Advisor Problems

[DOnut]

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I have a question. There is a great physician at my school who I have been using as my advisor for the last few years. However now that it's almost time for me to start applying, it seems as if he only wants me to go to our EM program, and he has been reluctant to give me good information about other programs.

I don't want to upset him, mainly because I am hoping to get my strongest letter of rec from this guy, but at the same time I would like his assistance.

Has anyone else had to deal with this, and what did you do?

 

[The White Coat Investor]

Do an away rotation in July or August and seek advice from someone there. Alternatively, get advice from us!

 

[kungfufishing]

Be diplomatic but dont lie to anybody.

 

[roja]

Solid advice. Also, check out sites like scutwork.com.


Start asking yourself a few key questions, in terms of helping yourself sort through all the programs:

1-location. Where do you want to live? This can be regional as well.
2- DO vs MD (it appears by your alias you are DO).
3- 1-3, 1-4 or 2-4 think about this
4- are there any particular areas you are interested in? (wilderness, ultrasound, international, tox, etc)

This can help you start looking through the different programs.

And search this section, there has been lots of feedback on programs as well.

Good luck

 

[turtle md]

On SAEM's website, there is a place you can sign up for a virtual advisor. I did this because there is no EM residency at my school. He was quite helpful with my PS, CV, and any questions I had about the various programs in which I was interested.

 

[DOnut]

On SAEM's website, there is a place you can sign up for a virtual advisor. I did this because there is no EM residency at my school. He was quite helpful with my PS, CV, and any questions I had about the various programs in which I was interested.

Thanks for all the advice you guys!!! I really appreciate it!

 

[ewells]

emramatch.org has some good profiles.

 

[jonwilli]

All great advice!! It is at least nice to know that your advisor likes you enough to really want you in his program. You have to be weary of programs that promise you stuff as well, as sometimes when it comes to rank time, you may end up a little too far down there list. i signed up for the virtual advisor program on the SAEM website and it was fantastic. Share with your advisor that with the competitive nature of EM, you want to make sure that you interview at enough places to ensure your acceptance into a program and look forward to a great LOR from him. Do at least one out EM rotation--that should make 2 great LORs and look to this forum as well as EMmatchguide, and LOCATION (which i believe is hugely important) to offer more opinions on res programs.

 

[unk_fxn]

Get and read one of the two med student books for EM career planning. Absolutely invaluable. I also had an SAEM e-visor and he was incredibly helpful.

Rules of the Road - Available online to AAEM members

Med Student Survival Guide - Included when you join EMRA/ACEP