What are some reasons IMGs don't end up with a residency in the US?
What are some reasons IMGs don't end up with a residency in the US?
- Thread starter uclakid
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1. Apply to residencies that are too competitive
2. Don't apply to enough programs
3. Scores are not strong enough
4. Come from a school that is an "unknown quantity" (or actively negative)
5. Can't get ECFMG certified
6. Visa/immigration issues
Those are the main reasons. A final one would be not specific to IMGs - bad interviewing skills/messing up at the interview.
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If you know the answer to your own question, and your question can potentially strike a sensitive nerve (i.e. IMGs being qualified), and it is a topic often touched on throughout these forums, and first answer was pretty much what you just wrote (i.e. #3 per Apollyon above), stop being a troll:troll:
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10941 total FMG's of 25520 total spots matched for 2010. 42.8% of residents are IMG, and that doesn't include the ones that made it in the scramble.
It looks like a fair amount match. I think the number of FMG's out there outnumber the spots available and it has just gotten too competitive.
Then think about how many are fresh grads...they get chosen first year after year and they are churned out yearly, which creates competition for those that didn't match, whos grad date is getting higher and higher. higher scores also helps, but not necessarily. i've seen many USMLE 99ers not make it. it all depends if you're a good match for the program. your english skills may matter, and they can check that at an interview. you may get in eventually, it just takes time. externships and observerships often count in favor of your application. there are numerous things that go into an application. research and publications are also a plus. often an FMG may get something in the scramble rather than in the match. I always got interviews in the scramble, but hardly any in the actual match, but some do match as I have stated above.
It looks like a fair amount match. I think the number of FMG's out there outnumber the spots available and it has just gotten too competitive.
Then think about how many are fresh grads...they get chosen first year after year and they are churned out yearly, which creates competition for those that didn't match, whos grad date is getting higher and higher. higher scores also helps, but not necessarily. i've seen many USMLE 99ers not make it. it all depends if you're a good match for the program. your english skills may matter, and they can check that at an interview. you may get in eventually, it just takes time. externships and observerships often count in favor of your application. there are numerous things that go into an application. research and publications are also a plus. often an FMG may get something in the scramble rather than in the match. I always got interviews in the scramble, but hardly any in the actual match, but some do match as I have stated above.
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Your transcript does not help you out. You need to show you have improved. Also you have to have taken ur steps, especially at least step 1, and have your step 2ck and cs and ECFMG certificate by the time u get your spot. A program director is not going to take you without these, unless you can guarantee that you will have everything by July 1 of whatever year you are applying to. Getting good scores on your steps can improve your chances dramatically. Good luck.
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I think you misread the NRMP press release. According to NRMP, 10941 FMGs PARTICIPATED in the match. Of those, only 47 percent of U.S. citizen IMGs and 40 percent of non-U.S. citizen IMGs actually matched to first-year positions. So as I read it, that's only about 4400 people, or about 17% of residents.
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sorry about that. ur right.i knew it sounded too good to be true. so it is tough to get in as an FMG no matter what your criteria. it is all pure luck. i've heard quite a few people tell me its more about who you know than anything else.
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Yes, knowing people will get you far in US (no matter what field you are in). The main difference between Europe&Asia is that the people who recommend you in US are extremely careful who they sponsor (specially in the medical field), whereas in Europe and Asia only family members or friends are helped!
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