Cardio application discussion thread: '08-09 version

[liveinsea]

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AMG (PGY2)
Incredibly nice and well liked by my friends and family
Low average board scores
Middle tier IM residency
Many publications, posters, and presentations
Likely solid letters of recommendations
IV: Dartmoth-Hichcock, UMDNJ (Cooper), Henry Ford Hospital, Iowa, New Mexico, Yale, Utah, OHSU, Mayo Jacksonville.
Reg: 23 (No clear trend. rejected by many of my " safety" schools as well as high end academic programs)
Waiting: 35 (most of which have sent IV and/or Reg to many of those posting on this site)

I heard nothing today...no rejections no invites

Great number of IVs. I never missed a major rejection - Enstein PA.

 

[ProgCoordinator]

I would like to see people posting minimum (or basic) requirements from fellowship programs from your own hospitals. Fellwoship program at your own institution, how do they sort 500 to 600 applications. Do they have any minimum score(USMLE) criteria? I heard there few programs look minimum 90 on both steps and never fail on step three etc..

There are no hard and fast rules and every program will be looking for slightly different things. Remember my first date theory? There are so many variables. So, whatever I tell you is really just a very brief and very rough sketch. Not gospel.

USMLE minimum is about 200. Acceptability can dip a point or two below if the submission is remarkably strong in every other way. Any failure is a 99.999% deal breaker. Most of the candidates who we invite to interview are 240+, but that's not the reason they're being called. It's more like a preliminary hurdle that they've cleared.

If you're applying to an academic program, research history is very important. This includes publications to peer reviewed journals, posters, oral presentations. It's not the be all and end all, but it's the biggest factor that sets applicants apart.

Your letters are given special attention. Starting with the one from your PD. It matters what they say and what they don't say.

All the other bells and whistles help to guide us, but aren't necessarily paramount decision makers. I'm talking about the applicant's training program, whether the applicant is Chief Resident, personal statement (poor grammar and spelling errors can take you out of the running!), AOA, other awards/merit-based opportunities.

 

[ProgCoordinator]

Email from University of Tennessee, about 50$ sur change. I am not sure how many of us received this email. ProgCoordinator, your input will be very useful. I received a total of 4 email this year. Initially, I just ignored. BUT now the process is getting tougher, I really don't want to miss any chance. Should we pay or not? Any input?

If the program has a fee requirement, it's like any other application requirement. At this point the answer about whether you should pay it depends on how interested you are in the program and whether you belive that you have a realistic shot at an interview.

 

[ProgCoordinator]

Thanks prog. coord.

One program sent me an e-mail that they would be ranking me but were unable to interview all the candidates. Its hard to make out what this means. Does it mean that I am a back-up for them in the sense that they would interview only their most desirable candidates and put me lower down the list or does it imply that they dont even have to interview me.. (thinking more of the former- but dont want to influence everyone elses opinion).. ??

It's odd to me that a program would say that they can't interview you, but they'll rank you for the match. You may be on a ranked wait list. Most programs do something like this. There's an order to the wait list and they'll call in that order if there is an open interview spot.

 

[liveinsea]

If the program has a fee requirement, it's like any other application requirement. At this point the answer about whether you should pay it depends on how interested you are in the program and whether you belive that you have a realistic shot at an interview.

I appreciate your input.
Then what about the response from PD to the thank you letter? I didn't receive any from my first IV.

 

[bossenton]

3 rejections = MSSM, Einstein, UCSD

 

[astropilot]

Cincinnati rejection today - eras email

 

[Lima]

PGY-2 at a community hospital
AMG
Good board scores
Good LOR
No research or publications

IV: University of Utah, Loma Linda, Lankenau
Rejections: Plenty; latest from Baylor and UCSD

Good luck, everyone!

 

[Cardio1013]

Anyone else heard from Cincinnati, either way, yet? (thought that we were supposed to hear by Feb 12th)

IV: 3
Reject: 6
Waiting on: 18

 

[OptimusPrime]

Baylor Dallas rejections for breakfast. I wonder what i will have for lunch? 🙄

 

[liveinsea]

Anyone else heard from Cincinnati, either way, yet? (thought that we were supposed to hear by Feb 12th)

For what it's worth: PGY-2, AMG, top ten IM program, 1 journal article, a book chapter, abstract, and one submitted journal article. Good boards, good letters.

IV: 3
Reject: 6
Waiting on: 18

Receiving from Cincinnati, saying they are reviewing and list now is down to 167 and planning to send out IV before March 9.
Rejection from LVH.

 

[Starwalker]

Receiving from Cincinnati, saying they are reviewing and list now is down to 167 and planning to send out IV before March 9.
Rejection from LVH.

i got the same msg. it didnt make sense.. does it mean v r on a wait list??

 

[ariz77]

Rejections from:

Mayo Florida
Baylor University Dallas
Leigh Valley Hospital

email from cincinnati saying you are on the list of 167 candidates.

 

[gerald78]

i got the same msg. it didnt make sense.. does it mean v r on a wait list??

it means that they have narrowed the field down to 167 out of the original 500+ applications that they received and will be spending the next 2-3 wks reviewing the 167 and then narrow it down to however many they are going to interview.

 

[ariz77]

There are no hard and fast rules and every program will be looking for slightly different things. Remember my first date theory? There are so many variables. So, whatever I tell you is really just a very brief and very rough sketch. Not gospel.

USMLE minimum is about 200. Acceptability can dip a point or two below if the submission is remarkably strong in every other way. Any failure is a 99.999% deal breaker. Most of the candidates who we invite to interview are 240+, but that's not the reason they're being called. It's more like a preliminary hurdle that they've cleared.

If you're applying to an academic program, research history is very important. This includes publications to peer reviewed journals, posters, oral presentations. It's not the be all and end all, but it's the biggest factor that sets applicants apart.

Your letters are given special attention. Starting with the one from your PD. It matters what they say and what they don't say.

All the other bells and whistles help to guide us, but aren't necessarily paramount decision makers. I'm talking about the applicant's training program, whether the applicant is Chief Resident, personal statement (poor grammar and spelling errors can take you out of the running!), AOA, other awards/merit-based opportunities.

How much of a difference does the IMG/AMG factor play?

I am asking as I have pretty much all the things you have mentioned in this posting, with scores of 249 and 244, 2 basic science publications, 15 months of research experience, residency from a middle tier University program, good letters and no visa issues. Still I have tons of rejections and only two interviews. Thanks for all your help.

 

[MyopathicTicker]

It's odd to me that a program would say that they can't interview you, but they'll rank you for the match. You may be on a ranked wait list. Most programs do something like this. There's an order to the wait list and they'll call in that order if there is an open interview spot.

Thanks, PC!

On a more negative note Univ. of Cin. and Mayo Florida don't want to interview me. Sad but true.. Oh well- their loss.. 😉

 

[liveinsea]

How much of a difference does the IMG/AMG factor play?

I am asking as I have pretty much all the things you have mentioned in this posting, with scores of 249 and 244, 2 basic science publications, 15 months of research experience, residency from a middle tier University program, good letters and no visa issues. Still I have tons of rejections and only two interviews. Thanks for all your help.

I think the IMG/AMG plays only during interview. As far as you start talking, with strong accent, your grade starts to go low.
Regarding Cincinnati, I think the 167 just passed computer filtering, now the recommendation letter will start working.

 

[DrIM]

I think the IMG/AMG plays only during interview. As far as you start talking, with strong accent, your grade starts to go low.
Regarding Cincinnati, I think the 167 just passed computer filtering, now the recommendation letter will start working.

PC,

please can you tell me do you(or any programs) use computer filtering to select initial screening?

DrIM

 

[Masahiro]

Got the same email from Cincinnati, we have to wait a couple more weeks for the decision. Best of luck everyone!

 

[Jac1]

Rejection from Baylor-Dallas and LVH
Waiting to hear from cincy

 

[roxid]

Anyone heard from UMass......either way

 

[tigerdmb]

As per Baylor-Houston...my application has "been placed on hold"

Interesting way of saying they are not interested...

 

[asizzler]

got an interview to UMASS yesterday
North Shore/Long Island Jewish and GW the day before

on the flip got rejections from Baylor Dallas, Mayo Fl, and my application is on hold at Baylor Houston

 

[Cardio1013]

Got the same email via ERAS from Cincinnati yesterday..." one of 176..." .....well, I guess there's still a chance there, huh?

All else is quiet. 😳

 

[Cardiology]

I have not heard from over half of the programs that I've applied to. Is it in poor form to start calling or emailing to ask about the status of applications?

 

[liveinsea]

I have not heard from over half of the programs that I've applied to. Is it in poor form to start calling or emailing to ask about the status of applications?

pretty happy with this rejection. I should not have applied at the first place.

 

[synergy32]

So there are quite a few programs I am still waiting on, but given that many have offered interviews, I am assuming those will be rejections. However, there are still several I have not seen any posts on. If anyone has heard from these programs can you please let us know:

CPMC, Kaiser Norcal, Harbor UCLA, Scripps, Uconn -Farmington, Loyola, SLU, Albany, SUNY Brooklyn, Advocate Masonic, Advocate Lutheran, Rush, Albert Einstein Beth Israel, Albert Einstein Long Island, USC

 

[rks]

pretty happy with this rejection. I should not have applied at the first place.

Is something wrong with Creighton University? I received a invitation for interview today from them (My first IV)

 

[Starwalker]

so i got an IV from tulane. Does anyone know anything about the current status/overall desirability of this program? any info will be appreciated...

 

[liveinsea]

Is something wrong with Creighton University? I received a invitation for interview today from them (My first IV)

No, it is just a personal experience. I used to work there as postdoc.
Loyola, I know they gave IV to internal applicants.

 

[superdood]

fyi: usc no longer has a program.

So there are quite a few programs I am still waiting on, but given that many have offered interviews, I am assuming those will be rejections. However, there are still several I have not seen any posts on. If anyone has heard from these programs can you please let us know:

CPMC, Kaiser Norcal, Harbor UCLA, Scripps, Uconn -Farmington, Loyola, SLU, Albany, SUNY Brooklyn, Advocate Masonic, Advocate Lutheran, Rush, Albert Einstein Beth Israel, Albert Einstein Long Island, USC

 

[roxid]

Interview from Umass
Hold: Baylor-Houston and Brown-RI.
Brown and Baylor peeps..did u all receive the same hold email. Did anyone receive rejection from these places. Wondering if Hold= Rejection!!

 

[bossenton]

• Prepare for interviews. Educators say that while residency interviews are often intimidating, fellowship interviews tend to be more intimate and personal because of the comparatively small numbers of applicants. "Programs are looking for two to six fellows," Dr. Ott explained.

Because the personal aspect of a fellowship interview is so important, you want to make the best impression possible. Here are a few things to avoid:

• Don't arrange an interview immediately after you've been on call. You want to be sharp and well-rested.

• Don't whine. "We've all gone through residency, we know it's hard," said Margaret M. Johnson, MD, director of the pulmonary disease fellowship at the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine in Jacksonville, Fla. "Don't bother telling me it's hard."

• Don't bad-mouth other candidates or programs. You'll be perceived as having a negative attitude and being unpleasant to work with.

Be prepared with answers to the standard questions: Why do you want to join our program? What is your motivation for going into this subspecialty? What are your strengths/weaknesses? What are your long-term goals?
Also be prepared to ask some questions of your own. Asking insightful questions shows the program director that you are interested and enthusiastic. It is perfectly acceptable to write down a list of questions and bring them to the interview with you. You can ask about the program's philosophy, schedule, teaching style and opportunities for future growth.
Research the program and the doctors before you arrive and know who you're interviewing with and what their interests are. Dr. Johnson recommended looking at what people in the division had published because "it gives you something to talk about and it can save you from making some faux pas."
You should also be prepared to discuss your research experience, according to Dr. Johnson. "I'm looking for people who understand what they've done and can talk about it," she said. "We had one candidate who had quite a number of projects listed on his curriculum vitae, and yet when you asked him about them in-depth, he couldn't tell you anything. That's a real negative in my mind."
Finally, be cooperative. Directors want to be sure you will fit in well with the other physicians on staff and the organization as a whole. "One thing that sets people apart is their ability to be part of the health care team," Dr. Johnson said. "All things being equal in terms of the resident's intellectual and patient care abilities, I'm looking at her ability to play well with others in the sandbox."

 

[bossenton]

Interview Tips from TOM NEALIS
Questions you will get asked and should prepare for ahead of time
- Why do you want to go into (insert specialty)?
- Why do you want to come here?
o Specifics about program that fit your goals
o Location draws; family, friends, etc that may draw you to area
- Tell me about your research.
o This is a definite. You should know this well. Many times you will be explaining your research to people at their institution that do similar things.
- What are your plans after fellowship? Academics vs private practice? And if academics, what draws you to academics? You should think about what academic role you fit: basic science researcher, clinical investigator, clinical educator?
o Academic draws: teaching, staying on cutting edge, etc
o Basic researcher and clinical investigator: most think you need to do 80% research and that leaves 20% of your time for clinical.
o Clinical educator: on service more often, interested in teaching fellows, residents, students. Leaves little time for research but if you pick this as the track you fit, you should still explain your interests in research and how you might fit that into your career choice.
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Questions you can ask
- Do you offer a MSCI/MPH program? How is it funded (by the program or by the fellow)?
- I saw you have done research in X, what are you currently working on at this time?

Prior to interview
- review the webpage for the program
o key in on any faculty that have similar research areas as yourself, anyone that went to your med school or residency program, etc
o I would recommend writing down all the faculty names and a brief line about their interests. If someone does research in your area, write more details down about them, if someone went to your med school or residency, same thing. These are likely the people you will interview with. Take this sheet to your interview day and when you get your schedule, quickly review each name and their interests before each of your interviews.

Thank yous
- you can do these on the plane while your conversations are fresh in your mind
- thank you cards or e-mails are probably equivalent
- you should send to everyone you interviewed with, the program director, the division head, the coordinators that helped set up your day
Notes from Diane

- watch your facebook page, take it down if necessary
- google yourself and see what comes up
- dress professionally with a small purse, neat hair, conservative jewelry, low heeled shoes. This is not time for a fashion statement
- Always speak positively about Northwestern and your med school
- Consider why you are interviewing somewhere. Don't spend your money to go if you don't do your best to make a good impression. You want THEM to rate you highly. How you rate them is up to you.
- Review the program's website in advance of the visit
- Avoid comments in your thank yous such as "I am ranking you in my top three." Or, "I am ranking you highly." Say why you liked the program, how it could help you reach your academic goals and what you would contribute as a fellow.
- Bring an extra shirt/tie on the interview trail in case you spill something
- Have a plan for your future career. You want them to write "focused, mature, energetic, enthusiastic" on the form they fill out
- BE NICE to the support staff, fellows, anyone you meet
- Don't fall asleep in conferences if you are expected to attend one
- Know your research cold
- Practice your answers to common questions in advance
- CALL ME IF YOU NEED HELP OR ADVICE

 

[Jac1]

IV from creighton? When
On hold(=rejection) from baylor

 

[ariz77]

Rejections from:

Creighton
Brown

On hold ( whatever that means ) from Baylor.

 

[angiogram]

Was a member last year and wanted to share my thoughts on some questions..

AMG really is valued more than IMG... not to reflect any biases but that is just how it is.
Visa status is big....H1 puts you at a significant disadvantage.. mainly due to the competition
USMLE scores matter to some prog but don't think matters to most prog
I think any type of rsch is alright to show your interest to your own prog but once you finish residency and are competing with everyone.. ( and there are lots of them out there!!)... mentor phone calls and contacts>published in main journals>review articles>abstracts/presentations
Good luck!!!

 

[liveinsea]

Minnisota
south alabama

 

[OptimusPrime]

minnesota rejection

 

[Cardio1013]

Interview from VCU today. All else is quiet.....again. 😴

 

[Jac1]

Rejection South Alabama👎

 

[roxid]

Minnesota-Rejection

 

[EPADHA]

well I have had so many rejections that I have stopped visiting this forum.. It looks like a lot of water has flown under the bridge since I last came.

rejections- minnesota, brown, UCSD

Has any one heard from Cedar Sinai or UAB??- negative or positive?

 

[Moondoc]

So there are quite a few programs I am still waiting on, but given that many have offered interviews, I am assuming those will be rejections. However, there are still several I have not seen any posts on. If anyone has heard from these programs can you please let us know:

CPMC, Kaiser Norcal, Harbor UCLA, Scripps, Uconn -Farmington, Loyola, SLU, Albany, SUNY Brooklyn, Advocate Masonic, Advocate Lutheran, Rush, Albert Einstein Beth Israel, Albert Einstein Long Island, USC

Invite from Harbor UCLA today.

 

[ariz77]

Rejections from:

U Minnesota
U South Alabama

Anyone heard anything from UTMB?

 

[EPADHA]

rejection - Brigham and Womens

 

[bossenton]

BWH👎

 

[Larry Renal]

Moondoc, for what it's worth, i've only applied to a few of the programs you listed, but have heard from none. I'm still waiting on 27/37.

Got an IV at St. Raphaels in CT, no other news all week.

 

[OptimusPrime]

rejection from BWH today... a saturday! i thought we had a truce over the weekends dang it 😉

 

[roxid]

BWH Rejection........

Did anyone got an email from Brown asking you to apply for their research track??