@goldenrock we had a similar process set up for our daughter but her process was 3 years ago. She is using same email for fellowship and so I just looked at the timeline.
Your current timeline says 9/16 is when the applications have to be complete and I think it was 9/15 in 2019 when programs could see who is applying to them. They had a step where MSPE was being released only around 9/29 and this was considered very important part of the package. However, we were very surprised when your D’s home program issued interview on 9/23 followed by WashU, followed by Michigan, Vanderbilt etc in quick succession where one realizes they didnt care about MSPE (this provides the rank). So these happened by 10/3. California schools came in second week of October, east coast ones mid October. Rejections started showing up in early November.
I think my daughter did a few interviews in October, some in November, some December and then chose not to do anymore after receiving 12 by pulling out from the rest. She pulled out from her safeties very early on since she received invites from 4 top schools in the first week. The interview season used to be short (ended mid Jan and took 2 months for results before covid). So I dont know if the patterns have changed since I have heard of people interviewing late February a year ago.
1 .When do interview invitations start coming out?
Specialty dependent. Some programs in some specialties starting sending out IIs within couple of days of ERAs opening. Most wait until after the MSPEs have been uploaded (Sept 28th this cycle)
Interview invitations may continue to be tendered until early January.
2. When do interviews start?
The second week of October is a pretty common start date. Interviews will continue thru mid January
3. How critical is AOA–another criteria among n factor or it carries good weightage?
Specialty dependent. Program dependent. It used to be critical for anyone interested in competitive specialties to have; however, AOA has fallen out of favor at some programs because it has been shown that the nomination process for AOA can be racially biased. Still AOA (if offered at your school) is a definite plus and can make an application stand out from the pack. AOA membership alone won’t guarantee an interview anywhere, but may get an application a second look from the PD.
4. Any other tips or points we need to be aware and prepared for?
Interview invitations tend to come in waves. There are usually at least two, possible 3 waves of invitations going out. Getting a II in the last waves doesn’t mean a student won’t be seriously considered for a residency slots. It’s about fit. Fit is much, much more important for residency than it is for med school.
If at all possible make sure to attend any virtual “get-to-know” us type events offered. And any student-sponsored social hours.
Note that not all programs are holding virtual interviews. A minority of programs have announced they will be holding in-person interviews this fall/winter.
P.S. Unless it’s changed scheduling residency interview is done through a centralize scheduler on ERAs.
Well, Step 2 scores came in solid. Not great, but solid. Still an improvement. SIL is working on his personal statement, and getting lots of feedback from his school.
I helped with a spreadsheet gathering IMG data…the kids set it up with 152 schools and I looked up letter requirements (he has 3 plus the dean, including 2 from US clinical experience, maybe a third coming), how much US experience is required, minimum step scores (if posted), visas supported, and general benefit information. I also looked at current residents to see how many are IMG and where they come from. Several quality programs have residents from SIL’s school (RCSI in Dublin).
SIL attended one prospective Zoom, and has another scheduled.
We learned SO much from this project. Some programs have amazing support, and some are just ridiculous. One program had a minimum step score of 260! Another required minimum one year US clinical hands-on experience.
On the other hand, one program has a team dedicated to IMG and helping them settle in to the US. Another offers a bonus of $30-60k if you are hired at the hospital after your residency.
I was able to eliminate about 10 programs/152. We have 112 IM programs on the list and 31 family med programs (as a backup, maybe).
I will keep you posted! SIL is excited and nervous. The Zoom made it all real, and he can see himself working in a hospital now lol. Next 3 weeks are BUSY!
I noticed people in fellowships at WashU and MedStar (Georgetown) who have Irish medical degrees. Some of them seemed caucasian (not sure Irish/british or other countries like Canada) and some were from Saudi/Kuwait/Lebanon. It seemed like some of them did IM residencies in the same schools and continued on. Will your SIL get a US greencard or you are all Canadian?
Several of the fellows are IMGs. You can check where all they did IM residencies. First on the list seems to be from his med school (?).
He should definitely apply to Texas Tech Lubbock, LSU Shreveport. A lot of Shreveport IMs are IMGs in all fields. I see two of your SILs school grads in year 1.
Well, applications are in, and SIL has 3 IM interviews already! Community hospitals in MI and CO. We are humbled and excited and can’t wait to see where the kids wind up😁
@Boilerjoanne thats terrific! For more to some…and a good match day too.
We walked in your shoes a few years ago…and it was quite the time. There were five of us with kids applying for residency and most of us still keep in touch from time to time!
@Boilerjoanne - great news! The next couple of months will hopefully be really busy for them! Match day (even though ours ended up as being virtual) is indeed special.
For him!!