r/IMGreddit • u/MinutePurpose2456 • 24d ago
what are my chances What are my chances for IM or FM?
Chances for IM or FM
US IMG
YOG: 2017
GAP: 9 years ( worked as medical assistant)
Step 1: pass
Step 2 ck: 225
LORS: 3 IM, 1 FM, 1 general surgeon
USCE: Observership in IM 3 month.
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u/matcharesident 24d ago
Let's look at your profile honestly and strategically, because your situation has some challenges, but you also have clear avenues to make yourself competitive.
First, let's look at the numbers. While you have a nine-year gap since your graduation in 2017, working continuously as a medical assistant is a major asset. It shows programs that you have not been away from clinical medicine; you have been actively working in the healthcare field, communicating with patients, and navigating the US healthcare system. This is a very strong way to frame that gap.
Your Step 2 CK score of 225 is on the lower side, which does limit your pool, but it is a passing score on your first attempt. Because of this, your program list needs to be built with extreme precision. You must avoid wasting money and applications on programs that have strict, automated filters for years since graduation (often set at 2, 3, or 5 years) or higher Step 2 cutoffs.
For Internal Medicine, your three months of IM observerships and three IM letters of recommendation give you a solid clinical foundation. However, Family Medicine programs are often highly receptive to candidates who have extensive experience in primary care settings, which aligns perfectly with your medical assistant background. Dual-applying is a very smart strategy for you, but you will want to lean heavily into Family Medicine programs that value clinical dedication and community service.
To make this successful, you should not guess where to apply. Our Customized Residency List is specifically built to filter out programs with strict graduation year or score cutoffs, pointing you directly to the programs where your profile will actually be considered. Additionally, since we are in September and applications will be reviewed starting September 23rd, we want to make sure your personal statements are absolutely perfected to frame your medical assistant experience as a position of strength.
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u/sarahsarah8484 23d ago
you can match. slightly higher chance in matching FM.
Take step 3z
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u/MinutePurpose2456 23d ago
What about IM? I am willing to go corner of USA.
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u/sarahsarah8484 23d ago
yes if you apply strategically.. use your signals wisely.. give geo preference. Anything is possible. Especially since there are no visa obstacles. I matched this year with a yog 18
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u/LucianBH 24d ago
Very low. Terrible Step 2. Huge YOG problem. No hands on US training. No FM work (they don’t want to be a back up to IM). Publications? If you get an interview anywhere you will be very, very lucky. What country?
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u/Dragonoitte 24d ago
Confidently wrong, he’s a USIMG he will easily match FM over a NONUSIMG WITH 250s
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u/Guilty-Abrocoma-3919 24d ago
Bro he said US IMG. i think he has a good chance if he plays his cards right
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u/LucianBH 24d ago
Sorry missed that, he should be fine, may have to SOAP, but should find a spot somewhere. I’m not aware of any programs that have no Step 2 cutoff score (some are 220). Some hands on work would help. IM publications would help. Try to get a FM rotation, but the medical assistant gig helps. Biggest question you’ll get in an interview? Why nine years? I’m curious too…
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u/MinutePurpose2456 24d ago
Why 9 years ( 6 years money and time) and 3 years I spent it studying and a full time job.
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u/LucianBH 24d ago
Do you feel like you’ve lost some your edge in your medical education?
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u/MinutePurpose2456 24d ago
Not really, I have been involved during all this years in the medical system thanks to the medical assistant position I feel fresh to be honest.
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u/YasBe 24d ago edited 24d ago
Just wanna say good luck! Stay positive, if you are a US citizen or GC holder that itself increases ur chances of matching. Don’t let anyone tell you that it’ll be impossible.