Advise on matching into psychiatry as an M0

[chilldawg3000]

I am seeking some advice on becoming a competitive applicant for psychiatry residency. I am starting medical school August 2023 at a DO program in the Midwest. With more MD/DOs applying to psych, the field does seem to be getting more competitive. Also, I understand that people are still unsure how Step 1 going P/F will affect the match, so I want to make sure I build as competitive an application as possible. I'm not looking to match into any super competitive programs; I would just like to match into a decent program and stay in the Midwest if possible. Apart from passing Step 1, doing well on Step 2, and not failing coursework/rotations, what should I focus on?

I've heard that psychiatry is big on demonstrating interest in the field. I have been a Crisis Text Line counselor for the past couple years and have one research publication in a neuro/psych related study. I'm also planning on joining my school's Psych club once I start in the fall. Is there anything else I should be considering? Is trying to find more psych-related research opportunities worthwhile?

Thank you!

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[Stagg737]

Prioritize doing well with classes and Level 2 scores and do well on clinical rotations. Research and interest are great if you've got time, but sounds like you've already got good experiences.

 

[comp1]

You don't even know if you'll like it yet...but yes, you're good. I don't think you really need to do anything specific during your preclinical time. With so many clerkships going to P/F, those Steps are going to be even more important. The club is fine. Looking for research might be a bit aggressive. Don't underestimate how overwhelming med school curriculum can be.

 

[mistafab]

You should consider just focusing on self care, good sleep, exercise, and nutrition.

You're best shot into psych is doing well in school. Leave the neuroticism for your patients.

I am seeking some advice on becoming a competitive applicant for psychiatry residency. I am starting medical school August 2023 at a DO program in the Midwest. With more MD/DOs applying to psych, the field does seem to be getting more competitive. Also, I understand that people are still unsure how Step 1 going P/F will affect the match, so I want to make sure I build as competitive an application as possible. I'm not looking to match into any super competitive programs; I would just like to match into a decent program and stay in the Midwest if possible. Apart from passing Step 1, doing well on Step 2, and not failing coursework/rotations, what should I focus on?

I've heard that psychiatry is big on demonstrating interest in the field. I have been a Crisis Text Line counselor for the past couple years and have one research publication in a neuro/psych related study. I'm also planning on joining my school's Psych club once I start in the fall. Is there anything else I should be considering? Is trying to find more psych-related research opportunities worthwhile?

Thank you!

 

[psyqe21]

PGY-2 in psychiatry right now. At your stage, focus fully on doing well in your classes. Be diligent and disciplined.

 

[docksan]

I am seeking some advice on becoming a competitive applicant for psychiatry residency. I am starting medical school August 2023 at a DO program in the Midwest. With more MD/DOs applying to psych, the field does seem to be getting more competitive. Also, I understand that people are still unsure how Step 1 going P/F will affect the match, so I want to make sure I build as competitive an application as possible. I'm not looking to match into any super competitive programs; I would just like to match into a decent program and stay in the Midwest if possible. Apart from passing Step 1, doing well on Step 2, and not failing coursework/rotations, what should I focus on?

I've heard that psychiatry is big on demonstrating interest in the field. I have been a Crisis Text Line counselor for the past couple years and have one research publication in a neuro/psych related study. I'm also planning on joining my school's Psych club once I start in the fall. Is there anything else I should be considering? Is trying to find more psych-related research opportunities worthwhile?

Thank you!

Prioritize tests and having a good foundation of medicine and you'll be fine.

 

[heartsink]

You should consider just focusing on self care, good sleep, exercise, and nutrition.

This is so important. As a rising M4 the best I can tell you OP is to be ready to adapt. The first few months of medical school were the hardest because of the shock - survive that, find your flow, and practice self care.

 

[J ROD]

Right now, you need to focus on passing those classes the first two years and doing the best you can. Solid GPA will do just fine. Then, focus on passing Step 1. Next, comes the clinical years. Obviously, you can go hard on all rotations or pick and chose your battles on 3rd year. Then, lastly you want to nail Step 2. Come 4th year you want to interview and be personable on interview and "normal". Enjoy the downtime as intern year is coming.

It is a marathon. Take things one section, then year at a time. Worry about 1st year first and foremost. You fail out, then nothing else matters.......

 

[Coupd'Cat]

Prioritize tests and having a good foundation of medicine and you'll be fine.

Agreed, do your best in both IM and Neurology -- don't neglect these rotations simply because they are not Psychiatry proper.

 

[Fluidity of Movement]

I just want to say thank you guys for posting this I have been getting neurotic about psychiatry as well because for the last 10 years it's been my goal but life has beat me down.

But I've had to turn away some opportunities that I really wanted (rbt, psych ward PCT). I've been with CTL as well and was a mentor for at risk teens. I also am active on some of the reddit communities (r/suicidewatch, lgbtTeens) but that has little supervision...

Have been thinking about do more crisis counseling over the phone or in person, and one of them you also get to escort sexual assault victims and stay with them in the ER if they choose for safety.

But scheduling may not really allow me to do anything.


I'm also planning to apply to DO school so this is a bit more reassuring.

I guess leave it to the psychiatrist to have the most wholesome and supportive posts on the entire website, lol. Oh wait I should probably have headed to the psychology channel we can start a competition xD