I didn't match this year

[Abdi]

Dear all;
I didn't match to residency this year,2012. I am IMG, graduated about 12 years ago and took USMLE 2010 and passed step 1 and step 2 CS and CK first attempt.
I have been working in health field related jobs for the last 12 year but not patient care, so my question is what can i do to boost my chances for residency next year?
i would appreciate any thought you may have.

Thank you;
Abdi

[IMGfriendly84]

Sorry to hear that you did not match. I myself did not match either. It's very hard to express the degree of disappointment at this time. My plan for the upcoming year is to take Step 3 and try to an obtain an obersevership/externship and apply for some form of research; although my current focus is on Step 3. Keep you head up..

[je355804]

Originally Posted by IMGfriendly84

Sorry to hear that you did not match. I myself did not match either. It's very hard to express the degree of disappointment at this time. My plan for the upcoming year is to take Step 3 and try to an obtain an obersevership/externship and apply for some form of research; although my current focus is on Step 3. Keep you head up..

If I may ask... what were your step 1/2 scores?

[dr_mhm]

What are you scores? Do you have US experience?

[Abdi]

83 for step1 and 89 for step2' and pass 1st attempt step2cs.
I have us experience with health field but not direct patient contact, eg I work as endoscopy tech at very large hospital at AZ

[Abdi]

Any help please

[je355804]

Originally Posted by Abdi

Any help please

If I were you, I would try my best to do some externships at hospitals where you think you have a chance at matching... Impress the interns there and try to get a letter of rec.

Also, I think this is often vastly understated, but the team at the hospital wants to bring someone in that THEY WANT TO WORK WITH for the next several years. That means on top of being on point with your clinical knowledge while you are in the externship, you should also be someone who is friendly and gets along with the other residents and interns. If you are "that awkward foreign guy" they may be less willing to want to take you on.

I know that's a fine line to walk, figuring out how to fit into their existing dynamic but it's just one more point to consider. After-all being "liked" by the residents and attending NEVER hurt anyones chances. On the contrary being disliked I'm sure has hurt many people.

[Abdi]

Originally Posted by je355804

If I were you, I would try my best to do some externships at hospitals where you think you have a chance at matching... Impress the interns there and try to get a letter of rec.

Also, I think this is often vastly understated, but the team at the hospital wants to bring someone in that THEY WANT TO WORK WITH for the next several years. That means on top of being on point with your clinical knowledge while you are in the externship, you should also be someone who is friendly and gets along with the other residents and interns. If you are "that awkward foreign guy" they may be less willing to want to take you on.

I know that's a fine line to walk, figuring out how to fit into their existing dynamic but it's just one more point to consider. After-all being "liked" by the residents and attending NEVER hurt anyones chances. On the contrary being disliked I'm sure has hurt many people.

Really appreciated your advice

[je355804]

Originally Posted by Abdi

Really appreciated your advice

Just my two cents... good luck brother, I hope you nail it this next time around!