Prelim vs Categorical Surgery

[D1stant]

Im an IMG applying for surgery this year:

I have a rather "FAQ" that I still have'nt got a clear answer to: should I apply for categorical surgery programs (to secure a long term program), or prelim surgery programs (to increase my chances) or both?

and does the answer apply to all the programs? or to high IMG acceptance rate programs?

Thanks

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[Psai]

both
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[D1stant]

both
high img

I appreciate your response.

I have came across a source that said, applying to both categorical and prelim will lead the Program directos to mistakenly belive that you are not a serious candidate, and who just wants to secure a position without solid future goals.

I actually agree with you, but I don't have a strong reason behind it, other that the fact that I just need to match.

 

[Wordead]

I only have the experience of a few hospitals, but I really dont see the point of a prelim surg year for the vast majority of people. I see it as a dead end position for the failures, nothing more. I would bet a large chunk of change that none of the prelims at my hospital will be here next year. I feel terrible for them.

 

[ACSurgeon]

I appreciate your response.

I have came across a source that said, applying to both categorical and prelim will lead the Program directos to mistakenly belive that you are not a serious candidate, and who just wants to secure a position without solid future goals.

I actually agree with you, but I don't have a strong reason behind it, other that the fact that I just need to match.

Programs won't care that you're applying to prelim spots as a backup plan. Why would that make you seem less serious? You want to be a surgeon at any cost, even if it means going through the uncertainty that comes with prelim

 

[django7]

I appreciate your response.

I have came across a source that said, applying to both categorical and prelim will lead the Program directos to mistakenly belive that you are not a serious candidate, and who just wants to secure a position without solid future goals.

I actually agree with you, but I don't have a strong reason behind it, other that the fact that I just need to match.

I posted a thread in the surgery application forum with the exact same question. The thread has 0 replies. I suspect since members seldom visit that section.

I got feedback from residents/attendings and majority said its fine to apply to prelim and categorical. Most PDs know prelim is used as a "foot in the door" opportunity for IMGs. Categorical is extremely difficult for IMGs. Goodluck

 

[Cytarabine]

I only have the experience of a few hospitals, but I really dont see the point of a prelim surg year for the vast majority of people. I see it as a dead end position for the failures, nothing more. I would bet a large chunk of change that none of the prelims at my hospital will be here next year. I feel terrible for them.

My home program isn't particularly competitive, but I believe they kept 2 of the prelims as categoricals last year (definitely 1)

 

[Psai]

I only have the experience of a few hospitals, but I really dont see the point of a prelim surg year for the vast majority of people. I see it as a dead end position for the failures, nothing more. I would bet a large chunk of change that none of the prelims at my hospital will be here next year. I feel terrible for them.

Cheap labor for programs and gives hope to people. I know some people at my school that were accepted into categorical spots

 

[Wordead]

My home program isn't particularly competitive, but I believe they kept 2 of the prelims as categoricals last year (definitely 1)

Cheap labor for programs and gives hope to people. I know some people at my school that were accepted into categorical spots

Well, I guess YMMV then. I know my program hasnt taken a prelim in the last 6 years and usually have ~8/yr. I think its a pretty well regarded gen surg program though I guess.

 

[Psai]

Well, I guess YMMV then. I know my program hasnt taken a prelim in the last 6 years and usually have ~8/yr. I think its a pretty well regarded gen surg program though I guess.

I think it depended a lot on whether current residents decided to take time to do research for fellowship

 

[D1stant]

I'll apply to both and I will use this line to use in my interviews:

I want to be a surgeon at any cost, even if it means going through the uncertainty that comes with prelim

My gratitude..