Shake hands like Barrack: Busting common myths about residency application

By Iva Neupane

1. AMG do not have good score.

Wrong: they have excellent score plus – they manage to do more during their undergrad and med school e.g. actually volunteer in remote countries, publish papers, are into sports and also manage to play piano…(hope you got the picture). Luckily, these applicants are very ambitious, thus would prefer to go to top tier programs-that means more spots for IMG in community hospitals. Since most of the program now have to go for match, good chances for IMG to match in university program: so, spend your money carefully.

2. I never did much for my cv, its already too late.

Nope: start today- look for ways that can add more to your CV. Volunteer at local hospital (Nepal or US), health camps, teaching -schools/community( teach English at local govt school…just do something for others). Look for opportunity to do observership even if you don’t get LOR on time. Keep looking and keep doing whatever is feasible at that time.

3. It’s very hard “this year”.

Trust me I hear this every year!!!  This is your journey and its known to be hard one. Stop whining about it already!!!

4. You can only do medicine, pediatrics or psych.

Wrong. USA still needs a lot of primary-level provider (PCP, hospitalist, general pediatrician and psychiatrist) – demand is higher for these specialties. But if you want to be a surgeon, you can- you just have to try harder-better score, better CV and also be ready for the vigorous training.

5. I don’t have US LOR- so my chances are slim: not entirely true.

If you can, try to get a US LOR. If it’s not possible/time crunch-don’t cry about it.  LOR written by prominent figure or someone who is familiar to the program definitely weighs more. However, I don’t think LOR from a Dr Smith or Dr Sharma don’t outweigh each other.

6. People who already have done residency in home country have better chance.

Not really. Residency in USA is supposed to be for those who just got out of med school. There are specific requirement and the training is supposed to be done in a specific manner: expectations are clear.  A residency in your home country can makes you more mature and knowledgeable but that does not add much weigh to what kind of trainee you become during your residency here in US.

7. I can say whatever abut Nepal during interview, what would they know?

You could not be more incorrect.  My Program Director knew how we IMG studied: she knew we take some time off after med school, are super score oriented. Also, lots of colleagues I know have been to Nepal: so please do not tell them anything crazy. I once interviewed somebody who wrote in her CV that she could speak Nepali because she did her med school in Assam. At the end of interview, I asked her to say something in Nepali. She said something that did not made sense. I did not tell her that I’m Nepali as I did not want to embarrass her.

8. My English is not good: my chances are slim.

Give and take -most of the program understand that English might not be your mother tongue and you would have an accent.

My division secretary still corrects my pronunciation. The only way to improve is listen and practice (talk to yourself in the mirror).

9. I don’t speak Spanish/ French or whatever language to match in that region. There is a thing in every hospital in the USA called “interpreter service”. As long as you speak English and you are good on your CV, you are all set.

10. I don’t care about fashion; I am a doctor.

Well, you don’t have to wear the fashion ramp but make sure you and your luggage do not smell. Clean hair and nail please. I am writing this because I have had experience with these.

Smile is the best accessory!! Guys do good with suits. Girls, its ok to wear skirt (My PD always wore skirt, she was in her 60s) and please tuck your shirts. No loud make up but a gentle touch it good.

Moral of the story is: you need to look as if you care about this interview and you made an effort to look your best.

11. It’s too early to write personal statement.

This takes time. Unlike the other steps in the application, this one is very subjective and requires a lot of effort to make it stand out. Start writing a draft as soon as possible, you might have to re-write it many many times, have everyone read it and edit it. This might take months. A good personal statement would not get you a residency but a bad one definitely makes a bad impact. You do not want to be remembered as “the one with bad personal statement”.

12. To get into residency is very hard.

Well, this is what it’s supposed to be. Hundreds and thousands of people go through the same. If you were able to get through MBBS, you can absolutely get through this. Perseverance is the key word here. STAY POSITIVE AND FOCUSED AND YOU WILL GET IT!!!

13. Common etiquette: 
Practice firm handshake. Start practicing on your parents, siblings, everyone you meet in the street. Stand straight when you shake hand (watch Obama videos), do not bend as if you are going to touch their legs for blessings.

Don’t get too close to anyone, “personal space “is real thing here in US.

Make sure you Open the door/hold the door for any female and older adult. Start practicing this on your mother, wife, sister and friends already!!

Birthdays are special here. Even older people celebrate their birthdays. Please be mindful.

Iva Neupane is an attending Physician and Faculty at The Geriatrics Department, Rhode Island Hospital. She did her Residency in Internal Medicine at Saint Vincent Hospital and also worked as a Chief Resident. She completed her Geriatric Fellowship at The Brown University in Providence. She speaks from her experience as a chief resident and a faculty interviewing and selecting residents and fellows.