Ortho for img possible?

There have been a number of posts on this topic recently so I suggest you look back through them.

In summary, ortho has become incredibly competitive, even for US allopathic graduates. As an IMG, you are already starting at a huge disadvantage. While you have a strong step 1 score and some interesting extracurriculars, your chances at matching aren't great. Your best shot is going to be 1-2 years of research at a US orthopaedic program. You can show off your skills, be productive and add some publications to your CV, and make connections in the field. I wish I had better news for you, but that is the harsh reality. Good luck.

Check your pm

Trying to understand where you are at in the process.. You have your MBBS already, but still planning on scheduling away rotations in your 4th year?

Before anyone gets offended, this post is written with respect of the OP, and not meant to personally dig on anyone.

I agree with BB's, and I've posted myself about being an IMG and applying ortho. Your only real shot at matching Ortho is to transfer to a US med school, like I did. There is just simply no shot at matching these days coming from off shore or other IMG schools IMO.

Great step 1, and im sure youll do great on step 2 as well, however, there are literally hundreds of US applicants with those scores, and with home orthopedic programs that can offer them training and give LOR's... I had plenty (more than 5) of colleagues at my caribbean school with top percentile step 1 scores and all honors, literally aced everything, and yet received ZERO interviews at any ortho program in the country.

Sure, someone will come and argue that getting ortho is possible from an IMG school- I think there was 1 that matched from the caribbean- but this was after 3 years of research post graduation at an ortho program, and they finally took him. Otherwise, not only will you get minimal to no interviews, you have an unfavorable shot at matching.

I would seriously recommend transferring. Your coding/app stuff, masters degree and graphic designing are cool and may make you unique- definitely giving you something to talk about during an interview. Unfortunately that stuff holds no weight and wont off set the IMG thing.

Again, not putting you down, as I was in your shoes as of last year. Like BB said, hard reality and the sooner you realize it and do something to change it, the better off you'll be.

Good luck,
PM me if you have questions