Auditions for IM Residency

[Analfissure]

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Hello all,

Was hoping to get some insight on the importance of auditions / Sub-I's at away programs for IM Residency. Is it worth trying to do as many as financially/physically possible? Will it help get that interview? Or do programs really not care if you come to audition there and just care about your application/board stats.

Any advice would be greatly appreciate.

 

[Analfissure]

@gutonc would you happen to have any tips on this?

 

[jurassicpark]

Hello all,

Was hoping to get some insight on the importance of auditions / Sub-I's at away programs for IM Residency. Is it worth trying to do as many as financially/physically possible? Will it help get that interview? Or do programs really not care if you come to audition there and just care about your application/board stats.

Any advice would be greatly appreciate.

First of all, board scores are important no matter how what. So let's get that out of the way, but depending on the program if you do well, auditions will always help. Residents and Attendings will remember those who stand out and speak for them during the selection and weeding out process. In some cases if you REALLY stand out, despite obvious deficiencies on scores/grades, I've seen at least once where an application got pushed through.

In short, if it's your dream program an audition will definitely help (if you kick gluteal). So do your utmost, and don't go the extra mile. Go the extra ten miles.

 

[doc05]

Don’t bother. Not important for IM programs because there’s so many spots.

 

[studentdocftw]

I've heard if you look solid on paper, dont bother because they can backfire if you dont adjust well to the new environment. If you have a below average application for your dream program, the benefit/risk ratio favors the audition.

 

[Onigiri]

One caveat, if you are D.O. and look on frieda and see that they only accept 1% D.O. out of M.D., and its your dream school, I would audition there.

 

[fasteddie911]

Not worth it. It can backfire. You may not get a great letter writer or attending out of it. You may work with residents/fellows more than attendings. My program had countless med students rotate and you're competing against them, so in the end you likely won't stand out much by rotating. IM isn't hyper competitive, there's lots of good programs out there that you may have a good shot at. Most folks I know who did aways didn't match, or necessarily interview at their away program.

 

[DrSnips]

IM isn't hyper competitive

Overall yes, but the top programs in any specialty, including IM, will be insanely competitive. Even so, I recommend against an away for IM. Your ERAS will speak for itself if you are truly a top candidate.

 

[Dr. Death]

To piggyback off this thread, I am coming from a weak academic IM program and want to go to a higher tier University IM residency. Would it be in my best interest to do a sub-I at a bigger, better program to get a good letter?

 

[afib123]

I think it is a risk worth taking if your app is not up to par for that program. If you win the sub-I game, you increase your chance there a lot. If you lose it, you lose it but it's only 1 program.
If your app is stellar, don't.

 

[fasteddie911]

To piggyback off this thread, I am coming from a weak academic IM program and want to go to a higher tier University IM residency. Would it be in my best interest to do a sub-I at a bigger, better program to get a good letter?

I'd say no. First, it's take a bunch of money and effort. Second, I don't think a good letter will make a notable difference if the rest of your app isn't up to par. If you have a 220, no letter will help you unless the writer says you're the best they've ever seen, which is doubtful. The value isn't there, but if you have money to burn and would deeply regret not doing it then go for it. I know plenty of folks who went upper tier programs from average med schools and the main thing in common was good step 1 scores.