Hai Ther’,
I am a U.S. citizen (hence, no need for a visa) who was born and raised in Belgium. There, I attended medical school, but I have yet to begin my residency. I recently graduated and am currently doing a multi-year long research postdoc at a top-10 university on the East Coast in the US, in urology. I am fully aware that securing a spot in a urology residency program is no easy task. However, I am fortunate to have 'big name' U.S. urology advisors backing me who are willing to provide strong letters of recommendation. Furthermore, I have a significant amount of research experience, including publications and citations, within the field of urology, and I also have very good step scores. Despite being a U.S. IMG, my mentors believe that I have a good chance matching into a reputable urology residency program in the U.S.
The tricky part is this: my main interest lies in plastic surgery, specifically facial reconstructive surgery. I don't have any connections in the field of plastic surgery, nor have I conducted any research in this area (although I do have a substantial amount of urology research under my belt, including publications in top-tier journals). Given this, I'm seeking some advice.
I could approach plastic surgeons at my current institution in the U.S. to explore potential research opportunities, but I am hesitant. I suspect my urology advisors would be less than thrilled, as they are invested in my success in urology. Additionally, I fear their support might wane if they perceive me as ‘going away’ from the urology path.
I recently discovered the existence of independent plastic surgery residencies, which are 3 years long and follow a general surgery, neurosurgery, ENT, orthopedics, or urology residency. However, it appears that the majority of applicants who match into an independent plastic surgery residency come from a general surgery background rather than urology. In addition, given the current trend favoring integrated 6-year plastic surgery programs, there may not be any independent plastic surgery programs available in 6-8 years. Given these circumstances, I wonder if it's realistic to consider pursuing an independent plastic surgery residency, especially considering that I didn't follow the general surgery route.
TLDR: I believe to be a strong candidate for urology and might have a chance at matching in a top-tier urology program. However, my passion lies in plastic surgery, an area in which I lack contacts, experience, etc. I am not sure it would be a good idea to shift my research focus at the last minute during my postdoc to plastics related research. Such a move could also potentially weaken the letters of recommendation I could receive from my urology advisors. So, what's the best course of action? Is banking on an independent residency my only option?
I am well aware that both specialties are highly competitive. While my credentials are strong in urology, I'm also aware of the match rates.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I am a U.S. citizen (hence, no need for a visa) who was born and raised in Belgium. There, I attended medical school, but I have yet to begin my residency. I recently graduated and am currently doing a multi-year long research postdoc at a top-10 university on the East Coast in the US, in urology. I am fully aware that securing a spot in a urology residency program is no easy task. However, I am fortunate to have 'big name' U.S. urology advisors backing me who are willing to provide strong letters of recommendation. Furthermore, I have a significant amount of research experience, including publications and citations, within the field of urology, and I also have very good step scores. Despite being a U.S. IMG, my mentors believe that I have a good chance matching into a reputable urology residency program in the U.S.
The tricky part is this: my main interest lies in plastic surgery, specifically facial reconstructive surgery. I don't have any connections in the field of plastic surgery, nor have I conducted any research in this area (although I do have a substantial amount of urology research under my belt, including publications in top-tier journals). Given this, I'm seeking some advice.
I could approach plastic surgeons at my current institution in the U.S. to explore potential research opportunities, but I am hesitant. I suspect my urology advisors would be less than thrilled, as they are invested in my success in urology. Additionally, I fear their support might wane if they perceive me as ‘going away’ from the urology path.
I recently discovered the existence of independent plastic surgery residencies, which are 3 years long and follow a general surgery, neurosurgery, ENT, orthopedics, or urology residency. However, it appears that the majority of applicants who match into an independent plastic surgery residency come from a general surgery background rather than urology. In addition, given the current trend favoring integrated 6-year plastic surgery programs, there may not be any independent plastic surgery programs available in 6-8 years. Given these circumstances, I wonder if it's realistic to consider pursuing an independent plastic surgery residency, especially considering that I didn't follow the general surgery route.
TLDR: I believe to be a strong candidate for urology and might have a chance at matching in a top-tier urology program. However, my passion lies in plastic surgery, an area in which I lack contacts, experience, etc. I am not sure it would be a good idea to shift my research focus at the last minute during my postdoc to plastics related research. Such a move could also potentially weaken the letters of recommendation I could receive from my urology advisors. So, what's the best course of action? Is banking on an independent residency my only option?
I am well aware that both specialties are highly competitive. While my credentials are strong in urology, I'm also aware of the match rates.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Last edited:
