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How Do International Medical Graduates (IMGs) Perform in the Match and How Can that Information Guide Future Applicants?

I’ve reviewed data here in my blog regarding IMGs’ performance in the 2013 Match, but here are some graphics and additional data published by the ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates). Again, the numbers are a reminder of the challenges IMGs face.

Also, for those interested in how IMGs have performed in specific specialty Matches, here is the NRMP‘s (National Residency Match Program) data for 2012. Check out page 5 for “Matches by Specialty and Applicant Type.”

One of the pieces of data I find interesting here is that a greater number (more positions) and percentage of non-US IMGs matched to Internal Medicine Categorical (IM) over Family Practice (FP), but in looking at “Charting Outcomes of the Match,” IM applicants require higher board scores and generally tougher credentials to match to their specialty versus FP. It’s hard to interpret this data, but it may mean that non-US IMGs who have higher board scores and stronger credentials have a shot at IM positions, whereas those who have lesser credentials have a better chance with FP. Something to consider.

Inaccuracies in Medical Student Grades Translate into Residency Application Strategy

Here’s an interesting article by Dr. Pauline Chen on medical student grades. In reading the article, residency applicants should reflect on how important the content of their letters of recommendation is, especially in the setting of medical school grades that may be inflated or simply inaccurate. The 2012 NRMP Program Director Survey (yes, I do mention that document a lot because it’s so helpful) supports the importance of letters, as well, with statistics. Make sure your letters are very strong; remember that mediocre letters should not be a part of your residency package.

NRMP Schedule of Dates

Now that rank lists are in, the next important date for residency applicants is March 11 at noon EST when both applicant matched/unmatched information and individual program filled/unfilled results are posted to the National Residency Match Program (NRMP) website. If you are not confident you will be matching, it’s worth looking at the NRMP’s schedule of dates, so you understand what the timeline of the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP) – previously called the “Scramble” – is.

What do Residency Directors Really Want?

The 2012 NRMP Program Director Survey results are out, and they are very instructive. The NRMP sends questionnaires every two years to residency directors who have participated in the previous Match in an attempt to determine what factors program directors use to decide whom to interview and then whom to Match.

The overall response rate this year was 44.8% – down from 2010′s survey – but the results are as useful as ever. Of note, the personal statement is one of the top factors in deciding whom to interview – more than Step 2 scores! (See page 3 for details.) Furthermore, interactions with faculty and house staff and interpersonal skills are more important than Step 1 scores and honors in clinical clerkships in ranking applicants. (See page 5 for details.)

What this means: Your personal statement and your interview skills are critical for success in the application process! Some candidates spend months studying for the Boards, yet they rush through their application written materials and don’t practice before their interviews. Don’t be one of those misguided people! Contact me for assistance.

NRMP Data Worth Viewing

The National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) does an excellent job of collecting and publishing Match statistics. One of their latest publications is “Results and Data: 2012 Main Residency Match,” which includes valuable information like how many positions were matched in each specialty in 2012. Here is the report.