Tips for Applying to Residency Programs

6:07 AM No comments

Here we are with the 2010 residency match season. I remember my time few years ago, when I participated in the match, and got selected into my favorite residency without "much" hassle. As many of you might be aware that I am also an IMG/FMG from a different country than United States, and I was also looking for visa. At that time scores like mine were considered very competitive (I had 230+ on both 1st and 2nd step, don't remember the exact numbers), but now-a-days scores like those are seen more commonly. This has led to decreased importance of "scoring system" in general. Many of you might not agree with me, but program directors are looking for many other aspects into your profile than merely scores. Moreover, when you are offered a residency spot, you are not going to carry your scores badge with you. It is only your capabilities as a physician/doctor that will take you ahead of the rest. Believe me, I do not remember my scores clearly as I am typing this because you get to work so much in the beginning and then later (to establish yourself because you are an IMG/FMG), you tend to forget the exact numbers. Therefore, let us discuss here what are main things that you should keep in mind in order to get a residency:

1. Be clear and honest to yourself. You should not try to get just any residency that comes across your way. You might grab one..but you won't be sticking with it in the end. A clear choice should be there, and you should choose the residency that you want, in which you are more interested to work than any other. You will realize its importance when you will be working as a resident.

2. Do not follow people's choices. Why I am stressing on this point is, because I am working as a chief resident, and sorting applications (PDs don't touch your applications until they are given the best ones). I have studied logic, statistics, and mathematics too. I see more than 70% of applicants are applying to Internal Medicine (at least in our hospital's program). May be everyone is interested in that or may be everyone is following just everyone. This decision can help you secure a spot in your favorite or most wanted residency, but if you are not loving it, you will get yourself into trouble. I wonder how many blogs/websites talk about IMGs/FMGs getting fired after some time of getting their residency. This usually happens when someone didn't make a clear choice to choose a residency, and then landed into the one that was an easier one to get into. I might be wrong at some places, but logic and statistics teach me that there cannot be so much imbalance between choices when "majority" is following one trend. Such observations are seen when "influence" and "feeling of being on the safer side" come into play. Therefore, choose carefully, and work towards it to make yourself the best candidate for your choice, and not for everyone's choice.

3. Apply with completed applications. In order to make your application outstanding, you also need to work towards completing it as per any program's applications criteria. Do not expect to get interviews with incomplete applications as you are still seen as an IMG/FMG. However, this is the only factor that puts AMGs at advantage who get accepted even after sending incomplete applications.

4. Do not think programs discriminate. They do not. They want good candidates, and good candidates can be from any country. If some program discriminates, it is because either they do not have sufficient privileges from their parent institution (like visa sponsoring etc), or they have a population that demands AMGs in majority.

5. Apply to Programs where you are eligible. I hear many notions on this, such as apply to as many program as you can afford. But this is not a practical approach. You should apply to only those programs where you are eligible. Your applications will be rejected by the rest, where you do not meet their minimum criteria. Therefore, no fun in wasting money in ERAS. You should search on each program's website or call/email them to know their minimum criteria.

I will write more tips, once I am free. Good luck to everyone!

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Posted in: MEDICAL,USMLE