Hi, I'm still a first-year med student, so I'm not too enlightened, but I'm wondering how many programmes the average student wanting to go into EM will apply to. Is it like applying to med school, around the 20's range, or drastically different?
Also I'm a Californian who's stuck in Ohio right now for med school, and I'd <i>really</i> like to go home after med school. 😉 Anyone have anything to share about how difficult it is to get back to anywhere on the west coast? Do residency programmes have residency restrictions ("out of state"), like when applying to med school?
Thanks a lot!
I am an MSIV so take this for what its worth...
West coast/California residency programs in about anything are typically more competitive than much of the rest of the US simply because of desireable living conditions.
There are no official 'residency restrictions' that I am aware of as far as out of state and such, but I do think it is reasonable to say that you have 'the best chances' at programs 1.)affiliated with your medical school 2.)located in the same region as your medical school 3.)places near where you were born/rasied.
It all comes down to programs 'knowing what they are getting'. Most likely all the programs in Ohio have taken someone from your school in the recent past, versus a school in Texas has never had someone from your school, which may leave them a little gunshy if you are on the fence in all the other aspectcs.
The number you apply to will depend on how competitive you are at time of application. From what I understand on here, I think 20 is a good number for a VERY competitive applicant, where someone with not so great scores applying to 50-60....and the masses falling inbetween in the 35 range.
As a first year, you primary concern should obviously be your classes. Do as well as you can, but leave time for yourself. There is more to life than medicine; some specilities may not think so, but I find that EM certainly grasps the concept. Spend some weekend evenings down in your schools Emergency Department to get knowing the staff and residents (if there is a program at your school...even if there is not, go get to know the staff well). Join your schools EM interest group (start one if there is not one already) and try to work towards being president or some other position when the time comes that you are eligble.
Good luck, and remember that it seems like 80%+ of medical students end up changing their minds multiple times before fourth year but I certainly hope to continue to see you in these forums!
