Applying FM/EM

[TedStark]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Should I have separate letters from each specialty saying why I would be good at said specialty or should all of my letters mention that I would make a good FM/EM physician?

While I want to look committed to the dual program, I don't want to piss off the family guys. I've heard some people use the dual program as a backdoor into EM. I'm going to practice rural/suburban medicine and do close to everything... inpatient, outpatient, surgical OB, etc.

My rank list is going to look like:

FM/EM
FM
FM
FM
FM
FM

 

[ToKingdomCome]

Are the dual programs generally less competitive because it's more years and isn't practical?

 

[gutonc]

Should I have separate letters from each specialty saying why I would be good at said specialty or should all of my letters mention that I would make a good FM/EM physician?

While I want to look committed to the dual program, I don't want to piss off the family guys. I've heard some people use the dual program as a backdoor into EM. I'm going to practice rural/suburban medicine and do close to everything... inpatient, outpatient, surgical OB, etc.

My rank list is going to look like:

FM/EM
FM
FM
FM
FM
FM

It's not really clear why you want to apply FM/EM when your desired practice setting has nothing to do with EM.

But to answer your question, if you're applying to any EM program(s), you're going to need a SLOE or 2. Which you'd only submit to the dual programs.

 

[TedStark]

It's not really clear why you want to apply FM/EM when your desired practice setting has nothing to do with EM.

But to answer your question, if you're applying to an👍 EM program(s), you're going to need a SLOE or 2. Which you'd only submit to the dual programs.

I should have clarified. Im applying FM/EM because I want to do family medicine and emergency medicine.

 

[gutonc]

I should have clarified. Im applying FM/EM because I want to do family medicine and emergency medicine.

When are you going to have time to do EM while you're busy doing:

rural/suburban medicine and do close to everything... inpatient, outpatient, surgical OB, etc

?

 

[KinesiologyNerd]

Surgical OB?!

 

[gutonc]

Surgical OB?!

I assume s/he means C-sections.

 

[TedStark]

Surgical OB as in episiotomies, cesarean sections, hysterectomies for post-partum hemorrhage, etc. The term encompasses any complication from a delivery that would require surgery to correct.

And yes, lots of family physicians have surgical and inpatient privileges at suburban and rural hospitals. However, the added ABEM board certification would probably be needed to work at one of the ED's in my city so I'd like to pick that up as well.

Although implied by the feigned ignorance on this thread so far, I don't think there's anything starry eyed and idealistic about pursuing five years of training to be a well rounded doctor that can adjust his practice as desired/needed, especially in a rural town.

Thanks to the guy who gave me a hard time but at least answered my question. Some things never change on SDN.

 

[DeadCactus]

You asked for advice on applying and while you specifically asked about letters, others interjected with an additional and frankly far more important concern. You're applying for what? One of two spots in the US? And a program that is committed to you for 5 years with no reasonable way of replacing you if you flake out. A convincing narrative for why you want to do EM/FM and what you plan to do with it that you couldn't do it just as well with either training path alone is far more critical to your application than whether Dr. Joe Schmoe says you would be a great EM/FM physician or just says a great FM physician. I mean come on, I get that this isn't your personal statement, but you don't even mention the ED in your laundry list.

It would be nice to have your SLOE/LOR writers tailor their letters and even have the FM LOR writers provide an EM/FM and an FM version but frankly probably not worth the hassle. A solid SLOE and solid FM LOR will be fine for the combined program. The EM combined programs have a small number of positions and everyone knows that you're applying to categorical programs as a back-up, no one will see this as a sign of missing commitment.

You got answers to your question and additional feedback to another part of your application from people who don't owe you a thing and a your response is indignation and annoyance? You think that's going to motivate others to contribute to your thread?

 

[TedStark]

You got answers to your question and additional feedback to another part of your application from people who don't owe you a thing and a your response is indignation and annoyance? You think that's going to motivate others to contribute to your thread?

I think I see the problem here. Backhanded, unsolicited insults are regarded as "additional feedback."

"You ungrateful medical student!!"

Thanks anyways.

 

[gutonc]

I think I see the problem here. Backhanded, unsolicited insults are regarded as "additional feedback."

"You ungrateful medical student!!"

Thanks anyways.

You clearly don't see the problem.

And the fact that you think that you do is a huge issue for you going forward.

Good luck.

 

[Apollyon]

I think I see the problem here. Backhanded, unsolicited insults are regarded as "additional feedback."

"You ungrateful medical student!!"

Thanks anyways.

You still don't get it, then, do you? One word - "gracious". Say "thanks" and be on your way.

Someone asks an inane question, or has a predetermined response that they don't get, and get all butthurt. Some things never change on SDN.