Step 1: Explore the Specialty
Before you pursue a career in Internal Medicine, it's important to be well informed about the specialty. We've put together a great collection of articles and resources which are essential reading for the aspiring internist.
These articles will give you a better idea of the pros and cons of a career in the field, trends in the specialty, and hot-topic issues for trainees.
Hot Topics, Concerns, and Future Directions in Internal Medicine
Step 2: Review Internal Medicine Match Data
U.S medical school seniors are readily able to match into internal medicine. In the 2018 NRMP Match, only 1.8% of U.S. seniors who applied to the field went unmatched. However, top-tier university programs are quite competitive.
Osteopathic applicants may match into allopathic or osteopathic internal medicine residency programs. There are approximately 100 osteopathic residency programs.
In 2018, approximately 2,828 international medical graduates matched into the specialty. However, many fail to match. In the 2018 Match, 43% of U.S. IMGs and 42.3% of non-U.S. IMGs went unmatched (IMGs are considered independent applicants).
Internal Medicine-Charting Outcomes in the Match for U.S. MD 2018
National Resident Matching Program, Charting Outcomes in the Match: U.S. Allopathic Seniors, 2018. National Resident Matching Program, Washington, DC 2018.
Internal Medicine-Charting Outcomes in the Match for U.S. DO 2018
National Resident Matching Program, Charting Outcomes in the Match: U.S. Osteopathic Seniors, 2018. National Resident Matching Program, Washington, DC 2018.
Internal Medicine-Charting Outcomes in the Match for IMGs 2018
National Resident Matching Program, Charting Outcomes in the Match for International Medical Graduates, 2018. National Resident Matching Program, Washington, DC 2018.
Step 3: Understand Residency Selection Criteria
"In the 2015-2016 application season, we received 1,833 applications for our 12 positions and filled through ERAS," writes the Department of Medicine at the University of Tennessee.
To maximize your chances of matching with your first-choice residency program in internal medicine, you must become well informed as early as possible. In particular, you need to know the criteria residency programs use to select residents.
We recommend beginning with the following resources:
Internal Medicine-2018 NRMP Program Director Survey
National Resident Matching Program, Data Release and Research Committee: Results of the 2018 NRMP Program Director Survey. National Resident Matching Program, Washington, DC. 2018.
Check out these other recommended resources
Step 4: Develop your Strategy for Success
As competition for positions in the internal medicine residency match intensifies, it's more important than ever to have in place the "right" strategy for success. To develop the optimal strategy, use our book, The Successful Match. It's been designated recommended or required reading by the Association of American Medical Colleges, American Medical Women's Association, and numerous allopathic and osteopathic medical schools. AMSA wrote the book "provides the medical student reader with detailed preparation for the matching process." For more powerful information, sign up for our weekly update.
Step 5: Make the Most of your Preclinical Years
Step 6: Apply for Scholarships and Awards
Winning medical school scholarships and awards can provide a major boost to your residency application, and set you apart from your peers. Awards can be placed in the application, MSPE (Dean's Letter), letters of recommendation, and CV. We have found that interviewers often ask about awards during residency interviews.
Step 7: Assess your USMLE Step 1 Score or COMLEX 1 Score
The USMLE or COMLEX is an important factor in the family medicine residency selection process. In 2018, the mean USMLE Step 1 score among matched U.S. seniors was 233 and the mean COMLEX 1 score among matched osteopathic students was 554. Among unmatched U.S. seniors and osteopathic students, the mean score was 207 and 465, respectively.
Step 8: Strive for Success During Clerkships, Observerships and Externships
Grades in required or core clerkships are very important to internal medicine residency programs. In a NRMP survey of internal medicine residency programs, 73% cited "grades in required clerkships" as a factor in selecting applicants to interview. Internal Medicine rotations are also of obvious importance to international medical graduates seeking positions in the field.
Step 9: Prepare a Powerful Residency Application
Step 10: Develop a Powerful Personal Statement
Step 11: Deliver an Impressive Interview Performance
What if I didn't match?
If you were unsuccessful during your initial match cycle, you'll need to sit down with your dean or advisor to review your match strategy. In planning your reapplication, each of the steps above becomes even more important.
For those who seek additional expert assistance, we can provide that. Dr. Desai has had significant experience in helping re-applicants match successfully.
This is provided via a Strategy for Success Session. Dr. Desai will perform a comprehensive review of your credentials, assess your strengths and weaknesses, and provide you with a specific plan to implement tailored to your unique situation.