u/LastRedditrOnTheLeft

Hi everyone,

Just a quick question, has anyone gotten responses from the programs that are advertising IM PGY1 positions on the sites I mentioned? Feeling a little discouraged as I think my stats are decent but have had an underwhelming response. For reference, I didn't participate in the Match due to timing reasons, no red flags. Non-visa requiring IMG.

Thanks!

Hi all,

I am hoping for some input regarding my match strategy.

My stats:

- US citizen grad from top-tier German med school in November 2020

- 4 years of postgrad work in IM/cards in Germany

- Step 1 low pass in 2019, Step 2 265

- EDIT: Will take Step 3 next week

- 1 month observership in US, 2 strong LORs from dept heads of cards and hospitalist dept

- 1 strong LOR from most recent job in home country, from highly published/cited PD

- 1 case report in JACC journal, 1 speaker presentation and 3 posters at large international conferences, several non-first authorships in legit research projects

I am hoping to match IM and later go on to a cards fellowship. I moved to the US a few months ago and have been working a research position to avoid gaps on my CV while I did Step 2 and OET. I have been applying off-cycle to any IM spots that open up for July 2026, but these seem like a mixed bag of lower-tier newer/ community programs so far. I am starting to doubt whether I should try to find a position for this July or whether it would be better to wait for the Match 2027 and aim for a position that would give me a better chance of matching cardiology down the road. I am planning to work as an MA to gain hands-on exposure in the meantime if I won't start residency until 2027.

Does anyone have any insights/ advice? Thank you!