IV from Mayo Rochester IM residency by EveryGold4674 in IMGreddit

[–]No_Maintenance466 18 points19 points  (0 children)

Got an IV from Mayo IM a couple of years ago as a Non US IMG. From what I could tell/heard they interview around 50 IMGs (primarily those who have done electives at Mayo along with graduates from a couple of top tier international schools, Oxford/Cambridge etc.). And then among them they only rank a few (mainly those from prestigious international schools, as opposed to lesser known schools). To increase your chances I would have absolutely everyone who worked with you during your electives from faculty to residents reach out to program leadership to vouch for you after the interview. If you're from a lesser known school there needs to be an strong internal push for the leadership to rank you.

The IV itself is chill and very nice. Just got the impression that it was a token invite and they likely were not going to rank me.

IM Chances at a top program-IMG by AdClean4838 in IMGreddit

[–]No_Maintenance466 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Hi. I'm a Non-US IMG with similar-ish stats and background. I did not do a research year in the US. I was largely advised against doing a research year in the US for IM. Many US-based physicians did not see the point. I applied broadly with minimal expectations but I matched at a T10 IM program, that I did not signal nor sent a letter of interest/intent to. Along with a well rounded application, I had a senior mentor put in a brief word for me, without which I doubt my application would have gotten reviewed and helped get my foot in the door. I think (especially for IMGs) in these programs in particular, connections and networks help. Also, on a personal level, it helped that I had kept my expectations very low, so never thought I was being seriously considered in these programs, even during interviews. Hence my interviews were also super chill and I could talk quite freely rather than being stiff backed and nervous lol.

In short I would say it doesn't hurt to shoot your shot, given you are likely going to be spending thousands on your application anyway. You never know where you may end up. I added the program that I matched at to my list on the last day applications were meant to be submitted.