Neuro vs IM for residency
I absolutely adore Neurology, love the diversity of cases and I am really passionate about it.
But as a Non US IMG , the recent match rates for Non US IMG as 17% this year ( in contrast to IM : 30%) really makes me wonder if I should go for it .
According to the NRMP data , roughly speaking 1 in 2 IMGs matched in IM while 1 in 4 matched in neurology.
I have already graduated and will be yog -2-3 by the time I apply ,so , I am already running late .
Every other neuro applicant or resident that I have spoken to gives me the same advice - That if I am passionate about it and if my CV is completely neuro oriented that I'll have a good chance in match .
But what did those 3 out of 4 people not do that they didn't match ? It can't be true for all the remaining people that they weren't passionate enough or their CV wasn't neuro oriented, maybe a small percentage of people yes but not all . So why didn't they match?
So I really want you guys to give me a raw and unfiltered truth. Is it really worth trying if I go all in neuro ? What is that sets you apart from others as neuro applicants? And what NOT to do if you plan to apply?
Thank you in advance, I would love it if you guys could give me some input!