Official 2019-2020 GI Fellowship Application Cycle

[ShiShiMD]

It’s that time again.
Please post your credential (if you like) questions, comments and suggestions for this years cycle.

We wish you the best in this coming season and hope everyone reaches their goals.

(Moderators please make this a sticky)

Thank you all

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[GutJuice]

Thank you for creating this thread. I'm applying this year. What do you all think are my realistic chances? Any comments or advice for the application cycle will be greatly appreciated. Just need a match anywhere


IMG/Green card
MPH
USMLE Step 1 234; Step 2: 231; Step 3: 222. CS passed at one attempt.
Com. Hosp. Residency. Graduated 2017
13 publications so far {8 original research(3 of them as first author) and 5 case reports}
3 more original research under review. 2 more case reports accepted, pending online publication
12 poster presentations (ACP, ACG, AASLD, DDW)
Currently working as hospitalist at a university since 2017
LORs likely from 2 GI attendings and 2 IM attendings.

Thank you.

 

[ShiShiMD]

Thank you for creating this thread. I'm applying this year. What do you all think are my realistic chances? Any comments or advice for the application cycle will be greatly appreciated. Just need a match anywhere


IMG/Green card
MPH
USMLE Step 1 234; Step 2: 231; Step 3: 222. CS passed at one attempt.
Com. Hosp. Residency. Graduated 2017
13 publications so far {8 original research(3 of them as first author) and 5 case reports}
3 more original research under review. 2 more case reports accepted, pending online publication
12 poster presentations (ACP, ACG, AASLD, DDW)
Currently working as hospitalist at a university since 2017
LORs likely from 2 GI attendings and 2 IM attendings.

Thank you.

I believe you have a decent chance. Try your best in the university where you work.

 

[evilbooyaa]

Thread has been stickied. In corresponding move, 2018-2019 thread will be unstickied.

 

[GutJuice]

I believe you have a decent chance. Try your best in the university where you work.

Thanks for your comment. Hoping for the best through the process.

 

[#Future.MD.12]

Just curious, what days of the week are most interviews?

 

[aabs]

Hi guys, plan on applying this year! Would love to know what may chances look like.

AMG
USMLE Step 1 245; Step 2: 236; Step 3: 230. CS failed first attempt, passed second.
PGY2 In an upper mid-tier program (ranked ~40-50s)
No publications yet, 1 paper as second author under review, have a couple of projects that are pending but won't be ready for 2 - 3 months.
4 posters (3 original research 1 case report) as FA, 3 as an author, planning on submitting 4 to ACG this year as FA, may be on 3 more.
LORs from 2 GI, 1 research mentor 1 clinical, and 2 IM attendings in addition to my PD.

Unfortunately, my home program does not prefer internal applicants over external.

Last night I found a big snare in one of my projects I planned to submit for publication before applying, my question is:

1. should I apply this cycle (I would like some choice in where I may match, but am not picky by any means) or

2. should I do a hospitalist year to let my research mature more and gain some real-world experience.

Thanks!

 

[gutonc]

Just curious, what days of the week are most interviews?

Typically the ones ending in -day.

But Mondays and Fridays are common because it makes travel easier.

 

[Lccjblu]

Just curious, what days of the week are most interviews?

More than half of mine were on Friday. Otherwise a couple saturdays and a few Wednesday/thursdays. If you get multiple interviews you’ll inevitably have conflicts and end up having to choose between programs as most programs seem to only interview on 2-3 set dates.

 

[ShiShiMD]

Just curious, what days of the week are most interviews?

It depends on the program. I had interviews on all days, even on a Saturday

 

[ShiShiMD]

Hi guys, plan on applying this year! Would love to know what may chances look like.

AMG
USMLE Step 1 245; Step 2: 236; Step 3: 230. CS failed first attempt, passed second.
PGY2 In an upper mid-tier program (ranked ~40-50s)
No publications yet, 1 paper as second author under review, have a couple of projects that are pending but won't be ready for 2 - 3 months.
4 posters (3 original research 1 case report) as FA, 3 as an author, planning on submitting 4 to ACG this year as FA, may be on 3 more.
LORs from 2 GI, 1 research mentor 1 clinical, and 2 IM attendings in addition to my PD.

Unfortunately, my home program does not prefer internal applicants over external.

Last night I found a big snare in one of my projects I planned to submit for publication before applying, my question is:

1. should I apply this cycle (I would like some choice in where I may match, but am not picky by any means) or

2. should I do a hospitalist year to let my research mature more and gain some real-world experience.

Thanks!

Apply this year

 

[achalasicguy]

Hi guys ,
I will be applying this year !! First time applicant.

IMG/J1 visa
PGY-2 in a university program
USMLE Step 1 243, Step 2 249, Step 3 (given before residency): 215. CS passed first attempt
4 publications (case reports), 3 manuscripts (1 as first author) in review, 17 posters (11 as first author) and have submitted 6 to ACG this year. Will also be submitting a review article before applying.
LORs from 3 GI and 1 IM

How good are my chances ?? Should I apply broadly ?? Any suggestions ??
Would appreciate input. Thanks

 

[ShiShiMD]

Hi guys ,
I will be applying this year !! First time applicant.

IMG/J1 visa
PGY-2 in a university program
USMLE Step 1 243, Step 2 249, Step 3 (given before residency): 215. CS passed first attempt
4 publications (case reports), 3 manuscripts (1 as first author) in review, 17 posters (11 as first author) and have submitted 6 to ACG this year. Will also be submitting a review article before applying.
LORs from 3 GI and 1 IM

How good are my chances ?? Should I apply broadly ?? Any suggestions ??
Would appreciate input. Thanks

you have decent chances, apply as to many programs as possible. Your best bet is your home institution. Your only downside is the visa, since even most programs that state they will sponsor visa, they will rank US grads and US-IMG not requiring a visa (like US citizens who studied abroad) first.

But this does not mean you will not have a chance, apply to as many programs as possible.

 

[MissionFellowship]

Hi guys, please see my information below:

J-1 visa holder
USMLE scores: Step 1 - 233, Step 2 CK - 244, Step 2 CS - pass, Step 3 - 240 (ALL FIRST ATTEMPTS)
PGY 1-3 residency - community program
PGY-4 chief residency: same community program
Starting non-ACGME hepatology fellowship at well-renowned University Program in July 2019
4 LORs - 2 PD LORs (IM residency program and GI fellowship PD), 1 from Department Head at IM residency program (COMMUNITY HOSPITAL), 1 LOR from Assistant Professor at IV league university
Poster presentations - 20 (all clinical and 18 as first author; at ACP and ACG conferences)
Oral presentation - 1 (at ACP)
Publications - 1 case review as first author so far; planning on submitting 2 case reports before submitting fellowship application
Research - 1 retrospective study at home institution
Grant - 1 grant received (both monetary and test kits) and still in the process of initiating the research

I appreciate your inputs on improving my chances of matching!

 

[mr1226]

Hello all
Going into the match with the following details:
IMG
Green Card
USMLE: I-247 II 259 III 226 CS 1st attempt
Community program with no GI fellowship.
5 LORs: 5 GI 1 IM PD
Poster presentations: 20
Oral presentations: 2
Publications: 5 original articles, 3 case reports, 4 abstracts
2 original articles under review/submitted
What do you guys think my chances are going into this year?

The competition is fierce and hopefully I get some real interview offers.

 

[ShiShiMD]

Hello all
Going into the match with the following details:
IMG
Green Card
USMLE: I-247 II 259 III 226 CS 1st attempt
Community program with no GI fellowship.
5 LORs: 5 GI 1 IM PD
Poster presentations: 20
Oral presentations: 2
Publications: 5 original articles, 3 case reports, 4 abstracts
2 original articles under review/submitted
What do you guys think my chances are going into this year?

The competition is fierce and hopefully I get some real interview offers.

very strong chances , apply broadly and widely

keep us updated when IV come

 

[ShiShiMD]

Hi guys, please see my information below:

J-1 visa holder
USMLE scores: Step 1 - 233, Step 2 CK - 244, Step 2 CS - pass, Step 3 - 240 (ALL FIRST ATTEMPTS)
PGY 1-3 residency - community program
PGY-4 chief residency: same community program
Starting non-ACGME hepatology fellowship at well-renowned University Program in July 2019
4 LORs - 2 PD LORs (IM residency program and GI fellowship PD), 1 from Department Head at IM residency program (COMMUNITY HOSPITAL), 1 LOR from Assistant Professor at IV league university
Poster presentations - 20 (all clinical and 18 as first author; at ACP and ACG conferences)
Oral presentation - 1 (at ACP)
Publications - 1 case review as first author so far; planning on submitting 2 case reports before submitting fellowship application
Research - 1 retrospective study at home institution
Grant - 1 grant received (both monetary and test kits) and still in the process of initiating the research

I appreciate your inputs on improving my chances of matching!

It depends where you doing the Hepatology fellowship at, if it is in est coast, try to get the Hep attending to make some calls, if in the south try to get the transplant hepatologist to push for you for IV.

 

[MissionFellowship]

It depends where you doing the Hepatology fellowship at, if it is in est coast, try to get the Hep attending to make some calls, if in the south try to get the transplant hepatologist to push for you for IV.

Thank you for responding to my post.

 

[lifeofpi1]

Hi guys, please see my information below:

J-1 visa holder
USMLE scores: Step 1 - 233, Step 2 CK - 244, Step 2 CS - pass, Step 3 - 240 (ALL FIRST ATTEMPTS)
PGY 1-3 residency - community program
PGY-4 chief residency: same community program
Starting non-ACGME hepatology fellowship at well-renowned University Program in July 2019
4 LORs - 2 PD LORs (IM residency program and GI fellowship PD), 1 from Department Head at IM residency program (COMMUNITY HOSPITAL), 1 LOR from Assistant Professor at IV league university
Poster presentations - 20 (all clinical and 18 as first author; at ACP and ACG conferences)
Oral presentation - 1 (at ACP)
Publications - 1 case review as first author so far; planning on submitting 2 case reports before submitting fellowship application
Research - 1 retrospective study at home institution
Grant - 1 grant received (both monetary and test kits) and still in the process of initiating the research

I appreciate your inputs on improving my chances of matching!

Just curious as Im also a J1 visa holder. Wouldn’t the hepatology year put you over the 7-year J1 visa maximum after GI training? Or does it not count towards the 7 years because its non-acgme training.

 

[MissionFellowship]

Just curious as Im also a J1 visa holder. Wouldn’t the hepatology year put you over the 7-year J1 visa maximum after GI training? Or does it not count towards the 7 years because its non-acgme training.

Hepatology year will count towards the total of 7 years.

 

[cabergoline2]

IMG green card. current PGY2--> 3
Mid tier academic program with in house GI fellowship. Access to a facility with top tier GI fellowship as well.
step1/Step2 : around 270s .
6 published 1 accepted 3 submitted to top tier
10+ conference orals+ posters
2 GI related awards
3 LORs from renowned GI faculty + strong PD letter

I won't have my step 3 results before application deadline... Implications ? Mitigating strategies ? also expecting a score drop as I did not sweat it..

 

[#Future.MD.12]

Is it important to be a member in certain GI/Hepatology societies? If so, which societies?

 

[ShiShiMD]

IMG green card. current PGY2--> 3
Mid tier academic program with in house GI fellowship. Access to a facility with top tier GI fellowship as well.
step1/Step2 : around 270s .
6 published 1 accepted 3 submitted to top tier
10+ conference orals+ posters
2 GI related awards
3 LORs from renowned GI faculty + strong PD letter

I won't have my step 3 results before application deadline... Implications ? Mitigating strategies ? also expecting a score drop as I did not sweat it..

You will get many interviews if your research you are doing or have submitted is related to GI (published one, submitted ones)

 

[ShiShiMD]

Is it important to be a member in certain GI/Hepatology societies? If so, which societies?

is alwasy good to show you are part of ACG, AGA and some liver or pancreas society

 

[HelpPleaseMD]

is alwasy good to show you are part of ACG, AGA and some liver or pancreas society

I dont know if it actually matters what society you are in. It is about residency performance, recs, the interview, STEPS, reserach and your personal statement

 

[GastriqueGraffin]

I dont know if it actually matters what society you are in. It is about residency performance, recs, the interview, STEPS, reserach and your personal statement

Agreed. Unless you have some active role somehow in these societies, they are just something you spend money on to join.

 

[Gastromeister]

Just curious, what days of the week are most interviews?

It's program specific. I've had interviews in the middle of the week, some on Fridays and even some on the weekend.

 

[Gastromeister]

is alwasy good to show you are part of ACG, AGA and some liver or pancreas society

I think it's practically useless unless you have active meaningful roles in these societies and have generated tangible results and connections through it. Committee appointments are more or less 'prestigious' but there are usually 1-2 spots offered to highly motivated "trainee member" applicants. This is more of a long term investment and a great CV booster.

 

[cabergoline2]

You will get many interviews if your research you are doing or have submitted is related to GI (published one, submitted ones)

Do I email programs informing them that my step3 results are expected in early-mid august ? or it completely won't matter ? I was suppose to give it much earlier but things happened. Hopefully I won't pay a heavy price for it..

 

[#Future.MD.12]

For abstracts accepted to ACG and DDW, should you list them as poster presentations or journal articles since they are put in the supplements of AJG and Gastro/GIE?

 

[cabergoline2]

For abstracts accepted to ACG and DDW, should you list them as poster presentations or journal articles since they are put in the supplements of AJG and Gastro/GIE?

Posters/orals. they are not articles..

 

[Roce33]

Hello GI hopefuls,
I am wondering if my associate PD's LoR can substitute my PD's? My APD is known to write stellar letters, far better than PD. Can I use APD letter instead of PD's or it's an absolute must to have PD's LoR?

 

[gotcurry12]

Hello!

Is it absolutely essential to submit on the first day that applications open? I'm asking because one of my LOR writers just uploaded his LOR today and it takes up to 5 business days for it to process. I have enough recs uploaded to submit on the 15th, but I really wanted to use this LOR since I know it'll be more personal. If I use his LOR, my application will be submitted ~2-3 days after the opening day and I'm wondering if that will decrease my chances of getting selected for interviews having missed the "first round" of applications if that's even a thing.

Thanks!

 

[ShiShiMD]

Hello!

Is it absolutely essential to submit on the first day that applications open? I'm asking because one of my LOR writers just uploaded his LOR today and it takes up to 5 business days for it to process. I have enough recs uploaded to submit on the 15th, but I really wanted to use this LOR since I know it'll be more personal. If I use his LOR, my application will be submitted ~2-3 days after the opening day and I'm wondering if that will decrease my chances of getting selected for interviews having missed the "first round" of applications if that's even a thing.

Thanks!

no decrease in chances, apply and send LOR to programs after. Also, I have a feeling if it is uploaded today it will be uploaded by Monday if not one day later makes no difference.

Again what I did was I applied the first day when it opened and after attached the LOR the day after. Most places did not even download my application till like 4 days after.

To answer your question: It makes no difference in your chances if you have a strong application.

 

[mr1226]

Hello GI hopefuls,
I am wondering if my associate PD's LoR can substitute my PD's? My APD is known to write stellar letters, far better than PD. Can I use APD letter instead of PD's or it's an absolute must to have PD's LoR?

My program director writes a LOR according to predefined criteria including your CCC's, class rank, ITE scores, etc. I have heard that many PD's do the same thing and that's by a PD's LOR is the most important letter any fellowship committee reads. Maybe try supplementing your APDs letter in your application, but I do think you need PD's letter.

 

[ShiShiMD]

Hello GI hopefuls,
I am wondering if my associate PD's LoR can substitute my PD's? My APD is known to write stellar letters, far better than PD. Can I use APD letter instead of PD's or it's an absolute must to have PD's LoR?

No PD is the one they look at. You can add APD as the 4th one if she or he is a GI

 

[theTruth_97]

Hello! How can I tell how many LOR a program is requesting? I have tried searching the websites but many programs do not specify, so how many should we send for those programs?

thanks in advance!

 

[Lccjblu]

Hello! How can I tell how many LOR a program is requesting? I have tried searching the websites but many programs do not specify, so how many should we send for those programs?

thanks in advance!

Unless a program specifically says to send 3, I would just give them 4

 

[ShiShiMD]

Hello! How can I tell how many LOR a program is requesting? I have tried searching the websites but many programs do not specify, so how many should we send for those programs?

thanks in advance!

like above poster stated, unless they want 3, send 4

 

[cabergoline2]

How can we include numbering in publication in ERAS CV ? In my cv the publications /posters are appearing un-numbered making the CAF very hard to read.

 

[FattySlug]

Hi everyone,

AMG
Step 1: 227 Step 2 CK: 240s Step 2 CS passed at second attempt (I was sick the first time) step 3: Cannot remember the score now. Maybe 220s-230s.
Chief resident.
No in-house fellowship. From a community program with connection to a highly ranked university programs.
4 GI publications (2 as first author and 1 as second). 1 published in hepatology.
1 Abstract that won an award at ACG though I did not present it myself but was listed as first author, 1 Case report in ACG
2 posters (I presented 1 at DDW).
4 LORs (strong PD LOR since I am chief, 2 GI LOR from well known faculty who works at the university, the last GI letter was also from a well published faculty at my home institution)

1) I plan to apply broadly given that failed CS attempt. I have no idea how much this would hurt my chances. Is applying for 30 programs broad enough?
2) Anybody with experience please comment of my chances. Thank you and good luck.

 

[cabergoline2]

can we see which program downloaded our application ?

 

[GastriqueGraffin]

Hi everyone,

AMG
Step 1: 227 Step 2 CK: 240s Step 2 CS passed at second attempt (I was sick the first time) step 3: Cannot remember the score now. Maybe 220s-230s.
Chief resident.
No in-house fellowship. From a community program with connection to a highly ranked university programs.
4 GI publications (2 as first author and 1 as second). 1 published in hepatology.
1 Abstract that won an award at ACG though I did not present it myself but was listed as first author, 1 Case report in ACG
2 posters (I presented 1 at DDW).
4 LORs (strong PD LOR since I am chief, 2 GI LOR from well known faculty who works at the university, the last GI letter was also from a well published faculty at my home institution)

1) I plan to apply broadly given that failed CS attempt. I have no idea how much this would hurt my chances. Is applying for 30 programs broad enough?
2) Anybody with experience please comment of my chances. Thank you and good luck.

Apply broadly and if you have no other red flags and you are open to be anywhere, you will probably be ok.

 

[GI-Scopes]

Just asking about what my chances look like.

IMG-J1 holder
Step 1 250+, CK 260+, Step 3 230+.
Mid-tier University Residency program
Currently Chief resident PGY-4
4 LORs, 2 from GI, 2 from IM

15 posters (DDW, ACG, ACP)
1 oral presentation
8 manuscripts (6 case report first author, 2 original)
3 active studies (1 large prospective study)

Applies to 100+ programs. Any input would be great. Thanks

 

[Gastromeister]

Just asking about what my chances look like.

IMG-J1 holder
Step 1 250+, CK 260+, Step 3 230+.
Mid-tier University Residency program
Currently Chief resident PGY-4
4 LORs, 2 from GI, 2 from IM

15 posters (DDW, ACG, ACP)
1 oral presentation
8 manuscripts (6 case report first author, 2 original)
3 active studies (1 large prospective study)

Applies to 100+ programs. Any input would be great. Thanks

sounds good

Your limiting factor is really just your visa status. Make sure the programs you apply to accept J1 and you should be golden.

 

[mr1226]

can we see which program downloaded our application ?

I would like to know the answer to this as well.

@ShiShiMD

 

[gutonc]

I would like to know the answer to this as well.

@ShiShiMD

Programs no longer "download" apps. So no.

 

[ShiShiMD]

I would like to know the answer to this as well.

@ShiShiMD

Unfortunately, as of now programs do not show "downloaded"

I am not sure what it says now. Does it say received or anything?

Also, it is too early but some programs in the southeast and Mayo tends to send Interviews early.

Oschner, UNC, Mayo, UFlorida
send them early.

 

[ShiShiMD]

Just asking about what my chances look like.

IMG-J1 holder
Step 1 250+, CK 260+, Step 3 230+.
Mid-tier University Residency program
Currently Chief resident PGY-4
4 LORs, 2 from GI, 2 from IM

15 posters (DDW, ACG, ACP)
1 oral presentation
8 manuscripts (6 case report first author, 2 original)
3 active studies (1 large prospective study)

Applies to 100+ programs. Any input would be great. Thanks

Only issue is the J1 visa.

 

[mr1226]

Unfortunately, as of now programs do not show "downloaded"

I am not sure what it says now. Does it say received or anything?

Also, it is too early but some programs in the southeast and Mayo tends to send Interviews early.

Oschner, UNC, Mayo, UFlorida
send them early.

Now it just shows a list of all of your assigned documents and the time they were released to the program. Nothing about received.