Urology Residency for FMG/IMG

You will need to pass all 3 parts of the USMLE, plus get visas to train in the US.  You will probably need to spend some time doing clinical rotations here in the US.  It is very difficult to match to urology in the US as an FMG.  I interviewed at 22 schools and met hundreds of applicants.  Only 2 were IMG's, both Americans studying in the Carribean. 

For any FMG/IMG's with a genuine interest in urology, you CAN do it! Although it's not really talked about- it is possible. This year, I know of at least 3 FMG's that matched into great programs.Few tips:1)Try to do well on your USMLE exams, no need for 99/99 but that can't hurt. Not all the US grads that match have stellar scores. Most FMG's have better scores across the board (not going to get into the nitty gritty about this debatable topic)2) Find a mentor- this doesn't have to be someone at a big name institution, although that definitely helps. This person will guide you- make calls for you- etc.3) Try to do an away rotation or observorship. Not necessarily at a place you want to match, but just to get an unbiased reality check. i.e. "Do I really want to do this?"4) Research!!! Doesn't have to be anything extremely complicated- or even basic sciences. Find a project, or brainstorm something- write your heart out- apply for grants- submit abstracts to conferences. It's about initiative.5) Be social- this helps tremendously. People know people who know people. This is the way things work. Your father or mother doesn't have to be a urologist, but be sociable and network at every opportunity.You never know who you may be seated next to on a plane or at dinner!6) Do your homework. When applying for positions, do the extra legwork required. Check a programs history- have they taken IMG's in the past? Look for diversity- DO residents etc. Don't' discount less desriable geographic areas, you may have your best shot here.7) Apply early. Yes, september 1st on the dot. Everything should be in. This necessitates getting letters early on.8) GO ON EVERY INTERVIEW9) Don't be discouraged about regrets letters. Be persistent. Even programs that initially give regrets may give you a second chance if spots open up later. Quite a few people landed spots this way.10) Be confident. Believe in your goal- follow your dream- and fake your confidence until you believe it... this shines thru.Good luck everyone! Can't wait to be a urologist!!!!!

Anonymous User wrote:

For any FMG/IMG's with a genuine interest in urology, you CAN do it! Although it's not really talked about- it is possible. This year, I know of at least 3 FMG's that matched into great programs.Few tips:1)Try to do well on your USMLE exams, no need for 99/99 but that can't hurt. Not all the US grads that match have stellar scores. Most FMG's have better scores across the board (not going to get into the nitty gritty about this debatable topic)2) Find a mentor- this doesn't have to be someone at a big name institution, although that definitely helps. This person will guide you- make calls for you- etc.3) Try to do an away rotation or observorship. Not necessarily at a place you want to match, but just to get an unbiased reality check. i.e. "Do I really want to do this?"4) Research!!! Doesn't have to be anything extremely complicated- or even basic sciences. Find a project, or brainstorm something- write your heart out- apply for grants- submit abstracts to conferences. It's about initiative.5) Be social- this helps tremendously. People know people who know people. This is the way things work. Your father or mother doesn't have to be a urologist, but be sociable and network at every opportunity.You never know who you may be seated next to on a plane or at dinner!6) Do your homework. When applying for positions, do the extra legwork required. Check a programs history- have they taken IMG's in the past? Look for diversity- DO residents etc. Don't' discount less desriable geographic areas, you may have your best shot here.7) Apply early. Yes, september 1st on the dot. Everything should be in. This necessitates getting letters early on.8) GO ON EVERY INTERVIEW9) Don't be discouraged about regrets letters. Be persistent. Even programs that initially give regrets may give you a second chance if spots open up later. Quite a few people landed spots this way.10) Be confident. Believe in your goal- follow your dream- and fake your confidence until you believe it... this shines thru.Good luck everyone! Can't wait to be a urologist!!!!!

 An absolutely excellent and thorough reply, well done! As one of the FMGs to match this year, I second this wonderful post. 1) Having good board scores will open doors, bottom line. DO WELL, it will be much easier to get interviews, trust me. 2) Having a mentor is wonderful. I didn't have anyone I could count on to make calls/emails for me, but the advice on which places to apply, etc was really helpful. 3) I didn't match at a place that I did a rotation in, but having LORs from those places definitely helped, and I would might have been necessary. 4) Research is definitely a bonus. Not necessary, but a big help. It seems like everyone is doing some sort of research, and it may stand out if you don't have it on your CV. Also, the networking accomplished by going to conferences/presenting/etc could only help.5) Absoultely be social, especially on interviews. At that point, everyone that made it to the interview is a good applicant. Stand out for the right reasons, programs want a team player that they will enjoy working with for the next 5-6 years.6) Good advice. Apply broadly, geography/location cannot hinder where you are willing to go. 7) I agree, applying early is necessary. There is no reason why you should not be applying within the first few days of september. 8) Absolutely.. every interview is an opportunity to match, and sometimes you will be very surprised at what you find during your interview day.  9) Be persistent. Let them know you are a great person, very excited about the program, can speak english, etc..10) Confidence is key. It is very intimidating going head to head with some of the best medical students from so many prestigious programs across the country. But be confident in your abilities, and if you are invited for an interview, realize that you were invited because you are a potential resident, and it is your turn to prove to them that they should rank you highly.GOOOOOOOD LUCK! It is a long process, take it one day at a time, but if you match, soooo worth it in the end!

What are the chances of someone like me with a score of 95 in step 1 and 94 in step 2 with CS first attempt pass .I have been in urology in UK for 6 years now,did my post graduate degree in UK .But my aim is to do residency in US. Regards,Pavan.

To those two peop,e above who gave very great comments on how can img enter a urology residency, may We know if youre already urologists on ur own countries? The aua states on its website that the match rate for mgs is 25%.  This seems like a high rate but it doesnt say what are the credentials of these people who are able to make it.Also, just wanna know your insights on this..im an img who got 249 on step 1 and about to take step 2. My real specialty of choice is urology but i also considered im as back up. Got interviews from several programs already even before the application. I was also offered a research fellowship option at a big institution that does basic science research. As september is fast approaching, i dont know if ill put all my eggs in the research fellowship option and give up the easy path to im. What are your thoughts guys?

Wow.. thank you all for the advice... it was great to read all this.. key word = PERSISTENCE!! I hope those who are applying get matched! good luck everyone!!!!

FMG, US Student in Carrib school, really want to match into Urology.Stats: 3.5 BSGPA; 3.75 Clinical GPAStep 1: 238, 1st attemptStep 2: PendingWhat are my chances with 1 Urology-SubI? Thanks

Hi, I'm a urologist graduated from Iran 2 years ago and now I'm permanent resident of US. Is there any special chance for me to be accepted in a urology residency program or starting directly a hands-on fellowship in the field of urology?