We should probably put some responses in here to some of the various residency questions that are repeated on this board:
#1) "What does it take to get into a competitive pediatric residency?"
Answer: This chart may help, although from last year's match:
2007 Match Outcomes
Page 92 begins the pediatric portion; this answers many questions such as "How many programs should I rank" (average matched last year ranked 8)
#2) "What USMLE score do I need?" Page 94 of above chart notes that even of the 26
US Seniors that had a step 1 score of <180; 23 of 26 were accepted at programs!! However, if you are a FMG or a D.O and categorized under independent applicant, the numbers change dramatically and become more significant.
Specifically, when asking various programs this year via email what score I needed to be competitive, many "top" programs said 210-220 makes you a competitive applicant as a US Senior, HOWEVER if you are a FMG, some required scores of 220 to even be looked at, Rainbow Babies for instance told me if you are a FMG you need a 230 to receive consideration.
Also, anecdotally, i know for a fact of at least one person who received a low (sub 200) Step 1 score and received 20/21 interviews they asked for...FWIW
#3) "Does it matter if I don't have honors in my peds rotation?" Speaking from someone who didn't, NO...it doesn't matter. It does help to kick butt on your subI and other electives. Peds people seem to generally look at a person's entire application and probably won't be shutting you out for one grade. Other thoughts:
Thread on Passing peds
#4) "Who do I need LOR's from? Pediatricians? Chairman? PD?"
Thread 1 Suggestions
Specifically Peds LORs
Chairman's Letter
Note: the requirements for chair letters may change from year-to-year!
#5) "What peds electives should I take 4th year?" See threads below:
Thread 1 Suggestions
Thread 2 Suggestions
#6) "What programs haven't typically filled/didn't fill last year?"
2003-2007 Program Results
2008 Results
By looking at each program under pediatrics, and comparing "Quota" vs "Matched" you can find which programs had scramble spots...example, U of Southern Alabama (page 2) had 1 spot open in 2007.
#7) What about programs board passing rate...I want to pass my board exams in Peds!"
ABP Board Passing Rates
#8) OK, i want to do peds, but I am worried about reimbursement, what are some salaries like in general and subspecialties?
Compensation Survey
This takes into account academic and private; and you will notice has average starting salaries and breaking stuff down into regions. As noted above by OldBear, this does not take into account benefits, call etc, but is a nice jumping-off point for those curious
#9) But OldBear noted something about loan repayment? What's that about?
NIH research for repayment
National Health Service Corps
#10 Child abuse fellowship thread
OK, that's all Ive got for now...if you have any additions to these questions/responses PM me and I will edit them in and credit you, as opposed to lengthening the FAQ!
~Crazy