Diversifying your app

[futuremd16]

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Hi all,
Another thread from me...

I have a decent step 1 - 250 and am at the 25th percentile in my school. I've submitted my first research manuscript and have done 3 poster presentations.

I originally thought doing an international rotation or an eye camp would give me better insight on the different ways ophthalmology is practiced as well as the need for cost efficient methods for the poor. Someone mentioned to me that an away rotation would be more beneficial in terms of advertising myself to other programs; however, then I posted an away rotation thread and was told that away rotations aren't recommended in this specialty.

Any other way I can stand out during my interviews? I feel like everyone applying will have a decent score, LoRs will generally be favoring the applicant (one wouldn't ask an attending who would not be writing a positive LoR), grades on average will be the same, etc. I'm an outgoing person and can talk great during interviews - it's the substance that may make me unique is what I'm lacking.

Anyone know of free eye camps that I could participate in? One of the reasons why I decided on ophthalmology is for its potential to be practiced on a global scale and truly make a difference. However when searching online, I came across organizations that perform screenings and cataract surgeries, but the sites are outdated. No one has replied back to my emails.

Any suggestions on those eye camps or other ways to stand out would be appreciated!

Happy Memorial Day! "Proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free."

 

[DrZeke]

Hi all,
Another thread from me...

I have a decent step 1 - 250 and am at the 25th percentile in my school. I've submitted my first research manuscript and have done 3 poster presentations.

I originally thought doing an international rotation or an eye camp would give me better insight on the different ways ophthalmology is practiced as well as the need for cost efficient methods for the poor. Someone mentioned to me that an away rotation would be more beneficial in terms of advertising myself to other programs; however, then I posted an away rotation thread and was told that away rotations aren't recommended in this specialty.

Any other way I can stand out during my interviews? I feel like everyone applying will have a decent score, LoRs will generally be favoring the applicant (one wouldn't ask an attending who would not be writing a positive LoR), grades on average will be the same, etc. I'm an outgoing person and can talk great during interviews - it's the substance that may make me unique is what I'm lacking.

Anyone know of free eye camps that I could participate in? One of the reasons why I decided on ophthalmology is for its potential to be practiced on a global scale and truly make a difference. However when searching online, I came across organizations that perform screenings and cataract surgeries, but the sites are outdated. No one has replied back to my emails.

Any suggestions on those eye camps or other ways to stand out would be appreciated!

Happy Memorial Day! "Proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free."

Songs like that make me happy to be a dual citizen 0_o

But happy Memorial Day. Great to honor our soldiers both fallen and living...

 

[futuremd16]

Songs like that make me happy to be a dual citizen 0_o

But happy Memorial Day. Great to honor our soldiers both fallen and living...

I'm a dual citizen too 😛

 

[DrZeke]

I'm a dual citizen too 😛

Must have been young when it occurred because I had to look up those lyrics lol

I assumed it was some patriots song that i had never heard of... Learn something new every day

 

[futuremd16]

I just recently discovered that song and it's nice 🙂 brings tears to my eyes.

And Dr. Zeke, when I posted this, I was hoping there would be a response from you. You are always so helpful on SDN. I've made it my mission to be the next Zeke. I hope to live up to that name 🙂

 

[DrZeke]

Hi all,
Another thread from me...

I have a decent step 1 - 250 and am at the 25th percentile in my school. I've submitted my first research manuscript and have done 3 poster presentations.

I originally thought doing an international rotation or an eye camp would give me better insight on the different ways ophthalmology is practiced as well as the need for cost efficient methods for the poor. Someone mentioned to me that an away rotation would be more beneficial in terms of advertising myself to other programs; however, then I posted an away rotation thread and was told that away rotations aren't recommended in this specialty.

Any other way I can stand out during my interviews? I feel like everyone applying will have a decent score, LoRs will generally be favoring the applicant (one wouldn't ask an attending who would not be writing a positive LoR), grades on average will be the same, etc. I'm an outgoing person and can talk great during interviews - it's the substance that may make me unique is what I'm lacking.

Anyone know of free eye camps that I could participate in? One of the reasons why I decided on ophthalmology is for its potential to be practiced on a global scale and truly make a difference. However when searching online, I came across organizations that perform screenings and cataract surgeries, but the sites are outdated. No one has replied back to my emails.

Any suggestions on those eye camps or other ways to stand out would be appreciated!

Happy Memorial Day! "Proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free."

My advice will not be great, but here goes nothing...

You seem like a solid applicant. Your research seems solid assuming it's legit. And your grades and step and school rank seems excellent.

I think volunteer activists or extra curriculars at your own program or locally are far more impressive than an international trip for ophthalmic surgery. I have friends who have attended international cataract trips but you really have a limited role there. You are better off doing such a program as a 3rd year resident or fellow, with at least 100 cataracts under your belt, than as a med student. Also as a med student they don't let you do anything.

In terms of extra curriculars, if you have activities at your home program that you've done or been involved in year after year that always looks awesome... Health fairs, clubs... Whatever it is. Your ability to speak intelligently and discuss qualities that you exemplified through this activity are sometimes more important than the nature of the extra curricular itself. Don't underestimate your non academic endeavors. If you have none of these activities then it may be good to get involved now, but only do it if you really want to. I found that my one mission trip to Nicaragua was barely discussed as compared to my 3 years spent in leadership in our medical student clinical training program...

So... I guess at this point it's hard to "differentiate" yourself as an applicant if you haven't done so already. Also it's hard to differentiate yourself at all, except by just being you and interviewing well. Many of us, myself excluded, look so similar on paper that the interview can really be helpful. Looks like you have the right stuff on paper, so don't stress. Be true to yourself. Go on an away if you can find something you really hope to gain from it or have a specific geographic region in mind.

Good luck.

 

[futuremd16]

My advice will not be great, but here goes nothing...

You seem like a solid applicant. Your research seems solid assuming it's legit. And your grades and step and school rank seems excellent.

I think volunteer activists or extra curriculars at your own program or locally are far more impressive than an international trip for ophthalmic surgery. I have friends who have attended international cataract trips but you really have a limited role there. You are better off doing such a program as a 3rd year resident or fellow, with at least 100 cataracts under your belt, than as a med student. Also as a med student they don't let you do anything.

In terms of extra curriculars, if you have activities at your home program that you've done or been involved in year after year that always looks awesome... Health fairs, clubs... Whatever it is. Your ability to speak intelligently and discuss qualities that you exemplified through this activity are sometimes more important than the nature of the extra curricular itself. Don't underestimate your non academic endeavors. If you have none of these activities then it may be good to get involved now, but only do it if you really want to. I found that my one mission trip to Nicaragua was barely discussed as compared to my 3 years spent in leadership in our medical student clinical training program...

So... I guess at this point it's hard to "differentiate" yourself as an applicant if you haven't done so already. Also it's hard to differentiate yourself at all, except by just being you and interviewing well. Many of us, myself excluded, look so similar on paper that the interview can really be helpful. Looks like you have the right stuff on paper, so don't stress. Be true to yourself. Go on an away if you can find something you really hope to gain from it or have a specific geographic region in mind.

Good luck.

That was truly great advice. Thank you, Dr. Zeke. I feel reassured!

 

[therealmccoy3]

My advice will not be great, but here goes nothing...

You seem like a solid applicant. Your research seems solid assuming it's legit. And your grades and step and school rank seems excellent.

I think volunteer activists or extra curriculars at your own program or locally are far more impressive than an international trip for ophthalmic surgery. I have friends who have attended international cataract trips but you really have a limited role there. You are better off doing such a program as a 3rd year resident or fellow, with at least 100 cataracts under your belt, than as a med student. Also as a med student they don't let you do anything.

In terms of extra curriculars, if you have activities at your home program that you've done or been involved in year after year that always looks awesome... Health fairs, clubs... Whatever it is. Your ability to speak intelligently and discuss qualities that you exemplified through this activity are sometimes more important than the nature of the extra curricular itself. Don't underestimate your non academic endeavors. If you have none of these activities then it may be good to get involved now, but only do it if you really want to. I found that my one mission trip to Nicaragua was barely discussed as compared to my 3 years spent in leadership in our medical student clinical training program...

So... I guess at this point it's hard to "differentiate" yourself as an applicant if you haven't done so already. Also it's hard to differentiate yourself at all, except by just being you and interviewing well. Many of us, myself excluded, look so similar on paper that the interview can really be helpful. Looks like you have the right stuff on paper, so don't stress. Be true to yourself. Go on an away if you can find something you really hope to gain from it or have a specific geographic region in mind.

Good luck.

Great advice.