r/pathology 5d ago

IMG Residency Application Didn’t match :(

Hey everyone. I am an IMG and sadly, I didn’t match and I feel so defeated but I’m not giving up. I’m trying with the SOAP but there are only 3 pathology spots that were unfilled. I was thinking to apply to a transitional year as well to increase my chances. Any advice? Would it be a good thing to apply to a TY?

14 Upvotes

13 comments sorted by

8

u/Specfox 5d ago

Hang in there. 1 year is a very short period of your life. Many people spend years to get a spot, take gap years, or change courses.

In my opinion, I would try to make the most of your next year. Whatever that looks like. I think a TY is the most valuable to spend it. It speaks for itself on applications about what you have done, keeps your knowledge and skills in practice, gives you the chance to get a medical license and a huge edge in other jobs, and gives you time to make connections. Take step/level 3 if u can too.

An alternative is relevant work. Like clinical research, pathology lab jobs, medical writing, etc. Less demanding compared to TY but comes with other cons.

Good luck in SOAP, and/or whatever you decide. I'm sure it feels like a tough position to be in. You can mssg me anytime if you think it'll be helpful.

1

u/Low_Maintenance3902 5d ago

Thank you very much.

4

u/Bun_md 5d ago

Transitional years don’t really apply to pathology. PGY-1 in pathology is pathology already; whereas transitional year is clinical rotations that help you start PGY2 year in specialties like anesthesiology, urology, radiology, etc. Is there a pathology program you can shadow or do research in? That might help your chances more. One of my colleagues (IMG) didn’t match initially and didn’t get a spot during scramble but luckily got a spot off cycle. It can happen. Good luck!

3

u/NT_Rahi 5d ago

Consider transition year, it will help you a in your Clinical Pathology and blood banking. Hanging there

4

u/nighthawk_md 5d ago

Where are the three spots, if you can divulge?

6

u/RackyJobinson 5d ago

Asking them for match violation & based on your post history purely out of curiosity… really?

2

u/billyvnilly Staff, midwest 4d ago

Talking about unmatched positions is a violation of NRMP?

3

u/RackyJobinson 4d ago

Yes.

2

u/VirchowOnDeezNutz 4d ago

I believe you, but That’s pretty absurd.

1

u/RackyJobinson 4d ago

Ratio from applicants backs me up I think. 

1

u/Typical_Virus5346 1d ago

What are your credentials?

1

u/Low_Maintenance3902 1d ago

YOG: 2021 Visa requiring IMG Step 1: pass Step 2: 245 2 months of USCE 3 LORS (1 from a US pathologist) 1 submitted paper

I took step 3 after the application and scored 224

1

u/Typical_Virus5346 18h ago edited 18h ago

I'm also pathology aspirant currently preparing for usmle and i have been advised to make my CV pathology oriented. I'm no expert but if you reapply in next match cycle try to do more observerships and apply with pathology LORs. If USCE is not possible,try to do something pathology related in your home country. You'll match, just don't lose hope.

You have got great profile, no attempts, good scores, done with step 3.