Rheumatology Competitiveness

[WardsDawg]

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I am a current PGY-2 IM resident (DO) in an academic affiliated community program currently deciding between Rheumatology vs Endocrinology. My question is what is the baseline research requirements for a reasonable shot at matching Rheumatology in the midwest if I was to apply between PGY2-PGY-3? I don't mind taking a year post residency to work and strengthen my application, but of course would prefer to immediately jump into fellowship. For Endocrinology I have a bit more research (1 poster, another case report currently in development) and would suspect I could sufficiently build an app in the next 9 months, but for Rheum I only have one poster (as second author) without another project in the works. I've read through many threads and know there are other components to an app such as letters, performance in residency, connections, etc., but I am just concerned with my current research output.

 

[dozitgetchahi]

I am a current PGY-2 IM resident (DO) in an academic affiliated community program currently deciding between Rheumatology vs Endocrinology. My question is what is the baseline research requirements for a reasonable shot at matching Rheumatology in the midwest if I was to apply between PGY2-PGY-3? I don't mind taking a year post residency to work and strengthen my application, but of course would prefer to immediately jump into fellowship. For Endocrinology I have a bit more research (1 poster, another case report currently in development) and would suspect I could sufficiently build an app in the next 9 months, but for Rheum I only have one poster (as second author) without another project in the works. I've read through many threads and know there are other components to an app such as letters, performance in residency, connections, etc., but I am just concerned with my current research output.

Rheumatologist here.

I think you’ll be fine. I applied in the mid 2010s with no specific rheumatology research (thought I was going to apply to onc, then realized I liked rheumatology more). I had some onc research, and I had done well in residency. I ended up getting quite a few interviews, and matching to one of the best programs in the country.

It’s more competitive now (but not that much more). I think you’ll match somewhere in the Midwest if the rest of your app is solid.

 

[Viper3175]

Hey OP, you sound exactly like me haha. I'm also in a community hospital (though in the Boston area). I was originally a neuro prelim (and I have a **** ton of neuro research from medical school), switched to medicine, and now I'm in my PGY2 medicine year. I recently got interested in rheumatology. Also thanks for the response dozigetchahi. Any conferences you recommend we attend at all?