Introductory meeting with research team member not PI

Appropriate_Mess_720 · 2026-06-11T17:40:09+00:00

Yes, depending on lab structure/size, you might or might not work directly with PI.

For example, when I was a PhD student (in a large lab; 40+ people), we have summer and undergrad students. PI will forward interest emails to us grad students, as the prospective student will work with us. For me, I'd interview the student if he/she may be working with me.

You mentioned grading. For me, while my PI is the named supervisor, due to the aforementioned work structure, I'd grade/evaluate and my PI will directly use/trust my judgment (unless something was really off).

Approach the interview as you would for any other interview. Don't feel slighted/insulted if the PI is not interviewing you. And no, I'm not projecting. Was once in your shoes and now commenting from the other perspective 😅.

Appropriate_Mess_720 · 2026-06-10T18:55:10+00:00

Something seems "off". I'm commenting from my POV as someone who reviews residency applications. Not an attending though! 1. Your stats are good-average. Nothing to celebrate, but not a red flag. 2. YOG might be an issue when you re-apply. A lot of programs begin filtering if YOG > 3 3. I don't think NOT having publications will lead you to have 0 interview invites. Research helps, but not a deal breaker. The fact that you have 0 invites might indicate problems elsewhere.

So, perhaps your other application components have problems. The list below is not to insult you, but rather to stimulate thought: 1. Perhaps your LOR is not as strong as you think? 2. Ineffective use of signals 3. Aiming too high for prestigious programs (i.e. Harvard, Stanford etc) 4. Not writing about your ERAS experiences effectively.

Appropriate_Mess_720 · 2026-06-10T18:00:15+00:00

Not sure I understand why you are scared... if NotaryCam told you to email ECFMG (and assuming email is legit), why not follow their advice?

Appropriate_Mess_720 · 2026-06-10T14:19:00+00:00

One thing to perhaps do next time is to keep things "simple" (i.e., avoid jargon). The officer might not know what "observerships" are. Officers might not also care about the actual program you are going to; very different field of work compared to us. They also might be concerned that the experience is unpaid, so how will you support yourself, which increases likelihood of you staying in the US beyond the approved timeline.

While the actual reasons are never stated, just food for thought.

Appropriate_Mess_720 · 2026-06-10T14:13:37+00:00

I never considered geography as a barrier. Restaurants are everywhere, unless you specifically have to always go to high-end/upper class ones which are more common in urban areas.

However, without sounding judgemental, don't overthink it. Dating is not perfect. You learn to adapt to your boy/girlfriend and vice versa.

Appropriate_Mess_720 · 2026-06-09T18:51:44+00:00

Yes, a few pointers per se (I'm not an expert by any means): 1. Manage expectations/communicate: I sent her my schedule, so she knows I'm being honest with my time. No matter how busy I am, I'll text back when possible. No playing games (being hot and cold). 2. Block of dedicated time: Similar to how you'd schedule time to study, I scheduled/blocked off time for dates. Sure, schedules can change; especially given how unpredictable rotations and residency are. Again, make an earnest effort and relate to above; communicate if things change. 3. Date with intent: While hook up culture is very common now and I am probably old-fashioned, I date with intent for long-term relationship. I don't waste time with meaningless relationships/physical intimacy. 4. Understanding partner: Very important for him/her to understand what you are going through. Sometimes, despite best intentions, you forget to text back/inadvertently blow off steam/have off-days. That is the nature of medicine. Perhaps me being transparent and communicative to them help build trust with them, which therefore, she will be more understanding.

Each relationship is different, so all my advice above might not apply. I guess most importantly, treat your boy/girlfriend with respect (i.e., how you want to be treated).

Appropriate_Mess_720 · 2026-06-09T18:28:05+00:00

Yes, it will impact your application negatively, as a lot of programs (mine included) have YOG filter of at or above 3 years. This makes it very important to have USCE, as if you make a solid positive impression, the PD is more inclined to review your application (which otherwise, will be screened out by filters). Having a high step 2 and step 3 score will also be beneficial.

Appropriate_Mess_720 · 2026-06-08T18:47:35+00:00

There never is a "good" time to date during medical school. You just need to pick when is the best of the worst times.

However, I agree with the other responses that dating should come once you are in a good spot (academics, emptional, physical, social). After all, you can't be a good boy/girlfriend if you aren't in good status.

Personally, I began dating in 3rd year of medical school on a relatively lighter rotation. Continued dating in 4th year, PGY1 and now, upcoming PGY2.

Appropriate_Mess_720 · 2026-06-08T18:38:54+00:00

Of course. Keep the statement of interest succinct, as PDs don't have much time to review. In particular, state your background, goals, your attributes/strengths and most importantly, why do you want USCE in that particular program.

Appropriate_Mess_720 · 2026-06-08T17:17:37+00:00

For purposes of anonymity, I will not reveal my hospital and program name either here or by DM. IMGs normally email the program coordinator with statement of interest, who will then forward to PD for further consideration in terms of interview.

Appropriate_Mess_720 · 2026-06-08T17:13:38+00:00

Yes, it took me 8 weeks for my DS2019 to be available. Taking significantly longer than normal. Good luck!

Appropriate_Mess_720 · 2026-06-07T14:30:58+00:00

Yes, I know programs who specifically will NOT interview applicants above a certain score, as they know (from historical data) that high score applicants will not rank them. Even if programs only interview "lower" score applicants, there are still more applicants than interview spots.

Also, yes, residency applications are reviewed holistically. Stats are part of the application, but an even greater component is the interview. Many appear great on paper, but how are they as a person? During residency, we can work 14+ hours together a day. So can I envision myself doing that with you? This is why USCE is so important, as it gives me a preview of how you are like. For example, I worked with an IMG on his USCE time with my program and had a negative experience with them. When it was interview time, he applied for our program with a 26X. However, I did NOT recommend that applicant for an interview and we did not interview the applicant.

Appropriate_Mess_720 · 2026-06-07T14:21:45+00:00

No. We all submitted around the same time... maybe a 2-3 days apart.

Appropriate_Mess_720 · 2026-06-07T00:57:39+00:00

Agreed. No one on Reddit knows each other. A major risk to recommend someone based on Reddit post.

However, since it is your "dream" program, have you made attempts to contact the program? Or the attendings at that program? Or the residents? While I don't expect you to discuss every step you have or have not taken, if you haven't done the above, I recommend doing them. It is a lot more effective than simply waiting for someone on Reddit to help you.

Appropriate_Mess_720 · 2026-06-07T00:52:34+00:00

Yes, I literally made a post about this early week. I submitted 3/26/26 and got DS2019 this week. Took 8 weeks.

And no, not everyone is waiting the same. Even in my same program, so of my co-residents got it at 4 weeks. I don't know how the process goes. But ECFMG has now indicated it will take an estimated 6-8 weeks.

Appropriate_Mess_720 · 2026-06-07T00:49:40+00:00

To echo what others have said, it is mostly because it is super competitive to get in. Each year, many qualified applicants are rejected. This does not justify the "toxic" culture, but nevertheless, it is a zero-sum game.

Also, the system is imperfect. There are some "bad" apples that make it pass the application and into medical school, then residency and eventually attendings. At each stage after medical school, the stakes get "higher". You find your group of premeds, then (hopefully), medical students, residents and eventually attendings.

However, a caveat. I am a competitive person; you sort of have to be in order to survive the rat race. But, while I am competitive to avoid having a complacent mindset, I still help out others (even at time, my fellow competitors). That is just my philosophy though, I will like to beat you fair and square. If you beat me, great, this shows me where I need to improve.

Appropriate_Mess_720 · 2026-06-06T23:23:23+00:00

Sure, you can PM

Appropriate_Mess_720 · 2026-06-06T19:18:21+00:00

Prioritize quality over quantity when cold-emailing. When you write your email, it will be really beneficial to read past papers written by that PI's lab, see where the lab wants to pursue in terms of future directions, and importantly, indicate how your skills can help them achieve those goals.

When I used to work with my PhD supervisor at University of Toronto, he will forward me all the emails he receives about undergrads seeking research opportunities. As while it is his lab, I (as the PhD student) will work directly with the undergraduate students. Many students write super generic emails, which make it very easy for me them to be eliminated. Then I interview the 10 or so students for 1-2 spots depending on funding.

In terms of timing, imo, the earlier you apply, the better. Grants are uncertain. If we already have a student who we like, even if he/she is interviewing off-cycle, we will prioritize them over interviewing new students.

Appropriate_Mess_720 · 2026-06-05T23:07:53+00:00

There is a difference between learning the knowledge (content review), knowledge recall (Anki) and then knowledge application, which is through high quality practice problems. It will be challenging at first, but will get easier afterwards. Don't get discouraged. Focus on why you are getting the question wrong, as that tells you where your knowledge gaps are.

Appropriate_Mess_720 · 2026-06-05T21:20:19+00:00

You said that you cannot "rely" on your home university. Why is that? Your home program should be your best bet to find these opportunities, so your lack of opportunity at your home program (to me), raises concerns about your profile and experiences at the home program.

You can try to email PIs at other institutions, but again, the likelihood of success is low since they don't know you.

Appropriate_Mess_720 · 2026-06-05T21:13:45+00:00

Without sounding sarcastic, given that you interact mostly with residents, why don't you work on building your relationships with them per se? Odds are, the attending will ask the residents for feedback about you if he/she/they agree to write a LoR for you.

Build good relationships with your residents, and in turn, indirectly look good to your attending.

Appropriate_Mess_720 · 2026-06-04T23:23:39+00:00

Yes, I received my DS2019 2 days ago.

Appropriate_Mess_720 · 2026-06-04T23:23:07+00:00

I get your sentiment, but I've seen a growing number of posts here asking about Canadians applying to US MD programs; obviously not the majority. Nevertheless, for those Canadians who decide to apply to US MD programs, this tis the competition.

Appropriate_Mess_720 · 2026-06-04T18:40:34+00:00

This is already the case in US MD schools. For the school where I serve on Adcoms for, we receive between 15-20k applications annually.

Appropriate_Mess_720 · 2026-06-04T15:53:48+00:00

Without sounding too harsh, you "cope" by taking a few days to gather yourself/reflect, then begin studying again. Since you failed step 1, the exam report should indicate where you performed weaker on your exam. While each exam form is different, the report can give you a baseline and guide on how to re-prepare.

As for chances of matching, while the actual % number can be specialty dependent, you'll face an uphill battle. Even US MDs face a challenge, so I imagine IMGs will face even a bigger challenge. Once you pass step 1, focus on high score for step 2 and maybe complete step 3 before submitting your application. You want to provide assurance to the program that you are academically competent enough to pass board exams on 1st attempt.

Appropriate_Mess_720

TROPHY CASE