- Joined
- Dec 28, 2017
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Hello everyone,
I'm IMG from European medical school, interested in residency in pathology.
I have a couple of years of clinical inactivity after medical school for the family reasons. Is this a big red flag? I'm aware it certainly is in other specialties, but I would think patholgy is more forgiving? I don't think medical school and clinical rotations prepare you much for residency in pathology anyway.
I've recently taken Step 1 and 2, with scores falling between 230-240 for Step 1, and 240-250 for Step 2. My next step is taking Step 2 CS, as well as Step 3, as soon as possible, but certainly before applications are due in September 2018. (I would like to get Step 3 out of the way, because I want to focus solely on learning pathology during residency; besides, I doubt path residency will do much in preparing me for Step 3.)
What else do you think would be the most helpful in strengthening my application?
Observerships? Research?
I have yet to look up how to find observerships. I assume is not easy, especially because I'm geographically limited due to my husband's work and very small kids. But I will absolutely do my best to find one, because my exposure to field of pathology has been limited to Europe. Also, I assume LORs from US pathologists would be of a great help, and further show my commitment to the specialty. What do you think is adequate lenght of such observership(s)?
Furthermore, I don't have any research experience. If I get involved now, I'm not sure if I can do any meaningful research and produce results/papers in relatively short period of time (before applications in September). Or maybe I'm wrong?
(Another thing I'm working on are my English skills. English is not my native language, and I'm currently taking classes to improve my speaking and writing skills. I understand that in pathology written words are the main product of your work, and also communication with other doctors and co-workers is crucial, so I want to be as fluent and professional as possible.)
What do you think are my chances of getting interview invites?
Thanks!
I'm IMG from European medical school, interested in residency in pathology.
I have a couple of years of clinical inactivity after medical school for the family reasons. Is this a big red flag? I'm aware it certainly is in other specialties, but I would think patholgy is more forgiving? I don't think medical school and clinical rotations prepare you much for residency in pathology anyway.
I've recently taken Step 1 and 2, with scores falling between 230-240 for Step 1, and 240-250 for Step 2. My next step is taking Step 2 CS, as well as Step 3, as soon as possible, but certainly before applications are due in September 2018. (I would like to get Step 3 out of the way, because I want to focus solely on learning pathology during residency; besides, I doubt path residency will do much in preparing me for Step 3.)
What else do you think would be the most helpful in strengthening my application?
Observerships? Research?
I have yet to look up how to find observerships. I assume is not easy, especially because I'm geographically limited due to my husband's work and very small kids. But I will absolutely do my best to find one, because my exposure to field of pathology has been limited to Europe. Also, I assume LORs from US pathologists would be of a great help, and further show my commitment to the specialty. What do you think is adequate lenght of such observership(s)?
Furthermore, I don't have any research experience. If I get involved now, I'm not sure if I can do any meaningful research and produce results/papers in relatively short period of time (before applications in September). Or maybe I'm wrong?
(Another thing I'm working on are my English skills. English is not my native language, and I'm currently taking classes to improve my speaking and writing skills. I understand that in pathology written words are the main product of your work, and also communication with other doctors and co-workers is crucial, so I want to be as fluent and professional as possible.)
What do you think are my chances of getting interview invites?
Thanks!