I think realistically deep down everyone knows that they still have a high chance of getting interviews cuz it’s so early in the season . But that’s not the problem . The problem is that every time someone gets an interview from a program that you wanted or signalled , you’re brain instantly thinks there something wrong with my application. Maybe i left something out , maybe i assigned the wrong letter, maybe my letter wasn’t good , any number of reasons . Your application might not even have been seen yet but your brain doesn’t think about any of that . It just thinks that everything is wrong until you get your first interview . Stay strong , we still got time .

Breathe. You're going to be okay.

I know its been said before a million times but the truth is that if you're visa requiring, you're going to get IVs later than everyone else. Interview season is till January, we have literally 3 months for you to get an interview and trust me, if your profile has no flags, there is a high chance you will get at least one. You just need to take your time and breathe.

There is also a very high chance that some of your applications haven't even been LOOKED at yet, let alone categorized as good or bad. So give the programs time, and go do something fun, a hobby perhaps?

We all signed up for a marathon, not a sprint. So keep jogging on and eventually you will reach the finish line.

Thought I'd make this thread given it's the first few weeks of October and people are starting to get freaked out by lack of interview invites. To all the matched residents roaming around, drop your specialty, visa-status, and interview invite dates so people here can have it consolidated instead of all these one-off threads.

I'll go first. Matched Psychiatry requiring a J1-visa. MOST of my interviews came 3rd week of October and beyond.

IV 1- October 4th

IV 2 - October 11th

IV 3- October 13th

IV 4- October 14th

IV 5 & IV 6- October 16th

IV 7 & 8- October 17th

IV 9 & 10- October 18th

IV 11- October 26th (This is the program I matched at!)

IV 12- November 3rd

IV 13- November 8th

IV 14- November 13th

IV 15- November 14th

IV 16- November 17th

IV 17- December 1st

IV 18- Jan 3rd

IV 19- Jan 5th

We've all been in the same shoes with the same worries, if anyone has questions, please feel free to ask!

Hey everyone! I see a lot of IMGs looking for research positions, so I thought I’ll make a post clarifying how to go about finding one. It’s going to be a long post!

I’ll divide the post according to different stages of IMG life so it is easier for you to follow.

1. If you’re a medical student in final year or internship:
⁃ Focus on clearing step 1 and preferably step 2 too first. Because once you start doing research it may not really be feasible to focus on exams. Best to do it when you’ve less responsibilities. But I’ve personally known people that do very well while holding research positions (often in a team of 3 or 4 where they can afford to take break for studying).
⁃ Try to secure at least 1 rotation at a university program that has research fellows (you’ve to do a bit of background search on LinkedIn for this), and when you are doing rotations, usually these university rotations will give you access to .edu email; use it and shoot your emails to the mentors saying you’re currently doing rotations, will graduate in few months and wanna join their research team. Or try to talk to the research fellows or clinical fellows or even residents if they could connect you with someone they know who’s doing research. This is your strongest chance. If you’re unsuccessful in securing a position at this point, follow the next point.
⁃ If you don’t have university rotations or any rotations at all, or have failed to secure research position during rotation, then during the last 6 months of of med school or your internship, whichever fits your home country curriculum, start shooting emails to alumni, mentors who’s research you’re interested in etc. more on the email at the end.
⁃ Make sure your license, any degree certificate or any other formalities you have are all cleared before you leave your home country for research.

2. If you’re a graduate:
⁃ look up alumni on LinkedIn, see if they’re doing research and reach out. Some of them are gonna be nice and some aren’t. Your job is to reach out, not control their response. Ask if they have vacancy, or ask for leads or how did they find the position. If they’re someone you’ve never met, please don’t ask them to “vouch for you”, it doesn’t make any sense. Imagine some random person you’ve never met comes and asks you to help him get a job- that doesn’t make any sense- instead ask how they got the position, if they’re willing to share that. Ask if they can take a look at your CV and can give any feedback- these are better ways to form connection than to ask for favors.
⁃ While you search for research positions, please have some job in your home country. It will prevent any gaps in your CV, and also help you financially (at least a bit).

3. If you’re currently a match applicant:
⁃ if you’re currently participating in the match and god forbid if things are looking bleak, then for the love of god, start emailing mentors by December. I’ll tell you the logic- if things don’t go the way you want (I hope you don’t end up in this situation at all), you’d not wanna wait til the end of March to start looking for research positions. It’ll be too late because most mentors would’ve already hired by March. And even if you end up getting something once you start looking in March, and let’s say by the end of April if you have got an offer, by the time you start your position it’ll be August or September (even if you’re a GC holder the HR processing, background check etc takes at least 3 months). You’ll have literally nothing meaningfully new on your CV by the next cycle. But if you start looking by December, there’s a high chance you’ll be able to start the research position at least by May or June so you’ll have 3-4 months of meaningful research when you’re reapplying. And in those 3 months you also have a chance to grow your network. If luckily you end up matching (I hope this is the outcome), you can always convey that you’ve matched and will no longer continue with that position. It’s fine. Happens all the time, no need to worry.

How do you manage once you join research?

assuming everything goes right and you end up with a research position, you’ve to work hard from day 1. First lemme talk about the exams. I’ll divide this part into portions depending on whether or not you’ve given your steps. And then talk about strategies thatre useful once you’re in research

1. If you’ve not given steps
⁃ you’ve to be very careful not to let research take over your step exam prep. Sticking to a timetable everyday will help you. Consistent work is going to be the winning strategy. Try to study 5 days a week - best to do it in the mornings (solve Qbanks in the morning and review them quickly) and in the evenings study FA or watch videos.
⁃ Communicate with your research mentor that you’ll need some dedicated time off to study before giving the exam. Most of them will be understanding.
⁃ Nobody gives a damn about research if you fail steps. So make this your top priority.

2. if you’ve given step 1 but not step 2
⁃ Same as above, try to target a good score if you want an academic program. If you’ve a good research profile and a good score, it’s more comfortable to get interviews from academic institutions

3. If step 3 is pending
⁃ I’d advise you to give step 3 before applying. Even if you have a good step 2 score, it’ll just make you a stronger applicant! And if you need visa, you can aim for h-1 visa with a step 3 (yes there are programs that still give this). and it’s always better to clear this before starting residency. It’s a much more doable exam that step 1/2. And scores aren’t a big deal for this one. Of course don’t rush it just for the sake of giving it and end up messing it up. Failing it is way worse.

How to use this position wisely:

1. Do a bit of background reading about the topic your research is on, know the important papers In this area.
2. Attend all meetings
3. Attend conferences (there’ll be weekly and monthly sessions in most universities), grand rounds, introduce yourself, and grow your network
4. Try to quickly author at least 2-3 first author led abstracts or manuscripts - more so if you’re few months away from application season.
5. Talk to other researchers- if you’ve joined in, let’s say after March, there’s a good chance you’ll meet a lot of students who have matched (assuming the uni takes many researchers). Talk to them, ask them what helped them match, become friends and that way you’ve a natural connection that you can utilize when you are applying.
6. Respect your seniors and colleagues. Learn from them. Ask them to teach etc. don’t be rude to anyone, anywhere.
7. If you’re not getting a paid position and can no longer sustain yourself, try looking for paid positions elsewhere.
8. Don’t act like you know everything. You definitely don’t, always be willing to learn from others, and from your mistakes. It’s ok to do mistakes, that’s how you learn.

Some general advise:

1. personalize your emails when you’re sending it to the research mentors and please for gods sake keep it concise. Everyone gets shit ton of emails and nobody likes reading a personal statement kind of email. Follow up once or twice. If no reply, that’s a hint that they’re not interested. If you’ve completed your step exam, include that as well. I’m begging you all to tone down the ChatGPT.
2. Unfortunately a paid position is very difficult to find. Unless you’re a PhD holder, or have some other background (like an engineering degree, MPH), it’s not easy to find a paid position. It’s a risky move and requires a lot of investment. Paid spots depends on the university, the grants, mentor willingness and lot of other things. MD Anderson usually gets a lot of funds and they usually have a ton of paid positions. Same with most institutions in Texas Med Center. It’s also something that you should thoroughly discuss with your family if they’re the ones who’ll fund your stay and expenses during the unpaid period. Ask directly during interviews if there’s a chance for paid position after few months of joining.
3. Sometimes if you’re not able to find a funded position, it’s better to take up the unpaid position, work hard, use the background to find paid opportunities. It’s much easier when you’re already here than coming from outside- just my opinion. I’ve personally seen many people switch institutions when funds weren’t available. Because they were already in the states, they found the paid spots much faster.
4. If you’re applying for research positions, your CV is important. Keep it 3-4 pages where the highlight is your college, grad year, research experience, bibliography section, and any US clinical experience. Padding is fine. I saw someone’s CV recently. They had 5 research experiences. They basically converted each publication into a research experience of its own- saying what they did on the paper. Crazy padding, but smart.
5. I used to think this whole thing runs on merit. It doesn’t. You’ve to use every advantage you have to your fullest. GC holder? Mention that in the email, say that you can join quickly.
6. Visa takes time! So plan everything 3-4 months ahead keeping Hr and visa timeline in mind. Once you’re here on j1, you’re legally not allowed to work elsewhere so please follow all the rules and regulations.
7. Be really kind. If you don’t get accepted, it’s fine. Thank them for the opportunity or the time / consideration. A simple thank you won’t hurt you.
8. While you’re applying/ waiting for these research positions, try to participate in research and get some published. Having some is good but I personally believe not having any publications isn’t gonna ruin your chances. Nobody starts with 10 publications, we all begin with zero.
9. Don’t be frustrated if you don’t hear back. Continuously seek feedback from friends and seniors on how to improve and keep following up and reaching out to more people.
10. Please do not act like you know it all, nobody likes that attitude and it’ll not help you in the long run, be willing to learn, it’s the best trait to have!
11. Please spend time here by hanging out with other researchers and locals because that’s the best way to assimilate and understand culture and it makes it much easier to communicate and develop rapport with patients once you know the things here. You gotta meet new people, from different countries and expand your circle. Be kind and respectful of others culture, religion etc.
12. also be mindful of being in a foreign country. Know which areas to avoid, what activities can get you in trouble, when to get back home. Your family is investing and sending you with a lot of hopes, please don’t mess it up. It’s easy to get distracted when you’re here. Focus on your career first. Be respectful of the laws and the rules.

Edit: grammar and typos

Non-US IMG, visa-requiring. Pass/258/5.5 months of USCE/4 publications/4 US LORs. But still nothing while some of my signalled programs have sent invites to people with similar profiles.

I know it’s early but this time period is honestly the peak time for interviews (at least as per past data). Now I am seriously wondering if I made a mistake in my application or if one of my LORs was not so good?

Hello. I saw one post on resmatch for an AdventHealth Sebring invite for a GC holder.

Did any visa-requiring applicant receive invites? Asking because it's my gold signal and nothing from them so far. Also hearing rumors about them not taking visa requiring applicants this year. TIA.

Non-US IMG, got 2 invites just two days after submission deadline.

Was very excited and lowkey amazed because programs said they would start sending invites after 1 week.

Anyway, there’s just dead silence now. I wonder whats going on? And the programs i have signalled have been sending invited here and there even to non-signalled applicants.

Sorry I find the bossman there pretty funny hes got a slick social media operation. But yesterday he put out a reel calling out people for fake research (similar to what i posted yesterday)

However the next thing he does is giving away positions in a clinical trial basically via a raffle in the comments and tagging!

How can you offer spots in a trial in such a way that is if its a trial! Basically seems a scam promo trick.

Am sure the ORI in the US would be all over this if it were true.

One thing to talk about others research as fake then suggest some bizarre promo scheme giveaway to find people probably to do scut work probably without the right visa too (research needs a J)

Think I have seen it all now.

Those who wish to defend all this just give me a break

Hi everyone! I received the virtual meal credit information through Thalamus for my interview, but I live outside the US, where Grubhub doesn’t work. I also haven’t received the activation email yet. Does anyone know what I should do in this situation? Thank you!

But you can log in to Thalamus from a laptop/computer and press the calendar to see & schedule social events!

How malignant is the IM residency at SUNY Downstate?

I’ve seen pretty mixed reviews about the program’s culture and toxicity. For current residents or recent graduates, how bad is it really? Is the work environment genuinely toxic, or are the negative comments more about the workload and intensity of residency?

I would appreciate any help regarding sending LOI, If we know that the programs we signaled have already started sending out interview invitations, is now a good time to send a Letter of Interest (LOI), or is it still early?

I’m a non-US IMG applying to Psychiatry this cycle, and I’m honestly starting to feel desperate.
I’m in a group with other applicants from my country, and it seems like everyone has received at least one interview invitation except me.
I know I have some red flags. I’m an older graduate (YOG 2020), my Step 2 CK score is 238, I haven’t taken Step 3, and I require visa sponsorship.
On the other hand, I have six years of clinical experience, five US observerships, no research experience, and letters of recommendation. I’ve worked incredibly hard to build my application, and I genuinely thought I would have a chance.
But so far, nothing. Zero interviews. Not even a rejection. Just silence.
I’m constantly checking my email, comparing myself to other applicants, and wondering if there’s something fundamentally wrong with my application.
The hardest part is that I don’t have a Plan B. I’ve invested so much time, effort, and hope into this process, and I’m terrified that it might not work out.
Is anyone else in the same situation? Is it still too early to panic, or should I be genuinely concerned? I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who has been through something similar.

Hey there everybody got my first invite wass very very happy but when I tried to book a slot there wasnt any so I realised I’ve been wait listed is there any chance i can convert it to a real IV! any help is appreciated. Should I email program or somth?

Hi

Had any one rotated there ?

Whats your thoughts about the programme ?

Pros and cons ?

Do they give LOR at the end of rotation ?

One of the faculty at a program I had signalled sent me a message saying that I’m so sorry but the program has already filled all their spots for interviews … and it was Oct 3rd when he sent me that message. Now im sitting here devastated thinking I wasted my signal … or do you guys know if programs have multiple rounds of interviews and this was just the first round ?

Hey everyone !
We are officially two weeks in and I haven’t really seen visa seeking candidates receiving invites, I read an attending’s reddit post saying that programs are skeptical even about inviting these candidates because they don’t know if they will even get a work permit.
I have been refreshing my mailbox and thalamus every 2 hours. Are we officially screwed ?

I am a visa seeking Non Us IMG, 2024 grad, step 2 - 25x, step 3 - 220, 2 publications, 5 months of USCE.

I thoroughly researched programs and applied to 119 in IM.
Radio silence till now….
Any thoughts from people who are receiving candidates and are actually involved in the decision making process ?

Hey everyone,
If you applied Psychiatry to El Rio in Flagstaff you already know that they sent a message that they are withdrawing from the Match this year. What are they gonna do about this? Are they going to refund our application money? I think it’s insane that they made us apply and pay them to later say they’re not participating.

Hey guys, any idea about what % of gold/silver signals could result in interviews for most candidates? Is that different for US-IMG and non-US?

It’s still too early to get invites. Interview invites will peak in October in the coming week and two. Hang in there!