I just matched into a nephrology program on the West Coast. Won't tell you which one, but it's a more academic program that will be 3 years in length. Most are usually 2 years.
This was a tough year to interview because when the year started, there was not precedent of when we'd be interviewing since this was the first year that they used ERAS. In years past, most interviews took place during Sept-Oct, so when we were arranging our PGY2 schedules during intern year, I scheduled lighter months then. But most interviews actually took place this year from Dec-Jan. I also had quite a few interviews scheduled for Feb which I ended up canceling.
Anyway, to answer you questions.
1. "when did you set aside time for interviews": Since there was no match this year, my interviews started as early as early December and went to most of January. Since it might be a match next year, it would likely extend much later than that. It all depends.
2. "when did you finish eras applications": I would recommend that you just have it done by Dec 1.
3. "when did you request letters of recommendation": mostly around September. one as late as late October. I would say that my biggest obstacle was getting the program director letter. Request that early!
4. "when did you pursue research": I started a project somewhere in the middle of intern year, and got a poster presentation out of it. I don't have a spectacular record by any measure.
5. "what things did you feel were important to fellowship directors in your applications, in particular research (publications vs. research experience alone)?": each program has its own personality and emphasis, so you can't make a blanket statement. For example, in one program 3/4 fellows already had MD/PhD, so they were definitely very research oriented. Others much less so, and they would tell you that all their fellows go to private practice.
6. "were there particular programs you thought were fantastic": well, i only ended up interviewing at 5 places. Obviously I thought that the program where I matched was great. But i canceled a lot of interviews, so I didn't see many other programs.
7. "were there particular programs you thought were perhaps not-so-fantastic?: BEWARE KAISER PERMANENTE! I had an interview scheduled and then later emailed to cancel it. And then my program director gets this nasty letter from their neph program director that I was "unprofessional" for not showing up. I just showed the email that I had sent to cancel my interview to my program director. Seems like Kaiser really needs to get their act together. That also speaks poorly of their program director for the miscommunication in their department and the assumptions that he then made. USC likewise had scheduled me for an interview, and didn't even notify me. So I got a phonecall one day asking me why I didn't show up. Well, it's because they never even told me I had an interview! Incredible! Well, that's enough of my ranting.
Also for the record, I really liked the George Washington University program, and really thought about going there. They have a really nice new program director. Their division chief was really nice to me too.
Feel free to ask any questions.
123sleepy said:
Congratulations to those of you who've already matched in nephrology!
Would you be willing to pass along advice to us nephrology hopefuls as to how you organized your PGY-2 or PGY-3 year (or PGY-1 year, for those of you who were really on top of things) as you applied for a renal fellowship? For example, when did you set aside time for interviews, finish eras applications, request letters of recommendation, pursue research, etc?
Also, what things did you feel were important to fellowship directors in your applications, in particular research (publications vs. research experience alone)? And were there particular programs you thought were fantastic...or perhaps not-so-fantastic? Any advice you have would be appreciated!
