azm882
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Hi All,
My wife recently passed her Step 2 ck. She got 99 in both step 1 and step 2 and scheduled to have her CS in few weeks. She does not have US clinical experience but have sufficient number letters of recommendation from her previous work as Ob/gyn and school abroad.
She now wants to persue internal medicine as it seems most appealing to her under present circumstances as career choice.
We live in Washington DC area and would like very much to stay in this area so basically are looking for residency program here. So far 3 institutes stand out as the choice: George Washington Univ, Georgetown, Washington Univ Hospital. Howard and Providence are later on the list if nothing else works.
If she gets residency somewhere else then I'd have to quit my job and we'd have to sell our condo and move--obviously least desired situation--specially since we've an 8 months old baby and I will have to cut-down my working hours when my wife starts residency and DC area seem like pretty good area to offer more flexibility in those terms in my field.
My questions are these:
1. She is going to switch from being an Ob/gyn to IM resident. Is that going to be a problem?
2. What do you think, in your opinion, are her chances at GWU, Georgetown, WUH? I read around here somewhere that there are very few IMGs at these institutions.
3. How about Howard and Providence? What kinda reputation they have and what kinda chances she has getting residency there?
4. If we have to move out and I've to quit my job and find somewhere else (I'm a software engineer) then John Hopkins is our next choice. What is your opinion of it?
5. What are our other options in case we have to move? Where are some of the IMG friendly places on Northeast? (we'd like to stay on the Northeast because of family and friends).
Thanks in advance for any opinions, guidance, comments, suggestions.
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| akm
Forum Elite
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Almost all of the answers to your questions can be found if you make a little effort and do some research! Most places have a list of their residents and where theywent to school on their website......You're asking us what we think of Johns Hopkins? Seriously,...make a little effort
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| azm882
Forum Newbie
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akm, thanks for the reply. by 'what you think of john hopkins' I meant chances of IMGs in our situation being accepted there.
It seems to me that what programs put on their website is not really the strict criteria of acceptance. For example, there are at least 4 programs in dc area that do not seem to require USCE but mention it in their FAQ as a requirement. On the other hand I also read around and see people talking about as if the scores are good then many program do not hold USCE as a deciding factor. So you see it gets a bit subjective and that's what I'm looking for: subjective opinion of people based on what they have seen and heard--
Thanks.
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| akm
Forum Elite
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From my knowledge when Criteria is clearly listed on the website of the program, it really isn't subjective: its the criteria. If you don't have the minimum requirements, you can still apply anyways and see what happens....but I take the requrements that the program itself lists as final.......in other words go with what the program says rather than what the opinions of bloggers are.......just my 2 cents
Also its a good idea to call the program when in doubt of a requirement....you can'tpossibly get more accuarate info than from that....
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| azm882
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akm, thanks again for your response. How about changing specialty from ob/gyn to IM? What is the general impression of changing someone's specialty? Is it a big NO NO or this is considered acceptable in some cases?
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| andre_madias
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Well, I think you should know that GWU, Georgetown, WUH are University based programs, have good reputation and therefore it´s extremely difficult to get an interview/position even for american medical graduates.
Even tough your wife´s scores are great, these progams, as well as many other university based programs, are full of double 99´s applicants not only americans but also foreign medical graduates, so I´m sorry to say but in my opinion it will be tough for your wife to get matched in these hospitals.
Scores are important but USCE, reasearch work and friendships can really make the difference.
What to do? Well if you live in DC area why don´t you choose a IM program, talk to the PD and ask for an opportunity to do volunteer work (observership/externship)? That would increase your chances, do it now, tomorrow if you can.
Another thing I would suggest is to broaden your options, apply to not so famous and prestigious programs, a good community program can also be a good option and help you find a fellowship position in the future.
I´m sorry for being so direct but every year there are double 99´s that don´t get matched because either don´t know how to apply or how to enhance their CV.
Good luck
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| pipi99
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And why is not wife HERSELF asking all those questions? Or even seraching aroudn this forum for some answers?
Kind of passive book reader? Scores are great, but she should have done some US experience, observership, volunteering, something...
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| bax
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@ andre_madias
does volunteer research work without publication help?
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| pipi99
Forum Elite
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Of cousre, especially if you managed to get LoR. Can you get at least acknowledgment? I know it is not that easy but try to do that! GL!
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| azm882
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Thanks all for your responses. If she does not get matched this year then USCE is definitely her aim for next year before the match season.
>>And why is not wife HERSELF asking all those questions? Or even seraching aroudn this forum for some answers?
She is preparing for her CS and I'm helping her doing the leg work. Considering her typing speed and mine, it would take a long time for her to type something I can do in matter of seconds. 
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| pipi99
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Very bad excuse. Wife needs to speed up typing if she wants be good doctor. Here you always use computers. When will she start typing faster if you type instead of her. Prcatice can make us better, right?
Still that is strange, better don't tell anyone or even type in her name 
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| azm882
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pipi, I have not idea what your point is and how instead of answering the relevant question you're focused on why I'm typing on her behalf. How about you keep your household and typing advice and give advice on something that you may actually be qualified of. ie. medical field.
I'm not trying to be rude or anything I'm only reciprocating as I just find it rude on your behalf to focus on something irrelevant to the topic. I'm sure my wife ain't gonna miss an opportunity just 'cause she didn't come her and type this stuff herself. 
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| pipi99
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The point is not about opportunity, point is do it yourself.....
OMG, don't get offended, but its still strange husband asking about wife, explaining whole situation, what she did, what she still has to do....I just thought she should inquire about herself among her colleagues, right?
Jesus, what man you are?! If I am not qualified to comment that, how come you are qualified to discuss your wife situation among her colleagues???
When she get the residency (and good luck with that seriously) are you going to call PD and inquire about possible research opportunities, or NIH grant opportunities for her because you speak faster than she, and she can meanwhile sit and study???
You don't see how incompetent you can make her....I'll stop obviously you don't get the point!
God bless your efforts and let her be happy with her residency choice! 
And you relax a little bit 
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| dream09
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azm 882,
I can understand your concern but my friend there is no mantra to get a spot.
99 is good but not enough anymore. There are many things that matter.
Year of graduation, USCE, US letters, visa status.
If your wife has done obgyn, now changing to IM ....be at Pd's place what do you think????????? back up !!!! certainly.
In my opinion usce in IM and good letters will help. apply broadly
Good luck
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| medicus_81
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she would have greater chances at getting interview at WHC, the 2 universities (GU and GWU) would be tougher although both of them are not top tier programs, rather mediocre actually but they like to brag about how special they are. I know that because I applied at them too wanting to be in DC. I interviewed at WHC and GWU-honestly neither of them rocked my world but if you need to stay in DC you 'll get decent enough education. After starting my residency I heard a lot of opinions from amrican grads and none was positive... at least half of the residents at WHC are IMGs.
the next option would be I guess baltimore but no matter where you live in dc the commute will kill her especially in DC traffic. And I would say forget about hopkins...sorry,man just trying to be realistic. unless she has tons of research and personal connections there's no way to invade the system. johns hopkins sinai is a different thing- all IMGs. but it didn't rock my world either, small community program- don't even listen if they try to sell it to you as university based, you barely set your foot in the main hospital. University of maryland- also reserved for AMG only.
there's couple of more community based ones but again-baltimore might seem close but trust me if you work 100 hours a week (officially 80) and when you are post call after working your ass off for 30+hours the last thing you want to do is drive 45 min home...
tough choices to make. If main goal is to stay in dc- try hard, I would even appear personally before interview time and try to make a point(won't hurt , trust me, just be polite and explain the reason) and definitely mention this on interview. but still it would minimize your chances in matching. if goal is residency no matter what- should apply broadly.
hope it helps good luck
Edited by medicus_81 on 08/06/08 - 06:10 PM
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| azm882
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thanks dream and medicus! great advice. yeh, if baltimore is the destination then we'd definitely have to move closer to it. I've a good job here in dc so moving out and quitting my job will be sort of demotion in most cases but I guess you gotta do what you gotta do. She has green card so at least H-1 restriction is not an issue. applying broadly is definitely way to go! thanks again.
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