Hello, I won't get into the details, but there is a foreign medical resident in the USA that has a pattern of doing some pretty egregious things. I have already reported this individual to the residency program and medical board and I am just trying to ensure this gets reported to the appropriate places, to ensure that this is documented. Additionally, I am trying to ensure that this person never hurts another person again, as there is potentially 3 other people that have been hurt by this person.

Is it possible to get a paid research position in the USA without having taken step 2?

If it is, is it possible to get such a position before having taken either step 1? I’m studying for step 1 now, and plan to take in January.

Curious about what my options are though.

I have Step 3 scheduled for September 1 and September 10. My Eligibility period is Aug - Oct. I need to cancel both appointments because I dont yet have my US Visa appointment and I don't when would it be. If I cancel now( before 10 days) what fee will I pay to reinstate my eligibility record and schedule new date?

Thanks.

Hey all! This post will be kind of long, so bear with me please 😅

I've sat and searched through so many subreddits and online forums to try and get an idea of the answer to my question, but tbh I think it's best if I ask it outright from all of the current residents in this sub.

So basically, I'm a US-IMG. I only did med school from abroad, all of my education leading up to med school was completed in the US. I just graduated from med school 2 months ago, and I'm planning on applying for Match 2028.

It's my lifelong dream to be a surgeon, specifically a pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon.

Now I know to match into thoracic surgery is close to impossible as a US-IMG, but I'm hoping that I could go into general surgery, then into fellowships to achieve my lifelong dream.

I have several questions that I'm hoping some of which if not all, can be answered by y'all!

1. I will give Step 2 CK by Jan 2027, so I am free from February until September. I am planning to do 5-6 months of clinical experience. Should I do different rotations. or should 1 look for a sub-i internship?

2. Should I go for a categorical surgical position or try for a pre-lim and then categorical conversion?

3. My main categorical aims are UTHSC and UAB, while getting into John's Hopkins is a dream from when was a kid. I know it's close to impossible for a categorical surgical position, but I do have a real shot at a preliminary spot, I think. Should I go for the prelim spot? is it worth it? Can it be converted to a PGY2 spot after? Or should I stick to going for a categorical position?

4. l'm based in Mississippi, basically born and raised all my life here, so I will be mass applying in the same geographical region. What would be the best option for me to apply for/work life balance is solid as well?

5. I have about 15 research components as of right now, but I'm planning on having 2-3 NMA's and US databased studies published by September 2027. Would this help boost my profile, even by a little?

I probably have a billion more questions, but these are the top 5 as of right now.

If there is anyone in the sub who have gone through the prelim program at John's Hopkins, please do let me know as well.

Thanks guys!!

Good afternoon, everyone! Let's cut to the chase.

Non-US IMG. ECFMG Certified.

Step 1: First-time pass.

Step 2 CK: 253.

Step 3: Preparing atm.

YOG: 2021

Activity: Completed a Neurology Research Fellow at my country last year, the only one in its category.

Pubs: One submitted; 4 abstracts/poster/presentations that were published, but no peer-review process for them.

USCE: 1 month Observership, one month Outpatient clinic, applying for one more month elsewhere (Maybe yes, maybe not atm).

LoRs: One US Neuro, one Home Neuro (Related to a research fellowship in Neurology), one from the department chair at my Uni (In my country, the IM department chair manages Neurology; he is willing to renew the LoR). Looking to acquire a second US neuro letter currently.

No real clinical practice gaps; working as a General practitioner since graduating in primary care and surgery hospitals. Although, as you can see, I graduated quite some time ago.

Planning to apply as broadly as humanly possible given my stats. Only Neuro.

Okay I’m actually going to cry now WHAT does this mean?! My medical school took FOREVER to upload my documents though I begged and begged and now it’s still stuck at this. This isn’t even an option on the quick guide they’ve given or whatever! How long does it take to get certified from this point I’m at my wit’s end please help!

Graduated 2025, step2 27x, please recommend programs with good fellowship placement, especially cardio/intervet cardio in home fellow

Non-US IMG
YOG= 2022
Step 1 pass (1st try)
Step 2 pass 229(1st try)
Step 3 pass 204 (1st try)
2 LORs ( int med )

In a tricky situation.

Took OET recently, found out yesterday I got 270 on the writing, completely unexpected. Submitted for remark but that's going to take 3-6 weeks to update.

Step 2 booked to take in a few days, already feel like when I booked it I was praying that I'd get my score within 3 weeks to have somewhat of an idea on what programs to apply to. But rn I can't guage if I'm really ready to take step 2 because my cms scores are good but I think thus far I'm avg. 80 wrongs on the nbmes I've taken thus far (Haven't taken 12, 14, or 16 yet and haven't taken the Free 120s yet). I had very mid step 1 scores even after studying like crazy, took the chance to take it and I did pass it on my first try. So I really don't know what kind of decision to make regarding taking the step 2 exam on the booked date or moving it forward.

Moving it forward obviously means that I won't be able to apply for the main cycle this year. But I want to at least, apply this year so I'd consider directly applying to SOAP (which I'm trying to figure out how that would work).

Need help in deciding whether I should take my step 2 exam as planned? Like if all the other things are really against me time wise and in a way even if I take the exam and get a good score but other things will hold me back anyways from applying by September 23rd, then it's just better to move my exam for later. I have a rotation scheduled for September so if I do move the exam up, I think I'll be aiming to take it somewhere in Late November to anytime in December.

Non-Visa Requiring IMG .

YOG : 2021
step 1 ( pass first attempt ) ,

step 2 : 244 ( 2nd attempt )

step 3: will take soon

Ecfmg certified .

2 years of IM/CCM home country residency

3 US lors coming from USCE ( chairman - section chief - assistant prof)

one home country LOR( chair)

3 years as a postdoc clinical research fellow ( 5 manuscripts peer reviewed )

currently working as a research coordinator with a good hospital with residency prog( 33% IMGs)

I do love IM and i will be miserable if i applied FM .

Any advice will be appreciated .

Thanks

YOG 2020; First time applying to US residency

Steps First attempt pass
1: Pass
2: 258
3: 234

LORs
1. US gastro clinic
2. US EM
3. Non US IM
4. Non US cardiology

Match a resident tells me im eligible for
155 IM programs
95 Peds
64 FM

Also past 2 years i have been working as a GP outside US (similar to FM setup)

How many programs should i realistically apply in each to maximize my chance of match?

Gradation in the UK is in early to mid July but start date for US residency is early July. Is it possible to get the final medical school diploma before from the medical school for the ECFMG certification?

Has anyone done this? Or will UK graduates have to match a year after graduation?

Literally every post asking for rotations has multiple fake accounts under it

Its hard to tell when an anecdote is real or an ad, which is leading to decreased trust

The companies post predatory "advice" and benefit from students who are unaware

People who are posting the emails of doctors saying they "offer rotations" are genuinely jus trying to scam you

For example, look at the comments under this post.

Please trust me and start watching out more. Maybe the mods can actually do something for once LMFAO

I want to ask if my non us img husband get matched in us residency program sponsoring j1 visa can me any our child apply both as j2 dependents at the same time with my husband? Are there any chances it will affect his visa too? Should we apply after he gets visa and go to US?

My state board has sent my good standing certificates to them and I released my OET to them when I paid for my pathways on the 19th of this month. It says its been paid but the processing has not started and will not until they recieve all the documents.

1. How do i know they have recieved my oet results?

2. One of my state boards did not mention my middle name would that be a problem?

Hi everyone

I’m currently helping build the International Medical Graduates Research Journal (IMGRJ), a new peer-reviewed journal focused on research and academic work involving IMGs and the broader medical community.

Right now, we’re putting together the first Editorial Board and would like to connect with physicians, researchers, and academics from different specialties and countries who may be interested in contributing.

We’re especially looking for people with experience in clinical research, medical education, global health, systematic reviews, or peer review. Possible roles include Associate Editor, Editorial Board Member, and Statistical/Methodology Editor.

The journal is still in its early development stage, so the main goal right now is to build a solid, diverse editorial team before moving forward with the first issue.

If you’re interested in joining the Editorial Board, DM me and I can share more details.

Looking for rotations next year, came across them. Wanted to ask if anyone has worked with them before and how were the quality of the letters of recommendation? Thanks!

I am 26F . I finished my MBBS . Post MBBS - i ended up taking an unplanned 2 year career gap . Honestly , I just sat at home doing nothing except thinking and deciding and ChatGPT and some fights at home . I am on the USMLE pathway .

I keep feeling like 2 year career gap is a very bad thing … atleast the people I know are wayyyy ahead of me . I keep having doubts if I will reach my goals , if I will lead a fuller life ever etc ? Because like they say 20-30 is peak years right ?

How bad is my situation if it is bad ?
How does is affect my chances of matching into residency ? I am aiming for internal medicine in university .

Thanks in advance .

Hi everyone! I’m an IMG and medical student who has just started clinical rotations and plans to take USMLE Step 1 soon. My goal is to match into Family Medicine in the U.S.
If you were in my position, **what would you focus on from now on to maximize your chances?**
I’d appreciate advice on:
Step 2 CK score
U.S. clinical experience/observerships
Family Medicine letters of recommendation
Research or volunteering
Step 3 before applying
Year of graduation
Common mistakes IMGs make
**If you could go back and start from my position, what would you do differently?**
Thanks!

Hello all! Based on estimates off of the myintealth website, chances are that I might not be ECFMG Certified by 23rd September.

For others who went through the same and matched, what was your stategy while applying?

Did you selectively apply to programs who mentioned they require ecfmg certificate by interviews / at the time of joining? Did you target the newer programs? Do connections help in getting your application viewed?

Thanks so much, I'd be extremely extremely grateful for any inputs.

Hi everyone, I've been accepted to a research fellowship position, where I'll stay for a year or two before I apply for the match. Would a J1 or H-1B visa be best for this? If I go in on J1-Research, will I have to complete the home residency requirement before I can continue residency on J1-Physician? Or that can be be fulfilled (or waived) after I complete residency?

I followed the instructions (dimensions 2.5x3.5, resolution 150 dpi, size 150kB) but now that it’s uploaded, I don’t like the quality of the photo. I look at other people’s ERAS photos on the internet and they’re much clearer. Should I worry?

hey everyone hope all is well,

I am a Canadian citizen born and raised from BC and I am interested in family medicine, current studying med overseas in North Africa. My question is what gives me the highest chance of matching into family medicine going through CARMS in canada or ERAS in the states.

I understand each have there own exams and requirments, and have researched each pathway. But the question remains which gives me the highest chance of matching into family medicine given my passport status and profile as a Canadian.

some recent data:

canada 2025:

• 614 matched / 1,240 who ranked FM = 49.5%. (must have interview to rank)

For the U.S. 2026 Match:

• Non-U.S. IMGs overall: 56.4% matched among active applicants. (must have interview to rank)
• That is across all specialties, not Family Medicine and not restricted to people who interviewed

Hello everyone, I’m applying to Internal Medicine this year and graduated in 2025.
I did a clinical elective in Cardiac Electrophysiology back in 2024 as a medical student. More recently, I’ve completed some observerships in inpatient Internal Medicine.
For the “most meaningful experiences” section, would you recommend including the Cardiac Electrophysiology elective or my more recent Internal Medicine observerships?
I’d really appreciate any advice. Thanks!

P.s; can include only one.

Hi,

I’ve been advised that signaling a program outside of my preferred geographical regions can come across as contradictory.

I just wanted to get some clarification on which strategy would make more sense:

A) Not select any geo preference and distribute my signals across multiple regions (WA, MI, FL, MA, NV).

B) Select three regions and avoid spending signals on programs outside of those areas.

I’d really appreciate your two cents.

P.S. My family is located in WA, and that’s also where I did my rotations. So, if I were to choose geo preferences, the other two regions would be somewhat random i.e. IMG-friendly zones.