Ask drizzt anything

[drizzt3117]

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I'm bored and on an easy elective this month so I have plenty of time to answer y'all's questions

About me:

-Lived in CA, NYC, and Europe before med school
-Worked in finance before med school.
-Went to med school in the Midwest on scholarship
-did lots of research in med school
-worked with adcom during med school
-doing transitional year in the Midwest
-going back to Socal for rads

Ask me anything about applying to med school, residency, appropriate interview attire, watches, cars, restaurant and travel recs, w/e.

 

[Slowpoke]

Is it worth learning the minutiae to score higher on exams? Will minutiae ever be tested on USLME step 1? Do you feel that knowing the minutiae helped you at all during the clinical years?

 

[drizzt3117]

Is it worth learning the minutiae to score higher on exams? Will minutiae ever be tested on USLME step 1? Do you feel that knowing the minutiae helped you at all during the clinical years?

I didn't think so. I never went to class and just read through our handouts once and annotated FA and Goljan. Sometimes bits of trivia come out during pimping or smth but boy often.

 

[La Presse]

Was your transition from undergrad to med student smooth? If not, discuss.


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[newmember1]

Please rank in order of hotness:

Scarlet Johansson
Amanda Seyfried
Ashley Hinshaw
Elisha Cuthbert
Brooklyn Decker
Alice Eve
Meagan Good
Blake Lively
Alexis Knapp
Adriana Lima
Gisele
Alessandria Ambrosio
Kate Moss
Karolina Kurkova
Rosie Huntington

Thanks!

 

[drizzt3117]

Well, I worked for a number of years prior to med school, but I'd say transitioning to med school in general was smooth. First year was a little rough for non-academic reasons; I had a serious injury that I had to rehab from during school, but it was still manageable.

Was your transition from undergrad to med student smooth? If not, discuss.


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[kpcrew]

Can you describe what you do in a transitional year? I'm curious about the general structure as well as the day to day.

 

[drizzt3117]

Can you describe what you do in a transitional year? I'm curious about the general structure as well as the day to day.

Our program has 3 months of medicine, 1 month icu, 1 month cards. 1 month GS, and a bunch of electives. On wards, you're the same as any other intern, you are on call every 4th day and can admit patients on any day except your post-call day. Our program does things to make the experience more cush, like giving you 10 hours off on your pre-call day, so you essentially work maybe 20 hours out of 48, and let you get 4-6 hours off on the early call night. In general I worked about 50 hours a week on medicine, where my classmates in categorical programs worked 80 on their ward months. However, I'm also pretty efficient and get out of the hosp quickly.

On electives, depending on what they are, you're pretty much like a post-match 4th year in terms of responsibilities.

 

[drizzt3117]

Well, I've spent some time with Ali (Ambrosio) and she is def hotter in person than she is in pictures, but of the others, I'm partial to Blake lively and Brooklyn decker. The remainder of the order looks fine.

Please rank in order of hotness:

Scarlet Johansson
Amanda Seyfried
Ashley Hinshaw
Elisha Cuthbert
Brooklyn Decker
Alice Eve
Meagan Good
Blake Lively
Alexis Knapp
Adriana Lima
Gisele
Alessandria Ambrosio
Kate Moss
Karolina Kurkova
Rosie Huntington

Thanks!

 

[ShenanigansMD]

Why rads? I was shadowing some surgeon residents and they were jealous saying, "Oh man Joe gets 12 weeks vacation in rads!"

 

[kpcrew]

Do you have any tips for doing well in 3rd year? For example, which rotations to do first or how to get residents to teach you things without being annoying.

 

[gasblaster]

Fellow TY intern that has come across your posts a far amount.

Just wondering if you plan on actively using/applying your finance background in the future?

 

[VisionaryTics]

Drizzt, how can I be an SDN celebrity?

 

[drizzt3117]

Why rads? I was shadowing some surgeon residents and they were jealous saying, "Oh man Joe gets 12 weeks vacation in rads!"

Well I want to do IR, so lifestyle is less of a motivating factor, mostly because IR has the highest procedure to management ratio of any procedural specialty.

Do you have any tips for doing well in 3rd year? For example, which rotations to do first or how to get residents to teach you things without being annoying.

I'm a strong advocate of front loading, medicine than surgery. As far as doing well, be efficient and organized and don't waste the team's time, and spend time with your patients.

Fellow TY intern that has come across your posts a far amount.

Just wondering if you plan on actively using/applying your finance background in the future?

Yes, I plan on leveraging my contacts and experience in finance/VC to work on starting companies. IR is a good field for that.

 

[drizzt3117]

Drizzt, how can I be an SDN celebrity?

You start by balling so hard. Just be aware that mfers will want to fine you.

 

[VisionaryTics]

You start by balling so hard. Just be aware that mfers will want to fine you.

I do ball hard though, Drizzt, I do.

I should hire some marketing consultants to get myself out there:

"VisionaryTics -- Laughing at Drizzt for not honoring family medicine since 2012."

 

[typicalindian]

How do I become as much of a pimp as you?

 

[kryptonian]

1. How did you prepare for med school interviews ?

2. Were you nervous before the first interview and if yes what did you do to lessen that nervousness ?

3. (Potentially dumb question) What is the percentage of male applicants who wear non-black suits at med school interviews ?

Thank you.

 

[CliveStaples]

What did you think about living in the midwest?

What factors do you look back on that are most important for deciding on a medical school? Let's just say that money is equal, since I know that money might be the most important decision.

What do you think of the importance of preclinical grades, step 1 scores, clinical grades, ECs like research, and prestige of medical school (which might go beyond name prestige; maybe more like reputation) on matching into a residency? Maybe talk about how this relates to choosing a med school.

 

[drizzt3117]

I do ball hard though, Drizzt, I do.

I should hire some marketing consultants to get myself out there:

"VisionaryTics -- Laughing at Drizzt for not honoring family medicine since 2012."

Yeah, that was a tough one, feigning rapt interest in blood pressure and lipid maintaince for two whole months proved to be beyond my capabilities.

How do I become as much of a pimp as you?

Ooh, thats a tough one. Pimpin ain't easy, but somebody's gotta do it. A Rolls Royce triple black helps.

1. How did you prepare for med school interviews ?

2. Were you nervous before the first interview and if yes what did you do to lessen that nervousness ?

3. (Potentially dumb question) What is the percentage of male applicants who wear non-black suits at med school interviews ?

Thank you.

1) I didn't, really. I was a MBA-trained hiring manager before med school, med school interviews were a walk in the park compared to IB or consulting interviews.

2)No I wasn't nervous.

3) more than before I started ridiculing people for wearing them, but not nearly high enough.

 

[typicalindian]

Why did you change from finance to med?

 

[drizzt3117]

What did you think about living in the midwest?

Well, I'm originally from the Midwest, so I think it bothers me less than it otherwise might.

What factors do you look back on that are most important for deciding on a medical school? Let's just say that money is equal, since I know that money might be the most important decision.

Well, I've been on record as saying that if I could do it all over again I might have gone to a diff med school; I'm not sure that's still true, but primarily for personal reasons. I got to spend four years in close proximity to my parents, who I hadn't seen in awhile as I'd lived all over the place, and I met a wonderful girl at the very end of med school... (Yes, I know ladies of SDN, you're disappointed, but you'll get over it eventually, given time). I would say that putting yourself in the best possible situation to succeed given what each person needs is the most important thing. I know that's vague but I don't think there are hard/fast rules here.

What do you think of the importance of preclinical grades, step 1 scores, clinical grades, ECs like research, and prestige of medical school (which might go beyond name prestige; maybe more like reputation) on matching into a residency? Maybe talk about how this relates to choosing a med school.

My personal list would be:

Step 1 > clinical grades > research > reputation of school and pedigree of letters > suit color and tie at interview > what you had for breakfast that day > preclinical grades

 

[drizzt3117]

Why did you change from finance to med?

Boredom. I was making $$$ (I'll be taking a substantial pay cut even as an attending) but I wasn't excited going to work every day. Boredom is probably the strongest motivator for me. I like to be the best at everything I do but as soon as I get bored of things. I switch and do others. I feel like it'll be very hard to learn everything possible about the human body and a rapidly evolving field like IR fits my personality perfectly.

 

[gasblaster]

Boredom. I was making $$$ (I'll be taking a substantial pay cut even as an attending) but I wasn't excited going to work every day. Boredom is probably the strongest motivator for me. I like to be the best at everything I do but as soon as I get bored of things. I switch and do others. I feel like it'll be very hard to learn everything possible about the human body and a rapidly evolving field like IR fits my personality perfectly.

Damn. Props to you.

 

[typicalindian]

Boredom. I was making $$$ (I'll be taking a substantial pay cut even as an attending) but I wasn't excited going to work every day. Boredom is probably the strongest motivator for me. I like to be the best at everything I do but as soon as I get bored of things. I switch and do others. I feel like it'll be very hard to learn everything possible about the human body and a rapidly evolving field like IR fits my personality perfectly.

Take a pay cut?! What exactly did you do before?

 

[drizzt3117]

Take a pay cut?! What exactly did you do before?

Was a partner in a boutique consulting company and did some VC stuff on the side (still do that)

 

[Wile]

I was talking to a researcher from GE that focuses on ultrasound. He told me that the way things are going, in the future the field of radiology is going to be incorporating more use of ultrasound and much less use of x-ray, mri, and ct, etc...which seemed unlikely to me. I'm just curious if there is any truth to his statement?

 

[1289]

what was your least favorite thing about UWSMPH?

 

[911 Turbo]

I'm bored and on an easy elective this month so I have plenty of time to answer y'all's questions

About me:

-Lived in CA, NYC, and Europe before med school
-Worked in finance before med school.
-Went to med school in the Midwest on scholarship
-did lots of research in med school
-worked with adcom during med school
-doing transitional year in the Midwest
-going back to Socal for rads

Ask me anything about applying to med school, residency, appropriate interview attire, watches, cars, restaurant and travel recs, w/e.

Have you ever cried after something happened to a patient and you felt bad about it?

 

[iforget2]

What happens to interns who are ready and excel intellectually but aren't great at performing technical tasks?

 

[circulus vitios]

What is your net worth to the nearest $100k?

 

[Eiot]

Drizzt, why couldn't you and Artemis Entreri just be friends?

 

[sliceofbread136]

How to study for step 1?

 

[moneytree]

Was a partner in a boutique consulting company and did some VC stuff on the side (still do that)

Normally it takes awhile to become a partner. How old were you when you started med school?

Does your username mean anything? What's a drizzt?

 

[MedPR]

Any relation to the Diablo 2 Drizzt from years ago?

 

[kpcrew]

Are you paying back loans now and are you married? I'm wondering how feasible it is to service your loan while handling a mortgage, car payments, paying for a child, etc.

 

[MedPR]

Are you paying back loans now and are you married? I'm wondering how feasible it is to service your loan while handling a mortgage, car payments, paying for a child, etc.

Based on his wardrobe I'd say he isn't worried about loans.

 

[bob99]

with a background in finance, do you ever envision yourself working in some sort of healthcare financial position, such as hospital administration, pharmaceuticals, or insurance?
Also if someone is interested in doing something along those lines do you think he/she should spend time and money getting an MBA? and if yes when?

 

[climbouthole]

2 questions:

1) I've done a lot of research as an undergrad, and hope to be productive as a med student in research as well, but would like to not devote an entire year to it during school. Any advice or was it just your personal ability to handle classes + research that led to your long list of pubs?

2) I'm developing an interest in watches. I own a few now but nothing over a couple hundred dollars. Can you point me towards a good starting point, i.e. what are some quality manufacturers I should look at while I'm still in the < $1,000 range (if there are any)?

 

[drizzt3117]

I was talking to a researcher from GE that focuses on ultrasound. He told me that the way things are going, in the future the field of radiology is going to be incorporating more use of ultrasound and much less use of x-ray, mri, and ct, etc...which seemed unlikely to me. I'm just curious if there is any truth to his statement?

US is getting better but has many limitations that are going to limit its utility. The most interesting thing about US is its ability to be both diagnostic and therapeutic.

what was your least favorite thing about UWSMPH?

Parking.

Have you ever cried after something happened to a patient and you felt bad about it?

Nope.

What happens to interns who are ready and excel intellectually but aren't great at performing technical tasks?

What do you mean? Not efficient? They struggle until they catch up.

What is your net worth to the nearest $100k?

More than you can imagine.

Drizzt, why couldn't you and Artemis Entreri just be friends?

We kinda were, in the end. I wasn't the one who had beef, really.

How to study for step 1?

Read, do questions, profit.

Normally it takes awhile to become a partner. How old were you when you started med school?

Not much older than the average med student, you might say I was kind of a prodigy.

Does your username mean anything? What's a drizzt?

Yes, google might be useful.

Any relation to the Diablo 2 Drizzt from years ago?

I played d2 but I certainly wasn't famous.

Are you paying back loans now and are you married? I'm wondering how feasible it is to service your loan while handling a mortgage, car payments, paying for a child, etc.

I'm not married and I was on full scholarship for med school, not that that was too impt; it was nice though.

with a background in finance, do you ever envision yourself working in some sort of healthcare financial position, such as hospital administration, pharmaceuticals, or insurance?
Also if someone is interested in doing something along those lines do you think he/she should spend time and money getting an MBA? and if yes when?

I'm more interested in medical device and its certainly something I'm interested in pursuing.

Based on his wardrobe I'd say he isn't worried about loans.

Good assumption.

2 questions:

1) I've done a lot of research as an undergrad, and hope to be productive as a med student in research as well, but would like to not devote an entire year to it during school. Any advice or was it just your personal ability to handle classes + research that led to your long list of pubs?

2) I'm developing an interest in watches. I own a few now but nothing over a couple hundred dollars. Can you point me towards a good starting point, i.e. what are some quality manufacturers I should look at while I'm still in the < $1,000 range (if there are any)?

You just have to be efficient with your time mgmt.

Stowa makes beautiful watches that are < $1000.

 

[circulus vitios]

More than you can imagine.

Boooooo! 😛

How did you even get into consulting? Ivy league degree or connections?

 

[kpcrew]

Do you know anyone else who switched paths the way you did? I saw that Dr. ElBardissi on Boston Med was a surgery resident but then he got his MBA at Harvard and is now a healthcare investment banker.

 

[drizzt3117]

Boooooo! 😛

How did you even get into consulting? Ivy league degree or connections?

I went to a top 5 UG and went into IB prior to going into strategy consulting.

 

[drizzt3117]

Do you know anyone else who switched paths the way you did? I saw that Dr. ElBardissi on Boston Med was a surgery resident but then he got his MBA at Harvard and is now a healthcare investment banker.

There are a lot of people who've switched career paths but no one is quite like me. #uniquesnowflake

 

[thesauce]

I went to a top 5 UG and went into IB prior to going into strategy consulting.

Are you Aleksey Vayner?

 

[drizzt3117]

Are you Aleksey Vayner?

Nyet.

 

[sliceofbread136]

Did you ever find it hard to balance med school with lifting/dieting?

 

[drizzt3117]

Did you ever find it hard to balance med school with lifting/dieting?

Not really. I've been to lift at least twice a week even on ICU in residency.

 

[MedPR]

Do you plan on getting married or prefer to die a bachelor?

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[drizzt3117]

Do you plan on getting married or prefer to die a bachelor?

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Will most likely get married before the end of residency.