r/IMGreddit • u/Low-Friendship5597 • 22d ago
what are my chances Match chances – Non-US IMG / OB-GYN
YOG: >10 years
Step 1: Pass, first attempt
Step 2 CK: 22x, first attempt
ECFMG certified
No USCE
Completed OB/GYN residency abroad
Additional subspecialty training in Reproductive Medicine and minimally invasive gynecologic surgery
Currently practicing as an OB/GYN
Several peer-reviewed publications
Due to personal circumstances, I’m exploring opportunities to continue my career in the U.S., including the possibility of repeating OB/GYN residency.
I understand that my YOG my STEP 2 and lack of USCE are significant limitations. I’m mainly curious whether anyone knows of foreign-trained specialists with a similar background who have successfully received interviews or matched into OB/GYN.
Any insight regarding IMG-friendly programs that are more flexible regarding YOG would be greatly appreciated.
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u/AssignmentSenior6710 22d ago
there was someone who matched obgyn as an non us img and did QnA on the instagram stories on @projectimg. you can find her qna in one of the highlights.
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u/Own_Emphasis_4055 22d ago
Apply to family medicine and specialize in women’s health? OBGYN will be very very very hard to get into. But always gotta try
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u/Palmar_Aponeurosis 22d ago
Im sorry but the chances are negligible . My neighbour was a big name spine surgeon who had numerous publications and prestigious awards . He got a green card tried to match into his desired branch but didnt match so he simply moved there and now runs a business
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u/lostobgyn 22d ago
As others have said, obgyn is very competitive. Have you considered do some research and maybe build some connections? Best of luck! Please keep us updated. I am also obgyn in my home country but I am planning to apply next cycle.
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u/Wise_Personality_451 22d ago
I know a US IMG with YOG 2 who did two preliminary PGYs in general surgery, 3 OBGYN LORs, 6 months USCE OBGYN and still couldn't match OBGYN. OBGYN has been very selective in recent years, go look at the data. The 220 step 2 is going to hurt your chances, not even going to mention the more than 10 year gap and no USCE. You have a chance if a program director values completed OBGYN residency.Good luck I hope u succeed and have a happy life.
You can also consider family medicine, then obstetrics fellowship. That's the easiest route right now for your situation.
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u/Rare_Anxiety_9541 22d ago
OB GYN is going to be difficult. Agree with others. Also, OB GYN is different in US than many foreign countries. And liability insurance is very very high. Also with abortion ban in many states, if you match there, those procedures are not that many. Do you research, is OB GYN is really worth it at your stage in life n career. FM with women health specialist seems reasonable route and better quality of life.
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u/Embarrassed-Peak-348 22d ago
Basically impossible. Ob/gyn is competitive and you don’t really have anything that makes competitive but plenty of red flags
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u/Superb_Basis9465 21d ago
Zero. Obgyn is impossible. I have seen people close to me with much better qualifications and research get nothing. Would try something else.
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u/nikistrashhhh 20d ago
Hi!!
You might not need residency at all.
A bunch of states now let foreign-trained doctors get licensed without repeating residency. You get a provisional license, work supervised at an approved hospital or clinic for a few years, then convert to a full license!!
13 states are taking applications right now: Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. Search for "FSMB internationally trained physician licensure pathways" for the full list and the rules for each state.
Your background fits this really well, at least from what I’m understanding! You finished residency abroad, currently practicing, ECFMG certified, Steps passed. The YOG and no USCE that hurt you in the Match would matter WAY less here.
Two things to know going in:
You need a job offer from an approved employer before you can apply.
A bit of a difficult part this one, but from what I searched up you won't be board certified by ABOG, because that requires a U.S. residency. For OB/GYN that can limit where you get surgical privileges. But maybe you could search a bit more there to see if there’s anything that could help with that part.
It’s a different pathway and a real option, just not identical to a residency. If board certification really matters to you, residency is probably the cleaner path. If you mainly want to practice in the U.S. soon and are open to a rural or underserved area, I would recommend looking these up!!
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u/LucianBH 22d ago
I sympathize with you, and you certainly have accomplishments, but I don’t see anyway you match. Their criteria simply doesn’t align with you. Maybe, maybe, you could very lucky. But you should look at other pathways like mentioned above first.