Gabriel
Forum Newbie
Topics: 4
Posts: 19
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Hi, Sorry to hijack this forum, there are a couple of IMGs who have PMed me, and I am going to post what I have responded to them, that way maybe someone else can be beneffited. It is related to my previous post
Dear IMG,
Do not give up on Surgery! you can do it, surgery is not reserved for double 99ers Or for American graduated physicians!. This is a myth! at my local hospital, there were 3 of us all IMGs appliying for Surgery, the 3 of us got our residencies, I got mine in Miami, prematch, and the other guys matched for New York and Minessota
First of all, you have time, your dates are fine, try to complete all the exams by October. Do not rush on your exams, just because you want to get into next year's match. Plan very carefully for Step 2, with 87 in Step 1 you have already taken a step in the right direction. Your best shot at surgery lies on Step 2, get a score above 90. What is the ideal plan to get it? Do USMLE World all the way, stop reading the rest of the material, get yourself a 3 month inscription and start doing mixed questions on tutor untimed mode. Aim to finish the 2000 in 2 months, it is pretty easy to do, by then your total average must be around 45- 50%. once you finish them, write them and ask them to clean your stats, so you can do the final month on timed mode, all the way, every day do at least 1 block and saturdays and sundays, try to do at least 5 blocks of 46 questions, simulating the conditions at the time on the exam (that is include break time and lunch etc.)
If everything goes well, you should be scoring above 55-58% if you are very close to 58 you will have your Step 2 score over 90
Remember, the chances to match on a categorical surgical program are low, really low, most likely you will get a preliminary program, with hard work you would be able to get the rest of the residency, there will be a time for that, before you have to get your first year. This is what I did:
1. Subscribe to ERAS the very same day they open.
2. In Eras you will be able to see a list of the programs nation wide, take the time to go over every single program, check the website, and EMAIL THEM ALL, something like:
Dear Dr YYYYY
My name is AAAAA and I am an International Medical Graduate, I am very interested in the program of General Surgery offered by your institution, I would like to know the general requirements and deadlines to apply.
Thank you very much for your attention.
YYYYY
Something like that. I did a Mail merge document in Word, and then collected the names of programs and program directors in a Excel spread sheet and both programs shot the emails on a massive fashion, I kept track of all the responses, and started selecting the programs for which the requirements adjusted to my situation. Important TIP: Eras will show if the program offers a Preliminary non designated position: If they are not offering the Prelim position through eras, most likely the will do it PreMatch, Take a careful list of those, because that would be your Primary objective: Get a pre match preliminary spot, so you will only be traveling to categorical interviews, and thus you 1) will have something in your hands already and 2) wont spend a fortune on trips to every single spot you are offered.
Once you have the list of prematch positions, you have to contact those programs and ask about openings for observerships and rotation opportunities. Win the friendship and trust of the Program director secretaries, I can not emphasize enough how important this is: be polite and show them respect, I use to bring chocolates, and distribute them in the office, as long as you are sincere, and respectful, they will have you on their mind, whenever an opportunity arise. You would be benefited to pick a couple of Rotations, leave your job for a couple of months and try to do as best as you can, if the Intern of the service starts seeing patients at 5am you get there at 4 and help him, if the students, finish their rotation at 10pm you stay there all night, Senior residents like people with passion, you have to show them that your life depend on getting a residency in surgery, that you are never tired, or hungry, or not interested, that you can not get enough scoot work, you have to let them know that you will bright in the residency. Always let them know that you will want to stay and follow surgery at that hospital. (they tend to think that you will leave surgery and go for another specialty after the first year). Once the Senior or the attending knows you and recognize your face, approach him/her with sincerity and ask them for their help. Ask them to talk with the program director on your behalf.
be sure to apply for the program and let them know when you have the interview. If everything goes as planned, you will be offered the position. Most likely the Program director will ask you if you are applying to other programs, say the truth, you are, you are also interested to get a categorical, of course. He will let you know that if you get a categorical some place else it is ok to accept it and notify him as early as possible. After that, relax and try to do some interviews for a categorical, more than 4 will increase your chances of being matched, but as I told you, the chances are lower here. If some how, you are not able to materialize the above, go all the way for Prelim interviews, with at least 5 interviews, your chances to get matched will be almost certain.
In regards to a hands on position at a hospital, it is very competitive and somewhat difficult to get one. Florida has this position in most hospital, I know that New york has it also, search on the internet in the State board of medicine, you will find something there. But getting there is a matter of knowing people, This is your best shot: Approach surgeons, go to their offices, same with the Program directors: Get the friendship of their office Managers! Go to 3 or 4 office of surgeons, specially young ones that are involved in research, offer your time, and effort, do not expect to get paid, the final objective is to OPEN your network of physicians, an opportunity will arise, I've seen it, I got my LORs doing just that: Dr, XXXX I am YYYY and want to apply for surgery, I know you are conducting research and would like to offer my time on a voluntary basis, once they accept you and know how you work, ask them something like: Dr. XXXX do you think you know me good enough to Write a LOR on my behalf? what can I do to earn it?
Remember that you have a short time to do a lot of things at once, manage your time, always do whatever you promise to do, and most of all: Be honest, show your passion, let them know that if you are accepted they will not regret it, once you are there, show them how an IMG works, be the best Resident the hospital have seen, Treat your patients with professionalism and compassion, outperform your peers, that way you will be opening the path for those who are behind you, that is how you pay back what you have received.
I hope this is helpful.
Gabriel.
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| amirhossein
Forum Guru
Topics: 57
Posts: 857
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CoooooooooooooooooooooooooL!
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All human wisdom is summed up in two words: wait and hope
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| spitmetal
Forum Guru
Topics: 25
Posts: 637
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hell yeahhhh
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NEVER REGRET IF U DID YOUR BEST--"THE PEOPLE WHO CAN'T DO SOMETHING WILL KEEP SAYING THAT YOU CAN'T DO IT.....BUT REMEMBER YOU CAN DO IT!!" by Dr. Luck a member of this forum
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| shilahk
Forum Senior
Topics: 13
Posts: 126
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i really appreciate your advice!!!
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| Mark77
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 7
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Thank you Gabriel for the information and the hope that you give to us trying to get into surgery. I am feeling very down because I know my chances are very low, since my scores are only 77/80. I am a US citizen studying in europe doing most of my last year in the states. I have been able to get a few LORs, but I don't think it will overcome my scores. I took CK last year and was relieved to have it out of the way, but it was too early and I am regretting it.
Your info on the preliminary positions was very helpful, and I think that is the only chance I have to get something. I have heard that getting prelim positions is much easier, and the lack of filled spots at the match seems to support that, but I just assumed that the more qualified applicants who didn't get categorical positions just fill them up in the scramble.
Do you think it is worth even trying for the preliminary spots in surgery or am I better off doing something in primary care and then trying again? I would be willing to offer my "services" to any PD or surgical attending who could help, but I just feel like there are so few programs that I would even have a shot at, and I don't know where they are.
But the bottom line is, if anyone really wants something bad enough, it can be achieved, even if it takes much longer than normal. I am trying to believe this so I don't get too depressed as september approaches.
Thanks again to everyone for all the great advice!!! And best of luck!!!
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| ipseg
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Thanks sooooooo much for taking some time to write those words... we really appreciate it...
 GOD bless you!
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