Re: surgical residencies
TheOne - 01-06-08 16:42

The key to get into a competitve residency is to graduate from a US med school, it's obvious.. I know. Well, the key for an IMG to get into a competitve residency like orthpedics is to shine. How would you do that?

1) High USMLE scores, I'm talking about really high ones (99's).
2) Have a good standing in your med school with a good ranking.
3) Have a good US clinical experience (research, externship, etc.) in a good hospital that may have a residency program in the specialty that you're looking for cause they may just pick you up if you impress them.
4) Having some publications, graduate degree (Masters, PhD.) will help too.
5) The year of graduation is important too, these competitive residencies look for fresh grads all the time.

"2)Is it easier to get a speciality fellowship after completing a local surgical residency?"
When it comes to competitve residencies like the surgical ones, you have to know that their fellowships are alos hard to get. But in some way I believe it's a little bit, just a liltle, easier than getting into a residency. But you have to remember "No work license in the States unless you finish a residency here" means.. YOu can get the fellowship but you have to look for other countries or maybe your home country to practice your specialty.

"3) Are chances of getting a surgical residency better after a PhD and if yes which field's PhD would help me to get an Orthopedic residency?"
Yes.. What kind? a one that has a good or some releavency to orthopedics or surgery; There's a bunch of them, I can't think of one for some reason.

Re: surgical residencies
radhamesramos - 01-08-08 10:43

There is the Fellowship in prothesis of the Universtity of Pennsylvania, every year they take one or two. You get to publish there, and the LORs are more than perfect, because you are working with two of the most renowned people in the area. For this, you have to apply early, having passed all steps helps, but not necessary, and they consider you more if you are not applying to residency within a year of starting the fellowship

Re: surgical residencies
radhamesramos - 01-08-08 10:47

Also, there is the DMC/Wayne State Ortho program who after being closed for a couple of years, reopened last year for PGY2, and this year for PGY1. The PD, Ralph Blasier, can be contacted directly, I am not sure if they are in the MAtch this year, since last year was not possible, because they knew it in June.

But remember, for Orthopeadics, the most important thing is the grades and publications, so if that is what you really want, do Externships, observerships and Research, a lot of research. And double 99s help a lot

Re: surgical residencies
ysoomro - 01-14-08 11:54

I could not find the UPenn fellowship you ere sayn.could you please give me the link. Also this fellowship is for those who have completed med school or residency? How much would this program improve one's chances for a residency
2)Also which PhD would help to get an Orthopedic residency as I could not figure out which major would help best by referring to University websites. Also I hope doing a Phd wont tell signals that I want to continue doin only research work and this instead hurts my reidency chances

Re: surgical residencies
radhamesramos - 01-14-08 12:38

It seems the y did not have open spots for this fellowship this year. It is for medical graduates. I applied last year, and they did not take me, because I was applying for residency, and they wanted someoe who could start for sure in june.

Anyways, if you want to know how the Ortho world is like, go to this website: www.orthogate.org. There are forums, and classifieds. Good luck

Re: surgical residencies
ysoomro - 01-14-08 16:22

Which PhD would help.Also my only fear is doin a PhD and gettin stuck in the research line or even worse not yet getting a significant chance for an orthopaedic residency.is that possible?
2)Are long term research projects helpful and if yes, fo how long shld one expect to be in research world.Also is one paid in research and externships

Re: surgical residencies
radhamesramos - 01-15-08 10:04

There is no way to tell, research can lead you to a better life or can get you stuck in it, that depends on you. But if you concentrate on research as a means of publishing, meeting important people and having good LORS, and not only as a mere job, you could end in a residency spot. But remember, probably you'll have to stay more than the rest of specialties, because it is one of the most competitive specialties there is...get into the Orthogate.org forums and see for yourself.

In research you are paid, in externships you must pay

Re: surgical residencies
mindswapper - 01-19-08 19:38

Research is NOT always paid too! In one instance, I was asked to sponsor for my own visa! And it is unpaid too!

What do I do?

Re: surgical residencies
radhamesramos - 01-22-08 13:08

That is up to you! Depends of how are your savings, and what are you willing to sacrifice

Re: surgical residencies
deigheidy - 01-27-08 16:18



I have been told that it is very difficult for a international medical graduate such a myself to get a surgical(esp. general or pediatric cardiac surgery) residency match. However,about my self. i finished moscow medical academy with honors, in 1997. and gold medalin. i 've some researchs work gust in pediatric cardiac surgery (137 articals in Russia and international conferances also i finished residency 6,6 years in pediatric cardiac surgery in moscow. also i had PhD IN Cardiovascular surgery in 2003, now i work and study as post-doctor fellowship in complex pediatric cardiac surgery, my position asist.professor in pediatric cardiac surgery. What advice would you give me in order to significantly improve my chances of getting an general surgery or pediatric cardiac surgery residency.
2)Is it easier to get a speciality fellowship after completing a local surgical residency
3) Are chances of getting a surgical residency better after a PhD and if yes which field's PhD and Dsc. (medicine) from Russia would help me to get an general surgery residency . thank you