What after scramble for 05?

[ResidencyDream]

Hi everyone,

The following is my brief story that needs your expert advice:

I missed most program deadlines for 05 and did not get interviews, didn't enter ROL and therefore did not matched. My only hope was scramble which I found it hopeless indeed. Last 36 hrs was like hell for me and my family who witnessed the dirty event of scramble. After faxing 15+ pages and sending 30 ERAS appl. to so many unfilled FP and IM positions, I have got two responses both "sorry" after brief phone interviews with the PDs. I gave up hope for the March 17 result since I did not get yes/no answer from others.

Here I disclose my hx.

-I attended 2 med. schools one in Africa and the other one in the Caribbean both accrediated schools.

-I graduated in Oct. 2002 and have done 1+ years clinical rotations and have good LORs from my preceptors well written dean's letter showing a grade of "A" in all department rotation evaluation.

-I passed step 1 after 2nd attempt w/ a score of 88/217 and step 2 ck and cs both at first attempt w/ a score of 78/190 and pass. All exams taken in the same year, 2004. I will be issued ECFMG certificate in a matter of weeks.

-I am a permanent resident and have no visa problem.

So based on the above pesentation, what do you think went wrong for me not to get just one FP position in the scramble? honestly, what will be my fate for 05? my prospect for next year interview/match? will it enhance my appl. if I do some research work/experience or take step 3?. I am interested in doing IM or FP. My fellow IMGs, I am really, really frastrated, anxious and even confused, so please striaghtened me up.

Thanks.

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[oddsbuster]

Hi everyone,

The following is my brief story that needs your expert advice:

I missed most program deadlines for 05 and did not get interviews, didn't enter ROL and therefore did not matched. My only hope was scramble which I found it hopeless indeed. Last 36 hrs was like hell for me and my family who witnessed the dirty event of scramble. After faxing 15+ pages and sending 30 ERAS appl. to so many unfilled FP and IM positions, I have got two responses both "sorry" after brief phone interviews with the PDs. I gave up hope for the March 17 result since I did not get yes/no answer from others.

Here I disclose my hx.

-I attended 2 med. schools one in Africa and the other one in the Caribbean both accrediated schools.

-I graduated in Oct. 2002 and have done 1+ years clinical rotations and have good LORs from my preceptors well written dean's letter showing a grade of "A" in all department rotation evaluation.

-I passed step 1 after 2nd attempt w/ a score of 88/217 and step 2 ck and cs both at first attempt w/ a score of 78/190 and pass. All exams taken in the same year, 2004. I will be issued ECFMG certificate in a matter of weeks.

-I am a permanent resident and have no visa problem.

So based on the above pesentation, what do you think went wrong for me not to get just one FP position in the scramble? honestly, what will be my fate for 05? my prospect for next year interview/match? will it enhance my appl. if I do some research work/experience or take step 3?. I am interested in doing IM or FP. My fellow IMGs, I am really, really frastrated, anxious and even confused, so please striaghtened me up.

Thanks.

Sorry about your situation but I think it's amazing that you had two phone interviews with PD's! I am an American IMG that studied in Europe and scored 82 and 79 for Steps I and II, respectively (both first attempts). I had three interviews before the match but didn't match. During the Scramble, I have had no call backs at all--not even for "no's".
I don't know want went wrong in your situation. Your strong point is definitely the Step I score of 88 and no visa issues. I've heard of pre-residency fellowships, maybe that's an option. I've also been told that things might change in the next few days and am hoping that will be the case. Read my thread on "still unmatched during the scramble". I've gotten some encouragement and advice from there. I still don't have a position and am not quite sure what I'll do. Keep calling tomorrow, I guess...

 

[PTP]

ResidencyDream,
Sorry to hear how everything is going. The scramble is very tough indeed but dont give up. Even if you dont find a spot by tommorow its not a lost cause for this year. Technically the scramble goes on up to even June. Use other resources like Find a Resident and www.careermd.com [go to the open positions section in the top right hand corner]. Programs will post openings in the next few months. Worst case scenerio, go through the match next year. With your numbers you should not have a problem getting intervies in IM and FP. Just apply VERY early, I mean as soon at the ERAS post office opens send your stuff then apply as soon as programs take applications - Sept 1st or whenever. This will really help. If you have to wait until next year besure you do something in the meantime as PDs will ask you what you have been doing. Work in an ER, do research or an observership(sp?). Getting more current LORs will also help.
Peace

 

[Blade28]

-I attended 2 med. schools one in Africa and the other one in the Caribbean both accrediated schools.

-I graduated in Oct. 2002 and have done 1+ years clinical rotations and have good LORs from my preceptors well written dean's letter showing a grade of "A" in all department rotation evaluation.

-I passed step 1 after 2nd attempt w/ a score of 88/217 and step 2 ck and cs both at first attempt w/ a score of 78/190 and pass. All exams taken in the same year, 2004. I will be issued ECFMG certificate in a matter of weeks.

-I am a permanent resident and have no visa problem.

(1) Why did you attend two medical schools? Did you have any academic problems at either of them?
(2) Who wrote your letters of recommendation? (Were they from the US, Caribbean, Africa?)
(3) Where were your clinical rotations done?
(4) You graduated in 2002, did 1+ years of clinical rotations - what else have you been doing in that time?

 

[ResidencyDream]

(1) Why did you attend two medical schools? Did you have any academic problems at either of them?
(2) Who wrote your letters of recommendation? (Were they from the US, Caribbean, Africa?)
(3) Where were your clinical rotations done?
(4) You graduated in 2002, did 1+ years of clinical rotations - what else have you been doing in that time?

I really appreciate all your feedbacks guys,it helps a lot, thank you all!!!


I had to immigrate to the USA during my internship year in Africa, got transfer credit to one of the Carib. med. school that has clinical rotation placement in the US. I needed to transfer to get my Degree and to be eligible for USMLE. I was in dean's list in my previous school and excellent evaluation report during my clinical rotations here in the USA. My LORs are from the US physicians whom I rotated with. One of my preceptor is a Harvard-undergraduate /residency and Yale-fellowship oncologic-surgeon. I have been studying for USMLE full time since then. Actually my weakest point I think was to answer the same question "What have you been doing since you gratuated" to PDs during my phone interviews. I would have done something to explain such common question. But now I am trying to undo this situation and looking for research work if you kindly have any advice for me.

Thanks again

 

[jazz]

there are many unfilled family medicine positions. is it true that no one will take you or that you are limited by location? you applied to all available spots? if so, i feel for you. i didn't realize it was that hard to get an FP or IM slot in the scramble. rads, ortho, surg, em, etc i figured but....

 

[oddsbuster]

I really appreciate all your feedbacks guys,it helps a lot, thank you all!!!


I had to immigrate to the USA during my internship year in Africa, got transfer credit to one of the Carib. med. school that has clinical rotation placement in the US. I needed to transfer to get my Degree and to be eligible for USMLE. I was in dean's list in my previous school and excellent evaluation report during my clinical rotations here in the USA. My LORs are from the US physicians whom I rotated with. One of my preceptor is a Harvard-undergraduate /residency and Yale-fellowship oncologic-surgeon. I have been studying for USMLE full time since then. Actually my weakest point I think was to answer the same question "What have you been doing since you gratuated" to PDs during my phone interviews. I would have done something to explain such common question. But now I am trying to undo this situation and looking for research work if you kindly have any advice for me.

Thanks again

How's it going? I found a website that helps FMG's specifically. They charge but will give some free advice over the phone. www.FMGAmerica.com
I really hope something happens to help you.

 

[ResidencyDream]

How's it going? I found a website that helps FMG's specifically. They charge but will give some free advice over the phone. www.FMGAmerica.com
I really hope something happens to help you.

Hi oddbuster,

I really want to thank you for your help. My status is still the same "no". I would rather plan ahead for next year match while doing a volunteer research work at the hospital in my location. But I still worry for the next year when I read you say that you had 3 interviews and did not match. Did I qoute you correct?. If so, where were you interviewed and how did you rank them?.

Thanks.

 

[oddsbuster]

Hi oddbuster,

I really want to thank you for your help. My status is still the same "no". I would rather plan ahead for next year match while doing a volunteer research work at the hospital in my location. But I still worry for the next year when I read you say that you had 3 interviews and did not match. Did I qoute you correct?. If so, where were you interviewed and how did you rank them?.

Thanks.

I interviewed 2 in TX and 1 in NY. The TX programs were very competitive and had minimum score requirements which I did not fulfill. I think it was my LOR's that got me the interviews because the people knew some of the writers. I underestimated this whole process and how big it truly is. The competition with American students is difficult, although TX is FMG friendly (I'd heard). I also did/am doing research while studying for the steps which helped a lot. That's how I got my LOR's. I spoke with Long Island yesterday and they said they would be interviewing next week. You could try them while you pursue other options.

 

[oddsbuster]

I interviewed 2 in TX and 1 in NY. The TX programs were very competitive and had minimum score requirements which I did not fulfill. I think it was my LOR's that got me the interviews because the people knew some of the writers. I underestimated this whole process and how big it truly is. The competition with American students is difficult, although TX is FMG friendly (I'd heard). I also did/am doing research while studying for the steps which helped a lot. That's how I got my LOR's. I spoke with Long Island yesterday and they said they would be interviewing next week. You could try them while you pursue other options.

I forgot to mention...I gambled with the Match. I applied to 25 positions, got 4 interviews but only interviewed with 3 programs. I took a big gamble for personal reasons and only ranked two. Apparently, you should apply to at least 80 programs and interview with as many as possible. I underestimated this process and I hope that my experience will benefit you. I don't think you'll have a problem next year if you take the advice of the people on this thread. Be positive about your self--An 88 on Step I is very important to many programs and a very good score. You will definitely get a spot next year! I know that I got lucky today (Some of the "luck of the Irish" rubbed off maybe ) and wish you the same.

 

[ResidencyDream]

I forgot to mention...I gambled with the Match. I applied to 25 positions, got 4 interviews but only interviewed with 3 programs. I took a big gamble for personal reasons and only ranked two. Apparently, you should apply to at least 80 programs and interview with as many as possible. I underestimated this process and I hope that my experience will benefit you. I don't think you'll have a problem next year if you take the advice of the people on this thread. Be positive about your self--An 88 on Step I is very important to many programs and a very good score. You will definitely get a spot next year! I know that I got lucky today (Some of the "luck of the Irish" rubbed off maybe ) and wish you the same.

Hi man,

We are riding the same train and I am glade there is someone who can provide priceless advice, thank you again.

What program is the Long Island one? Do you have their phone/fax? How many Unfilled do they have? I checked the updated nrmp unfilled list earlier in FP and IM and I did not see Long Island.

 

[beriberi]

I think you should put yourself in the program director's shoes. They need residents for staffing and (in theory) because they like to educate and because they want medicaid funding. Also, (in theory) many of them are looking out for their communities and trying to find doctors that will serve their communities for the next few years ande maybe even longer. Having someone who is willing to take any position is not exactly what they are looking for--I think many of them want someone who really want their position.

You need them because you need education, a job and a board certification.

If you reapply next year, concentrate your efforts in FP or IM. Convince yourself and the PDs that you are looking for a career. You will be an asset to the community. You won't leave second year when something better comes along. I don't think many of them are impressed by a letter from a Harvard Surg-Onc. I think they would be much more impressed by a letter from an FP doc who says you are dedicated and a team player.

(I know that this is not universally true, but many of the FP programs are rural and I think many of them would be happy to have a IMG if they thought that that person wanted to be there, wanted to serve the community and wanted to stay.)

A person who wants any possible position has really no possible suitors.