US IMG applying for heme Onc, grateful to even get interviews with my app
Atlantic Health NJ
Geisinger Wilkes Barre
Lahey Clinic MA
Tower Health Reading
Rochester regional health
Christiana Care Delaware
Valley Health/Mount Sinai (brand new program)
Leigh High Valley
St Luke’s Anderson
Cooper Health NJ
Priorities are non toxic environment, good call schedule and a safe location
I am a US IMG and have 10 interview for heme Onc fellowship (incl. my home program which has high internal competition)and 1 more outside the match at a place very near to where I’m doing residency at the moment. I have no ties to the US so am very flexible on location now (long story). I went for an interview and they told me they’ll let me know in a few days and that I’d need to make a decision quickly if they decide to offer a place.
My concern with this place is that it does appear to be very work heavy, is in a safety net hospital in a sketchy area and I didn’t even get to speak to the fellows at the program (they were ‘too busy’ apparently) which in my mind is a red flag. This fellowship is established for past 12 years and has good board pass rates it seems. The PD and APD seemed nice who I interviewed with.
My debate is if they offer me a spot I’ll have very little time to decide. Should I take it or risk going unmatched? What would most do in a similar situation? All my rank list is IMG friendly community programs anyway and about 8 of the 10 are much better than this place
I am a PGY2 in a IM community program applying heme Onc this cycle. I have an program in house and have 3 LORs from haematologists and 1 from my PD. The PD of the fellowship at my home program is very guarded, hasn’t really shown much interest in me despite working with them for many months. There is only 1 internal spot and there are a few other co residents who are exceptionally more qualified than me winning multiple awards although 1 is on a J1 visa. Step 1 is Pass, Step 2 243, step 3 231 so nothing exceptional. Research I have 3 co author ash pubs, 1 ASCO online publication, 1 SOHO publication and a few more local presentations and isolated case reports. I am a UK medical graduate and have a green card so visa isn’t an issue.
I am lacking in confidence due to the lack of research, scores and lukewarm enthusiasm from my home PD. Am I better off skipping this cycle and saving my money? Instead work as a hospitalist this year or take another fellowship?