A Demonstrated interest in Psych is indicated by....

[wannabemusician]

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Getting to the critical point of needing to understand what separates good candidates from ones who are ahead of the pack or outstanding.

So, what is it that psych program directors look for in a residency candidate BESIDES awesome grades, honors, USMLE scores and the "objectified" data?

Thanks,
WB
Somewhere in the Thumb, Michigan

 

[Anasazi23]

I would say a demonstrated interest, or "proof" of one's committment to the field of psychiatry. This could be demonstrated by a prior career, research experience or a publication within psychiatry, or something like that.

 

[OldPsychDoc]

I really look at the letters from psych attendings from USMGs, and at the letters from a good US clinical psychiatry experience if I'm in doubt about an IMG. It's easy to fake interest on a personal statement, and not that hard to ace a SHELF exam, but I think it's pretty hard to fake genuine interest and enthusiasm over a 6 week clerkship or 4 week elective. Most psych attendings I know really like to recognize and cultivate psych interests in students who say they are interested, and they will not write glowing letters for students who show half-hearted interest.

In the interview I'm looking for some spontaneity and fluency in talking about psychiatric experience, maybe compare and contrast public policy issues in mental health between different regions of the US, or the difference between the practice of psychiatry in the US vs. India/Pakistan if that's where the applicant is from. Show me that you think about the issues, that they are a part of your life.

I like IMGs. We are fortunate to get the absolute cream of the crop--people who have worked d**ned hard to get here. That said, nothing raises the red flags more than someone with no US clinical experience, limited foreign psych experience, and lukewarm "generic" letters from psych attendings. Couple that with gushing about psych in romantic and glowing, but vague, terms and then having your first question about the program being "are you offering pre-match positions?" and I will expect that this is a resident who is not likely to be with us after year 1, if they do match at all.

 

[DebDynamite]

The above posts definately sum up what I'm observing on the interview trail. My last interviewer had read my PS and commented that he really liked it and thought it sounded sincere and heartfelt- then he told me he hadn't had time to look through the rest of my file. So, he looked over it in front of me and discussed it with me. This isn't uncommon at all- I've had this happen a number of times during an interview. He immediately went to the MSPE Psych comments and the LOR's. Then, he looked over research and extracurricular. We discussed my research and any interest I might have in future research (also a topic I get over and over). He made a statement showing he was pleased with the comments of my prior psych attendings ...which find their way into the MSPE. Then we just talked.

I had a career very psych realted prior to med school, and have all of the above going for me as conversation pieces. I think the interview would be really awkward without these things, and much harder to pull off successfullly.

 

[whopper]

Here's some ways I start thinking they don't care about psychiatry.

1-Personal Statement makes no mention of interest of behavioral health
2-none of the letters of reccomendation mention any interest in behavioral health

Surprisingly, several applicants at least this year to my own program (not the majority, but quite a bit) do not mention any interest in psychiatry, or do their letters of reccomendation.

I'm most interested in candidates with good psyche experience, sincere interest & their ability to work well with our program over things such as grades & USMLE scores.

Some of the most impressive things I've seen that made me feel the applicant truly cared about being a psychiatrist...

1-applicant works as a case manager with several patients (about 15) for a few years.
2-applicant had a strong CV & experience in the field of surgery, but decided he wanted to be a psychiatrist. His PS strongly reflected his reasons for change. Who would change careers like that unless they were very serious? Over 30 publications, some in very well regarded journals. Whew!
3-applicant already knows what fellowship they want to do
4-letters of reccomendation reflecting the candidate has a strong interest in mental health

 

[Faebinder]

Hmmm.. on the brighter side... you could always:

1) Tattoo Freud to your right lateral arm and show it off during an interview?

2) Show the list of proverbs you wish to try in your mini mental assessment on your future patients.

and of course my favorite....

3) Show up to the interview with this tie.