[younissmed]

I was wondering, Is it possible for me to get a General surgery residency?
I'm an IMG & I'm a US citizen.
I'm preparing for CK now, so what kind of score do I need to get? & the most important question for me, Do I need to do an observership or an externship & what if I don't do them, do I still have a chance if I get good scores?

 

[rasheed]

Yes you need to do it

Matching into residency is becoming increasingly competitive for International Medical Graduates.

Moreover, categorical general surgery is highly competitive.

You need USMLE scores in both steps in 99 with high three digit score above 235.

You need to do USCE, either observership or externship, but externship is better.

You need high quality letters of recommendations from US physicians.

If you don't do these, you won't be able to compete because hundreds and thousands of other IMGs are doing it and they'll take your place.

 

[younissmed]

Thanks a lot Rasheed, the reason I asked is that observership & externship seem to take a lot of time & apparently cost a lot as well. but I guess it's worth it.

 

[Chemole]

yes, observerships or externships would help. Img´s has a real easy opportunity in cases where the IMG is already a general surgeons (I know cases like that) but otherwise is hard for them

 

[Sunny_99]

@ RASHEED.Why above 235?
NRMP says mean score for IMGs, who matched into surgery was 225 for 2009. And about same for 2010. They have not given 2011 yet.
May be surgery is tough because they consider lots of other factors, not only score