IM Subspecialty Fellowship in the US

[ihsh]

Does anyone know if it's possible for a Canadian citizen in a Canadian internal medicine program to apply to American programs for subspecialty fellowships? As an example, can someone in their 3rd year of IM at McMaster apply for a respirology fellowship in the States, given that they have taken all the STEPs?

 

[ArchEnemy]

Yes, it is possible. If you are a US citizen this would be significantly easier. If Canadian citizen, it is possible too but will most likely have to go on a temporary J1 Visa.

[MDStudenthappy]

Do you need the steps to do it or to practice?

 

[ygella]

For most programs you need the steps and have to meet the cut off (IM ones are usually not high depending on the school and program), BUT there are fellowships that do not need the steps.

In order to practice you need the steps, but some states will accept the LMCC part I and II as equivalent. Here is a pdf that tells you which states accept the LMCC, I don't know how the requirements have change since this was published: https://www.visalaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/physicianchart.pdf

[MDStudenthappy]

OMG this was so helpful. I was mainly interested in gastroenterology fellowships or respirology

[WeDayDream]

MDStudenthappy. Just wondering why you want to go to the states?

[ihsh]

On 10/1/2019 at 7:17 PM, ygella said:

For most programs you need the steps and have to meet the cut off (IM ones are usually not high depending on the school and program), BUT there are fellowships that do not need the steps.

In order to practice you need the steps, but some states will accept the LMCC part I and II as equivalent. Here is a pdf that tells you which states accept the LMCC, I don't know how the requirements have change since this was published: https://www.visalaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/physicianchart.pdf

Wow that's very helpful, thanks! I wish I had known about the cutoffs before writing the Step 1 with inadequate prep and scoring a measly 230. It seems that a score of 240 or above is the "safe" score at which applicants are always granted interviews (as of 2016, and who knows if this will increase even more): http://www.nrmp.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2016-PD-Survey-Report-SMS.pdf

Do you know if similar cutoffs are used for second fellowships? If I want to go to the States for a fellowship, I'd only want to go if it it's a good program and it'd be unfortunate if my step 1 score ends up holding me back from a fellowship 7 years down the future...

[ArchEnemy]

On 10/1/2019 at 7:17 PM, ygella said:

For most programs you need the steps and have to meet the cut off (IM ones are usually not high depending on the school and program), BUT there are fellowships that do not need the steps.

In order to practice you need the steps, but some states will accept the LMCC part I and II as equivalent. Here is a pdf that tells you which states accept the LMCC, I don't know how the requirements have change since this was published: https://www.visalaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/physicianchart.pdf

I assume that this document must be quite outdated? What does a USMLE score of 75 translate to? 

[JohnGrisham]

On 10/7/2019 at 2:48 AM, ihsh said:

Wow that's very helpful, thanks! I wish I had known about the cutoffs before writing the Step 1 with inadequate prep and scoring a measly 230. It seems that a score of 240 or above is the "safe" score at which applicants are always granted interviews (as of 2016, and who knows if this will increase even more): http://www.nrmp.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2016-PD-Survey-Report-SMS.pdf

Do you know if similar cutoffs are used for second fellowships? If I want to go to the States for a fellowship, I'd only want to go if it it's a good program and it'd be unfortunate if my step 1 score ends up holding me back from a fellowship 7 years down the future...

I know people who went for US fellowships with lower step 1 scores as they just want for a pass (wrote as residents), and got into big brand name centres. A 230 is fine.