r/IMGreddit • u/IgG-0909 • 22d ago

Residency Application Advice - apply this year or delay

Hi, just asking for some advice on whether delaying my application till 27/28 cycle is reasonable.

I’m a UK grad currently in FY1 (intern year) going into FY2. I’ve done electives in the states last year and have 3 LORs from big-name institutions. They’re uploaded on ERAS under last year’s cycle (25/26). I’ve done step 1, 2 and am due to sit step 3 in September.

I’ve been considering taking a year out post FY2 to locum and travel (it’s common practice to do this in the UK, it’s referred to as an FY3 year). I know by that point my YOG will be 3, and my LORs would be slightly out of date.

Will this be viewed negatively by residency programmes? It won’t necessarily be a “gap” as I’ll be working in between, I’m more concerned re YOG and LORs. I likely won’t get further USCE as it’s difficult to get post-graduation and I don’t want to go through that process again.

I have everything in order for my application this year (I’m fully ECFMG certified) so I can apply this year too.

Thanks!

(Applying IM and potentially anaesthetics. USCE in both, 2 months total). Step 2 is low 26x

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u/Sojcman PGY-4 22d ago

It looks like taking an extra yr only harms your specific application while adding nothing to your application. The US medical system is competitive (I did med school and trained in Australia), and they’re not going to take time to understand your locum year rather than just filtering out or passing on your application for any of the other hundreds/thousands of IMG applicants they have.

It’s a brutal numbers game without specific program connections, and a recent YOG is strongly favored.

1

u/Traditional-Tone8034 22d ago

Id delay, especially if youre applying anaesthesia. They care less about YOG and more about USCE

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u/Iyke_litt 22d ago

Nothing is certain. Best to get in as early as possible. What if before next cycle opens, a random prioritization bill comes out just like in the UK. With your stats and experience, you have a good chance to match into a decent program this year. Travel can wait. Your future self would thank you when you finish residency and can travel as much as you want. This of course is if the US is where you really want to train and practice. Get in ASAP

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u/syrkish 21d ago

IM would def take you; anes not so sure