What are my chances of matching in a higher tier radiology program?

[Radioguy]

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Hi, I know many people ask this question... But I really have no clue. I´m an IMG who graduated in mid 2015 and have been working in a private clinic for radiology ever since. I have +270 in the step 1 and aim for a +270 in the step 2ck which I will take in a couple of months. I may get a case report published these days. I consider I have a good english level (high toefl IBT score), with barely any foreign accent. Considering I make a good statement and make a good impression in possible interviews do I have a chance in the top 20 radiology residencies in the US??? I know the top 10 are impossible (i.e. UCSF, MIR, hopkins) as they look for research experience.

 

[Cognovi]

Hi, I know many people ask this question... But I really have no clue. I´m an IMG who graduated in mid 2015 and have been working in a private clinic for radiology ever since. I have +270 in the step 1 and aim for a +270 in the step 2ck which I will take in a couple of months. I may get a case report published these days. I consider I have a good english level (high toefl IBT score), with barely any foreign accent. Considering I make a good statement and make a good impression in possible interviews do I have a chance in the top 20 radiology residencies in the US??? I know the top 10 are impossible (i.e. UCSF, MIR, hopkins) as they look for research experience.

Yes. Even MIR takes an IMG maybe every other year and I don't think their bibliographies are crazy.

 

[clutch21]

It's certainly possible, but I wouldn't sweat going to a "top 20" program. The rankings are rather subjective and your career outlook doesn't hinge on going to a big name program. There are so many solid smaller name programs that match just as well for fellowship.

 

[GadRads]

It's certainly possible, but I wouldn't sweat going to a "top 20" program. The rankings are rather subjective and your career outlook doesn't hinge on going to a big name program. There are so many solid smaller name programs that match just as well for fellowship.

I think rankings are bogus in medicine. If you have a good patient base, good teachers, and you apply yourself, you will be fine. Medicine is medicine.

 

[Radioguy]

I think rankings are bogus in medicine. If you have a good patient base, good teachers, and you apply yourself, you will be fine. Medicine is medicine.

It depends in your interests.. Matching in a "higher rank" program definitely helps you get a job or fellowship faster after residency, especially if you are looking for an academic career.

 

[redoitall]

It depends in your interests.. Matching in a "higher rank" program definitely helps you get a job or fellowship faster after residency, especially if you are looking for an academic career. For an IMG higher academic performance helps you get a green card easier after the H1B period is over.

To be honnest, I think you will find a fellowship no matter what program you chose. As for the green card, you may get one if you are involved in research, in which case you will be sponsored as an "outstanding researcher" (I have been through that path myself). As a clinician, you probably won't get one (there may be some ways if you go to undeserved areas and stay there for a long time). Heck they even ask IMG residents who are sponsored as a J1 to waive their right to obtain a green card via marriage with a US Citizen. That is to say that as a clinician, it is very hard, but not as a researcher (at least it was doable a few years back). Also be careful about banking everything into a name. In the end, all you need is the opportunity to learn and work hard. You can distinguish yourself, particularly in research at many places, and for you, this may be more important. Find the right fit for you, not the name.

Good luck anyway.

 

[Radioguy]

To be honnest, I think you will find a fellowship no matter what program you chose. As for the green card, you may get one if you are involved in research, in which case you will be sponsored as an "outstanding researcher" (I have been through that path myself). As a clinician, you probably won't get one (there may be some ways if you go to undeserved areas and stay there for a long time). Heck they even ask IMG residents who are sponsored as a J1 to waive their right to obtain a green card via marriage with a US Citizen. That is to say that as a clinician, it is very hard, but not as a researcher (at least it was doable a few years back). Also be careful about banking everything into a name. In the end, all you need is the opportunity to learn and work hard. You can distinguish yourself, particularly in research at many places, and for you, this may be more important. Find the right fit for you, not the name.

Good luck anyway.

In the end I just have to wait, see and hope to be given interviews and try to choose what best suits me. Thanks for the advice though 🙂