Match Strategy

When do I need to get my ECFMG Certification?

 "Do I need to get my ECFMG certification to submit my application to the match?" ...  I get this question alot so let's clear up the confusion:

Read more: When do I need to get my ECFMG Certification?

IMG Match Rate 2010-2019

Here is the match rate for international medical graduates (IMGs) from 2010 to 2019.  

Can you spot the trend? 

Now it's your turn..... Let's break 60%!!!!  

Most Popular Specialties for IMGs in the 2017 Match

And what about the most difficult.....

Top 5 In-Demand Medical Specialties in 2018

Can you guess which were the most in-demand medical specialties in 2018 based on the number of requests for physician recruitment?

Read more: Top 5 In-Demand Medical Specialties in 2018

3 Easy Steps for finding

IMG-Friendly Residency Programs

Here's the easy way to find residency programs that offer VISAs and that have taken IMG's:

Read more: How to find IMG-friendly Residency Programs

Key Dates for the 2020 Main Residency Match

SEP 15 2019    Application Submission Begins!

• Match Registration opens at 12:00 p.m. ET for Application Submission
• It's best to have all your scores back (Step 1, 2CK, 2CS) and your application ready to submit on or as close to this day as possible.
• The later you submit your application the less interview spots may be left. 
• Here are the dates you need to take your step 2  CK and CS exams by to have the scores back in time: CS and CK dates for Match Day 2020    and if you can't be ready for this year then here are the dates for the following year's match: CS and CK dates for Match Day 2021

FEB 21 2020    Rank Order List (ROL) Deadline:

• Time to make your decision and rank the programs you want in the order you want them.
• ROLs must be certified by 9:00 p.m. ET
• Rank List Advice
• Note:  You must have all the Step exams completed and be ECFMG certified by this date or you will be removed from the match.

MAR 16 2020    Match Status Notification!

• You find out if you matched!    
• But you wont know where you matched till Match Day!
• Message sent by email at 11:00 AM ET stating if you matched or if you are eligible for SOAP.

MAR 20 2020    Match Day!

• You finally find out where you matched! 
• Match results sent by email and posted in the R3 system at 1:00 p.m. ET.
• Your next step is to party like the rockstar you are! 

Here are the Top 10 Reasons that Students Fail to Match!

What can you do to address these issues and make sure that you match?

Tips for Matching in a Canadian Residency Program

Here are some quick tips for matching in a Canadian residency program from 2 students who matched in Canada in 2018!

Read more: Tips for Matching in a Canadian Residency Program

Types of Programs Available in the Match

Ever wonder what's the difference between a preliminary and categorical residency?  Find out now... Here's an explanation of the types of residency program types that are available in the match!

Your goal is to get complete training in the specialty of your choice.  So make sure to apply to programs that offer the complete training such as:

• Categorical (C)
• Primary Care Categorical (M)
• Advanced (A) combined with a supplemental Preliminary (P)

A Transitional or Preliminary program can also be ranked but that is your last resort.  While this can be a way to get into the system, get experience, and make connections.... at the end of the program you will have to do the match again to get your Advanced training to complete your residency!  Ugh!

Failure is Not an Option

Read more: Which is the worst Step Exam to Fail?

USMLE PASS Rate

Here are the Pass rates for all three steps for last year:

Read more: USMLE PASS Rate

New Requirement for EM for the 2019 Match :  The Standardized Video Interview

**** UPDATE  ******   The AAMC has decided not to continue the SVI for the 2021 Match!!!  They cited "a lack of interest among members of the EM community" as well as operation challenges scaling it to all applicants in multiple specailties.  The AAMC Standardized Video Interview (SVI) was introduced in 2016 as a research project and was administered as an operational pilot for emergency medicine residency selection during the ERAS® 2018, 2019, and 2020 seasons. 

Since you're the "selfie"-generation and like recording yourself on your cellphone a new requirement has been added for the Emergency Medicine Application for residency... the Standardized Video Interview!

Please note that while this is being piloted with Emergency Medicine Programs, I would not be surprised if it is reintroduced and used for all residency programs in the near future!!!

What is the Standardized Video Interview?

• It is an on-line, six question interview that you can record from any internet-connected computer, tablet, or smart phone.

• The questions are presented as text prompts. There will be 30 seconds to read and think about the question and then there will be up to 3 minutes for the applicants response which is recorded. You can take an untimed break between questions.

• Unfortunately you can't rewatch or rerecord your video responses.  

• The interviews will be scored and are the videos and scores are made available to the EM programs.

• The scores of the interview will be reported to you on September 15^th.

What will the Standardized Video Interview questions be about?

There will be Six (6) questions are designed to assess knowledge of two ACGME competencies:

• Knowledge of professional behaviors (professionalism)

• Interpersonal and communication skills.

There will be a combination of 2 types of questions:

• Behavioral questions: which ask the applicant to describe personal prior experiences to demonstrate their knowledge!

• Situational questions: which ask applicants to apply their knowledge to hypothetical cases!

Where can I find examples of these questions?

For examples of the types of questions look at :

page 7 of this PDF: The AAMC Standardized Video Interview: Essentials for the ERAS 2019 Season ​

How should I prepare for Standardized Video Interview?

The same way you would prepare for the in-person interview. Here are some tips for preparing for this on-line interview: Preparing for the AAMC Standardized Video Interview  ​

When does the Standardized Video Interview have to be completed by?

The good news is that since there is no live interviewer.... you can record it anytime and anywhere you want.  I would certainly recommend finding a professional background... seeing your unkept room in the background might not leave a great impression.  Also make sure it's in a private place where you wont be interrupted by phone calls, screaming kids, hungry spouses, curious pets, etc.

The bad news is the video interviews must be completed by July 15, 2018 11:59 PM ET!!!!  So get cracking on it!!!!

Does this replace the in-person interview?

Absolutely not!!! This is not a replacement for the in-person interview! It's just an extra tool for the program director to evaluate you!

Where can I get more information about the Standardized Video Interview?

• The AAMC Standardized Video Interview: Essentials for the ERAS 2019 Season  ​
• AAMC Standardized Video Interview Frequently Asked Questions
• Preparing for the AAMC Standardized Video Interview 
• AAMC Standardized Video Interview Home Page

Most Popular Specialies for DO students in the 2017 Allopathic Match

Here's two neat little guides which give a basic overview of the Match process:

Strolling through the Match 2017-2018

Roadmap to Residency:

From Application to the Match and Beyond

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Average Yearly Salary of a Resident

Yes!  You worked so hard to match and you got your residency spot!!! Congratulations!!! 

Here's what you've working so hard to get... the average yearly salary for residents:

Read more: Average Yearly Salary of a Resident

Probability of Matching based on USMLE Scores and Attempts

Here's some interesting data about the probability of an IMG matching in their preferred specialty based on their USMLE score!

Read more: Probability of Matching based on USMLE Scores

Probability of Matching based on the number of USMLE Attempts

Here's some interesting data about the probability of an IMG matching in their preferred specialty based on the number of exam attempts!

Read more: Probability of Matching based on the number of USMLE Attempts

2014 Match Results

I Like this Trend!!!

In which specialties did IMG's Match?

Which are the most competitive specialties for IMG applicants?

What are you going to do to make sure that you are one of the matched?

Successful IMG Traits

Here are some findings from the latest NRMP/ECFMG Bulletin:

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Residency Application Advice from Dr. Conrad Fischer

Medical Residency : Secrets of Success Series. Hosted by Dr. Frank Noto.

Conrad Fischer's Advice to Medical Students

CFI01:   How should I choose a medical specialty?

CFI02:  How important are the USMLE scores?

CFI03:  How hard is it to get High USMLE scores?

CFI04:  Which USMLE step is the most important?

CFI05:  How important is VISA status for obtaining a medical residency?

CFI06:  When should I submit my application for residency?

CFI07:  What other application tips can you offer?

CFI08:  Letters of Recommendation (LOR)

CFI09:  What else can I do to improve my chances of matching?

CFI10:  Should I PreMatch or go thru the Match?

CFI11:  What about the SOAP?

CFI12:  What do you look for in an applicant?

CFI13:  What are application RED FLAGS?

CFI14:  Does taking time off to study for the USMLE hurt my application?

CFI15:  How do I write the best Personal Statement?

CFI16:  How do programs select candidates for interviews?

CFI17:  The Interview and Final Thoughts

Click "Read more" to view the videos:

Watch the Videos Here: Conrad Fischer Interviews

Residency Director Series

Here are the answers to key questions about matching from three current Residency Directors:

RD1 = What traits do you look for in a resident?

RD2 = What initial criteria do you use in evaluating applications?

RD3 = What about students with multiple attempts at the steps?

RD4 = What about applying with a missing score?

RD5 = How about applying to multiple specialties?

RD6 = How will the rising number of US grads affect IMG's chances of matching?

RD7 = How can IMG's increase their chances of matching?

RD8 = What counts as US clinical experience (USCE)?

RD9 = What are some application RED FLAGS?

RD10 = Does it matter how long it takes to take the Step exams?

RD11 = What are letter of recommendation RED FLAGS?

RD12 = How important is clinical research?

RD13 = How important is it for IMG's to have US clinical experience?

RD14 = How important is it to go into the match early?

RD15 = What do you look for on the interview?

RD16 = What kind of questions should I expect on the interview?

RD17 = What about "Thank You" letters?

RD18 = What about "Second Looks"?

RD19 = How do you Rank applicants?

RD20 = How important is the interaction with residents, nurses, and staff on the interview?

RD21 = What advice do you have for Unmatched applicants?

Read more: Residency Director Series

Dear Program Director

With the way that this years match has been going, it's time to take things into our own hands and make them an offer they can't refuse! 

Read more: An Offer They Cant Refuse

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2013 Match Results

Source: Results and Data 2013 Main Residency Match - NRMP

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Visiting Electives for IMGs and US Students

The hardest thing is getting in the hospital.  If you are still in medical school, that's the best time to do an "audition elective"!  Remember, you want to impress the heck out of them and rub the right elbows! 

Here's a few links to visiting rotations.  These are primarily for students IMG or US who are still in medical school but some will take IMGs who have already graduated. So check each one out and stay hopeful. 

Cedar-Sinai Medical Center, CA

UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, CA

USC Keck School of Medicine, CA

Mayo Clinic, MN

University of Miami SOM / Jackson Memorial, FL

Johns Hopkins SOM, MD

Cornell University Weill Medical Collage , NY

Mount Sinai SOM, NY

University of Texas Medical School at Houston, TX

University of Pittsburgh SOM, PA

Duke University SOM, NC

Case Western Reserve SOM, OH

Good luck Hunting!

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Here's more reasons that you must Rock your Step exams:

Results of the 2010 NRMP Program Director Survey

Read more: Motivation from the NRMP

Read more: Resident Selection Criteria #1

Here are the Top selection criteria as stated by Residency Directors:

Read more: Resident Selection Criteria #2

FREIDA Online – Residency Program Search
This is a great resource to find out about residency and fellowship programs.  In the left hand column, click on  “Residency Fellowship Training Program Search”.  You can search by specialty and by location in the country.

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Residency/Fellowship Vacancies Listing

If you are searching for a residency or fellowship then you might want to check out this page from time to time.  When a resident leaves a program that spot needs to be filled.  Why not with you!!!!  Unfortunately, the majority of listings will be for upper level residents and fellows. But you never know!

Open position List

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How to Practice Medicine in California from a Non-Approved Medical School

QUESTION:  Can you practice medicine in the state of California if your medical school is not approved by the Medical Board of California?

Read more: Practicing in California

Postgraduate Training Authorization Letter (PTAL)

If your an IMG who is interested in doing a residency in California ....  you MUST obtain the Postgraduate Training Authorization Letter (PTAL) also known as a "California Letter"

Here is what you need to get it done:

Read more: California Letter (PTAL)

Can I practice in California without doing a residency?

This is a question that I get frequently!  Here is an interesting way for IMG’s who are well established in their own country to practice in California at a medical school?

Read more: California Faculty Permit

This is the lastest data available!