MD & DO co'21 Residency Panic thread

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morningmedicine said:
I know this is anecdotal but I was essentially told the opposite about including those single-day/short term things. I mean sure if it was super meaningful/important to your overall narrative, then include it. But otherwise it just clutters things and can possibly obscure the more important/meaningful experiences. Unless you really need more experiences, then in that case, include them! I was given the advice that you'd be better off collating those one-off type experiences, if possible--i.e. if you did a bunch of random volunteering to fulfill a requirement for a honor society, just list the specific events/examples in the description of that honor society.

Edit: I'm not saying you're wrong. But just offering up a differing opinion.
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I agree - I think like any application, you need to present the narrative of who you are, so it it fits with that, then great, if not, nobody's gonna miss that one time you spent an afternoon in a soup kitchen or whatever.
 
morningmedicine said:
I know this is anecdotal but I was essentially told the opposite about including those single-day/short term things. I mean sure if it was super meaningful/important to your overall narrative, then include it. But otherwise it just clutters things and can possibly obscure the more important/meaningful experiences. Unless you really need more experiences, then in that case, include them! I was given the advice that you'd be better off collating those one-off type experiences, if possible--i.e. if you did a bunch of random volunteering to fulfill a requirement for a honor society, just list the specific events/examples in the description of that honor society.

Edit: I'm not saying you're wrong. But just offering up a differing opinion.
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I think it’s a bit of keeping up with the Joneses. People see like 15 volunteer activities on charting the outcomes and they think if they only put the 4-5 important ones that they’ll be at a disadvantage.
 
Matthew9Thirtyfive said:
I think it’s a bit of keeping up with the Joneses. People see like 15 volunteer activities on charting the outcomes and they think if they only put the 4-5 important ones that they’ll be at a disadvantage.
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It totally is... for all the metrics that they decide to measure in the charting outcomes, and to an extent we all need to play that game. But I think it's important to remember that all NRMP numbers reported are *means* not minimums.
 
Question for y'all. is it expected to put details for everything on your app? Like the description part? If I leave all that blank, it feels like my app is too short (like 4 pages minus the PS, MSPE, etc).

Is there anyway to find a full length, example ERAS app? I just feel like I'm doing it all wrong and I'm getting super neurotic about it all.
 
Espressso said:
Question for y'all. is it expected to put details for everything on your app? Like the description part? If I leave all that blank, it feels like my app is too short (like 4 pages minus the PS, MSPE, etc).

Is there anyway to find a full length, example ERAS app? I just feel like I'm doing it all wrong and I'm getting super neurotic about it all.
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I filled out the descriptions for all my things. Why wouldn't you? They're not gonna know what all your experiences consisted of unless you tell them
 
So is the general idea of ERAS that we tailor our application like a job application, or that we are compelled to report everything like a medical school application. ??
 
sunshinefl said:
So is the general idea of ERAS that we tailor our application like a job application, or that we are compelled to report everything like a medical school application. ??
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It is a(n overly complicated) job application. So you're not compelled to report anything, beyond scores and MSPE, but you want to put in the things that will make you attractive.

My take on all this, after mostly filling it out and having dozed through too many zoom calls from my school on the process...
I'm a non-trad, 2nd career style, and I started working at a pretty young age, so my complete CV is older than a lot of my classmates. If I wanted to, I could make this thing 50 pages long. But nobody wants to hear about that summer job I had after freshman year of college almost 20 years ago, especially when I have more compelling/targeted things to list (mainly teaching experience - prior career). I want to end up at an academic program - so I'm going to put in my teaching, the research/clinical stuff I did, the leadership/volunteering things I have (esp since med school) and all the other shiny experiences that make me look good to those kinds of programs and hopefully mitigate my low step score. And my personal statement will be geared toward that, esp with how those programs will help me reach future goals and what I've already done to back up the sincerity of my plans.
So yes, tailored like a job application.

But you have to work with what you've got and gear it towards where you want to be.
If I didn't have all the teaching things, I probably would include some of those summer jobs - to show that I know what it is to work, not just be a student. If I wasn't shooting for academic programs, I'd probably leave out some of my poster presentations (since that's a lot of BS) but I'm putting them in because I don't have an actual pub, and those programs like to have a higher number to report in their averages.
If I was going for primary care or a community program, I'd probably present a lot of my leadership stuff with a more volunteering slant.
And in any scenario, I'm not including the year I spent as a frat president in UG, because that's not a good look right now and nobody needs to know what I did in my free time back then.
So think about the kind of image you want to project and then fill in all the things that will help you present that image and leave out the ones that don't.
 
Don't know if this is the right place to ask this, but is it appropriate to send thank you letters/letters of intent after attending a virtual open house? And if so, who should I send it to? The PD? Residents? program coordinator? Have no idea what the proper etiquette is for this...
 
fivelikes said:
Don't know if this is the right place to ask this, but is it appropriate to send thank you letters/letters of intent after attending a virtual open house? And if so, who should I send it to? The PD? Residents? program coordinator? Have no idea what the proper etiquette is for this...
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seems excessive

Edit: I’ve been to a bunch of these and they’ve been very informal. My thought process was that they don’t even have your application yet. The more I think about it though, it would reasonable network with the residents/PC, especially if you have leftover questions or it’s your top program
 
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fivelikes said:
Don't know if this is the right place to ask this, but is it appropriate to send thank you letters/letters of intent after attending a virtual open house? And if so, who should I send it to? The PD? Residents? program coordinator? Have no idea what the proper etiquette is for this...
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I have a friend that used it to network a bit with the residents and it worked out for him. He sent them emails asking how to be stronger and for advice basically. I straight up asked for an audition during one and got it lol.
 
kraskadva said:
And in any scenario, I'm not including the year I spent as a frat president in UG, because that's not a good look right now and nobody needs to know what I did in my free time back then.
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If my app focuses on teaching and clinical education, is it in bad taste to include under experiences that I was academic chairperson for my fraternity? I worked hard that year to help whip our organization into shape. I have a bit of other teaching, tutoring, and mentoring.
 
Blue29 said:
If my app focuses on teaching and clinical education, is it in bad taste to include under experiences that I was academic chairperson for my fraternity? I worked hard that year to help whip our organization into shape. I have a bit of other teaching, tutoring, and mentoring.
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IDK - you do you.
My frat leadership experience was exclusively party-planning, hence why I'm not listing it. If yours was something else that would reflect well on you then go ahead. Just fill out that description appropriately.
 
I listed nothing from undergrad on ERAS lol
 
fivelikes said:
Don't know if this is the right place to ask this, but is it appropriate to send thank you letters/letters of intent after attending a virtual open house? And if so, who should I send it to? The PD? Residents? program coordinator? Have no idea what the proper etiquette is for this...
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I will probably do it to my favorite places.
 
Been hearing on twitter about the NRMP having 2 rounds of the soap this year bc covid. Someone said their school confirm but I haven’t seen anything about it?
 
Dr.Bruh said:
Been hearing on twitter about the NRMP having 2 rounds of the soap this year bc covid. Someone said their school confirm but I haven’t seen anything about it?
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They added an extra round of SOAP. Instead of 3 rounds, it's now 4.
 
Basically if you do anything noteworthy list it. Do people care about your summer job at an office? Probably not. They definitely don’t care about your social committee in the fraternity. But if you were a committee member who did something notable for sure list it. Also if you can spin something you did well then do it. Can’t hurt
 
Chibucks15 said:
Basically if you do anything noteworthy list it. Do people care about your summer job at an office? Probably not. They definitely don’t care about your social committee in the fraternity. But if you were a committee member who did something notable for sure list it. Also if you can spin something you did well then do it. Can’t hurt
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Exactly. Saying you were a member of some premed club in undergrad won’t help the application. Notable awards and research of course list that.
 
ciestar said:
Exactly. Saying you were a member of some premed club in undergrad won’t help the application. Notable awards and research of course list that.
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And even jobs. I’m listing some of the more menial labor blue collar jobs I’ve had because I feel that it paints me in a positive light. Maybe they don’t care but it isn’t up to you. I doubt that you’ll get hurt putting too much unless it’s obvious nonsense fluff
 
Chibucks15 said:
And even jobs. I’m listing some of the more menial labor blue collar jobs I’ve had because I feel that it paints me in a positive light. Maybe they don’t care but it isn’t up to you. I doubt that you’ll get hurt putting too much unless it’s obvious nonsense fluff
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Yeah, jobs as well.
 
Chibucks15 said:
And even jobs. I’m listing some of the more menial labor blue collar jobs I’ve had because I feel that it paints me in a positive light. Maybe they don’t care but it isn’t up to you. I doubt that you’ll get hurt putting too much unless it’s obvious nonsense fluff
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I didn’t list a job because I thought it was irrelevant and instead got asked what I did during that presumed “gap“ at one interview.
 
Oedipa Maas said:
I didn’t list a job because I thought it was irrelevant and instead got asked what I did during that presumed “gap“ at one interview.
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I’m applying EM and I’m sure as hell listing my 4 years working at Chili’s in highschool/college. That experience helped me in the ED more than any other experience I had other than maybe scribing lol
 
Does it hurt you at all to apply later than Sept 1? I can't see a way that it would but I'm afraid to go on that assumption. I'm literally just waiting on an updated headshot to upload, everything else is filled out.
 
Meccamputechture said:
Does it hurt you at all to apply later than Sept 1? I can't see a way that it would but I'm afraid to go on that assumption. I'm literally just waiting on an updated headshot to upload, everything else is filled out.
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I reached out to ERAS on twitter (so weird that Twitter is playing such a role this year, lol) & they said everybody who applies before October 21, 9am will be time-stamped with the exact same time (10/21/20 9am.)

So no advantage is given to someone who applies before then because PDs cannot filter applications by time before that point.
 
Meccamputechture said:
Does it hurt you at all to apply later than Sept 1? I can't see a way that it would but I'm afraid to go on that assumption. I'm literally just waiting on an updated headshot to upload, everything else is filled out.
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I got this email this morning...
1598976395370.png

...if you wanted official confirmation that it's chill to wait until october.

NecrotizingFasciitis said:
I reached out to ERAS on twitter (so weird that Twitter is playing such a role this year, lol) & they said everybody who applies before October 21, 9am will be time-stamped with the exact same time (10/21/20 9am.)

So no advantage is given to someone who applies before then because PDs cannot filter applications by time before that point.
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Also, yeah, twitter has become weirdly integral to the application process this year. If you're not on there already, would strongly suggest starting a professional account and engaging with programs/residents/docs/other applicants in your field of choice.
 
Are you guys bullet pointing or paragraphing your descriptions on ERAS?
 
Neopolymath said:
Because it was virtual, specifically?

I'm sure you will done fine!
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Mainly just with answering some of the questions. I’m sure it’ll be fine if I run through common interview questions a few times though
 
redsox93 said:
Mainly just with answering some of the questions. I’m sure it’ll be fine if I run through common interview questions a few times though
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Any good links for common interview questions?
 
So glad I can now contribute as a resident and share some of my experiences during the application/interview process. It's a shame none of my interview experiences will be useful in any way to this cohort, but hopefully some of the other answers will help. If it doesn't, well, you don't have to read it. This is an exciting time (in both the good way and the diarrhea/vomit-inducing way) and I'm really rooting for you all.

Blue29 said:
If my app focuses on teaching and clinical education, is it in bad taste to include under experiences that I was academic chairperson for my fraternity? I worked hard that year to help whip our organization into shape. I have a bit of other teaching, tutoring, and mentoring.
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I think others have answered this, but yes, you should absolutely include it. It is not in bad taste at all. It fits into your personal narrative and shows that you've been serious about teaching/mentoring for a long time and that you are consistent in your endeavors.
Chibucks15 said:
And even jobs. I’m listing some of the more menial labor blue collar jobs I’ve had because I feel that it paints me in a positive light. Maybe they don’t care but it isn’t up to you. I doubt that you’ll get hurt putting too much unless it’s obvious nonsense fluff
Click to expand...
Dr.Bruh said:
I’m applying EM and I’m sure as hell listing my 4 years working at Chili’s in highschool/college. That experience helped me in the ED more than any other experience I had other than maybe scribing lol
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Holy shyte I wish more direct-to-med-school kids had more life experience in the form of crappy-a s s jobs. After being a doctor (though sometimes it feels like I'm a "doctor") for a grand total of two months, I can guarantee you that you will have such a better time as an intern if you have had any type of customer-service type job. I love my patients, but there are times I can't roll my eyes far enough in the back of my head at their ridiculous requests or how whiny they are at times for truly trivial things. Like, dude, 19 different doctors and 47 nurses literally just saved your life not only in quantity but also in quality and you're complaining that you haven't been fed in 24 hours??? Dear lord almighty in heaven.
Espressso said:
Any good links for common interview questions?
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Get used to answering "so, tell me about yourself," seven thousand times. That's basically about it.
 
Just realized if you go to a residency program’s Instagram page they have info about virtual open houses they’re holding. I missed out on most programs because I just found out about this today but was able to sign up for a few that are happening this week and next. Just thought I’d pass the info along in case any of you were interested.
 
I forgot to put MD after the title of my recommenders who already submitted their letters... does it matter?
 
fivelikes said:
Thanks. Should I create a new title for the ones who haven't submitted theirs yet, or just leave it?
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You do you, but my rule of thumb is to not change paperwork/parameters/etc on somebody who's agreed to do a favor for me, unless there's something truly dire that needs to be fixed (but like, I compulsively triple-check for those kinds of things before sending them to the other person)

Have you sent them the letter request form already? If so, I wouldn't change it unless they specifically ask you to make the correction. So long as their name is spelled correctly, it really shouldn't matter, since all the pertinent info will be on their letterhead and no PD has got time to sit and scrutinize whether your entry matches their letterhead exactly.
If you haven't given the form to them yet, then knock yourself out with whatever edits you want.
 
How do we know our board scores are ready to go on ERAS?

Under the "additional documents" tab mine says "Authorized" is that how it's supposed to be?
 
NecrotizingFasciitis said:
How do we know our board scores are ready to go on ERAS?

Under the "additional documents" tab mine says "Authorized" is that how it's supposed to be?
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That's a good question. I'm at that stage as well. The only option it gives me is "assign" to specific programs. I thought we have to pay to get the scores onto ERAS
 
Espressso said:
That's a good question. I'm at that stage as well. The only option it gives me is "assign" to specific programs. I thought we have to pay to get the scores onto ERAS
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I'm there as well. I could be wrong, but I think you assign to each program, and then you pay when you submit the application??

What I think is weird is how I can't see exactly what gets sent to the programs. As in, I got my step 2 scores back a few weeks ago, and I "authorized" a few days after my scores came back, but I'm paranoid that for some reason they will only send step 1 and not step 2 as well.
 
morningmedicine said:
I'm there as well. I could be wrong, but I think you assign to each program, and then you pay when you submit the application??

What I think is weird is how I can't see exactly what gets sent to the programs. As in, I got my step 2 scores back a few weeks ago, and I "authorized" a few days after my scores came back, but I'm paranoid that for some reason they will only send step 1 and not step 2 as well.
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Good to see the chances to be neurotic never ends. So glad it didn’t end when I got into med school.
 
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