specialties and caribbean

[Therese737]

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I want to specialize in medical oncology or perhaps radiation oncology. Since both of these require a few years in Internal Medicine anyways, am I "safe" going to a caribbean school? I've read that IMG's have the easiest time matching in Internal medicine.
Or do I still need to get into one of the top 3 (AUC, Ross, SGU?) If possible, I'd rather attend Saba, which is much less expensive, but if I need to attend one of the top 3 to get my goals met, I will. I'm just not sure if matching Internal Medicine is all I need to worry about.
I hope my question makes sense.

 

[Leukocyte]

Well, while graduating from Ross or SGU does have its advantages:

Well established with a larger alumni base = higher chance of matching at programs that had residents from those schools.

What really matters in the end is your STEP 1 score.

High Step 1 score = Higher chance of matching at a good (University based)IM program = Higher chance at landing a good Oncology fellowship.

If I were you, I would try to match at an university (acedemic) IM program that also has an Oncology fellowship in the same hospital. You know, landing fellowships is mostly "political". So once you are in a good IM program, you can start networking.

So, If you can, go to Ross or SGU. If you cannot, no big deal. Work hard. get a great Step 1 score, go to a strong IM program, kick-a** during residency while trying to build connections and you will get what you want.

Good Luck.

 

[Therese737]

You can pretty much forget about Rad Onc if you go to a Carib school. Med Onc would be achievable. Just want you to know what to expect. Good luck.

Why is rad onc considered harder to get for caribb grads than med onc?

 

[Leukocyte]

Why is rad onc considered harder to get for caribb grads than med onc?

Radiation Oncology is "harder to get' for ANY non-US allopathic graduate. It is one of them "life style" specilalities.

Harder, yes. Impossible, No. At least one of our moderaters here on SDN is a living proof.

Good Luck.

 

[aucgrad110]

before one of our counterparts give a biased response, YES....... YOU CAN DO IT. i dont want to violate the TOS so look up our moderator from SGU class of 99. check out what she is. yep, rad onc. if you apply yourself, you can do it. i would PM her to find out more info.

 

[awdc]

Why is rad onc considered harder to get for caribb grads than med onc?

In order to go into med onc, you will need to complete an internal medicine residency. IM residencies are one of the easiest residencies to get into. Once you shine in your medicine residency, you'll be on more of an even ground with US grads when it comes time to apply for that oncology fellowship.

 

[ny skindoc]

Radiation Oncology is highly competitive due to the small number of programs and few available positions.Its considered a"lifestyle" specialty due much easier working hours compared to an internal medicine specialty .There are carrbbean grads who have done it so its possible but very difficult.Medical Oncology is not much of a problem if you have gone to a good internal medicine program.

 

[stephew]

its very hard to get into radonc as an IMg. heck as a us grad. The reasons are for those mention above but more- it was always good money good life style- more so even. But i think also now we're graduating a group of folks who also are comfortable and even like technology. In prior generations, you had to be more of a tech head. Also cancer care and the evolution of molec bio is exciting right now. As for where to go- go to s school with the BEST placements in residency and good board pass rates. Also consider DO schools (the stronger ones). its very hard either way but you want to go to the best of DO or IMG schools.
steph