What are my options?

[R Sterling]

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I'm a recent grad who did not match this year. I thought I was going into IM, but not matching made me reconsider my choice. I would like to apply to EM, but I did not do a rotation in EM. I am also an IMG. What are my options? I've also taken and passed step 3 with a score in the low 90s. Step 1 and 2 are both in the high 80s. Should I not even bother applying?

 

[gutonc]

I'm a recent grad who did not match this year. I thought I was going into IM, but not matching made me reconsider my choice. I would like to apply to EM, but I did not do a rotation in EM. I am also an IMG. What are my options? I've also taken and passed step 3 with a score in the low 90s. Step 1 and 2 are both in the high 80s. Should I not even bother applying?

Sorry you didn't match IM...that sucks. But the solution you've outlined is completely irrational. You're planning to apply to a more competitive specialty that you have no actual experience with. EM applications require SLORs which you can only get from attendings at residency programs where you do a rotation. As you're a graduate now, you won't be able to do any rotations (observerships don't count) so you're kind of SOL for SLOR.

Better to consider why you didn't Match and work on improving those things. Scores are low but you bumped that with your Step 3 which is good. Did you apply broadly (geographically and with regard to program "strength") enough? What about FM? What are you doing with your year off? Make it medical/research to further improve your app.

 

[Venko]

Sorry you didn't match IM...that sucks. But the solution you've outlined is completely irrational. You're planning to apply to a more competitive specialty that you have no actual experience with. EM applications require SLORs which you can only get from attendings at residency programs where you do a rotation. As you're a graduate now, you won't be able to do any rotations (observerships don't count) so you're kind of SOL for SLOR.

Better to consider why you didn't Match and work on improving those things. Scores are low but you bumped that with your Step 3 which is good. Did you apply broadly (geographically and with regard to program "strength") enough? What about FM? What are you doing with your year off? Make it medical/research to further improve your app.

Sterling, I agree with Gutonc. EM is considerably more competitive a match than is IM. I do wish you the best of luck in your future though, but I think you are most likely to find disappointment if you pursue EM based on what you have provided us.

 

[DrJosephKim]

Find an opportunity to participate in meaningful research. That will definitely boost your chances next year.

 

[hackinmage]

I totally agree with these guys, but on the off chance that you found somewhere in yer heart that emergency is the awesomest field, yer not... COMPLETELY up the creek (just mostly for a reality check)

You can do a prelim IM year in a place that allows you to work in the EM (that has an EM residency) / do research at a place with an EM residency and show em how awesome you are and get a slor from on of the EM docs. But even if yer 99/99 no place is gonna take ye w/o a slor and some EM experience.