Thread by @hsafaMD

Been trying to get back to the #AskAnIMG threads for a while & I finally found the time to tackle this one. So here goes!

Preparing your list of programs as an IMG..

A thread/ #match2021 #medtwitter

1/n Preparing my list was undoubtedly the most time-consuming task for the #myEras app. Going through a list of 500+ IM prog. in the US wasn’t a walk in the park & I was definitely glad that I started preparing early, thus, my number 1 tip is: the sooner you start the better

2/n The list can differ widely btw applicants & that’s bcz a lot of personal factors come into play when choosing where u want to spend the next 3+ years. Location, reputation, type of training, type of prog … r some of the variables that will help expand/trim down your list

3/n The process will be expensive and can quickly add up to a few thousand bucks so it is imperative that you spend enough time finalizing a list that optimizes your chances of matching while staying within budget. Refer to this link for info on cost: rb.gy/kscekk

4/n Resources & databases to use:


* @MedEdFREIDA: Best for most updated info
* Residency explorer ow.ly/Ee1d50AhPdp: Best for detailed overview on applicant types & avg scores

* @doximity residency navigator bit.ly/32BnfZa: Best for reviews & board pass rates

5/n Resources & databases to use (continued):

* Program’s website (Link is provided on the above-mentioned databases, otherwise you can use google): Often is the ultimate resource #AskAnIMG #Match2021

6/n How many programs should u apply to? While there’s no magical number that will get you to match, most IMGs apply as little as 40 and as many as 200. Why is the range so wide? because it comes down to the strength of your application + your budget + your goals/preferences

7/n What factors to keep in mind when expanding/trimming down your list? Excellent question! Being systematic is the best way to optimize your final programs' list. #match2021

8/n Start by location: exclude states that have been known for not being IMG friendly. These programs filter IMGs from phase 1 of the app review cycle no matter how good your application is. IMG friendly states are mostly located on the east coast (i.e. NY, PA, CT, MA, IL etc..)

9/n Next step is filtering out prog that do not sponsor visas (if u require visa) in these IMG friendly states. How to do that? you can use the FREIDA filters to r/o all non-IMG friendly prog in one click. Keep in mind that FREIDA provides a % of IMGs in each program, however ..

.. this % includes US + non-US IMGs. So for example, if a program has 40% IMGs, these 40% might all be US IMGs & if you’re a visa requiring IMG you’d probably want to defer from applying there. Use residency explorer to get the detailed % for US & for non-US IMGs #AskAnIMG

10/n By the 2 steps above alone, you’ll be able to cut down the number of programs from 500 to ~250 & that’s when you need to start digging deeper into each program. #AskAnIMG #match2021

11/n Create an excel sheet w/ a column for each relevant variable such as:


* US State
* Program code
& name
* Program’s type (Uni. vs com. uni. affil vs com.)
* Program’s requirements (i.e. USMLE scores, No. of LoRs, USCE, Step 3, YoG, ECFMG cert.) ...

...
* Program’s website
* Salary
* Contact info of the PD & the PC
* Types of visas sponsored
* Fellowship placement (if u’re interested in fellowship)
* Scholarly activity (if u’re interested in an academic career)
* Age of the program
* And one last tab for notes & comments

12/n Attached is an example excel sheet & might serve as a good starting point. It’s not perfect in any way & it does not include all residency programs but might serve as a first draft that you can customize based on your needs rb.gy/ovl9n1 #AskAnIMG #match2021

13/n The info for these variables can all be found in 1 or all of the databases provided above. If not, reach out to the PC, however, be patient when waiting for a response. PCs get 100s of calls daily from applicants & bombing them with daily reminders will not do you any good.

14/n Use color codes to mark program’s for whether to “Apply” “Target” “Don’t apply” “Maybe” etc.. And keep a legend for all color codes #match2021

15/n Doximity provides reviews from current/old residents about their prog., u'll get a feel of the house staff & the administration. However, take all reviews with a grain of salt. Some residents are too optimistic & tend to sugar coat things while others just like to complain.

16/n Also, reach out to colleagues that have matched already and ask them about their programs, this will probably be the most legit feedback you can get from insiders. #AskAnIMG

17/n Don't judge a prog. solely by how updated its website is, however, I personally considered an outdated website be a red flag, bcz the best way to get info about a program is through its website ..

.. & I’d expect the leadership to put a certain amount of effort in facilitating our quest to get a feel of the program we’re paying to apply to! but again that’s just me. #AskAnIMG

18/n Do spend enough time on finalizing your list instead of using another person’s list. Your goals/preferences might differ and the best way to get the best bang for your buck is by choosing where to apply after careful consideration. #match2021

19/n Best of luck to all and feel free to post any question in the comment section. #AskAnIMG