*Based on average Step 1 Scores for residents matching in 2018; Only the specialities with available data where included.

 

****IMPORTANT****:  Please note that board scores are not the only criterial fo matching in a specialty.  Matching in a specialty requires much more then just great scores.  You have to be a complete, well-rounded applicant. Here's a link to my recommendations to  "Be the Best Candidate!"     Notice that both Plastic Surgery and EM had relatively low average board scores but we know they are very competitive.  This means that those students who matched had clinical experience, research, publication, connections, other degrees, etc.  Scores alone may not be enough for the more competitive specialties.

 

 

Category: Specialty

"Han Solo got it right!   Don't let anything stop you!!!!!"    -  Obiwan Barone

Category: Specialty

The 12 Most Popular Specialties for IMG's in the 2017 Match

 

Read more: The Most Popular Specialties for IMGs

Category: Specialty

What are the most popular specialties for women and for men?

Here's a breakdown of the speciaties with the highest percentage of female and male residents!

Data Source:  Association of American Medical Colleges  AAMC 2015 Report on residents

Category: Specialty

Test Scores and Experience of active First-Year Residents (2014-2015)

Data is only of graduates of U.S. and Canadian medical schools.

 

Anesthesiology

MCAT Score

30.1

 

Average STEP 1 Score

229.9

 

Average STEP 2 CK Score

240.0

 

Number of research experiences

2.1

 

Number of abstracts, presentations, & publications

3.2

 

Number of work experiences

2.9

 

Number of volunteer experiences

6.1

 

Emergency Medicine

MCAT Score

30.5

 

Average STEP 1 Score

229.6

 

Average STEP 2 CK Score

242.2

 

Number of research experiences

2.0

 

Number of abstracts, presentations, & publications

2.8

 

Number of work experiences

3.4

 

Number of volunteer experiences

7.0

 

Family Medicine

MCAT Score

27.2

 

Average STEP 1 Score

216.6

 

Average STEP 2 CK Score

231.0

 

Number of research experiences

1.3

 

Number of abstracts, presentations, publications

1.9

 

Number of work experiences

3.6

 

Number of volunteer experiences

6.2

 

Internal Medicine (preliminary)

MCAT Score

31.2

 

Average STEP 1 Score

235.8

 

Average STEP 2 CK Score

244.0

 

Number of research experiences

2.8

 

Number of abstracts, presentations, & publications

5.8

 

Number of work experiences

3.0

 

Number of volunteer experiences

6.2

 

Internal Medicine (categorical)

MCAT Score

29.7

 

Average STEP 1 Score

230.2

 

Average STEP 2 CK Score

242.3

 

Number of research experiences

2.1

 

Number of abstracts, presentations, & publications

3.5

 

Number of work experiences

3.4

 

Number of volunteer experiences

5.2

 

Internal Medicine / Pediatrics

MCAT Score

29.9

 

Average STEP 1 Score

232.3

 

Average STEP 2 CK Score

244.9

 

Number of research experiences

2.1

 

Number of abstracts, presentations, & publications

2.9

 

Number of work experiences

3.7

 

Number of volunteer experiences

8.5

 

Obstetrics / Gynecology

MCAT Score

29.2

 

Average STEP 1 Score

225.2

 

Average STEP 2 CK Score

240.6

 

Number of research experiences

2.4

 

Number of abstracts, presentations, & publications

3.2

 

Number of work experiences

3.2

 

Number of volunteer experiences

7.9

 

Orthopedic Surgery

MCAT Score

31.8

 

Average STEP 1 Score

244.2

 

Average STEP 2 CK Score

249.8

 

Number of research experiences

3.5

 

Number of abstracts, presentations, & publications

7.3

 

Number of work experiences

3.0

 

Number of volunteer experiences

7.1

 

Pathology

MCAT Score

30.4

 

Average STEP 1 Score

229.8

 

Average STEP 2 CK Score

238.3

 

Number of research experiences

2.1

 

Number of abstracts, presentations, & publications

7.2

 

Number of work experiences

3.2

 

Number of volunteer experiences

4.1

 

Pediatrics

MCAT Score

29.5

 

Average STEP 1 Score

225.3

 

Average STEP 2 CK Score

240.1

 

Number of research experiences

2.0

 

Number of abstracts, presentations, & publications

3.0

 

Number of work experiences

3.1

 

Number of volunteer experiences

7.3

 

Psychiatry

MCAT Score

28.9

 

Average STEP 1 Score

219.3

 

Average STEP 2 CK Score

231.3

 

Number of research experiences

2.0

 

Number of abstracts, presentations, & publications

3.5

 

Number of work experiences

3.5

 

Number of volunteer experiences

5.7

 

General Surgery:(preliminary)

MCAT Score

30.1

 

Average STEP 1 Score

230.8

 

Average STEP 2 CK Score

238.1

 

Number of research experiences

2.9

 

Number of abstracts, presentations, & publications

6.8

 

Number of work experiences

3.2

 

Number of volunteer experiences

5.6

 

General Surgery: (categorical)

MCAT Score

30.6

 

Average STEP 1 Score

232.0

 

Average STEP 2 CK Score

243.7

 

Number of research experiences

2.9

 

Number of abstracts, presentations, & publications

4.7

 

Number of work experiences

3.0

 

Number of volunteer experiences

6.6

 

Transitional Year

MCAT Score

30.9

 

Average STEP 1 Score

239.2

 

Average STEP 2 CK Score

246.2

 

Number of research experiences

3.0

 

Number of abstracts, presentations, & publications

5.7

 

Number of work experiences

3.0

 

Number of volunteer experiences

6.8

 

Note: Data is only of graduates of U.S. and Canadian medical schools.

Data Source: aamc.org

Category: Specialty

Which Specialty is Most Likely to be Sued?

 

 

 

 

Category: Specialty

Considering an Allergy/Immunology Fellowship?

 

  • Applicants must have completed a residency in Internal Medicine and/or Pediatrics
  • Allergy/Immunology fellowships are at least two years in length
  • In the 2014 Match, 123 out of 179 applicants matched = 69% Match Rate
  • In the 2017 Match, 128 out of 173 applicants matched = 74% Match Rate

 

More Information:

Category: Specialty

Considering a Cardiology Fellowship?

  • Applicants must have completed a residency in Internal Medicine
  • Cardiovascular Disease fellowships are three years in length with one year devoted to research
  • In the 2014 Match, 797 out of 1,106 total applicants matched = 72% Match Rate.
  • In the 2017 Match, 855 out of 1,147 total applicants matched = 75% Match Rate.
  • Average Yearly Compensation $357,000
  • Overall Satisfaction with specialty: 45%
  • Would choose the same specialty again: 54%

More Information:

 

Data Sources:

  1. NRMP Charting Outcomes in the Match Specialties Matching Service, Appointment Year 2011 : Characteristics of Applicants Who Matched in Their Preferred Specialty
  2. Medscape Physician Compensation Report: 2013
Category: Specialty

 

 

Emergency Medicine is very competitive so make sure to be prepared:

 

****** Special Requirement for EM ******

 

STANDARDIZED LETTER OF EVALUATION (SLOE) LETTER

"I learned way too late the importance of the SLOE letter. The Standard Letter of Evaluation that only specific EM physicians have the ability to write. Let the students know to get these EARLY in the year! Around April and May if possible, so that they will be ready in Sept. Peace be the journey." - Applicant to EM 2016

OFFICIAL CORD STANDARDIZED LETTER OF EVALUATION (SLOE)

  • An evaluation of an applicant by an Emergency Medicine Faculty from an Emergency Medicine Residency Program.
  • Developed to provide a global perspective on an applicant’s candidacy for training by providing meaningful comparisons to peers applying for training in emergency medicine.
  • Provides an overall perspective on what an individual candidate offers to a training program. 
  • Can give insight into the Maturity, professionalism, leadership, compassion, initiative, enthusiasm that an applicant possess.

Here is what the letter looks like:  PDF

Here's a students perspective : "The SLOE is a 'supped-up' LOR. It allows the attending physicians to rank the student amongst other students who have completed in their EM rotation. The SLOE (pronounced slow-ee) can only be written by doctors who are members of CORD (Council of EM Residency Directors). Most the time, these CORD members are EM program directors at big trauma centers which have a residency. So when looking to do rotations and external rotations, pick the ones with the EM residencies! (Not the little podunk urgent cares) Because if there is no residency, 99% of the time there is no one to write the SLOE. This is why only 87 US-IMGs matched to EM in 2016. Because it is so hard to land these residency-associated EM rotations. By the time I finished my "core" 3rd year electives, it was too late to book an external rotation in EM. The spots fill so fast. The best advice I have, would be to get into contact with hospitals months ahead of time (Feb-March) so that when the hospitals accept rotation applications in Apr/May, you can book one for when you finish 3rd year cores. I wish, I wish! I could do it all again. My application is strong, but it just doesn't have that cherry sloe on top. Some programs even list on their website that they require at least 1 sloe. Anyways, hope this helped!"

 

Success Story : IMG Matching in EM

Category: Specialty

Considering an Endocrinology Fellowship?

  • Applicants must have completed a residency in Internal Medicine
  • Endocrinology fellowships are either a two-year clinical curriculum or a three-year combined clinical and research
  • In the 2014 Match, 238 out of 306 total applicants matched = 78% Match Rate.
  • In the 2017 Match, 270 out of 342 total applicants matched = 79% Match Rate.
  • Average Yearly Compensation $178,000
  • Overall Satisfaction with specialty: 47%
  • Would choose the same specialty again: 45%

More Information:

 

Data Sources:

  1. NRMP Charting Outcomes in the Match Specialties Matching Service, Appointment Year 2011 : Characteristics of Applicants Who Matched in Their Preferred Specialty
  2. Medscape Physician Compensation Report: 2013
Category: Specialty

Considering a Gastroenterology Fellowship?

  • Applicants must have completed a residency in Internal Medicine
  • Gastroenterology fellowships are three years in length
  • In the 2014 Match, 452 out of 703 total applicants matched = 64% Match Rate.
  • In the 2017 Match, 493 out of 742 total applicants matched = 66% Match Rate.
  • Average Yearly Compensation $342,000
  • Overall Satisfaction with specialty: 50%
  • Would choose the same specialty again: 58%

More Information:

 

Data Sources:

  1. NRMP Charting Outcomes in the Match Specialties Matching Service, Appointment Year 2011 : Characteristics of Applicants Who Matched in Their Preferred Specialty
  2. Medscape Physician Compensation Report: 2013
Category: Specialty

Considering a Medical Genetics Fellowship?

  • Applicants must have completed at least two years in an ACGME-accredited residency
  • Medical Genetics fellowships are two years in length; training may be combined into a four-year program for those applicants with no prior residency training
  • In the 2014 Match, 23 out of 25 total applicants matched = 92% Match Rate
  • In the 2014 Match, 30 out of 34 total applicants matched = 88% Match Rate

More Information:

Category: Specialty

Considering a Geriatrics Fellowship?

 

  • Most applicants have completed a residency in Internal Medicine; some applicants have completed a residency in Family Medicine
  • Geriatric Medicine fellowships are at least one year in length
  • In the 2014 Match, 125 out of 132 total applicants matched = 95% Match Rate.
  • In the 2017 Match, 179 out of 206 total applicants matched = 87% Match Rate.

 

Here are some important links for Medications and the elderly:

Category: Specialty

Considering a Hematology Fellowship?

  • Applicants must have completed a residency in Internal Medicine
  • Hematology fellowships are two years in length
  • Hematology/Medical Oncology fellowships are three years in length
  • In the 2014 Match, 502 out of 689 total applicants matched = 73% Match Rate.
  • In the 2017 Match, 544 out of 729 total applicants matched = 75% Match Rate.

More Information:

 

Data Source: NRMP Charting Outcomes in the Match Specialties Matching Service, Appointment Year 2011 : Characteristics of Applicants Who Matched in Their Preferred Specialty

Category: Specialty

Considering an Infectious Disease Fellowship?

  • Applicants must have completed a residency in Internal Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases fellowships are two years in length
  • In the 2014 Match, 254 out of 276 total applicants matched = 92% Match Rate.
  • In the 2017 Match, 312 out of 335 total applicants matched = 93% Match Rate.
  • Average Yearly Compensation $170,000
  • Overall Satisfaction with specialty: 53%
  • Would choose the same specialty again: 54%

More Information:

 

Data Sources:

  1. NRMP Charting Outcomes in the Match Specialties Matching Service, Appointment Year 2011 : Characteristics of Applicants Who Matched in Their Preferred Specialty
  2. Medscape Physician Compensation Report: 2013
Category: Specialty

Considering a Medical Oncology Fellowship?

 

  • Applicants must have completed a residency in Internal Medicine
  • Medical Oncology fellowships are two years in length
  • In the 2014 Match, 27 out of 116 total applicants matched = 23% Match Rate.
  • In the 2014 Match, 8 out of 46 total applicants matched = 17% Match Rate.
  • Average Yearly Compensation $278,000
  • Overall Satisfaction with specialty: 53%
  • Would choose the same specialty again: 57%

 

More Information:

 

Data Source: Medscape Physician Compensation Report: 2013

Category: Specialty

Considering a Nephrology Fellowship?

  • Applicants must have completed a residency in Internal Medicine
  • Nephrology fellowships are two years in length with additional years for research available
  • In the 2014 Match, 306 out of 323 applicants matched = 95% Match Rate.
  • In the 2017 Match, 284 out of 308 applicants matched = 92% Match Rate.
  • Average Yearly Compensation $263,000
  • Overall Satisfaction with specialty: 43%
  • Would Choose the same specialty again: 39%

More Information:

 

Data Sources:

  1. NRMP Charting Outcomes in the Match Specialties Matching Service, Appointment Year 2011 : Characteristics of Applicants Who Matched in Their Preferred Specialty
  2. Medscape Physician Compensation Report: 2013
Category: Specialty

 

 

Check out these links:

 

Video: Residency Application & Interviews- American Academy of Neurology

 

Q:  What book should I use to be the best in Neurology?

Know this book by heart!!!!

 

 Video:  TedTalk....  A Neuroanotomist talks about insights from her Stroke!

Category: Specialty

 

 

Here's some interesting information to consider:

 

Category: Specialty

Looking for a residency opening in OB/GYN?

Keep checking the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists's (ACOG) Clearinghouse Hotline for Ob-Gyn residency positions.

Good Luck!

 

Category: Specialty

 

Here's some good info about getting a Peds Residency:

 

 


 

Q: What books should I use on my pediatrics rotations to prepare for my Shelf exams?

 

Most students recommend using one of the following:

 

 

    


 

Q: When I match in Pediatrics, what books should I use to get ready to start my residency?

 

Most students recommend using one of the following:

 

 

     

Category: Specialty

 

 

Here's an interesting resource; Download the pdf and know it cold!!! :

Plastic Surgery Essentials For Students

 

 

Category: Specialty

Considering a Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Fellowship?

  • Applicants must have completed a residency in Internal Medicine
  • Pulmonary Disease fellowships are two or three years in length
  • In the 2014 Match, 486 out of 753 applicants matched = 65% Match Rate
  • In the 2017 Match, 524 out of 742 applicants matched = 70% Match Rate
  • Average Yearly Compensation = $263,000
  • Overall Satisfaction with specialty: 44%
  • Would Choose the same specialty again: 39%

More Information:

Association of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Program Directors atwww.apccmpd.org

Category: Specialty

 

 

Here's an informative look at what needs to be done to get into Radiology:

 

Here's a listing of current Radiology Residency Vacancies:

Association of Radiology Program Directors: Available Positions

 

Success Stories of IMGs matching in Radiology:

 

Category: Specialty

Considering a Rheumatology Fellowship?

  • Applicants must have completed a residency in Internal Medicine
  • Rheumatology fellowships are two years in length
  • In the 2014 Match, 189 out of 230 applicants matched = 82% Match Rate.
  • In the 2017 Match, 210 out of 332 applicants matched = 63% Match Rate.
  • Average Yearly Compensation $186,000
  • Overall Satisfaction with specialty: 47%
  • Would choose the same specialty again: 49%

More Information:

 

Data Sources:

  1. NRMP Charting Outcomes in the Match Specialties Matching Service, Appointment Year 2011 : Characteristics of Applicants Who Matched in Their Preferred Specialty
  2. Medscape Physician Compensation Report: 2013

Category: Specialty

Considering a Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship?

 

  • Applicants must have completed a residency in Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics or Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
  • Primary Care Sports Medicine fellowships are one-year in length
  • In the 2014 Match, 197 out of 286 applicants matched = 69% Match Rate
  • In the 2017 Match, 243 out of 322 applicants matched = 75% Match Rate

More Information:

 

Category: Specialty

 

 

Here's a "must read" for any student considering doing a surgery residency in the US:

Essentials of Matching in General Surgery    - It's a quick summary of important information about matching in surgery which was compiled from 140 Surgical Residency Program Directors and Residency Coordinators!!!  You can't get better info then that!!!!       

Essentials for Medical students in Surgery

Online guide for Choosing a Surgical Residency

How to select the best Surgery Residency program?

 

 

​ 

Category: Specialty

Looking for a residency position in Surgery?

Check out the open training positions on the Association of Program Directors in Surgery website.

Good Luck!

 

Category: Specialty

Sorry, not much data available for urology.  They have their own match.

 


 

Top 3 Selection Criteria used by Urology Residency Directors

According to a 2015 survey of urology residency program directors,  the most important factors during the residency selection process are:

  • USMLE performance
  • Urology references
  • Completing an away rotation at the program directors' institution.

 

Source: Program Directors' Criteria for selection Into Urology Residency; Urology 2015 Apr;85(4):731-6


Important Links


Category: Specialty

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