Tips to Match as a US-IMG
Written by Zachary Gulergun, MD
I’m sure most of you reading this have had advisors, peers, and possibly even family tell you that “you’ll never get into medical school,” “you’ll never match into that specialty,” or “you’ll never become a doctor.” Well, I’m here to tell you that YOU CAN.
I matched into a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residency program as a US-IMG, was one year out from graduation, and had lower USLME scores. My “red flags” included:
US-IMG (Caribbean medical school graduate)
67.6% match rate for US-IMGs vs. US MD/DO’s >90% (NRMP)
202 on USMLE Step 1
~43% probability of matching (SAP Crystal Reports, 2022)
218 on USMLE Step 2
1 year out from graduation (June 2022)
I hope to use my experience to help others make themselves more competitive applicants. Here are some suggestions that I feel made a significant impact on my match journey:
1. Networking:
With everything being virtual nowadays, I cannot stress this enough! Use social media to connect with attendings and residents in your desired specialty. Seek their mentorship, guidance, and support.
Post about interesting discussion topics; get a conversation going.
Always be mindful of what you publish on the internet!
Utilize social media to get your name out there.
Attend national conferences. They can be expensive, but see if you can apply for a conference scholarship or get funds from your school to attend.
Timing is everything: I saved enough money to go to a PM&R national conference in October 2022, right when interviews started, and I made so many connections. I cannot be certain, but I believe I gained 2-3 additional interviews by attending this conference. I created a digital QR code that was linked to my ERAS App/CV and shared it with any program representatives I met during the residency/fellowship fair.
Lots of programs hold virtual open houses/information sessions; attend these! There are also virtual residency fairs, where you can learn more about different residency programs and even have an opportunity to introduce yourself and ask any questions to the program directors.
2. Proactivity:
Schedule audition rotations/sub-I rotations as early as possible. Being an IMG, I was limited in my options for PM&R rotations. I could only secure two PM&R rotations, but I made every minute count.
At the beginning of my audition rotations, I offered to present on a relevant topic for the residents and attendings. For example, after my week in the stroke unit on a PM&R rotation, I presented on Aphasia and Dysarthria. This showed the attendings that I was proactive, engaged, and hardworking and earned me very strong LORs.
Research programs early in the process. I attended many information sessions and read through program websites so that I was not just tossing money on applications. I applied to programs that were in ideal locations for my family, where I felt I could see myself, and that had a history of accepting IMGs.
During interview season, I tried to reach out to current or former residents at those programs that were willing to help applicants.
I wanted to get all the logistical information about the program ahead of time (e.g., salary, hours, call schedule, curriculum, benefits, moonlighting, etc.).
You should have questions prepared for your interviewers, but this is also a great time to create rapport with them. What are they passionate about? What do they do for fun? Do they have a family/pets? You have minutes to create a strong first impression so try to find common ground between you and your interviewer. Look up your interviewers online to learn about them.
3. Get involved:
Try to find something you are passionate about! I loved working at racing events and volunteered with medical teams at marathons, half-marathons, triathlons, Iron Man’s, etc. at least once a month. It is easy to sign-up and a great opportunity for those interested in all fields of medicine.
Find ways to get involved with research. One way to do this is to ask residents on rotations if they need help with projects. Having research does not necessarily make you more competitive, but it shows that you're dedicated and can be a great conversation topic during interviews.
Case reports are also a great option if you have an interesting patient case.
There is no “one-size fits all” formula to match success. N=1! It’s all about finding the right resources, mentors, and support system to help guide you. Most importantly, you are your #1 advocate; keep persevering and your efforts will not go unnoticed!
Feel free to contact me with questions:
Email: zachary.gulergun@gmail.com
Twitter: @ZachGulergunMD
Instagram: @zachg_md
