after the interview?

[skapone33]

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Hey everyone!
Just wondering what everyone else thinks about the "after the interview" time (though only a handful are completed). I'm down with the whole send a thank you card deal, but if you are very interested in a program what is a good way to keep in contact with them to show your continued interest? (especially being that we are so early in the season)? Emailing questions, telephoning someone like the PD (and how often), when to schedule second looks etc...?
Also, what has everyone been hearing back from programs post-interview? Both programs sent the "we feel you would be a good fit for our program" in the thank you letter...has anyone gotten a better idea about their status than this?
Thanks gang, just wanted some general thoughts...
Good luck! and be well!

 

[chhsu]

Hi Skapone and congrats on the interviews and the positive responses from the programs! Here is what was suggested to me especially with programs that interest you. Definitely send them a letter of thank you to the interviewers. I would then email the chair to let them know that you are very interested in the program. Near the end of January when interviews are pretty much done and when you need to think about ranking programs, email the program again to let them know you are still very interested or if you are going to rank them number 1. This will be a great reminder for them and will also help them with their rankings of you. I hope this helps and good luck!

 

[kidsfirstdoc]

make a spreadsheet of all important factors to you and that way you can chart each program and "grade it" and then at the end this will make your choice easier.

 

[dat10]

Is it proper etiquette use snail-mail thank you notes, or is it okay to send emails?

 

[chhsu]

Our student advisor said that these days it completely appropriate to send thank yous by email. It's quick, acceptable and allows the recipient to easily respond if they want you to know you are a top candidate. That being said, I have been sending thank you emails to residents who spent a significant amount of time during my visit as well as the Chair of the program. I sent cards by snail-mail to my interviewers to have a more personalized touch. So I basically do both. The choice is yours depending on how much time you want to put into it, so either way is acceptable.

 

[skapone33]

thanks for all of the info!
So, if you are really interested in a program, is a statement like "I am very interested in your program" or "i hope to have the opportunity to work together in the future" sent to a PD in an email or thank you card acceptable and appropriate at this point?
thanks again gang!

 

[chhsu]

Yes, if you really want to rank a program #1 or among the top of your list, you should definitely let them know. It is to your advantage to do so because programs will seriously consider candidates who are likely to go to their program. Also, along the same lines, if you have a specific reason to go to that program (i.e. spouse has a job or is a resident at the hospital or in the area) you should let programs know this too. My sense is that peds is a family friendly specialty (as it should be) so programs want to keep spouses/families/significant other together.

On the other hand, if you tell a program you are going to rank them #1, you should definitely be sure you do so. I've just heard rumors that programs will talk to each other and you don't want to burn any bridges. Maybe someone else could comment on this further because I don't know too much about it. Hope this helps!

 

[skapone33]

I've asked this question in the general forum, but interested in what the peds gang feels... How is everyone taking statements like "we feel you would be a good fit here, and hope you feel the same" (etc...) when the PDs send their thank you notes to you post-interview? Are these just general statements they send to everyone, or have people gotten different responses? Guess i'm over-analyzing...haha! Thanks again everyone and best of luck!!!

 

[dat10]

I don't think that's over-analyzing!! I've been wondering the exact thing & would love to hear everyone's input. If you think about it, while they may be genuine in the sentiment they can't honestly be insinuating they're going to rank you when they haven't even done half of their interviews yet...am i right?