[khanar]

I know two friends.
Friend number 1: 1998 graduate. 99/99/pass/92. Two observerships.
Friend number 2: 1999 graduate. 99/98/pass/93. One hands-on.

The first one got 4 interviews.
The second one got 12 interviews.

Does that mean that the hands-on experience has made the whole difference!

Does that mean that for an old grad there's no chance to get a match without doing hands-on experience!

 

[lee-usmle]

Certainly hands-on externships is very important for the IMG match. However, the comparison may still have confounding factors.
Such as
- their CVs
- how many programs they applied for
- what specialties they applied for
- their personal statements
- the strength of their LORs
- the adequacy of ERAS documentation and application

So you can not really judge that the only difference was the hands-on experience.

 

[ApplicantGuide]

Although hands-on clinical experience is a major factor,however, there are many factors that can play a role in securing IVs, these include but not limited to:
-Visa status
-Previous residency and work history back in home country
-USCE and LORs
-Type of programs being applied to (IMG friendly, community hospitals, less competitive specialties as FM and Psych....)
-Applying on September 1st
-Medical school reputation
-Age of the applicant and his ability to perform various tasks

 

[khanar]

-Visa status
-Previous residency and work history back in home country
-Age of the applicant and his ability to perform various tasks

Hi ApplicantGuide,
Thank you for your valuable answer
I just wanted to ask about two things you mentioned
1- history at home country: Do they really look at that, Does it really matter? I heard that no matter what you have done overseas they will not consider it.
2- ability to perform tasks: What do you mean by that, how do they know whether I can perform tasks?

 

[ApplicantGuide]

Hi ApplicantGuide,
Thank you for your valuable answer
I just wanted to ask about two things you mentioned
1- history at home country: Do they really look at that, Does it really matter? I heard that no matter what you have done overseas they will not consider it.
2- ability to perform tasks: What do you mean by that, how do they know whether I can perform tasks?

Hi Govinda
I used to read about this rumor before I start residency, but now I have an opposite view to this issue. PDs like to hire those with clinical experience whether US or non-US. Although you cant compare both of them however home experience especially in IM and surgery do weights in your application. PDs will feel safe more with those who finished IM residency than hiring somebody wasting his time in doing research. Many residents are terminated each year as you read in various websites because of lack of clinical judgment and inefficient patient file work. Regarding tasks, IVs are done for one reason, to evaluate you. Many info can be obtained about you even without your attention during IV date, starting from the coordinator, chiefs, to the IVers themselves. By their experience and from the way you answer and present a case they can know who and what you are, to certain limits sure.

 

[khanar]

...PDs will feel safe more with those who finished IM residency than hiring somebody wasting his time in doing research...

Woow, that's a strong statement. I really wish you are right and thank you for your input.

 

[LatinGeorge]

really hope is because of the hands on experience:happy:

 

[drcuddles]

Although hands-on clinical experience is a major factor,however, there are many factors that can play a role in securing IVs, these include but not limited to:
-Visa status
-Previous residency and work history back in home country
-USCE and LORs
-Type of programs being applied to (IMG friendly, community hospitals, less competitive specialties as FM and Psych....)
-Applying on September 1st
-Medical school reputation
-Age of the applicant and his ability to perform various tasks

Does it make a difference in the value of an externship, whether it was done through a paid company or if unpaid ? If PD asked us how did I secure an externship, would it sound less valuable if I mentioned a paid company ?