Avg Step 1 for Rad Onc, home program is a powerhouse. Now what?

[amakhosidlo]

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I'm an MS-3 interested in rad onc and it'd be my dream to match at my home institution.
The problem is, my home institution is a big-name program in one of the most desirable cities in the country.

So far I have the 240+ Step 1 score in the bag, one publication in an obscure journal, and a rad-onc specific pub in the works.

So I guess I'm wondering what to do at this point to take a middle-of-the-road application and step it up to where I'd be competitive for big-name programs. I mean, I'm probably not going to have a PhD by the time I apply, I probably won't have a stack of high-impact publications to my name. But what can I do to make myself stand out? If the answer is to 'ace' my rotation, are there any rad-onc specific tips for both home and away rotations?

 

[BraggPeak]

One of the biggest turn-offs to residents and attendings can be a medical student who is a "gunner."

Be personable, rock your rotation, and don't run around saying you're worried you wont match because you only have 1+ pub and a only a 240. That will definitely turn people off.

When we look at applicants, I don't think that people really disqualify someone who has a 240 vs a 250, etc. Once you are in the 240+ range, it's all the other things that matter.

 

[hot sauce]

One of the biggest turn-offs to residents and attendings can be a medical student who is a "gunner."

Be personable, rock your rotation, and don't run around saying you're worried you wont match because you only have 1+ pub and a only a 240. That will definitely turn people off.

When we look at applicants, I don't think that people really disqualify someone who has a 240 vs a 250, etc. Once you are in the 240+ range, it's all the other things that matter.

I think BraggPeak nailed it. Be a nice person on rotations (to everyone) and work hard. If you are perceived as arrogant or lazy or not a team player we won't be too excited about adding you to our department. Obviously, it is a balance, don't be a super obnoxious gunner either.

There have been rotators that have dissed on our program while they were in our department; others blown offers to help from residents. If the nurses or therapists don't like you they will probably tell someone. If you talk down to the program secretary she may mention your attitude to the program director. Most departments aren't that large; if you are a jerk to someone it will likely get around.

Before being on this side of things, I thought this advice would be self evident but having seen just a few student rotators I have been pretty surprised at times. On the other hand, maybe I shouldn't be giving this advice so we can see your true colors .

The other things would be prepare your talk and know your stuff. Generally it is best to present on your research that way you should be able to answer most questions. What really ruins a talk is if you can't answer any of the questions at the end.

 

[anisotropy]

The other things would be prepare your talk and know your stuff. Generally it is best to present on your research that way you should be able to answer most questions. What really ruins a talk is if you can't answer any of the questions at the end.

Is this a general rule - that you have to present research? That means in essence if you have no research, you shouldn't do an away rotation? I am doing a research rotation after my away rotation. I know radonc is full of superstars, but hearing his makes me worry beyond words.

 

[medgator]

Is this a general rule - that you have to present research? That means in essence if you have no research, you shouldn't do an away rotation? I am doing a research rotation after my away rotation. I know radonc is full of superstars, but hearing his makes me worry beyond words.

No it can be a talk on a specific area within RadOnc, not your specific research

 

[Pointless]

Is this a general rule - that you have to present research? That means in essence if you have no research, you shouldn't do an away rotation? I am doing a research rotation after my away rotation. I know radonc is full of superstars, but hearing his makes me worry beyond words.

If I may, you really need to try and relax and just go into your rotations with the intent of being the best version of yourself and working hard. No, most people do not present research, they present on a topic of interest that generally develops as a result of an interesting patient that they saw during the rotation. Your scores and publication record to date are more than enough to be competitive in the match, just try to focus on learning about the field and taking advantage of any opportunities that arise in the meantime.