Question about Iserson's "Getting into a Residency"

[VCMM414]

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Was wondering if anyone can help clarify something from Iserson's "Getting into a Residency."

In the section that discusses the various specialties/subspecialties available out there, Iserson provides some matching information for each. For example, in ophthalmology, U.S. medical students matched 83% of the time. Yet, only ~50% of U.S. medical school graduates and less than 20% of IMG applicants matched.

What is the difference between "U.S. medical students" and "U.S. medical school graduates?" Even if "U.S. medical school graduates" take international students into account, how can the two stats differ so much.

Thanks for the edification.

 

[Dr. Dodger Dog]

iv3rson is a damn good ball player.... really underrated sometimes... he's got long arms.. great defense and unbelievable desire....

 

[md_student10021]

US medical students refers to seniors applying via the match, whereas, US grads=those who are out of school at the time of application. Finally, IMGs=IMGs.

These stats differ so much because ophtho is a very competitive specialty. Grads who apply (as opposed to seniors) tend to be weaker applicants (on average), and so match less often. Same idea for the IMG statistic.

 

[filmdoc26]

Where can someone get their hands on Iserson's "Getting into Residency?" I've been looking all over the place, but every dealer seems to have it on back order. Thanks!

 

[VCMM414]

Ah, that makes sense.

filmdoc, I found my copy at the local Barnes and Noble. They actually had a copy on shelf. You can also try half.com and see if there are any used copies on sale.

Good luck

 

[mikecwru]

Just for clarification, I think some 80%+ of USMGs applying for optho matched. When you hear of comeptitive specialties, it doesn't mean you have to always be a superstar to match, but just be careful---some people DON'T match, and it will be a cutthroat comeptition to get into prestigious spots.

mike

Originally posted by VCMM414
Was wondering if anyone can help clarify something from Iserson's "Getting into a Residency."

In the section that discusses the various specialties/subspecialties available out there, Iserson provides some matching information for each. For example, in ophthalmology, U.S. medical students matched 83% of the time. Yet, only ~50% of U.S. medical school graduates and less than 20% of IMG applicants matched.

What is the difference between "U.S. medical students" and "U.S. medical school graduates?" Even if "U.S. medical school graduates" take international students into account, how can the two stats differ so much.

Thanks for the edification.

 

[coffeespoon]

If time isn't an issue, you may want to wait until April 15. Apparently (according to a post on Amazon.com), that's when the 6th edition will be out.

 

[carrigallen]

Originally posted by VCMM414
Was wondering if anyone can help clarify something from Iserson's "Getting into a Residency."

In the section that discusses the various specialties/subspecialties available out there, Iserson provides some matching information for each. For example, in ophthalmology, U.S. medical students matched 83% of the time. Yet, only ~50% of U.S. medical school graduates and less than 20% of IMG applicants matched.

What is the difference between "U.S. medical students" and "U.S. medical school graduates?" Even if "U.S. medical school graduates" take international students into account, how can the two stats differ so much.

Thanks for the edification.

I think that Medical School graduate refers to those students who did not match as MS-4's, and have opted for filling in the time with a transitional year (TY) to reapply. Remember also that with programs such as optho, the internship year need not be completed in the same location as the residency, so some students may be trying to switch locations at this point, or alternatively trying to find a location if they need not succeed the previous year. At this point, these TY's will also probably be matching for other fields, such as medicine.

Also, this category does not include MS4's or IMG's.