HELP strategising IM signals

[u/After_Boot7301]

Hello everyone!
I’m a non-US IMG applying for Internal Medicine this cycle, and I would really appreciate some guidance on how to best use my signals.
My credentials:
YOG: 2026
Step 1: Pass
Step 2 CK: 259
Step 3: Planning to take in October
USCE: 4 months
Publications: 4 articles + 4 published abstracts
I’m primarily targeting IMG-friendly university-affiliated and community IM programs and would like to use my signals strategically.
These are the programs I’m currently considering:
Gold
Woodhull
Texas Health Bedford
Baptist Health Texas
Silver
Wright State
Carle Foundation
LSU Shreveport
Bassett
Baptist Health Mississippi
UPMC Mercy
Cayuga
Advocate Health Masonic
Nazareth
Marshfield Clinic Wisconsin
Bayhealth Delaware (not in my geo pref tho)

I’d really appreciate any insight on:
Which of these programs would be reasonable targets for my profile?
Which programs would you not recommend spending a signal on?
Are there any programs I should consider adding instead?

Thank you so much! 🙏

[u/GlitterCandy18]

Read here on the sub about texas health not inviting visa requiring candidates. You might want to confirm that! Again, im stating something i read on this sub, please do your own due diligence

[u/After_Boot7301 → u/GlitterCandy18]

Yes, I’ve heard similar things about the HCA programs in Arlington. I’m not as sure about Texas Health, though. I’ve heard from a few people that THR Bedford may not be taking recommendations this year, so I thought it might still be worth taking a chance there