QUESTION FOR STEPHEW (and others)

[abu barney]

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Hey dude,

I'm really quite fascinated with the great residency spot you've landed (congrats), and if you don't mind, would like to ask you a couple of questions. I'm applying for residency this year, and for some reason had the preconception (or maybe misconception) that it is nigh impossible for an IMG to get rad onc at JHU. Not that I want rad onc (med onc is for me), it's just that that's one kick ass match.

What kind of scores does one need?
Where'd you do your prelim year?
What do you think was the most important factor in getting where you are now?
What advice would you give for someone going for a competitive position?

Thanks. Simple question, people. Please no "go-cry-for-yourself-cuz-you're-an-IMG" responses, PLEASE! I've heard that too many times and think it's the biggest bunch of crap.

 

[stephew]

Hi there.

Acutlaly, Im not a "dude" and even if I were a guy I like to think I wouldn't be a dude. (though I do have a dell)
THanks for the nice words.

My scores were good but not outstanding. What got me my spot was great letters of recc, some publications including as first author in journals relevant to the field, and also a very good interview. That's what worked for me.

I did prelim year at SUNY syracuse because they have excellent ancillary staff, one in five call (mostly) with a real night float (ie you go home late but you go home) and it was mostly collegial. I didnt have to do much scut. The nursing was strong mostly and the teaching was very good. Its there things that make internship bearable. Also had time to laern to ski which was nice.

For me, the resaerch, LOR and interview again were key.

Advice? Publish Publish Publish. I did clinical research which frankly I think has an advantage over basic since you get credit more than most students in labs do, you tend to get more published. BUt if you like basic, go for it.

Do well in your rotations.

And basically, be a nice guy. At interview, they want to see intelligence and enthusiasm, but trust me, they wan to know that they want to see your face every day fo rthe next 3 years. I saw a guy come here for interview with great portfolio; it was his ballgame to lose and boy did he; he pimped me (biiiiig mistake) and was arrogent in general. If you pimp a junior you are a bully, but if you pimp a senior, you are tremendously stupid and have no good judgement.


You do have to realize its not as easy for IMgs, but I do agree that you should not sell yourself short; if you wont go to bat for yourself, who will? It can be done so good luck to you.
steph

__________________

 

[abu barney]

Thanks stephew (which would make you a dudette) for the advice. I'm currently involved in some clinical research, and hopefully will get my name on a publication but not in time for the residency app deadlines. I'll be sure to make this obnoxiously clear on my ERAS app.

Again, thanks for the response.

 

[stephew]

Good luck to you Abu.
Are you currently in Amman? One of my favorite patients is from Jordan. A true gentleman.

 

[abu barney]

check your PM

 

[bananaslug]

Hi,

I'll try to stick to the facts 🙂. My gf went to St.George's and got a good residency (not at the J, all hail the J, before which there was no medicine, before whom all disease shall fall, but still good).

Scores - she had great scores (classmates who managed to get similar positions usually had pretty good to great scores)

Prelim year - n/a

Most important factor - scores, clinicals, and interview (the first two got her many of the third)

> What advice would you give for someone going for a competitive position?

America is a big country with a lot of variety. Some residency directors look unfavorably on foreigners; others judge individuals on their own merits.

And she said that Steph is right, don't underestimate the importance of being a nice person.