What exactly do I need to get into a residency?

[Lolly23]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Dear doctors,
I’m an IMG from Russia and I have registered at the forum recently. I attempted to study for USMLE right after graduating medschool in 2002, when I first came to the US. It just didn’t happen. Over 3 years ago I gave up the idea of becoming a doctor here, went through nursing school, worked as an RN, came to conclusion I could NOT be a nurse, blah-blah-blah. I passed my Step one a month ago (95/227), and I will now continue taking steps. I quit my RN job recently, but I am having my second child within the next couple of weeks, so I don't know when I'll be going back to studying For USMLE-2. My question is, what else do I need to be doing besides passing the steps? What else do they want to accept you into residency? I have gone through the forum posts. Now I’m feeling uneasy. People talk about all kinds of things- PGY/fellowship/observeship… Is it really that hard? I guess time is also working against me; I have graduated in 2002 and have 0 medical experience, except1,5 years as an RN on postpartum unit… I can see that I need LORs, USCE (would nursing count towards that at all?), the hospital where I worked requires a "transitional year" (have no clue what that is) to take you into their FMR residency... Is there a clear post or an article that explains what else is needed besides passing the Steps?
Also, what residencies are easy/harder to get into for an IMG? Which ones are considered prestigious and require high score (how high?). I was going to be a GI specialist in Russia. Here I would love to do that, but would also settle for Endo or IM.
I just got sick of nursing and put all my efforts into studying for Step one, then I found out I was pregnant, then I passed step one... I haven't looked into the entire process before I started, but it sounds like there is more to getting accepted into residency, then just passing the steps... I'm trying to set up a timeframe for myself now. I do not have to work outside the house, but I do have to watch the two little kids, which is more than a full time job... Summing this rambling tirade up, what exactly does a person need to get accepted into residency? Which ones are easy to get into? Is it all “doable” in my situation?
Again, I spent a few days scanning this forum, but people post questions specific to their situations. I went to many other sites recommended here, but just didn’t find the answers as I want them.
Thank you all in advance.
PS If this is not an appropriate spot for my question, please move it to where it needs to be...

 

[Blade28]

Lots of questions here. Have you tried looking through the FAQs?

I'll try to answer some of your basic questions.

In general, IMGs applying for a US residency need to be ECFMG-certified. This includes passing the USMLE Step 1, 2 CK and 2 CS. You'll also need letters of recommendation, and it helps to have clinical experience done here in the US. If you were a nurse here, that would help. Did you also meet people here who could help you write letters?

More info is here: http://www.ecfmg.org/cert/certfact.html

What is your citizenry status? Green card, visa, etc.?

Do a search for a comparison of the "competitiveness" of different residencies - in general, Internal Medicine tends to be around the middle. Don't worry about fellowships for now (GI, Endocrine, etc.).

It might also help for you to browse the International Forum.

 

[awdc]

I recommend picking up one of the many books on the subject. 'First Aid for the Match' or 'Iserson's Getting Into A Residency' are the ones I'm most familiar with and either one will answer almost every question you have.