The Long Road to an Emergency Medicine Residency
Getting a residency in a competitive specialty can be a difficult thing for an IMG to do. Here's a success story of an IMG who was willing to do another specialty to get the specialty of her dreams!!!
Dr. Barone,
As an IMG i didn't have chance to get in to EM in a top tier program, so three years ago I matched in IM and decided be IM board certified and give it try for EM ...I had a good CV as well publication and poster presentations in EM and critical care, so it worked....will be finishing my IM soon and will start EM right after.
I think the only key is perseverance, ignoring negative comments and thought and to focus on what we need to do...
E.D. March 22, 2020
Dr. Barone: What were your board scores?
I passed all my USMLEs above average, step 1 and step 2 both 240, CS pass first attempt
Dr. Barone: How did you get enough experience in EM to match?
I started research and publications and poster-presentations since last year of medical school and when came to US I did research in EM at an Ivy League program, did observerships in EM and IM. Then during my IM residency training I did away rotations for EM and got recommendation letters and a good recommendation letter from my Program Director.
Dr. Barone: Did you apply to EM thru the match?
Yes I did go through match process again, which was painful LOL!
Dr. Barone: What did the EM Program Directors think when you applied to EM after already doing IM?
The EM PDs were surprised that why from IM to EM but I explained I would do anything to get in to EM even if that means to go for another specialty to get US experience and be able to compete with my US graduate peers!
Dr. Barone: What would you recommend to students who want to follow in your footsteps and switch to their dream specialty?
My recommendations are the key points are I mentioned earlier....perseverance is the most important one, focus on the dream and do whatever is needed and just smile n ignore the negative thoughts and comments.
Thank you Dr. Barone! I wish everyone will get their Dream field!
Photo by Camilo Jimenez (unsplash.com)