This post was written by Dr. Ddhakshitha Peddisetty 

Facebook Search and you will find various lists of your specialty floating around. But, it is always reasonable to personalize your own list to suit your needs. You are the only person who can do it as per your requirements and this will give you better chances and shows where you need to focus your attention during the interview period.

1. The base Program list: For people making it from scratch – Use Frieda to search the program names AND then use program websites. Sometimes, Frieda and program website might show different information, or doesn’t have all the information that you require. In those cases, call the residency department of that program to get the latest details.

A good list must have these columns:

Visa Sponsor Does the program or through ECFMG sponsor Visa?
J1 or H1b [H1b programs might do J1 also. Confirm if that’s the case.

Tip: If you are planning for H1b, complete your step 3 by max of December end, to have your step 3 results before the match results]

Scores: 
  • Step 1 – cut off
  • Are attempts allowed
  • Step 2 – cut off,
  • Are attempts allowed
  • Step 2 cs – are attempts allowed

[if there is no mention about the attempts, consider allowed]

USCE: 
  • Minimum no of months required.
  • Are observerships accepted? (some programs don’t; so keep a look out for this)
  • Also make sure you take note of programs which don’t allow externships – California programs don’t usually

YOG

YOG requirement: within 2 years/ <5 years/ nothing mentioned [If not mentioned, it means it is open to all the graduates irrespective of yog]

Letter of Recommendations
  • Minimum LORs required
  • Requirement for LOR from Dean
  • s there any minimum no. of LORs from the same specialty attending? [In Pediatrics, minimum of 2 lors must come from Pediatricians]

Note: Maximum  lors you can attach to one program application in ERAS is four.

IMG acceptance rate
Frieda should have this, if not, doximity has this. Look at the last few years resident lists in the program to have an idea of their acceptance manner. If you find someone from your country/alumni, reach out to them as early as possible. [can skip this column in the list if you want to; you should apply broad and everywhere that you can]

Tips: 
  • Some of the Img friendly states are : NY, NJ, Maryland, Illinois, Michigan. USMLEsarthi did an analysis of IMG friendly states and you can find it here on YouTube. 
  • States that prefer an USCE from that place – Texas, Florida, Kansas, Louisiana


2) Your list should also include the details about the program
  • Program coordinator (PC) and Program director (PD) contact information
  • Phone and Email for PC Mainly, email for PD
  • Type of Program
  • University/ Community affiliated with university/ community program
  • Does it have research? What are the different available tracks in the program? Special features/ positive points about the program [the last three questions can be done if you get an iv from that program]

3) Color-coding the list

Once you have a list that you personally made or got it from elsewhere, you SHOULD color-code it to meet your requirements.
Follow these colors for a better list:

RED – Programs that you DEFINITELY can’t apply
  • Includes if you don’t meet visa sponsoring criteria
  • Includes any special requirement like till earlier, PTAL
PINK – Programs that you PROBABLY can’t apply
  • Includes if you don’t meet step score, USCE, YOG criteria

What you can do: CALL the PC! Find out if they make any exceptions with the criteria. Once you confirm it as no, the program moves to RED category. If yes, it moves to YELLOW.

YELLOW – Programs that you CAN apply to
  • Includes the exceptions after getting can yes from them (even if it in a high img friendly program)
  • Includes low img friendly programs

GREEN – Programs that you DEFINITELY CAN apply to
  • Includes programs that you meet requirements for
  • Includes high img friendly programs
  • Includes programs with alumni

WHITE – Programs that you aren’t sure about
  • Includes new programs
  • Includes programs you don’t have any information on.

4) Proceeding with the Color-coded list

Once you have your list color-coded, this is how it helps organize what you have to do.

RED – There is no use applying to these program. Completely SKIP them.

PINK – You can apply to these programs. If you are managing your budget, this is the list of programs you might want to consider skipping.

YELLOW – Apply to all these programs. If there are any programs in this list that specifically interests you, get in touch with the PC/PD

GREEN – You should DEFINITELY apply to these programs. If you can, make personalized PS for these programs and send email/call to show your interest.

WHITE – You should apply to these programs too.

​Good Luck:

USMLEsarthi team offers a free customized list to its registered students. 
 To know more about our program lists click here.

Useful Videos for IMGs

Mistakes IMGs make in Personal Statement, ERAS CV and interviews

How to fill your ERAS application

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