You can do it
To see which is more important research or externships to get a match have a look here
http://www.usmle-forums.com/externships-observerships-clerkships/297-research-externship.html
Generally, I think that research is more important if you are looking for university programs while externship is more needed for community based programs.
Here's some numbers of 2009 Match
For Categorical Surgery Programs 181 IMGs matched out of 1021 applicants.
For Preliminary Surgery Programs 221 IMS matched out of 781 applicants.
So you pretty good chances to put yourself into preliminary surgery and then you can apply for general surgery or even categorical neurosurgey the year after it.
I believe that there's nothing impossible in USA. If you want something you can do it but it takes efforts, pain, and years of hard work.
To see which is more important research or externships to get a match have a look here
http://www.usmle-forums.com/externships-observerships-clerkships/297-research-externship.html
Generally, I think that research is more important if you are looking for university programs while externship is more needed for community based programs.
Here's some numbers of 2009 Match
For Categorical Surgery Programs 181 IMGs matched out of 1021 applicants.
For Preliminary Surgery Programs 221 IMS matched out of 781 applicants.
So you pretty good chances to put yourself into preliminary surgery and then you can apply for general surgery or even categorical neurosurgey the year after it.
I believe that there's nothing impossible in USA. If you want something you can do it but it takes efforts, pain, and years of hard work.