QUICK TIPS to increase your chances for a resident physician interview (especially for IMGs)

You have been through undergrad and medical school so I know you are familiar with the process of exams, applications and interviews.  But one can never be over prepared.  To increase you chances for an interview, you must sell yourself in the best possible light to the residency programs.  I would recommend the following:

1. Pass all your required board exams.  

Passing your board exams is essential to your application.  As an IMG, you could even take it a step further and consider scheduling Step 3 and taking it after interview season but before July 1st.  You can inform program directors that you have already scheduled the exam and with your pass rate, they will be confident that you are one IMG that they will not have to worry about in residency on whether they will fail the exam.  

2. Ace your personal statement. 

Your personal statement should be very personal and should make the reader want to get to know you a little better. If your path is unique you may want to address any reasons why your path is different in a positive light.  Your personal statement should also incorporate any leadership skills you may.  I also recommend that you link any extracurricular activities you've done to your study in medicine.  Your unique path brings diversity and different experiences so make this one of your biggest selling point!

3. Be Honest

Be honest and transparent on your application.  There is no need for fibs or tales.  

4.  Apply early

I suggest that applications should be sent in no later than November 1st.  The earlier the better.  You may want to apply to programs that have residents from your country, medical school or family/acquaintances.  Apply to all IMG friendly programs.  You may also want to look at the previous years’ MATCH and see which program has a history of not filling and try applying there also. Finally, I would say make sure your application is 100% complete before you apply.

5. Get good letters of recommendations (LORs)

LORs are preferred from US physicians.  If you have not done any US rotations, you can consider doing an observorship/externship.  That is not to say that you could never use a LOR from outside the US but to increase your chances I would also include US LORs. 

Good Luck!!!!