ABIM (physician-scientist pathway) gather here - ferritin

[ArchivalUser]

I agree that being an IMG is not helpful, but lots of AMG do not want to commit to such a long program which pays close to nothing, and as I mentioned before I attended several seminars and conferences about the huge problem of not having enough physician scientists in US. What I think has happened is that most of these programs are more about contacts and recommendations from big shots and also they mainly take their own graduates

[ArchivalUser]

@ ferritin
i applied to many ABIM tracks - zip IV

[ArchivalUser]

How many years is the PSTP ? is it 3 years like IM categorical ?

[ArchivalUser]

I am wondering how many total positions in whole US? How many programs?
as example: psy/im -- only 10-12 programs and only 20 positions. they always prefer AMGs.
If there are 100 (actually more than that) med school in US (2/per state, suppose), and 1-2 MD/PhD for every yr grad, i am assuming they have enough student scientist to fill up all positions.
But that's my thought and i ma guessing. I might be wrong.

[ArchivalUser]

@gegamushroom
you have to know to which speciality you want befor u apply. and then depending on that it will be 6-7 yeras, basically its 1 extra year
@meti
you are right I think and that what I believe has been happening they are either just calling people based on connections or own graduates. I have been such a fool to believe in these big shots,all giving me false hope and making me apply to mainly ABIM programs

[ArchivalUser]

I'm sorry to hear that some of you have not heard anything from ABIM programs. However, I don't think its contacts or nepotism that is the issue. I was invited to interview by several ABIM programs despite having no contacts at the program and having done my PhD (as well as medicine) in a foreign country, and have been made to feel very welcome during interviews.
On the other hand, I many programs fund their PSTPs with NIH training grants - which can only be used for US citizens or permanent residents - so, like fellowship applications, this can limit options for IMGs requiring visas.

[ArchivalUser]

@ kg245, did you have a green card, also what were your credentials?

[ArchivalUser]

@gumbo - I have a green card. 99/99/1st. 2010 yog. Strong med school record. MD/PhD program equivalent. 2 pubs. Many posters/ talks. 1.5 months USCE.

[ArchivalUser]

ok trap trap trap...... most ABIM programs are going to slowly open up for IMGs... becos AMGs are not gonna fall in to that!

I got IVs from 2 programs... and was asked about interest in it..most of these programs are structured in a way... like 2 years of Residency.. and 3 years of research.. YOU become Borad eligible fatre 3 years of research ONLY.. you cannot give the borads after 2 years.. THEN they will help you to match into fellowship of your prefernce depending also on what ypour research is.. the fellowship also may be 2 -3 years dpending on where you are...!!!!

This idea failed miserably with AMGs... because all of em have debts.. and this meant 7 to 8 more years.. instead of 6... so now they are going to IMgs... I am a PhD (will be in 6 monthsish) 99/99/GC/ 1 paper/tons of research and posters and orals/.... But I thoght very seriously about this... They expect u to get grant funding by the end of fellowship ... If you later decide to go into private practice .. if u dont get grant money.. The Pds and profs may NOT give you letters etc... also only 2 years of felowwship training is looked down upon in practice settings. So you are stuck with low paying academia... So think well now itself.. You u say yes to research track.. I dont think you can switch after a while..!