To go for Cardio...

[BIG PAPPI]

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I have always wanted to do Cards since I entered med school. Looking at the threads, it seems this year cards has as usual been a highly sought after fellowship. I will be starting my residency soon and wanted some info about the chances of me getting cards i.e do I have a chance (or should I aim for something more realistic) & what pursuits in residency will help me.
Here are my stats
IMG- US citizen
Will start residency in a middle Tier University Program.
No cards research/pubs up till this time. (Hoping to do some research during residency)
Board scores (don't know if they still count)
99/99. step3 to take
Avg med student in Med School.

Any info will help.
Thanks

 

[dragonfly99]

Would think you have a shot...can't say what your odds are.

Yes, some programs care about USMLE Scores (some don't). When you apply, you usually can find out whether they want USMLE scores sent...if they do,that means they probably care about them. Some places want your med school transcript, and no USMLE scores...some want the opposite. Some want your med school dean's letter, and some do not. They just vary.

Try to establish yourself as a competent intern early on...people tend to form opinions of people early in the intern year.

I think you need to publish some research if you want in...you might get in without it but don't count on it. Try to get to know the cards faculty at your university early on...in fact, I suggest you try and meet with the dept. chair, see if he has any research project(s) you can help him with.

I think if you want it, you should at least strongly consider applying...if you don't get it you can always reconsider and try another specialty, or you could do a research year, etc. Lots of FMG's get cards every year, and your chance as a US IMG should be better, since you won't need a visa.

Cards is the most competitive specialty to get, after GI and allergy/immuno, though, so you will have to fight for your spot. Don't expect to go to Harvard, either.

 

[BIG PAPPI]

thanks dragonfly99

The advice is invaluable to me. I will definitely follow . .

 

[BIG PAPPI]

Anybody elses opinion/advice will be appreciated. I just wanted to get an accurate perspective for an IMG before I start so that I am not chasing an impossible / low % opportunity.

Thanks

 

[dragonfly99]

Match rate for folks who were not allopathic US school grads in the cards fellowship match was 40 something percent, last I looked. However, that is just an average and it includes FMG's who need visas, DO students, and US IMG's like you. Just for comparison, the year I matched into cards I think the match rate for allopathic US grads was about 79% or so. Keep in mind that there are occasional spots outside the cards match that you might be able to get. You can always try 2x if you don't get in the first time, too.

 

[Angioplasty]

"Disclaimer: The below scoring system is solely based on my gut feeling. Dont rely on this too much. This should be guide to asseess and improve your chances to match into Cardiology fellowship. I am an IMG matched into Cards"

1) Fame of the program
Top tier program: 10 points
Middle Tier Program: 8 points
Low tier program/univeristy Affliated: 6
Community hospital : 3

2) AMG: 9
IMG : 5

3) US Citizen: 0
Visa H1/J1: -3
4) LOR from well known cardiologists: 8
5) IMPD LOR excellent: 6
6) Home Residency: 10
7) Chief Residency in Home Program: 15
8) Chief Resident in Outside Program: 6
9) Publications/Abstracts: 8
10) Research Experience: 3
11) Excellent USMLE Scores: 4
12) Personal Call to the PD: Highly variable from no effect - a sure spot.

13) Interview Performance: 15 points

Again these are points based on my assessment. Higher the scores, better are your chances.

For an IMG there are modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. Please work on the modifiable risk factors. Please dont cry on the non-modifiable factors like IMG, medical school, USMLE Scores.

The main question is are you willing to dedicate couple of years to get into Cardiology?. I know residents from Community programs with low USMLE scores went into good fellowship programs with their hardwork.


I have to tell you guys, this is one of the fairest systems I have seen in the entire world and I think that is progress of this country. This country always people with merits. So if you are ready to do hard work, welcome aboard. As an IMG you are already on your way to become a Cardiologist. But if you think "I have other priorities (like money, family), dont waste your time. There are so many competitive applicants.


good luck

"Nothing is impossible for a willing mind"

 

[BIG PAPPI]

Angioplasty

Thanks for the reply I definitely will give it a shot and try my best in
my home program. According to your criteria, home program is one's best shot for an IMG.

The rest of your numerical calculations even though I have no experience, I think may not be entirely accurate. Other forum members who know much more on the topic, if they could also please comment on the numerical system posted by Angioplasty.

Also I hope that I won't need to spend a lot extra years to try to acquire it and hope there is a possibility of sooner rather than later.

 

[dragonfly99]

Angioplasty

Thanks for the reply I definitely will give it a shot and try my best in
my home program. According to your criteria, home program is one's best shot for an IMG.

The rest of your numerical calculations even though I have no experience, I think may not be entirely accurate. Other forum members who know much more on the topic, if they could also please comment on the numerical system posted by Angioplasty.

Also I hope that I won't need to spend a lot extra years to try to acquire it and hope there is a possibility of sooner rather than later.

The home program is the best shot for most applicants, either IMG/FMG or AMG. The point system he just made up...it does give you an idea of some factors they consider, though. If you aren't willing to take extra time to get fellowship, then GI/cards/immuno are not really good ones to go for, I don't think. Also, some cards fellowships are >3 years now...most people do at least 4 because they do an extra year to subspecialize. Just my 2 cents.

 

[BIG PAPPI]

Thanks Dragonfly
I think I was misunderstood. I meant I don't want to spend 4-5years after residency to get cardio/GIT/Immuno, due to financial reasons.
Of course I am passionate about cardio and will definitely spend if need be 2-3 years post residency to attain my dream (extra research, heart faliure fellowship, post doc,etc). I have a much clearer picture now thanks to the above posts

Thanks for the advice again

 

[Larry Renal]

Angioplasty:

I really like your scoring system and in my experience (applying now) I think you're spot on. Going to a good medicine program and doing well (ie:getting good letters) will go a very long way. If you get asked to be chief, do it. Don't be a suck up, but get to know faculty in your home cardiology department. Trade floor months for CCU months. Do a little research. You will be as competitive as anybody.

That's my take on it.

L

 

[BIG PAPPI]

Thanks Larry Renal.

I will definitely follow the plan you suggested. Angioplasty, Dragonfly, Larry Renal. You have all been of great assistance. When a new resident starts residency there are so many ways to navigate through training, especially if one is aiming for a competitive residency. I think I am much more focused now on what needs to be done(plan of action). Angioplasty, you make a lot of sense when you talk about trying to improve the modifiable factors.

It really has opened my eyes...

Once again much appreciated.

Anyone else, I am much obliged.