Thread: Competitive Specialties

As someone considering attending SGU, what specialties are considered 'competitive', thus making it difficult for an SGU grad (an IMG) to match in?

I am applying to the US this cycle, but the chances don't appear to be in my favor (MCAT 27S).

the main competitive specialties are the ROAD(S) ones.....

Rads, Ortho, Anesth, Derm (and Surg). But, we have grads I know that placed this year in every one of those except for Derm, that's competitive even for a US grad

..........

Originally Posted by GLOBALMED

Plastics and ENT too! In terms of IM, I would say GI and Cardio are the most difficult, but check up on that one.

well, technically GI and Cardio are fellowships and not really counted in those initial residency apps....it's more "who you know" and "what you do" in your residency that matters for those apps. Your med school track record doesn't figure in too heavily there. But, you are correct that they are difficult fellowships to get.

Plastics comes in two forms. There's about 44 direct-entry spots across the country (that's very competitive for US applicants, I would say FMGs have almost a 0% shot at getting one of those). And there's also the fellowship apps during your surg residency, MUCH easier to get into, but still highly competitive.

ENT, very hard for sure.....

..........

probably anything other than primary is gonna be competitive for an SGU graduate

You should check SGU's website where it lists all of the residencies obtained by graduates. I've looked at this year's and last year's list and was surprised by the types of residencies grads are getting.

While there are some inherent limitations placed on an SGU grad, I think a lot of grads have proved that "the sky's the limit" by having a great GPA, USMLE score, etc to get one of those "competitive" residencies.

You can't expect to match into a really awesome residency program if you do poorly or just "average" at any school - and SGU is no exception. Sure, there are a few extra hoops to jump through when you come here, but the impression that I've gotten over the last few years and from talking to faculty is that you get out of med school what you put into it.

Personally, I think that if you're totally unwilling to do any type of primary care (IM or peds or FM) then you shouldn't go to medical school period - US or anywhere. You never know how things will end up.

..........

is there somewhere that lists all of the possible specialties? i have a general idea of the majority, but im sure there are others.

also, i was looking at the match list, and I see PGY-1, PGY-2, PGY-3, etc.
what does this mean? i was under the impression that you match right after your 4th year...