Re: chances for surgery prelims
TheOne - 05-20-08 14:10

Very Competitve!! Remember, anything surgical is very competitive.

Re: chances for surgery prelims
radhamesramos - 05-20-08 14:37

But way less competitive than Surgery categorical. For an IMG that is the way to get in: prelim, and then try to get into categorical. What you need to have is good scores, USCE, less than 5 years out of med school (preferably lees than three) and good LORs

Re: chances for surgery prelims
sackatdoc - 06-16-08 08:37

i'm 6yrs out of med school ,no LOR,no USCE &if that was not enuf i have 78&80 in step1&2 still like hopeful person want to hear something favourable.DO SAY SO.ok seriously let me me know the reality as it truely is.

Re: chances for surgery prelims
radhamesramos - 06-16-08 10:08

Your case is difficult, yet not lost. What you need to do is to demonstrate that you were doing related to medicine in your home country during these 6 years, get some observerships, and try to publish something via research, I know it sounds difficult, but that is the way to go. So, start right away to get some observership. Prepare step 3 and try to meet people, and good luck!

Re: chances for surgery prelims
sackatdoc - 06-16-08 13:43

so u did keep my hopes up.i also hope its not lost as u advised.but how to publish.pls tel me the modus operandi i shall stick by it.thanks so mch dude.good luck to u as well.

Re: chances for surgery prelims
radhamesramos - 06-16-08 16:55

There is no specific modus operandus, the trick is to get into a research program, and work hard enough, and probably you'll get published. Even if not published, you'll get a great experience, will look good on your CV, and you'll meet people and have good LORs

Re: chances for surgery prelims
TheOne - 06-16-08 17:39

This is not going to be easy, money wise.. time wise.. work wise.
So you need to think it thoroughly before you work your plans. GL

Re: chances for surgery prelims
sackatdoc - 06-17-08 03:48

i'm ready to tread difficult path provided it happens.i'm totally oblivious to all this.so truely speaking i have nothing to think as well.i'm preparing myself for any potential difficulties that might arise.BRING IT ON is what my head is filled right now.its not that i've nothing to loose,ihave aiot to loose.but i'm ready to put all that&then some on stake inorder to chase my dreams.

Re: chances for surgery prelims
hrudaya - 06-17-08 09:56

what i suggest is get any one year prelims, which will make you eligible for a paid research post in programs. there by your stay and money matter will be solved till you get into surgery track.

Re: chances for surgery prelims
sackatdoc - 06-17-08 13:42

how to get in one yr prelims.kindly elaborate

Re: chances for surgery prelims
radhamesramos - 06-17-08 16:44



I love your attitude. Actually I went through all that, and got 1 interview in surgery this year but matched in IM. Anyways, now that I am in a residency program in the US, it would be easier to me to apply to Surgery next year.
Took me a lot, moneywise and timewise, but I'm in. Not my top choice, but will make my way through

Good Luck to you

Re: chances for surgery prelims
sackatdoc - 06-17-08 17:34

kindly guide me pls how u made that happen.i'l follow u're footsteps.1yr of IM ?will that give you benefit to get surg.next yr.

Re: chances for surgery prelims
TheOne - 06-17-08 21:36

1 yr Prelim Surgery may end you up in a Categorical one.
1 yr IM has some value to end you up in a Catergorical Surgery but simply not as the Prelim Surgery.

Re: chances for surgery prelims
sackatdoc - 06-18-08 04:45

i am sorry for my ignorance,wats categorical surgery?To be more straight foward,how can i get in surgical prog.besides the advice to get published,looking for observerships.wats wrong in radhamesramos's way.i could not understand.pls elaborate.

Re: chances for surgery prelims
radhamesramos - 06-18-08 09:01

Categorical: you get the position till the end of your training
Preliminary: 1 or 2 year positions, then you have to look somewhere else.

As an IMG, expect to get Preliminary, not categorical, and then make your way up to categorical, but even preliminary is so difficult to find that you have to end in other specialty like me

Re: chances for surgery prelims
sackatdoc - 06-18-08 14:49

i totaly100% of the time ready to end up in other speciality provided i get surg eventually.Thanks for enlightening me about prelim&categorical surg