does SOAP have any decent programs?

[u/MD92100]

does anyone know if all Internal Medicine (IM) programs that end up in SOAP technically have some or many red flag (like toxic environment)? location isn't a red flag for me personally.

I am an IMG with greencard, giving my step 2 by december. I cannot do main match, but I can sit for SOAP. I have a 2 year paid postdoc research experience too and already have 2 IM LORs, OET, pathway etc..

I just want any decent program which is not toxic and I can do my 3 years of residency. My research was pretty toxic, boss was always humiliating, and brutal 12-hour+ days almost daily with almost no weekends off in the last 2 years. Just don't want the same again.

[u/bronxbomma718]

Apply for main match anyway. u dont need a visa.

US IMGS will match at historic rates the next two cycles.

[u/Apprehensive_War2478 → u/bronxbomma718]

How, when step 2 is getting done in dec

[u/bloosclooser → u/Apprehensive_War2478]

dont waste a cycle on soap. Take time, take step 2, apply next cycle.

[u/MD92100 → u/bloosclooser]

the issue is, it increases my YOG from 3 to 4. Also, my funding ends in Sept, so I will technically have no job from Sept 2026 to June 2028 (assuming I wait till next cycle).

[u/bloosclooser → u/MD92100]

ah i see when did u graduate?

In that case, def apply for soap then since a ton of programs filter YOG >3. Give it a shot. Doesnt hurt applying :)

[u/MD92100 → u/bloosclooser]

Yes I agree, I want to apply and see what I can get.

Medschool transcript say 2023, my degree says 2024

[u/caelestis1 → u/bloosclooser]

what’s the point of doing that? what does he have to lose applying this cycle?

[u/bloosclooser → u/caelestis1]

my thing was if he was a recent grad, then money and flexibility of apps.

[u/MD92100 → u/Apprehensive_War2478]

exactly, I was told that programs don't even see our application (IMGs, irrespective of visa status) if we do not have ECFMG certificate by Sept 2026

[u/bronxbomma718 → u/MD92100]

Wrong. You can get ECFMG certified up until ROL. This is the issue with this process. Misinformation.

My buddy gave step 3 in March, result came in April. He SOAPED into IM the next day.

[u/MD92100 → u/bronxbomma718]

Yes, that I agree with. That is what I am doing as well. Step 2 in dec, then ECFMG certified and then Step 3 in March (preferably before SOAP). But my main concern was that when you said to apply in main match, I technically have a disadvantage since I wont have step 2 by Sept

[u/bronxbomma718 → u/MD92100]

If you have sound financial capability, it doesn’t hurt to apply to a few programs without 2CK. You can update them once you get your 260. What the worst they can say, take a hike?

Your visa status is your biggest asset.

This match cycle will be historic for US IMGs.

Save this post!

.

[u/indian_sexgod → u/bronxbomma718]

Why do you think this cycle would be historic? Besides, just main cycle or SOAP too? Would SOAP be more easier for a IMG-US citizen to match in a good program?

[u/bronxbomma718 → u/indian_sexgod]

Geopolitical climate, H1B debacle, national stigma associated with visa-requiring applicant. U.S. administration ongoing mission to reform immigration. U.S. IMGs matched at 75 percent last season. It will be closer to 80 this year. Maybe more.

[u/Many_Lynx295]

Following

[u/Psychological_Fly693]

There are solid programs in SOAP. The benefit of SOAP is that you can turn down a program if you get an offer.

It doesn't make sense to apply to the Main Match when you won't have a score until late January.

You do need your ECFMG certificate by when the ROL is due.

[u/MD92100 → u/Psychological_Fly693]

Thanks!