Old IMg Need Advice

[drpardha]

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Hi

I am an Old IMG (1998 internship).

Working in UK since 2005 in Psychiatry as SHO.

Planning to take Step 1 in Feb and for Match in 2008.

What are my chances of Psychiatry Residency?

Good LORs( From UK)

Next job from Jan in Australia.

Planning for 1 month Observership in US also.

Please advice

drpardha

 

[f_w]

What are my chances of Psychiatry Residency?

Excellent. Certainly with prior experience in a english speaking medical system.

Make sure that your UK LOR writers understand the style of these letters customary in the US. Understatement doesn't count, exuberance and superlatives are required.

And who said you are old ?

Contact the american board of psychiatry and neurology. In some specialties, you can get a year of credit for qualified overseas training (e.g. a registrars position in the UK with a NTN), don't know whether psych is one of them.

 

[drpardha]

f_w

Thax a lot...for making my day.

I am planning to take Step 1 in Feb...what do you think what order and when should I take the Steps in order to make it for 2008 match.

Cheers

drpardha

 

[f_w]

I am planning to take Step 1 in Feb...what do you think what order and when should I take the Steps in order to make it for 2008 match.

Traditionally, US medstudents only had step1 scores when they applied for residencies. That has changed, however to some extent the step1 score still remains the yardstick by which you are measured. Put a lot of energy and time into it, take time off, don't think you can get a good score based on what you remember from 15 years ago. It is a standardized test and it requires specific and intense preparation.

In order to be able to apply for residencies, you will need the ECFMG certificate. For that you need step1,2ck and 2cs. Make sure you pass 2cs in july of the year you want to enter the match so you have your certificate by september 1st.

Unless you already have a green-card for some reason, you will have to pass step3 before residency starts. In psychiatry, you should be able to find a hospital sponsoring you for a H1b visa. I assume you intend to stay in the US for good, this visa makes this long-term plan so much easier.

 

[neurodoc]

Your chances are very good. Psychiatry is not very competitive, though "top" programs, as you would expect, are more competitive.

 

[erichaj]

Pass the USMLE I, II, III. You will get a residency.

In the US. Psychiatry requires one year of general medicine. You will be studying for step II an III, so that means that you will re-learn this material.

There should be no reason not to get a psychiatry residency if you pass the exam. try to get as high a score as possible, but remember that psychiatry is not very competitive in US. There is a major shortage for this specialty.

Good luck. I'm sure you will do well.

 

[drpardha]

f_w, neurodoc 7 erichaj....

Thank you guys....

I am planning to finish my steps by Aug next year.

In the meantime, I have got a Registrar job in Psychiatry in Australia from jan 2007.

I am wondering that may be a good experience to add to my CV to help me with the match.

erichaj, do I need to have 1 yr General medicine experience after my graduation?

Best Regards,

drpardha