mph
Forum Elite
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Posts: 341
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Friends, I know this is a bit sensitive to some AMGs, but if u r an IMG, would u rather go to which one:
(1)Program with 10% IMGs
(2)You are the only IMG in the program
Given both programs are top 10 in USA, and (2) is better than (1).
Thanx for your answer! I really look forward to ur suggestion.
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| kykie
Forum Senior
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Hmmm
there are many factors to be considered, being the only IMG in a program,
in others words its an IMG "unfriendly" program
well u have been in the US for a while so u are used to somethings
but basically, i feel you would have to be almost perfect, as the only IMG cos ur mistakes or ur taking time to adjust to the system, wont be easily forgiven in an almost 100% amg enviroment
Also ur english, even if it is good,but still not the American Accent, would be difficult for people to under stand, in a program which isnt friendly to IMG's which would make u uncomfortable, if u have to explain every statement u make
basically, i feel as the only IMG, u are the underdog, and u have to work twice as hard, because ur mistakes may not be overlooked or easily forgiven as for people who have been in the system
Its somethin u have to consider from all angles b4 u make the decision.
Wishin u all the best
since both are top 10, i would say go for 1
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| sprint123
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I would definitely go with 1.
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| robin082006
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option 1
mph, I am doing observership and my attending always advises to do residency in a program which has many IMGs to avoid premature graduation (being kicked out after 1st or 2nd year)
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| nadiabarati
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definitely number one, you will even learn more in a flexible environment without prejudice than number one academic but prejudiced and inflexible.
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| Miradautas Vras
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I think this is issue is a bit stretched. If you are getting in to a program which only accepted / is going to accept only one img, and that img is you then you must be sufficiently IN to the US system to be worrying about issues like prejudice and stuff. Dude , think it other way, if you got in to a program where you are the only img, the program must have realized that you are leaps and bounds better than even top AMGs , which is to say you are something of a cross between Gauss and George Clooney ! Joke aside , if you are having a tough time deciding between two top 10 programs being an img, I think you are good enough shine in any program you go to.Don't think about stuff like being picked on or getting isolated or thrown out or shit like that, this country embraces talent and you seem to have a rather unusual amount of it. Just select a program you think you would be happy to be in. Godspeed dude!
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| mph
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Thanx, guys.
I am thinking of (1) too.
The (2) PD actually called this morning and said he'd be "thrilled" if I m in and tried to discuss my career goal. I have a feel that they might actually wanna grab me. This program owns the US with the best specialists in almost every field in IM, but the point is just like every one here reminds: We stand at a different height with AMG (esp. the best AMG), not to mention that I have language barrier, unlike most friends here who studied in Great Britain system can speak English like mother tongue.
Probably a good place for fellowship?
And the most important thing is, I don't wanna be alone and kept away from all IMG friends. Sometimes our status is not easily comprehended by outsiders.
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| Miradautas Vras
Forum Senior
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MPH dude , Stop worrying about getting segregated from imgs or being alone. Once inside a residency , you are a team member and until unless you f*** up big time on some issue i don't think anyone is going to hound your behinds purposefully. I am doing my mph right now at a top ranked public health school with a highly regarded med school. And i have met couple of img residents here in couple of departments,some in sort of what people on IMG forums tend to call in the " exotic" specialties, and i didn't dins any of them particularly persecuted. And why are you afraid of leaving your img friends behind?? It's not like you are joining SS or KKK where you are forbidden to do make any identification with the opposite ideology. Rather you are in a rare position where you can make an ignorantly compartmentalized [ I'd not call totally biased ] academic institution realize that there is a wealth of equally smart and qualified candidates out there who ; though not educated inside US, are equally , if not more, competent and, dedicated than their native counterparts. And if being a sole img or an international student inside an American big shot institution would have been that discriminating and tough and oppressive, there would be no Ranavat,Bhoumik, Sekhar or Shetty stories here. But they are there and there are lot others like them.I accept that time has changed but it has not changed the basic appreciation this country has for talent and perseverance. You have an opportunity most of our international colleagues dream of, so stop wavering and confidently go after your desire.
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Man who fights too long against the dragons becomes a dragon himself.
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| prueba
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Agree with Miradautas Vras, but not for that reason I would go to number 2
I would go to both interviews and then decide...if number two is better for you, go for it... You will find at top programs people from different origins that went to medical school in the US... asians, indians, hispanics, etc.... the only difference is that most FMG from the same origins don't qualify for those programs for many reasons... but if you qualify...you qualify..
English skills improve substantially with time and a bit of effort if you want so... It should not be a limitant.... you are not expected to have a perfect english since you are not a native english speaker...
There are hundreds...thousands of researches in this country with an accent...
If you go to the NIH tons of people have accents.... Currently, the director of the NIH is a foreign medical graduate...
I'm sure you are interested in academics, so bro', choose the program of your dreams...
.. and friends....don't worry, we'll be here !
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| bbb
IM Program Coordinator
Topics: 32
Posts: 4,681
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mph wrote:
Friends, I know this is a bit sensitive to some AMGs, but if u r an IMG, would u rather go to which one:
(1)Program with 10% IMGs
(2)You are the only IMG in the program
Given both programs are top 10 in USA, and (2) is better than (1).
Thanx for your answer! I really look forward to ur suggestion.
I've not been to medical school, but have 18 years of experience with IMGs and AMGs. I would choose (1)
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bbb - trying to combine common sense and humour into realistic answers, but not going to guess on anyone's chances of getting into a position....off until July 14th exploring the caves of NYC
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| drgeorgie
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interesting...
whats ur reason bbb?
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| bbb
IM Program Coordinator
Topics: 32
Posts: 4,681
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18 years of residency experience.
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bbb - trying to combine common sense and humour into realistic answers, but not going to guess on anyone's chances of getting into a position....off until July 14th exploring the caves of NYC
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| drgeorgie
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ya i know that..but why?
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| drgeorgie
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i know u have a solid reason...curious to know that
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| decide
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Hey mph, through ur posts I can atleast say dt ur writen english is gud enough I dont really think dt ur english shd be a factor in choosing a program. It takes everyone an year or so to put up an accent, if u wanna do dt.
U seem to be outstanding in academics, so u r bound to shine in program 2, too. A better program will remain a better program and will definitely have better research and better facilities.
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| hypomanic
Forum Senior
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mph,
Like most questions asking for an 'opinion', I guess you are the only one who can make the call- I think it would completely depend on your personality and how much you 'feel' at home in these different places or
Maybe you dont care a damn- you want the best option.period.
I do appreciate people who are as determined as that But I also wonder what price they pay for it.
On the other hand like you have mentioned if you might not feel comfortable in such a place like 2- but then I would say there are just as many chances you might not feel comfortable at 1- with your IMG friends because they dont come from the same place as you/dont speak the same language or whatever
As some wise person said (was it laptop?) Look and ye shall find!
If you choose for differences between you and AMGs you will find them, If you choose to look for things in common, you will find those too- the same goes for reasons for joining 1 or 2
i guess its a choice only you can make
Best of luck dude, Not too many make it this far- not too many (with your perspective) can give the advice you need (including myself of course  )
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| mph
Forum Elite
Topics: 19
Posts: 341
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Thanx again for all those kind suggestions and words. I know life cannot always meet both ends with ease, and I believe u guys all have at least to some extent a dilemma exists when making a decision, could be family, geography, or fellowship chances...etc. Hope we all wont regret later.
Language is indeed a big problem in terms of clinical work as u ll have dense communication with colleagues, workers, and even patients. It's not like in academic work u talk a lot less. But anyway, since this is an unavoidable lesson for me, I guess staying here longer might actually help.
I definitely will go to both iv, at least take a look at some of my idols' memorial hall.
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| Miradautas Vras
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I think as you are going to a top 10 program anyways , fellowships won't be much of a problem in either.
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Man who fights too long against the dragons becomes a dragon himself.
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