Comparatively Disadvantaged

[Apoplexy__]

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I get the feeling that when I'm applying for residency, I'm going to be absolutely stunned by the amazing credentials of all my peers. Here are some things that other applicants will have done that I won't do:
-Post-sophomore fellowships (salaried programs in a specialty after MS-2 or 3)
-Publication of research
-Post-grad degrees (Relevant Ph.D's, M.S.'s, or a PharmD)

And I'm sure there are plenty of other things that I'm not thinking of. Here's what I'm wondering:
1. What other things do medical students do to really get an edge and stand out? I was shocked when I learned about post-sophomore fellowships...what else is out there?
2. I'm looking at Anesthesiology and Pathology, and am probably going to shoot for California programs first - how disadvantaged am I? I'm D.O. Just for kicks, let's say I got a 250 on the USMLE and a 625 on the COMLEX.

 

[WaylonS]

It's helpful to wear blinders so your classmates don't drive you crazy.

I cannot comment on the DO/gas/CA issue, but let's be honest, this isn't rocket science: work hard, be likable, do well on your board exams, network, get good recs, and if you can, do some research. If you know any upperclassmen at your school who matched into gas in CA, ask them how they did it.

 

[Apoplexy__]

It's helpful to wear blinders so your classmates don't drive you crazy.

I cannot comment on the DO/gas/CA issue, but let's be honest, this isn't rocket science: work hard, be likable, do well on your board exams, network, get good recs, and if you can, do some research. If you know any upperclassmen at your school who matched into gas in CA, ask them how they did it.

I get you. I'll be able to pull together enough motivation to work as hard as I can no matter what anyone says in this thread...I'll just be pissed if the results are lacking.

Your response leads me to another question though: How exactly does a medical student network? I hear of these MS1's and MS2's going to conferences...is that what I should have been doing? Or am I fine just being friendly with physicians in rotations and keeping in touch with them?

Oh and how is Pathology in California? Better yet, how do people find out competitiveness+reputation of residencies compared nationally?

 

[BurghStudent]

Do you want to get into an ACGME or AOA residency? I'm sure you've seen this thread, but it shows that a DO has recently matched into gas in California.
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/match-results-2012.897506/

 

[WaylonS]

Your response leads me to another question though: How exactly does a medical student network? I hear of these MS1's and MS2's going to conferences...is that what I should have been doing? Or am I fine just being friendly with physicians in rotations and keeping in touch with them

Start shadowing, show an interest, be likeable, and asked to get involved with research. If there is a specialty you're really, really interested in, there's no reason why you can't get involved as an M1

Unfortunately, I think most DO schools are not attached/next to a hospital, so I don't know how easy it would be for you to start getting involved.

 

[Apoplexy__]

Do you want to get into an ACGME or AOA residency? I'm sure you've seen this thread, but it shows that a DO has recently matched into gas in California.
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/match-results-2012.897506/

No preference. I'm looking at Pathology as much as if not more than Anesthesia.

Start shadowing, show an interest, be likeable, and asked to get involved with research. If there is a specialty you're really, really interested in, there's no reason why you can't get involved as an M1

Unfortunately, I think most DO schools are not attached/next to a hospital, so I don't know how easy it would be for you to start getting involved.

That's right about the DO schools. I'm an MS2, so it's too late for me, but I've actually formed a gas interest group at my school (which hasn't really been too active) and done some research (without publication). Sounds like I should have been really leveraging that interest group to get in contact with tons of doctors for myself and my members. It's a shame I'm already behind on getting connections...but I'm assuming it's not the end of the world, since so many people discover what they want to do during rotations and obviously probably haven't networked in that specialty up that point.

Back to the original post though, what things do students do to gain an edge besides the 3 things I listed? (besides obvious volunteering/club activities)