US IMG have chance in top programs?

[srbutros]

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I am a US citizen FMG. 231/94, 261/99 are my scores/one first name publication and 2 more, lots of abstracts/no clinical exp in US/ will have 6 months of clinical research exp in cardio during interviews/ 2 letters from not very well known US doctors, the rest will be from my home country.

Where do you see my status? Will I have a chance at top programs or should I shoot for middle tier ones?

Thanks a lot!!!!!

 

[quidnunc]

Granted I'm not an IMG, but I would say you have a decent shot, especially at some of the more IMG friendly programs like Mayo and UTSW. Your step scores are fine and so is your research experience. The one thing I might recommend is getting some very good clinical experience in the states and obtaing strong LOR from them by the time you apply. I think if anything, this might be the weak link. I'm sure some IMG medicine residents around here will have more fruitful information to share.

Also, don't forget to apply broadly and not get sucked into thinking that it's "top 10 or bust." There are plenty of very solid IM programs that are overlooked for the big names or large cities (ie, UTSW as mentioned above, UAB, UNC, UVA, etc.). So definitely apply broadly.

Good luck.

 

[srbutros]

Thanks,
Anymore thoughts???
I know these posts are frequently repeated but it helps a lot motivationally.

 

[germanIMG]

Thanks,
Anymore thoughts???
I know these posts are frequently repeated but it helps a lot motivationally.

my 2 cents: your stats for certain will get you invites at a number of good to very good programs, that traditionally look into the IMG pool for some excellent residents
Programs you should definetly apply to, if regional preference is not an issue:
From North to South:

BU
Mayo
Montefiore
Temple
UPitt...does have a international scholar program..check it out
JHU-Bayview
Wash U
UVA
UAB
U Colorado
UTSW
Baylor

these for the most part are all excellent training programs...


for any of the top programs your stats are irrelevant( in that they are expected), the only door opener is research at these institutions, clinical experience at these institutions or LOR of a significant and influential person in the US. Most importantly that person has to actually make calls in order to secure the spot
however...keep in mind, that in terms of fellowship, your research experience will become more valuable and thus will provide you a significant edge and no doors are closed from any of the above programs,(maybe with a slight exception for Temple and JHU-Bayview, which however may help you to get into JHU for fellowship)

what give you an edge over other IMGs is: US citizenship...invaluable
you will do fine..good luck

 

[srbutros]

thank you very much for giving your valuable thoughts and contributing....