Cardiologist and former med school interviewer available to answer questions

[HeartDoc14]

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Thank you for doing this

1. What types of things in the interview can "make up" for lower mcat/gpa?

2. What went into weither or not an applicant got an interview invite? Soley gpa and mcat or were personal statement/ECs taken into account as well?

3. What happens after the interview? What is the process of deciding to accept/reject/waitlist like?

thanks again!
Sent from my SCH-I405 using SDN Mobile

1. Generally, if you've made it to the interview process, your grades and scores are probably acceptable, though your application may not be considered "top tier". If you've had interesting life experiences, or have shown motivation in other ways (that you can sincerely express in an interview), and if you can provide a mature explanation of your shortcomings while taking responsibility for them, a good interview can go a long way. You want your interviewer(s) to become an advocate for your application, so obviously like-ability is important.

2. To most readers, it is rare that a personal statement can significantly help a weak application, but a poor personal statement can be damaging. If you're a strong applicant, don't put anything in your personal statement that might turn off the reader. Play it a little safer. If your application is weaker, then it may be worth the gamble to be a little riskier with your personal statement. Every once in a while, I found an applicant to be an outstanding writer, and in those instances, a personal statement that "wows" goes a long way. But to be honest, most applicants aren't amazing writers. If you can be really original and creative, go for it. But don't look like you're trying to be creative.

3. I'm sure all admission committees are somewhat different, but usually a committee will sit around a table and review applications. Your interviewer will often act as your advocate and present your application. You're then assigned to different "piles" depending on the opinion of the committee. If your interviewer is a strong, enthusiastic advocate for you, you're in pretty good shape, especially if that interviewer is senior or has more pull.

 

[HeartDoc14]

What do you think are the most important things a person should pick a medical school based on if they have the opportunity to do so?

Assuming we're talking about schools with reasonable reputations...

1. Cost. Stay out of debt if possible!
2. Where graduates are matching
3. Location

 

[HeartDoc14]

Is being a scribe the best job for a premed?

A scribe? Do you mean for a medical school? Or for an emergency room? I honestly don't know much about being a scribe.

 

[HeartDoc14]

When is the right time to decide on an IM subspecialty? Is it MS4 or PGY1 or both?

You don't apply for fellowship until your PGY2 year. Many people don't decide what they want to do until the beginning of their second year of residency. If you know in med school, more power to you, but have an open mind. If you're dead set on going to the top fellowship program in the country, you'll need to decide earlier (during internship) so that you can get involved in research. Otherwise, let time help you make your decision. I know many people that decided on a field too early, and then when they decided they didn't really want to specialize in that area after all, they felt lost and confused. Many of us changed our minds at least once (including myself).

 

[GomerPyle]

So you're saying that interviewers are an active part of the admissions committee where they sit down with the whole committee and discuss the applicant? I got the impression that they just wrote a report and submitted it to the committee rather than being an active part of it..

Also, have you noticed any sort of "bias" towards osteopathic doctors that you have worked with, trained with, and/or know? Any sort of mistreatment? Do MD's in any way think they are superior to them or think any less of them? I have heard conflicting thoughts about this and would love to get your opinion.

 

[drdoom12]

Have you ever interviewed someone who has worked previously as a healthcare professional, as in a nurse, pharmacist, etc? How did you feel about this applicant?

 

[syoung]

You mean May 15?

 

[HeartDoc14]

Is there such a thing as two different types of cardiologists? Like one that deals only with the electrical part of the heart and another that deals with the muscular part of the heart?

This FM guy I was shadowing said that.

He's a little off, but there are several sub-sub specialties in cardiology:
Electrophysiology
Interventional cardiology
Heart failure/transplant
Non-invasive imaging (CT/MRI)
Adult congenital (this is rare)

General cardiologists do some electrophysiology, treat coronary disease, valvular disease, heart failure, and many read CT scans and get nuclear cardiology training. Some implant pacemakers as well.

 

[JBOB]

Do you find cardiology to be one of the more intellectually stimulating fields, in general? Are there any other specialties which stand out to you in that way?

Thanks for doing this, by the way.

 

[gettheleadout]

OP,

Just in case you're interested, you can confidentially provide the SDN administrators (various licensed physicians and other health professionals) your license number for verification here: https://help.studentdoctor.net/entries/465337-Doctor-Verification

You'll receive free forum browsing perks and upgrades, and a "Physician" badge on your profile signifying SDN's affirmation of your licensure.

This is optional, but all of your information is absolutely private according to SDN's Privacy Policy.

Thanks for taking the time for this thread!

 

[syoung]

You don't apply for fellowship until your PGY2 year. Many people don't decide what they want to do until the beginning of their second year of residency. If you know in med school, more power to you, but have an open mind. If you're dead set on going to the top fellowship program in the country, you'll need to decide earlier (during internship) so that you can get involved in research. Otherwise, let time help you make your decision. I know many people that decided on a field too early, and then when they decided they didn't really want to specialize in that area after all, they felt lost and confused. Many of us changed our minds at least once (including myself).

This is assuming someone applied to a general surgery or medicine residency?

 

[TheShaker]

1. Generally, if you've made it to the interview process, your grades and scores are probably acceptable, though your application may not be considered "top tier". If you've had interesting life experiences, or have shown motivation in other ways (that you can sincerely express in an interview), and if you can provide a mature explanation of your shortcomings while taking responsibility for them, a good interview can go a long way. You want your interviewer(s) to become an advocate for your application, so obviously like-ability is important.

2. To most readers, it is rare that a personal statement can significantly help a weak application, but a poor personal statement can be damaging. If you're a strong applicant, don't put anything in your personal statement that might turn off the reader. Play it a little safer. If your application is weaker, then it may be worth the gamble to be a little riskier with your personal statement. Every once in a while, I found an applicant to be an outstanding writer, and in those instances, a personal statement that "wows" goes a long way. But to be honest, most applicants aren't amazing writers. If you can be really original and creative, go for it. But don't look like you're trying to be creative.

3. I'm sure all admission committees are somewhat different, but usually a committee will sit around a table and review applications. Your interviewer will often act as your advocate and present your application. You're then assigned to different "piles" depending on the opinion of the committee. If your interviewer is a strong, enthusiastic advocate for you, you're in pretty good shape, especially if that interviewer is senior or has more pull.

I know this is school specific but in general, how much weight does the interview have for the overall strength of the applicant and how much power does the interviewer have in the decision?

 

[HeartDoc14]

So you're saying that interviewers are an active part of the admissions committee where they sit down with the whole committee and discuss the applicant? I got the impression that they just wrote a report and submitted it to the committee rather than being an active part of it..

Also, have you noticed any sort of "bias" towards osteopathic doctors that you have worked with, trained with, and/or know? Any sort of mistreatment? Do MD's in any way think they are superior to them or think any less of them? I have heard conflicting thoughts about this and would love to get your opinion.

1. Every school is different, but it's true: some interviewers are not on the admissions committee. Often, however, if you are interviewed by more than one faculty, one of the interviewers may be on the committee.

2. Honestly, there may be a little bias early on, but as your career progresses, that bias fades. An osteopath may have a difficult time getting their top choice of an allopathic residency. Being an DO probably has less bearing on fellowship application, and in terms of getting a job, no one really seems to care, as long as you've trained at a respectable program. I've never seen any mistreatment. And I know some outstanding cardiologists, pulmonologists, etc that are DO's. In fact, one of the best critical care attendings I worked with during my training was a DO. He was brilliant.

 

[syoung]

I know this is school specific but in general, how much weight does the interview have for the overall strength of the applicant and how much power does the interviewer have in the decision?

I think he answered this somewhere.

 

[HeartDoc14]

I know this is school specific but in general, how much weight does the interview have for the overall strength of the applicant and how much power does the interviewer have in the decision?

It's really hard to answer that. A really strong interview can go a long way, but only after you've been granted the interview. But when an interviewee comes across mature, well-informed, prepared and personable, to the point that the interviewer gives a "strong" recommendation, that can help a lot. Interviewers are rarely "wowed" by the interview.

How much power an interviewer has often depends on his/her seniority, respectability, and position within the admission committee. Are you being interviewed by the Chair of the Medicine Department? A Dean? A full professor? Or a newly appointed clinical instructor? (To be honest, I'm not sure how applicants are assigned to interviewers.)

 

[GomerPyle]

Thanks for your responses! It is greatly appreciated.

What separated a good interview from a great one (assuming equal stats)? I mean, what really "wowed" you? Any particular personality traits and attitudes that come to mind?

How would you suggest that a normal applicant (with decent stats and nothing overly impressive about his/her experiences) to approach an interview in order to really impress the interviewer?

 

[HeartDoc14]

This is assuming someone applied to a general surgery or medicine residency?

It probably also applies to pediatrics, and maybe radiology. Most (not all) fellowships follow one of those residencies, so the question is less relevant to other residencies. To be honest, I'm not as familiar with how it works in other fields.

 

[HeartDoc14]

Thanks for your responses! It is greatly appreciated.

What separated a good interview from a great one (assuming equal stats)? From your experiences, what really "wowed" you? How would you suggest that a normal applicant (with decent stats and nothing overly impressive about his/her experiences) to approach an interview in order to really impress the interviewer?

Most interviews are fair/good. Great interviews are rare.

A great interviewer...
is well-informed and well-read but understands their knowledge limitations
is able to talk in detail about their application, often with enthusiasm
makes eye contact
has a some understanding of health care (for their level)
is respectful but not intimidated
is prepared to talk about their research, past jobs, activities, etc
rarely gives one word answers
knows who they are

 

[syoung]

Thanks!

I only asked because during match day, it seems like many people match into a pre-lim followed immediately with the subspecialty they wanted...

 

[HeartDoc14]

OP,

Just in case you're interested, you can confidentially provide the SDN administrators (various licensed physicians and other health professionals) your license number for verification here: https://help.studentdoctor.net/entries/465337-Doctor-Verification

You'll receive free forum browsing perks and upgrades, and a "Physician" badge on your profile signifying SDN's affirmation of your licensure.

This is optional, but all of your information is absolutely private according to SDN's Privacy Policy.

Thanks for taking the time for this thread!

Thanks. I just provided the information to be verified.

 

[HeartDoc14]

Thanks!

I only asked because during match day, it seems like many people match into a pre-lim followed immediately with the subspecialty they wanted...

I'm less familiar with other specialties, but you're right -- if you're applying for a specialty that starts as a PGY2, you'll need to also apply for a prelim or transitional year at the same time. Those are often easier to match in, but most people prefer to do their prelim year or transitional year at the same place they complete their residency. In those cases, You'll need to decide what you want to specialize in at the end of MS3 or beginning of MS4. I think you CAN wait until your intern year to apply, but I believe you'd be at a disadvantage, and many programs will have already filled.

Because this is not the route I took, I strongly encourage you to talk to you med school advisors, student affairs office, or faculty in these fields to get accurate information.

 

[TheShaker]

It's really hard to answer that. A really strong interview can go a long way, but only after you've been granted the interview. But when an interviewee comes across mature, well-informed, prepared and personable, to the point that the interviewer gives a "strong" recommendation, that can help a lot. Interviewers are rarely "wowed" by the interview.

How much power an interviewer has often depends on his/her seniority, respectability, and position within the admission committee. Are you being interviewed by the Chair of the Medicine Department? A Dean? A full professor? Or a newly appointed clinical instructor? (To be honest, I'm not sure how applicants are assigned to interviewers.)

Thank you for your answer. 🙂

 

[HeartDoc14]

Have you ever interviewed someone who has worked previously as a healthcare professional, as in a nurse, pharmacist, etc? How did you feel about this applicant?

Often, very impressed. In my experience, former nurses, pharmacists, paramedics etc do very well.

 

[HeartDoc14]

Do you find cardiology to be one of the more intellectually stimulating fields, in general? Are there any other specialties which stand out to you in that way?

Thanks for doing this, by the way.

Cardiology is very stimulating, in my opinion. So is pulm/critical care, neonatology, and radiology. Infectious disease is interesting and very academic as well. Pathology is probably both stimulating and boring at the same time, in my opinion.

 

[TriagePreMed]

This is hardly necessary.

There are enough attendings and residents that post here that it will be easy to tell if OP is not what he claims. In the mean time, I think anonymity is a valuable tool for someone with OPs experience to candidly address issues relating to her profession.

What are you expecting? A link to a faculty bio? I picture of a physician holding a piece of paper with OP's username written on it?

You realize there's a way to get a physician and faculty badge from sdn while still protecting privacy, right?

 

[HeartDoc14]

You realize there's a way to get a physician and faculty badge from sdn while still protecting privacy, right?

I submitted my info for verification. The network administrators now need to verify. Give it time.

 

[GomerPyle]

Honestly, has anyone's behavior or response really bugged you in an interview to the point that you wrote them a horrible review? What sorts of things really bugged you? Trying too hard? Being cocky? Kissing a$s a little too much? Interviewees asking personal questions about you?

 

[HeartDoc14]

Honestly, has anyone's behavior or response really bugged you in an interview to the point that you wrote them a horrible review? What sorts of things really bugged you? Trying too hard? Being cocky? Kissing a$s a little too much? Interviewees asking personal questions about you?

Interviewees occasionally come across as argumentative and cocky, and that is an immediate red flag. Some interviewees come across too casual and make inappropriate jokes or references (another red flag). I'm also always turned off by those that come across like a used car salesman, as if they've known me their whole life.

One person answered a cell phone call during an interview. Turn your phone off (not vibrate), and don't text during the interview. Sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised.

 

[TheShaker]

Interviewees occasionally come across as argumentative and cocky, and that is an immediate red flag. Some interviewees come across too casual and make inappropriate jokes or references (another red flag). I'm also always turned off by those that come across like a used car salesman, as if they've known me their whole life.

One person answered a cell phone call during an interview. Turn your phone off (not vibrate), and don't text during the interview. Sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised.

How badly do you mark an interviewee who seems overly nervous? Anything you like to do to help them out during the interview?

 

[GomerPyle]

Interviewees occasionally come across as argumentative and cocky, and that is an immediate red flag. Some interviewees come across too casual and make inappropriate jokes or references (another red flag). I'm also always turned off by those that come across like a used car salesman, as if they've known me their whole life.

One person answered a cell phone call during an interview. Turn your phone off (not vibrate), and don't text during the interview. Sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised.

Answered their phone? lmao! Wow...

Thanks for this info. We have a legendary "Bizarre Interview Moments" thread here on SDN where premed students discuss some of their awkward moments. I wouldn't mind hearing some of your bizarre stories as an interviewer if you ever have the time to post some in here, haha.

 

[Si Se Puede]

Do you know what percentage of applicants are interviewed? I know it varies a lot, but let's say for top 15 schools?

 

[prado]

Do you know what percentage of applicants are interviewed? I know it varies a lot, but let's say for top 15 schools?

http://www.medicalschoolsinusa.com/

 

[synecdoche]

Assuming we're talking about schools with reasonable reputations...

1. Cost. Stay out of debt if possible!
2. Where graduates are matching
3. Location

Could you elaborate on the second point? Do you mean geographically, quality of program, both, etc? I know match lists can only be interpreted so much, but I am curious what you mean.

Thanks! 🙂

 

[TriagePreMed]

I submitted my info for verification. The network administrators now need to verify. Give it time.

I believe you are who you say you are, but I was mentioning it for argument's sake.

 

[pre med 2014]

Interviewees occasionally come across as argumentative and cocky, and that is an immediate red flag. Some interviewees come across too casual and make inappropriate jokes or references (another red flag). I'm also always turned off by those that come across like a used car salesman, as if they've known me their whole life.

One person answered a cell phone call during an interview. Turn your phone off (not vibrate), and don't text during the interview. Sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VY7anGG16u0

 

[KinasePro]

What's the job market like for general & sub-specialty cardiologists these days? I've heard the current markets are fairly saturated (especially for EP), curious what your experiences are.

 

[LaughingMan]

How influential are LORs and Essays for obtaining interviews?

Are LORs generally read before offering interviews?

 

[Like]

Have you ever come across profanity in personal statements? How would you view it? 😛
Also should an applicant steer clear of mentioning dropping out of high school? Maybe I'll pm you about this with more detail.

P.S. Thank you for doing this, I've read every one of your answers and they have been very insightful.

 

[HeartDoc14]

Could you elaborate on the second point? Do you mean geographically, quality of program, both, etc? I know match lists can only be interpreted so much, but I am curious what you mean.

Thanks! 🙂

What I mean is that many schools will report that a high percentage of their graduates match in one of their top 2-3 choices, but I'd be more interested in where those spots are. Are the graduates matching in top tier programs (like MGH, Duke, Stanford, UCSF, Chicago, UW, etc), or do graduates set their sights lower? If the top students aren't even applying to powerhouse residency programs, thats a little concerning.

 

[HeartDoc14]

How badly do you mark an interviewee who seems overly nervous? Anything you like to do to help them out during the interview?

If an interviewee is not nervous at all, they're probably not that interested in the program. I generally would not penalize an applicant for being nervous, within reason. While I would never try to make someone nervous, I really wouldn't go out of my way to make an interviewee feel comfortable. I'm actually interested in seeing how a person handles their nervousness, as it's a pretty good barometer of how someone handles pressure, and may give some insight into how they'll handle the pressures of med school and of being a physician.

 

[HeartDoc14]

Have you ever come across profanity in personal statements? How would you view it? 😛
Also should an applicant steer clear of mentioning dropping out of high school? Maybe I'll pm you about this with more detail.

P.S. Thank you for doing this, I've read every one of your answers and they have been very insightful.

1. I read several personal statements that were written as short stories, and occasionally those had some profanity. I'm not easily offended, so if the language used in a personal statement was part of the mood of the essay and essential for the content, I wouldn't have a problem with that. I can't speak for others, of course. However, profanity that is used as a means to shock the reader and make the PS stand out is bad decision.

2. If an applicant dropped out of HS due to personal hardships, that may be an important part of who that person is today, and may be able to be turned into a strength, but probably only if the rest of the application is strong, and the applicant has shown stability the rest of their academic career. If, however, a person dropped out of high school, and had breaks in their college education or any academic deficiencies in college, that would obviously be a big red flag.

 

[HeartDoc14]

Do you know what percentage of applicants are interviewed? I know it varies a lot, but let's say for top 15 schools?

Thats a hard question, because some schools get 5-7 times the number of applications that other schools do.

 

[RCPreMD]

Does long term employment in non medical job such as retail look good on application? 5 years +

 

[applemac123]

My point is DO vs MD is irrelevant (unless people have questions about medical school or COMPLEX).

easy Jake. the question is relevant in the context of his career path.

 

[touchpause13]

How do you feel about the short story personal statement? That's what I did this year (and will probably do again as I reapply)

Let me clarify that I'm an english major and creative writing is a personal hobby of mine so I'm not a complete newbie at this.

Sent from my SCH-I405 using SDN Mobile

 

[jippyslim]

OP, great insights!

I get the sense that you love what you do. I'd like to know what you don't like about Cardiology. From what I know, cards see a lot of sicker patients, and sometimes the outcomes are not great. Is the field tough emotionally? toughness is relative to the individual, of course.

Thanks!

 

[winterwarlock88]

Thanks a lot for doing this. Probably like everyone else, I have read through your responses and they are very insightful.

 

[pre med 2014]

Best and worst answers you have heard for 'why do you want to become a doctor?'

 

[sinombre]

Best and worst answers you have heard for 'why do you want to become a doctor?'

This was literally the first question answered... lol

 

[pre med 2014]

This was literally the first question answered... lol

See it. Thanks Bubbles.