07-09-2010, 05:43 PM
na00229,
You have a very impressive CV only lacking in, as you pointed out, USCE. I would say you should keep trying for some USCE. Even if you get in August/Sept it will help. That said, even without USCE I would not say all is lost. You should definitely apply cause you never know.
If you,God forbid, go unmatched this year and re-apply next year, I dont think the PD's have access to your application history. Also if a PD asks if you have tried previously, you can always be truthful and say that you didnt match the 1st time as you were probably lacking USCE and that now(next yr) you have got some USCE (hopefully) and that you are optimistic about matching the 2nd time round.
For USCE, start emailing programs asking if they have any opening for observerships/externships. Alternatively, many private hospitals also allow you to observe for a fee. It is not the ideal thing but better than nothing. You can also go to the hospitals in the vicinity and try to get in touch with the faculty there.
Finally, you do not need to be ECFMG certified to apply for residency. However, the number of ECFMG certified candidates applying with 99/99/CS are so high that not being certified is a negative for an IMG. You said that you are awaiting your CK result, which even if it comes by 1st week of August you will be ECFMG certified by September.
Hope that answered all your questions. Best wishes,
residency-match.com
You have a very impressive CV only lacking in, as you pointed out, USCE. I would say you should keep trying for some USCE. Even if you get in August/Sept it will help. That said, even without USCE I would not say all is lost. You should definitely apply cause you never know.
If you,God forbid, go unmatched this year and re-apply next year, I dont think the PD's have access to your application history. Also if a PD asks if you have tried previously, you can always be truthful and say that you didnt match the 1st time as you were probably lacking USCE and that now(next yr) you have got some USCE (hopefully) and that you are optimistic about matching the 2nd time round.
For USCE, start emailing programs asking if they have any opening for observerships/externships. Alternatively, many private hospitals also allow you to observe for a fee. It is not the ideal thing but better than nothing. You can also go to the hospitals in the vicinity and try to get in touch with the faculty there.
Finally, you do not need to be ECFMG certified to apply for residency. However, the number of ECFMG certified candidates applying with 99/99/CS are so high that not being certified is a negative for an IMG. You said that you are awaiting your CK result, which even if it comes by 1st week of August you will be ECFMG certified by September.
Hope that answered all your questions. Best wishes,
residency-match.com