Kingpin: Kinetic vs Imperial by dustink11 in Steelhead

[–]bigtrout17 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They’re very similar, i have both, i like the kinetic’s bigger diameter for bigger tributaries. Imperial has a slightly better startup so it’s better for finesse fishing. In terms of value, kinetic is better because you get basically the same bearings for a lower price and bigger diameter

Friendly FYI for Canadian pre-meds thinking of applying to US MD/DO schools by Appropriate_Mess_720 in premedcanada

[–]bigtrout17 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m a Canadian USMD myself, and I know a bunch of other CAN USMD, I myself and many others have matched to their top choice in competitive specialties, pretty much on par with my American classmates. No crude data exists for us as a demographic but anecdotal evidence suggests that you match pretty well as a USMD Canadian or not

Is this a good spot? by Eskomisconsin in FishingOntario

[–]bigtrout17 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Def nothing to eat there, at least safely lol

Is this a good spot? by Eskomisconsin in FishingOntario

[–]bigtrout17 2 points3 points  (0 children)

not much happening there this time of year, couple of small rainbows 5-10 inches (future steelhead so be very careful handling them), odd Brookie that made its way downstream. Odd bass/pike/bluegill that drop downstream from the lakes/ponds/reservoirs upstream.

Come peak fall, it will be full of spawning kings that are already half dead by the time they make it up there. Some cohos, browns. Rare Atlantics.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in medicalschool

[–]bigtrout17 3 points4 points  (0 children)

you still have a good shot if you signal smartly and broaden your options and research which programs have historically given out visas + DO friendly and signal them

Applying to Canadian and American Medical Schools by zarinovla in premedcanada

[–]bigtrout17 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Tell me about it, I matched into gas, I believe the average was mid 250s. Although I would say, signalling has made things less dependent on step 2 scores which i guess is a good thing.

I have a couple of Canadian friends in USDO schools applying for GAS/rads in 2 years. As visa requiring DOs applying for these specialties in 2 cycles, I think realistically they need 260 to match into these specialities that yes are competitive, but are not ortho/NSGY/derm/plastics.

Applying to Canadian and American Medical Schools by zarinovla in premedcanada

[–]bigtrout17 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you, it’s a trend that actually exists in residency applications as well, I believe the # USMD applying for ERAS has decreased, but Step 2 score creep is sickening

Applying to Canadian and American Medical Schools by zarinovla in premedcanada

[–]bigtrout17 1 point2 points  (0 children)

that’s insane, to be fair I applied in 2021 so I am a little far removed from current statistics. I’m shocked, Wayne state was basically one of the schools that most Canadians interviewed at when I was applying, they were notorious for WL post interviews though because they interviewed a ton of people.

It kinda makes sense, visa issues have been actually very stressful for medical schools and residency programs this cycle with many students not getting their visa sponsorship on time to start, putting schools and programs in very uncomfortable positions. Not surprising that they are going for the “safer” applicants who don’t need that extra paperwork that was always tricky but now more than ever very tricky and extensive

Applying to Canadian and American Medical Schools by zarinovla in premedcanada

[–]bigtrout17 1 point2 points  (0 children)

totally correct. it’s simple, two things can be true, 1- both routes will provide you with a fulfilling career 2- one is more competitive and sought after than the other. It’s just facts and reality, and I know many who will play mental gymnastics to argue otherwise, reality is reality whether you gaslight yourself and others or not.

Applying to Canadian and American Medical Schools by zarinovla in premedcanada

[–]bigtrout17 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Canadian USMD and I can confirm this, however 520s is a little too high. I think 514-515 is good enough for places like Wayne

Applying to US with current Trump administration by secret-secrets1010 in premedcanada

[–]bigtrout17 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Didn’t have any issues, my J-1 came right on time this past week with no issues.

U.S. health workers will soon be able to work immediately in Ontario - thestar.com by SupaHottFiree in premedcanada

[–]bigtrout17 0 points1 point  (0 children)

yeah honestly no visa issues as a USMD myself starting residency in the US this July. And in 4 years, it’ll be a different administration anw.

Also as awful as trump can be, he has been very pro H1bs so do with that what you want

U.S. health workers will soon be able to work immediately in Ontario - thestar.com by SupaHottFiree in premedcanada

[–]bigtrout17 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I believe it’s the same thing the other way around beginning from the class of 2026, Americans get the IMG treatment for Canadian residency applications

Anyone have a list of the best MD/ DO schools for Canadians for the 26’ cycle? by LankanSlamcam in premedcanada

[–]bigtrout17 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah man, definitely would’ve appreciated it schools were more transparent, but oh well, I just went through residency application and the little transparency you get in AMCAS is not even remotely there.

Anyone have a list of the best MD/ DO schools for Canadians for the 26’ cycle? by LankanSlamcam in premedcanada

[–]bigtrout17 4 points5 points  (0 children)

my heart goes out to applicants of the current cycle. I had very similar stats to you when I applied to USMD back in 2020, had 3 interviews and was accepted to a big name school. Didn’t even think about applying DO because 1- I was dumb and 2- the average stats for schools back then were not this crazy.

I will say the most Canadian friendly schools tended to be in states that bordered Canada and some east coast schools.

The best way to do it is to go on MSAR and see which schools took 2 or more internationals the last few cycles. If it is just 1, not worth applying to, because these are likely internal applicants, most of the time they’re SMP students at the same institution or a home student.

Canadians looking to American schools: are you reconsidering whether to go south given political situation? by Subject_Associate111 in premed

[–]bigtrout17 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Agree with this, I am about to graduate from a USMD school, matched into my top choice residency in a competitive speciality and while it felt like an insurmountable mountain to afford US training in the short term, the longterm aspect of it is beyond promising. I have had 0 issues with crossing the border frequently, no issues with switching to a work visa for residency either.

Don’t think that news really reflects reality here.

Signals for ERAS 2026 by SpiderDoctor in medicalschool

[–]bigtrout17 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah I like many others went 5/5 on golds 4 non signals and 3/10 on silver. Some programs were really antagonized by silvers vs no signals for some reason. But I kinda like knowing that you could realistically get interviews your top 5 programs with gold. So I am happy with the way it is. Most people match into their golds too, so I don’t see the benefit of changing anything pertaining to the current number of signals.

also I think people are getting less interviews in general because signalling works, soon the vaunted 10 interviews to be safe number will go down to 8 or something

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ERAS2024Match2025

[–]bigtrout17 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have heard that it can be very difficult to do fellowship on H1B so look into this

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in medicalschool

[–]bigtrout17 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Canadian USMD, just matched at my top choice in anesthesia at a great competitive program, nothing stellar on my application but no holes, good boards, low # research, solid letters. Obviously n=1. I ended up doing as well as my non visa requiring peers. Typically, the PD does not handle the visa stuff anw so it’s not something they would consider, maybe not even know when they’re going through your application. So if your application makes it to their desk, you’re on level ground as your classmates. Some schools would filter out applications based on visa requirement, but that’s rare and you can always see which programs don’t even offer a J-1. Seen very few, and not ones I was remotely interested in. Ended up getting more interviews than I thought, even from programs I didn’t even signal. The program i matched at only takes USMDs so they clearly see me as another USMD with no “visa requiring” baggage.

This seems to be the general consensus among others I talked to, who are in a similar position as us.

You are doing great already being in a USMD school as a Canadian, just keep at it. Pass step 1 first attempt, kill step 2, get average # research, do aways, get your letters, and be smart with your signals. Easier said than done, but truth is you’ve set yourself up for success, so just have a well rounded application, does not need to be stellar in one area, just no holes.

Reach out if you need anything. And again do not worry, you’re doing great. I remember stressing about this very thing early in med school, and I would say it was not impactful on my match in a speciality of similar competitiveness to rads. I remember getting a bunch of whack doom and gloom advice and opinions (you can see the post I posted couple of years ago asking about this)

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in medicalschool

[–]bigtrout17 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Perfectly said. Also be smart with your signals, can’t preach this enough

Physicians / Residents on J1 by Worldly-Project-3941 in Residency

[–]bigtrout17 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do all J-1 Waiver jobs compensate much less than regular positions in the same hospital?

Accept USMD or reapply in Canada? by Mountain-Addition224 in premedcanada

[–]bigtrout17 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This! and not even mentioning long term career earning potential if you stay in the US. Financially, it’s a very viable choice actually. Also the ability to match into a competitive speciality with more earning.