinical performance in MSPE but low shelf performances pushed me to P in most clerkships - shelves are weighted pretty heavily). Pass is ~50-60% of each clerkship, HP/H the rest, division varies.
Research: First author in major clinical journal, 2 national conference orals with poster, 1 regional conference poster only
Awards: 3 total at national/regional/and medical school for research (one each)
LOR: Probably will have "best ever" language in 2 out of 3
EC: According to adviser "above average" for peers at medical school, several activities with 4 year commitment + leadership

Applying broadly to several urban cities in the US, but with preference to California. Obviously not aiming for UCSF/UCLA/Stanford/UCSD, but curious about realistic chances at the other programs. Is my app even viable at UCLA Harbor/Olive View/Scripps/USC? Also applying to Kaisers + Santa Clara Valley, Irvine, Riverside, Davis, CPMC, Highland...pretty much the whole gamut except places in Central Valley. App list is similar for NYC/Boston/Chicago...(basically just taking out the top schools and then applying to a smattering of the middle schools and most of the lower schools). Probably 40-50 total.

Your research and your pedigree will help you out a little at the tougher places to match, but your step 1 and clinical grades will definitely hurt you and cause you to be screened out at quite a few places. Unless, of course, by Top 20 you mean Harvard. I agree with your PD, though. Mid tier programs. But, if you're really aiming to be at some top tier program why not just throw your name in the hat and see what happens? It's your money, your career, and it isn't terribly expensive to check a box.

 

[lulu09]

How do you end up at a "top 20" med school and then slack off for step 1?

Being too relaxed during the first two years and flying by the pass mark. When Step 1 time came, realized that there were too many gaps to be filled. Suffice it to say that I have really learned my lesson for Step 2. I was really naive while prepping for the Step 1 to just think that everything will fall into place at the end.

Your research and your pedigree will help you out a little at the tougher places to match, but your step 1 and clinical grades will definitely hurt you and cause you to be screened out at quite a few places. Unless, of course, by Top 20 you mean Harvard. I agree with your PD, though. Mid tier programs. But, if you're really aiming to be at some top tier program why not just throw your name in the hat and see what happens? It's your money, your career, and it isn't terribly expensive to check a box.

Not Harvard, but a brand-name school which I hope helps me. I won't waste money applying to the top programs at cities which I"m not particularly attached to (e.g. Harvard hospitals in Boston), but I will give the top programs in California a chance I think. It's probably a shot in the dark - I agree. Thanks for the input. I was already planning on applying really broadly (hence around 40-50 programs), but I didn't know how far down the list I will need to go. I will certain apply to good community programs, but I think with my research experience and career interests I would still like to end up at an academic program. Hopefully there's something down the road for me.

Really appreciate the feedback, if there are others please post!

 

[IMPD]

If I were to just apply to the top 25 ranked internal medicine residency programs. Granted rankings are rather subjective. I add in 5-10 back up programs how likely is it that I match in the top 25. This is rather a general question, but trying to figure out how competitive of an applicant I am, even though my 3rd year clerkship grades aren't spectacular. Like is it a 50/50 chance to match on the lower end of those ranked in the top 25? Just trying to figure out how to narrow down my list since I have no real preference in location choice.

Here is something fun I just wrote up

Student Quality Poor Average Good V.Good – Great

Program Quality

Community (not Cali) 20 DWYT DWYT DWYT


Low Tier Uni 40-50 5 DWYT DWYT


Mid Tier Uni 5-10 20-30 20-30 5-10


High Tier Uni DWYT 5-10
5-10 20-30


DWYT = Don't Waste Your Time

 

[IMPD]

Hmmm...failed on the formatting. Let me try again.

Can't do the image link at work.

Definition: Applicant quality: Poor (step and or course failures (excepting (maybe)CS as one-time), Mediocre (Step 1 <210, S-HS in IM, no research, no AOA, no uniques), Good (Step 1 210-230, HS-H IM, ?research, no AOA, possibly unique, really good letter), V.Good (230+, H IM, +reserach +/- AOA, +/- unique, really good letter).

If Med School in top 50, possibly move up one category

If PhD, application gets flagged, this applicant could be great or terrible.

If wildly discrepant info, possibly email letter/Dean to clarify

Program Quality: Community (except Cali), Low Tier Uni (All or 95% IMG), Mid Tier Uni (mix AMG/IMG), High Tier Uni (all AMG)

 

[Que]

Thanks for your reply. That pretty much confirms my suspicion so that UPMC medical education program isn't going to be an option unfortunately. I can't find a list of residents for UPMC Mercy anywhere so if anyone else out there knows a bit about that program it would be great. Just out of interest what would have been your second choice after the UPMC medical education program. My step 1 score was a typo by the way it was meant to say 242 (not 232).

You should be able to match at the Allegheny Health Network no problem. I've done some rotations there and I think it's a very underrated program in a very solid hospital system. The PD is great and they love IMGs. They also have lots of fellowships if that is your thing.

 

[disorder]

Hmmm...failed on the formatting. Let me try again.

Can't do the image link at work.

Definition: Applicant quality: Poor (step and or course failures (excepting (maybe)CS as one-time), Mediocre (Step 1 <210, S-HS in IM, no research, no AOA, no uniques), Good (Step 1 210-230, HS-H IM, ?research, no AOA, possibly unique, really good letter), V.Good (230+, H IM, +reserach +/- AOA, +/- unique, really good letter).

If Med School in top 50, possibly move up one category

If PhD, application gets flagged, this applicant could be great or terrible.

If wildly discrepant info, possibly email letter/Dean to clarify

Program Quality: Community (except Cali), Low Tier Uni (All or 95% IMG), Mid Tier Uni (mix AMG/IMG), High Tier Uni (all AMG)

Isn't that the truth.

 

[letmeinplease12]

Ok guys I came up with a preliminary list. Any advice would be greatly appreciated or suggestion of programs to check out. I go to middle tier Midwest school originally from California. Step 1 243. HP all third year clerkship courses (50% get honors or high pass). Probably top third class rank. Typical extracurriculars with 2nd author publication.

U Minn, U Mich, U Iowa, Northwestern, U Chicago, Case Western, UW Madison
UCLA, UCSD, UCI, UCD, USC
Arizona, Colorado, UTSW, Baylor

 

[disorder]

Ok guys I came up with a preliminary list. Any advice would be greatly appreciated or suggestion of programs to check out. I go to middle tier Midwest school originally from California. Step 1 243. HP all third year clerkship courses (50% get honors or high pass). Probably top third class rank. Typical extracurriculars with 2nd author publication.

U Minn, U Mich, U Iowa, Northwestern, U Chicago, Case Western, UW Madison
UCLA, UCSD, UCI, UCD, USC
Arizona, Colorado, UTSW, Baylor

U Minn yes
U Mich maybe -
U Iowa yes
Northwestern no
U Chicago no
Case Western yes
UW Madison yes
UCLA no
UCSD maybe +
UCI yes
UCD maybe +
USC yes
Arizona yes
Colorado maybe +
UTSW no
Baylor maybe -

YMMV depending on if you're interesting and school track record into matching at XYZ program

 

[danvasta]

I graduated med school overseas last year. My scores are as follows
Step 1 :234
Step 2: 255
I have about 4 months of USCE in the form of electives at an Ivy league university. 1 month of observership at Tufts during which I got an opportunity to work in a molecular oncology lab and I plan on doing so for the next few months at least (through interview season). I have no prior research experience besides this as in no papers published but I am working on a case report (not research but still) with one of the physicians here, but no publications yet. I want to do hem/onc eventually as a fellowship so I want to match into a really good university based program. I know needing a visa and the fact that I am an IMG may play against me. All my letters are from US physicians again from these top universities and I know they are strong. What are my chances of matching into a really good university program? As an IMG should I be shooting for the lower tier community programs and am I being realistic?

 

[IMPD]

I graduated med school overseas last year. My scores are as follows
Step 1 :234
Step 2: 255
I have about 4 months of USCE in the form of electives at an Ivy league university. 1 month of observership at Tufts during which I got an opportunity to work in a molecular oncology lab and I plan on doing so for the next few months at least (through interview season). I have no prior research experience besides this as in no papers published but I am working on a case report (not research but still) with one of the physicians here, but no publications yet. I want to do hem/onc eventually as a fellowship so I want to match into a really good university based program. I know needing a visa and the fact that I am an IMG may play against me. All my letters are from US physicians again from these top universities and I know they are strong. What are my chances of matching into a really good university program? As an IMG should I be shooting for the lower tier community programs and am I being realistic?

More info required.

Where did you go? There is a vast difference in "overseas" schools.

Where was your undergrad?

Your statement about "wanting a really good uni program" and "shooting for a lower tier community" program shows too much black/white thinking. Really good uni programs do take IMGs, but as I just demonstrated, the term "IMG" encompasses a huge variety of applicants. Your lack of research probably means that you're not a stellar IMG. Your scores are good. Your school's reputation counts for A LOT. The rest of your pedigree counts.

There are many decent uni-affiliated programs that take IMGs and some straight up uni programs that take the occasional IMG. If you are wiling to provide more info, I can give you a bit more in reply.

 

[Kchen22]

Yup. There are not really any super strong programs in the DC area though, so there is less competition other than folks who really want to be in the area

What about Johns Hopkins Bayview? Anyone know anything about this program? I've heard most people place this program as a high mid-tier/low top-tier program (but probably the best program in the DC area) given that it's the community version of JHH but still has bada$$ faculty and stellar fellowship placements...any thoughts on this program guys?

And has anyone heard anything about Yale's primary care tract? Like Bayview, I heard it's much easier to match compared to the categorical counterpart with similar training and outstanding fellowship opportunities..

 

[jcm5189]

MD 4th year
Step 2- 249
3rd quartile of class

Want to do IM.
Couples matching with boyfriend who is step 1-230 step 2- 252.
Both have passed everything, both honors in psych.


What IM residencies do I have a chance at in :
1.DC: (George Washington?) (Medstar Washington/ Georgetown?) (Georgetown?---reach...)
2. Mass: (UMass?) (Mount Auburn Hospital Program? -really like the looks of this 1)
3. Colorado: (St. Joseph Exempla?)
4. NY: ( SUNY Brooklyn?) (Brooklyn Hospital Center Program?)
5. Conn: (UConn?)
6. Pennsylvania: (UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside?) (Thomas Jeff?) (Drexel?)

 

[thehundredthone]

I'd like to get some advice on how to choose university affiliated programs as an IMG applicant.

Graduated March 2014 from a medical school in India (Top 5, but does rank matter? It's somewhat known in the US from what I've heard, and students have matched at Creighton, NYU, BUMC, UMass, Louiseville)
Step 1: 259
Step 2: 260+
Step 3 should be in before September 15th
Class rank: Top 15%
USCE: 2 Sub-I's (2 months) at a university program, honors in both.
3 months of research + observership at a university program with a poster presentation (maybe more later but not before applications go out)
2 first author case reports in indexed journals including one in BMJ Case Reports.
1 oral presentation at a national (although student) conference
Letters: US Chair, US PD, US attendings (including my research mentor)

Is my research experience considered marginal? I have worked on other projects but they did not result in publications so that doesn't count, I'm guessing. I'm not going to ask about university programs because I know it's a crapshoot and will just apply to all the non 'top tier' programs that have taken more than 1-2 IMGs before. There's about 70-80 of these not counting the aforementioned.

How do I choose from the pool of affiliated programs? I was considering narrowing it down to programs with in house fellowships in the field I want. Location is not something I think I can afford to be picky about. Academic prestige (for what it's worth) I really can't get much of an idea about from browsing program websites. There are a 130+ university affiliated programs and 30+ community programs and I have no clue which ones (not) to apply to. I'm looking to apply to about a 100 programs, unless there's a reason I should apply to more.

 

[disorder]

no offense to anyone, but this has turned into pandora's black box of "WAMC as a DO/IMG?"

 

[Atom bum]

I'm sorry, I wasn't aware that DO/IMGs are not supposed ask questions. I guess we should start our own separate website away from the superior candidates such as yourself.

Thank you kind and generous disorder for putting us lowly lesser "doctors" in our place. If only there were more like you, perhaps you wouldn't have to deal with so many of us cluttering your sacred message boards with our petty, pointless questions.

 

[disorder]

I'm sorry, I wasn't aware that DO/IMGs are not supposed ask questions. I guess we should start our own separate website away from the superior candidates such as yourself.

Thank you kind and generous disorder for putting us lowly lesser "doctors" in our place. If only there were more like you, perhaps you wouldn't have to deal with so many of us cluttering your sacred message boards with our petty, pointless questions.

Thank you for being overly sensitive. Did I say ANYTHING about you being a lesser doctor?

My point is--and good job reading in-between the lines--that if you have looked at ANY of the previous WAMC threads our "data set" is pretty good for AMG's. When it comes to DO/IMG students, we just don't know and our guess is about as good as yours. Look at where your students have matched previously, e-mail them/talk to them, and plan accordingly. The information you will get will be infinitely more useful.

 

[disorder]

I'd like to get some advice on how to choose university affiliated programs as an IMG applicant.

Graduated March 2014 from a medical school in India (Top 5, but does rank matter? It's somewhat known in the US from what I've heard, and students have matched at Creighton, NYU, BUMC, UMass, Louiseville)
Step 1: 259
Step 2: 260+
Step 3 should be in before September 15th
Class rank: Top 15%
USCE: 2 Sub-I's (2 months) at a university program, honors in both.
3 months of research + observership at a university program with a poster presentation (maybe more later but not before applications go out)
2 first author case reports in indexed journals including one in BMJ Case Reports.
1 oral presentation at a national (although student) conference
Letters: US Chair, US PD, US attendings (including my research mentor)

Is my research experience considered marginal? I have worked on other projects but they did not result in publications so that doesn't count, I'm guessing. I'm not going to ask about university programs because I know it's a crapshoot and will just apply to all the non 'top tier' programs that have taken more than 1-2 IMGs before. There's about 70-80 of these not counting the aforementioned.

How do I choose from the pool of affiliated programs? I was considering narrowing it down to programs with in house fellowships in the field I want. Location is not something I think I can afford to be picky about. Academic prestige (for what it's worth) I really can't get much of an idea about from browsing program websites. There are a 130+ university affiliated programs and 30+ community programs and I have no clue which ones (not) to apply to. I'm looking to apply to about a 100 programs, unless there's a reason I should apply to more.

You're competitive for the places you mentioned before, especially if your school has a track record there.

We had an applicant from India (also from a top school) who matched into our program (solid top 30 IM program)

 

[Atom bum]

Thank you for being overly sensitive. Did I say ANYTHING about you being a lesser doctor?

My point is--and good job reading in-between the lines--that if you have looked at ANY of the previous WAMC threads our "data set" is pretty good for AMG's. When it comes to DO/IMG students, we just don't know and our guess is about as good as yours. Look at where your students have matched previously, e-mail them/talk to them, and plan accordingly. The information you will get will be infinitely more useful.

I thought I was blatant enough to not be taken seriously. Calm down duder.

 

[JohnnyPearseed]

.........

 

[thehundredthone]

My point is--and good job reading in-between the lines--that if you have looked at ANY of the previous WAMC threads our "data set" is pretty good for AMG's. When it comes to DO/IMG students, we just don't know and our guess is about as good as yours. Look at where your students have matched previously, e-mail them/talk to them, and plan accordingly. The information you will get will be infinitely more useful.

I think the data set being good for allopathic AMGs is one of the reasons this thread is more populated with DO/IMG questions this time around. Of course I'm doing all the things you've mentioned. My question was not so much about where to apply, but more to get an idea of how to choose where else to apply.

You're competitive for the places you mentioned before, especially if your school has a track record there.

Thanks, and yes I'll definitely being applying to those.