Dr. Mike’s Getting into Residency For IMG Tip # 1

Over the last few weeks a lot of people have emailed asking for help getting into residency. They are from all parts of the worlds and their scores range from 75 all the way to 95. Seems that a lot of people struggle with getting into residency. And I’m someone that understands most of these individuals. I have gone through 3 matches and 2 scrambles and was finally able to match successfully. And I’ll try to give a series of tips for those that need help and guidance.
Let me first start of by saying that getting residency is a game. And you have to play the game correctly. For those that are born in this country and go to medical school in the USA its less of a game and the struggles does not compare to what an IMG goes through. But it is a game for IMG’s. And just like a game, you have to apply by some rules. Now, there are a lot of strategies when you approach applying for the match, and I’m not claiming to have to only correct way, but this was the approach that worked for me.
What Programs do I apply to?
My first tip is probably the most important one, and this is how do you decide which programs to choose and apply to. This is perhaps the most important piece in the match. It is the bases for everything. And there are people that just don’t apply correctly to programs. When I first applied to the match (my scores being 78 on step 1 and 79 on step 2)I found a lot of programs that had a minimum of 80 cutoff. I didn’t think anything of it. I figured I got 79, it should be enough. But I was WRONG. A lot of these programs are serious when it comes to cut off. I didn’t believe them until I actually called the programs during my 3rd match. From the conversation with these program directors, I can tell you to take those cut offs seriously . If the program cut off is 85 and you have 82, don’t apply save your money and apply somewhere else. If you really like the program and still and still want to apply. Call them and talk to the directors. The point is that you need to take those cut offs seriously. You need to do the research on the programs you are applying to, and call EVERYONE OF THEM!! and you ask them whats their cut off.
I used a website that is not too costly and find programs that you qualify for based on your scores and based on wether you have us experience or not. It was http://www.matcharesident.com/. I don’t like endorsing any site, and I’m not saying you have to choose them, it was only the one I used. If you don’t have money to join this site, you can go search eras per state and per specialty and CALL ALL OF THEM!! I’m serious about calling them, don’t apply to any program that you don’t personally talk to !! Don’t lose money applying to programs that you don’t fully qualify for !!
And let me just tell you now, be careful with those IMG friendly list that you find on the internet. The entire “world” is applying to those programs. In my second match I applied for Harlem hospital. Because I wasn’t able to get to their fax machine, I drove to the hospital myself. I handed my application to the secretary who told me she couldn’t take it because it was paper, but then she also said don’t bother we have received 4000 !!! applications for 9 spots !!!! I was shocked out of my mind. I couldn’t believe so many people applying to the same hospital. And the reason for that is because everyone applies to the SAME PLACE and that only means your chances of matching is a lot less… under 0.5% probably. If you don’t believe what I’m saying call the programs and ask them, and they will tell you. Be smart, play the game and first search the programs that you qualify for and call them, and then apply to them. And think outside the box. Don’t apply to the hospitals that everyone is applying to . It is only lowering your chances. And If you have to end up in the middle of the US in residency- surrounded by farms- who cares. You’re a doctor !!
I will post more tips soon. Good luck. You can do it!! Keep your head up!!
God Bless you.
Dr.Mike