Being competitive for renal

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Hi all! I just wanted to throw this out there to all that are going through the match this year and those that went through the process last year.

Being that renal is becoming increasingly competitive, what made last year's applications stand out over one another? I've searched these forums long and hard but didn't really see a post that addressed what would help us for this coming application season in terms of making us more competitive.

A little about myself, I am a caribbean grad (U.S. citizen) currently in residency at a large university program in the northeast. I am open to going anywhere in the country for fellowship. Basically, I was wondering what would make one more competitive, specifically in this field. I have minimal research experience (few pending things, nothing published--but it sounds like getting into renal is not as research-intensive as cards, heme/onc, etc) and strong LORs from my attendings. Beyond this, what else can I do to make myself more competitive for renal?

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[dragonfly99]

My impression is that renal still isn't that competitive. Some of the well respected programs still don't fill sometimes. Well, the one at my IM program didn't one year and it's pretty good, particularly in transplant. They DO work the fellows hard, however.

I think you should just make sure to apply enough places, and apply at places where your LOR writers did residency, med school and/or fellowship, and/or where they know people. Also, consider places outside of the northeast and/or really popular big cities. I would think you could get a spot with not too many problems, but I suppose that being a Caribbean grad could throw a monkey wrench into the process, but would think it wouldn't matter since you've already proved yourself in a residency at a university hospital.