Dr. Levine,
I reviewed all your posts in this forum. They are really helpful.
I have a couple of questions for you. Your response is highly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
I am an FMG. I finished my orthopaedic residency training in my country.
My credentials:
Step 1: 216
Step 2 CK: 240
CS: pass
ECFMG certificate
Several projects finished at home country with several papers published in good international orthopaedic journals, as first and corresponding author.
1 year US clinical research at top 20 US program, with papers to be published as first author.
Two LORs from US orthopaedic surgeons from top tier programs.
Will apply all the programs available through ERAS.
My question is: do I have a chance to get an orthopaedic residency spot?
If I do not match this year, how can I improve my chance?
I have several choices as backup.
Please tell me which is better to improve my chance next year.
1.Preliminary year in general surgery in top 20 US program.
2.Non-accredited clinical fellow in US orthopaedic program.
3.Accredited clinical fellow in Canadian orthopaedic program
4.Doing some research in a low tier US program which may consider me as a resident.
As an FMG you know you are fighting an uphill battle. If you did 1 year of clinical research at a top 20 US program then that is probably your best chance of matching realistically speaking. Your step 1 score of course is a problem for all the programs that have cutoffs (whether you're an FMG or not). Your step 2 score certainly shows that you can do very well on a standardized examination and will hopefully get you some more attention despite the below average step 1 score.
With a year of research and 1st author publications in the pipeline I think you've done everything you can to try and match in orthopaedics. I would apply to 80 or more programs and see how the chips fall - if you do not match, however, I honestly don't know that any of your 4 choices you suggested would help you. You could certainly try another year of research but I am fearful that your best chance will be this coming year and hopefully with strong support from your US mentors you will match.
Good luck --
wnl
I am an FMG. I finished my orthopaedic residency training in my country.
My credentials:
Step 1: 216
Step 2 CK: 240
CS: pass
ECFMG certificate
Several projects finished at home country with several papers published in good international orthopaedic journals, as first and corresponding author.
1 year US clinical research at top 20 US program, with papers to be published as first author.
Two LORs from US orthopaedic surgeons from top tier programs.
Will apply all the programs available through ERAS.
My question is: do I have a chance to get an orthopaedic residency spot?
If I do not match this year, how can I improve my chance?
I have several choices as backup.
Please tell me which is better to improve my chance next year.
1.Preliminary year in general surgery in top 20 US program.
2.Non-accredited clinical fellow in US orthopaedic program.
3.Accredited clinical fellow in Canadian orthopaedic program
4.Doing some research in a low tier US program which may consider me as a resident.
Dear Dr. Levine,
Thanks so much for your precious response.
So, I will do all my best and apply as many programs as I can.
However, I have another question:
Now, I am ready for submitting my application except the LORs.
I do not want to rush the authors.
Is it better to apply on September 2nd, then add the LORs later; or apply late until everything is ready?
Again, Thanks so much for your response and your time.
