Do I have a shot for EM residency in Chicago

[shaz8901]

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Hello everyone, I am a long time reader first time poster. Anyway, I am an M3 (just started) at a decent medical school (not excellent, not bad) in the Midwest. My fiancee lives in Chicago and I was planning on doing my residency there and settling there. I recently saw the new charting outcomes for 2009 and I noticed that matching in EM or any specialty for that nature has become pretty competitive. I consider myself an average student. My school is H,P,F in the first two years and throughout them I received all passes except one honor. I got a 220/91 on my step 1 USMLE. I just started my M3 rotations so I don't have any grades for you guys but I am working hard and plan on honoring or high passing a few. I have research with a few publications.

Well thats my academic story and my question is what do you think are my chances in matching in a EM program in Chicago? Is there any advice you can give me to help my chances possibly doing a rotation with one of the six there? which program do you guys think is my best shot and which one is out of my limits (if at all). Any feedback would help. thanks

 

[pseudoknot]

I recently saw the new charting outcomes for 2009 and I noticed that matching in EM or any specialty for that nature has become pretty competitive.

No, there's really not a significant change between the 2009 Charting Outcomes and the previous ones. I don't know where this is coming from. I think a lot of people heard the hype about everything getting more competitive and then didn't really read the document.

Anyway I don't know your chances, but it sounds like your numbers so far are right in the middle of the pack for EM and there are a lot of programs in Chicago. Hopefully someone else with more insight can give you a better crystal ball answer.

 

[shaz8901]

Does any one else have any feedback or any experience whatsoever to help me out?

 

[shortbread9]

In all honesty...getting into residency is only partly your board scores and grades...that might get you an interview but the rest of it is are you a nice person? do the other residents think your normal when you interview? And never underestimate the LOR.
I understand that you have a signif other and you need to be in Chicago....therefore try to do your em rotations and or a subI at EM residency programs out there. make sure to get LOR's from any residency or program director you work with and make sure to tell them why you need to be in Chicago.
Those are your best bet...you want to make sure programs out there know who you are and if you can rotate at a few you increase your chances than if you just apply. Good luck..its a hard thing to be separated from your partner and just remember residencies are not as family friendly as they make themselves out to be....tell them your married!!!

 

[shortbread9]

Oh...there is no good way to know which program you have the best chance at?? or which one you have no shot....Im not sure anyone can really answer something like that.
You need to go to each residencies website...get to know each program...like 3 or 4 yr program, floor months, how much trauma...basic stuff.
Then call all six (or however many you want )and ask them their policy on outside students rotating.
Ask if they offer a sub i or if you need to have certain prereqs to rotate (most want a month or two of ED under your belt, surgery, peds...the basics).
then find out how far in advance to schedule your rotation and ask your school what info they need to get the process going. Most schools dont want you to even do your first ED month until 4th year so try to get that done as early as possible so you have as much time as possible early in your 4th and into interview season next year to rotate at these places.
Also...even if you can't go to those places...call them anyways. Ask what day they have their weekly conf and see if you can come out to spend a day...be in conference and get a feel for what its like...see if you can shadow in the department and meet the residents. this way even if you can't rotate there...you will still have met other people. You can even ask to meet with the program director and they will know you before interviews. It really makes a big impression for someone to come out on their own and meet us....I personally always think its nice when we get those students b/c it takes a lot of time an effort on their part and its obvious they are super interested. PM me if you have any other questions.

 

[shaz8901]

Thanks shortbread, I am actually banking on my personality. I think I get along well with people and if I get an interview I should do fine. I just wanted to know if based on my academic performance I am good, medium, or no way for Chicago. I would like to stay in Chicago because of my fiance, but worst comes to worst I will have to move. But thanks again and if any body else has any adivce for me please let me have it.

 

[Snelgrave]

No, there's really not a significant change between the 2009 Charting Outcomes and the previous ones. I don't know where this is coming from. I think a lot of people heard the hype about everything getting more competitive and then didn't really read the document.

This may come from only 6 open slots in the scramble last year.

To the OP's question - the advice so far is good. Try to schedule 2, maybe 3, EM rotations in Chicago and work your butt off. If you keep a good attitude, stay aggressive in learning, and show initiative you've got a decent shot. However, be prepared for the possibility that you may not match in your #1 location. Nothing is 100%, but it's only for 3 or 4 years. Good luck.

 

[shaz8901]

thanks to all