applying to programs out of region??

[cd1998]

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I am a soon to be MS-4 from the southeast at an average med school in the southeast. I am very interested in west coast programs (northern california, washington state, oregon, and colorado).

With a 234 board score, 2 publications (first author on one and the other basic science, but neither in the field of anesthesia), and average grades at an average school, what is the likelihood that I will a)receive interviews from programs in these areas, and b)actually have a chance of matching at any of these programs? What sorts of things would you recommend to maximize my chances at matching in this region, and are there any programs in particular that I might be especially competitive for with these stats?

Any advice at all would be invaluable...

Thanks,
cd1998

 

[VolatileAgent]

Any advice at all would be invaluable...

read the FAQs at the top of the page. extensively covered.

but, as you'll undoubtedly hear, kal-EE-forn-EE-uh is probably the most competitive state to get a residency in. everyone, it seems, wants to train there. why, exactly, is beyond me.

 

[Trisomy13]

I am a soon to be MS-4 from the southeast at an average med school in the southeast. I am very interested in west coast programs (northern california, washington state, oregon, and colorado).

With a 234 board score, 2 publications (first author on one and the other basic science, but neither in the field of anesthesia), and average grades at an average school, what is the likelihood that I will a)receive interviews from programs in these areas, and b)actually have a chance of matching at any of these programs? What sorts of things would you recommend to maximize my chances at matching in this region, and are there any programs in particular that I might be especially competitive for with these stats?

Any advice at all would be invaluable...

Thanks,
cd1998

average board score in California was 280. From what I remember on the interview trail there was a guy who actually had a second brain grafted onto the back of his neck to increase his chances. We called him "That Quatto Guy". I heard he didn't match and ended up in a freak show sliding iron nails into his nose.

 

[morpheus md]

read the FAQs at the top of the page. extensively covered.

but, as you'll undoubtedly hear, kal-EE-forn-EE-uh is probably the most competitive state to get a residency in. everyone, it seems, wants to train there. why, exactly, is beyond me.

Not necessarily in order:
1. Weather
2. Women

 

[guitarguy]

The average step 1 of stanford anesthesia applicants invited for interviews this past year was in the 230s, so don't worry about your board score precluding you from receiving any interview. Based on the information you gave, you have an excellent chance of receiving an interview and matching at any program from northern california to washington. Every program looks for different things, of which we can only speculate, when formulating their rank list. Regardless, your board score and research experience are great assets. During your interview, make sure to articulate why you are want to relocate to the northwest. Consider setting up away rotations in the region to demonstrate your willingness to move. Your grades and medical school prestige are less important than strong interviews and letters of recommendation. Good luck!

 

[badgas]

3 things that would definitely help...

1. Doing an away rotation there.
2. Throw something into your personal statement about why you want to go out west.
3. Call to ask the status of your application. Keep an eye on the interview thread that will start up on this board around September. As soon as you see people getting interviews that you haven't got, call to ask if the program received everything. Don't be pushy though. I called to 5 programs that I was very interested in and received interview offers on that phone call from 3 of them. Matched at one.

Good luck.

 

[cd1998]

thanks to all of those who have replied. if i am unable to schedule an externship at any programs I am thinking about out west, and being from the southeast, will I still be able get interviews in the region? in other words, does doing an externship in the region where I want to be significantly increase my chances for getting interviews there when it comes to anesthesia programs?

thanks,
cd1998

 

[SexPanther]

thanks to all of those who have replied. if i am unable to schedule an externship at any programs I am thinking about out west, and being from the southeast, will I still be able get interviews in the region? in other words, does doing an externship in the region where I want to be significantly increase my chances for getting interviews there when it comes to anesthesia programs?

thanks,
cd1998

Yes, you can still get interviews at these places. I didn't do an away rotation at any of the places I interviewed (other than my home program). Get a gas sub-I wherever you think you can get a great experience and get an awesome letter (Vanderbilt would be good 👍, but you could also go UNC, UAB etc if you want to stay in the SE). I also recommend doing an SICU month/sub-I and getting a letter from it.

I think that it sounds like you have a very good application. Hell, I interviewed at Stanford & I am a D.O. (Stanford is awesome by the way, but extremely expensive).