IMG-Friendly Internal Medicine Residency Programs

12 Comments

1. thank you for such a valuable information, I am from Mexico

   I want a focused apply to save money, scores 220,234, first attempt, CS will be released 1st week October

   Do you suggest aiming mainly at hospitals that staff latin physicians?

   Or do you think is safer to apply to more programs only considering that they are IMG friendly based on Medical schools outside US?

   Do you think is OK to apply until release of CS? I know my rate of interviews will probably be lower but don’t want to risk applying and failing CS ?

   Thank you for your precious suggestions

   • sorry, my step 1 is 223 first attempt

   • Hello Oziel.

     Good luck with your application this year. Usually, IMG’s tend to apply to more programs compared to US-IMG’s and US grads. The number depends on the applicant’s decision. It is difficult to say with confidence a specific number of programs to apply in order to get a good number of interviews. Some people say that every 10 applications may give an applicant an average of 1-2 interview invitation, but that is not accurate at all. Depending on the specialty you decide to apply for and the program you are interested in, you can plan your list and then decide how large should it be.

     Applying for IMG-friendly programs is extremely important. Mayo Clinic did not answer my application! And I realized that I spent my money in an uninformed decision. That will happen with most big programs in the U.S. I also applied to John Hopkins and as you can guess, they did not reply at all. I should have seen that coming. The idea is to be smart and realistic in your application.
     Regarding the application with CS exam pending, I would say that if your exam result date is October, although it is a little late, it is always better to apply early. You can always email programs to update your exam result and that gives you already an excuse to contact them directly. If you failed the exam, of course, will harm you as an applicant. But at the same time, waiting a year to apply is a long time. If you feel confident that your CS exam went ok, you may apply. It is really difficult to make that decision and it will be your choice. Consider that waiting for a year more can be harmful as well, and more if you are an old graduate.

     Have your letters of recommendation, Dean’s letter, and all the other application materials ready. Try to write a good personal statement. People will say that nobody reads personal statements, but in my case, I believe it was one of the biggest reasons why they chose me for an interview in a University program. Scores are important, but a lot of programs look more than that. They look for applicants that are committed to their careers and are easy to work with.

     Good luck. Prepare your strategy and trust yourself. I hope everything turns out really well for you.

2. Jajajaj oh my god, this gave me a bit of laughter and happiness, I have been following your post and advice for a few days because they are very good, thank you very much and looking for possible hospitals to do the residency I see you in the Residents of GPY 1 of UCONN Health. this makes me feel hopeful because I am a Cuban FMG, I have 228 in Step 1 and right now I am preparing the CK, I am a bit tense because I think that it will not have on time the CS note for the Match on September 15, and also i graduated in 2012, some advice you can give me about these difficulties . Do you think that I could apply to some programs without the CS note or need to wait until 2020? Any advice I appreciate, is that I’m head of my family and I have a child, I urgently need to leave this study stage.

   • Hello Jorge.

     I appreciate your words. Thank you. The best advice I could give you is to continue fighting hard as you have been. Good scores are key when applying for a residency position, and trying to get the best score as you can in your step 2 CK will definitely improve your chances. Try to take CS as soon as possible before the application. It depends on you whether you would like to wait or not for the next year’s season. However, I think you do still have time to finish CS and CK and apply. US clinical experience would help you as well.

     I wish you good luck with your studies. Thanks for your comment.

3. Hi ,
   I have an attempt in CS
   Last time I didn’t even get a single interview
   Please let me know which programs take an attempt an Img friendly too !
   Regards

4. hello,
   i am a non US IMG..YOG 2009.
   have done residency in anesthesiology in india and have 8yrs experience in anesthesiology and critical care.
   step1 228
   CK 228
   CS is in november 2019.
   15 days of US experience(observership)
   shud i apply anesthesiology and or IM?
   reaults of CS shud be out in december..

5. Dear sir i am an INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL GRADUATE looking forward to do my clinical rotations/internship in usa, Still i am preparing for USMLE STEP1 can you suggest me procedure how to do it

   • Hello Abhishek,

     Thank you for your question. I would suggest reviewing the following article in which I summarized most of the important information regarding US Clinical Experience. Unfortunately, it is true that it is becoming more challenging to have clinical experiences with time and COVID. However, there are still a few options available.

     https://ecuadoctors.com/u-s-clinical-experience/

     Best wishes!

6. Hi
   This article is a great help.
   But can you give me some input regarding internships for IMG’s in California
   Would appreciate it.
   Thank you

7. […] How do you stand out in these programs? Examine your application now to ensure that your fit is emphasized. How do I stand out from the crowd in a competition? Begin by looking for IMG friendly programs in your state. Furthermore, professional commonality is critical to understanding how people work. You can find a list of our other specialties here: IMG Friendly Internal Medicine Programs. […]

8. Hi Doctor, I am Dr Murthy from India I am 2022 graduate and my Step 1 passed and Step 2 score is 221. I have 4 LORs from US and my name is published in 8 journals. Could you please advise me for IM how many programs can I apply with Non US Img friendly only.