Competitive residencies

[bts4202]

How competitive is Opthalmology? I have been looking at the NRMP data files on this years match results and out of 5 applicants and 11 spots only 1 person applied but didn't match in opthalmology PGY-1. I know that after PGY-1 you have to apply through the san fran match for PGY-2 opthalmology, but is that any more competitve? Does anyone know what kind of score one has to get on the boards to even be considered and if IMG's are even considered in the 1st place?


"Ok, can you follow my finger please":

[Anonymous]

I don't want to be negative, but unless you have a STRONG connection, forget about opthomology. There are many US students with great numbers who can't get opthomology.

[tRmedic21]

Optho is traditionally one of the hardest to get into, same as derm, prolly because of the money and the lifestyle combined....

But there have been numerous instances over the last few years alone of people from each of the "Big Three" matching in optho and derm. After seeing some of the scores from Step I in the last couple of years, too, when these people apply for the match, I wouldn't be surprised to see several more. Note: I don't know if these people had connections or not, all I know is that they matched.

It is certainly possible to do, but you will have to blow the boards away, from my understanding of things. Go for it! Make us proud!

[nyphys1]

Opthalmology is possible for IMGs as a number do match each year.You will need to have a very strong record and apply without regard to geography- having connections is of course helpful.It is not true that there are numerous instances of IMGs matching into Derm.This happens rarely..2-3 IMGs a year at most (out of ~260 slots) a year, They tend to have extensive research experience or are already trained dermatologists in another country.

[medtekboy]

How hard is it to obtain a general surgery residency with respect to other residencies.?

From my understanding, 2yrs of general surgery is required in order to move on to a specialty like plastic surgery, is this correct?

Thank you...

[nyphys1]

General surgey-categorical positions at good programs are competitive,somewhat less so than in previous years.It is easier to get into the less desirable programs.Plastic surgery may be matched into as an integrated position directly from med school-almost impossible for a non US grad or as a fellowship following at least 3 years of general surgery residency.Many who enter these fellowships have completed a full 5 year residency before entering.They are said to be much easier to get than integrated programs but still competitive.

[futuresurgeon]

are you hoping to go into plastics?

im starting auc in sept . . . where are you now?