Does class rank effect my chances of PM&R residency?

[CjOz]

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Hey guys,

I know this may be premature but I figure I would ask anyway. I am currently a first year DO student and I have my sites set on pursuing PM&R. However, I have heard conflicting opinions about class rank and the difficulty it could cause towards finding a residency spot. I would say I am in the top 60% of my class. Do you guys think class rank has a significant impact in the eyes of residency admission committee's? Thanks in advance

 

[lejeunesage]

dude, you'll be okay.

 

[Baritonebass]

Focus on passing classes and find a mentor to shadow. You can worry when the complex rolls around.

 

[Charlie Bravo]

What the hell is a complex?

Like he said focus on doing your best. There isn't much you can do to affect your rank.

 

[Baritonebass]

Autocorrection strikes again... Comlex

 

[lovetruth]

Hey guys,

I know this may be premature but I figure I would ask anyway. I am currently a first year DO student and I have my sites set on pursuing PM&R. However, I have heard conflicting opinions about class rank and the difficulty it could cause towards finding a residency spot. I would say I am in the top 60% of my class. Do you guys think class rank has a significant impact in the eyes of residency admission committee's? Thanks in advance

Cjoz,

No, honestly, it is great to ask these questions early....its not premature. The earlier you ask these questions...the more prepared you will be when the time comes to applying 🙂. This may sound like a generic answer, but its true as far as I know (and I have gone through the interview process). Yes, being at the top of your class is a definite advantage for PM&R (as any field). If you are at the top of your class, your interviewers and residency directors will believe you to be a strong candidate and will definitely count it as a reason for you to come to their residency. It not only shows that you are a hard worker, but it also favors the fact that you have a stronger knowledge base in medicine then others, who may not be at the top of their class. Mix that in with great Step I and II scores as well as clear interest in the field (and clear understanding of what this field entails) and you will have your sights at great PM&R residencies. However, you do not need to be at the top of your class to get a residency...its just helps you to get the attention of the residency programs that interview you (and also puts you in their good books). Be aware, however, that they will be looking at your whole package! If you are at the top of your class, have great scores, but never did an elective in PM&R or don't have a PM&R letter of recommendation, you will probably not get an interview.......showing interest in PM&R through your application is KEY.

GOOD LUCK with attaining your full potential in Medical School!!!

 

[hashtag]

As a rule of thumb it is good to do as well as possible in med school. I am currently an MS4, and the fact that you know about the field already puts you ahead of individuals like myself who discovered physiatry relatively late (late 2nd, early 3rd year). One piece of advice I do have is to keep your mind open; I entered medical school without my sights set on anything in particular, and the advantage of that is when you finally discover what specialty you are truly meant for, it will be with that much more conviction that you apply. My personal statement seemed to be well received by my programs, and I think a large part of that stems from the fact that it was truly personal and reflected a genuine interest in the field. I would continue to explore the field in any way you can, but would urge you to not limit yourself to just PM&R just in case another specialty is better for you. My second piece of advice is to not underestimate your personality and hobbies, as several interviewers chose to ask me about my hobbies and extracurricular activities that have nothing to do with the field (at least on the surface!)

 

[314117]

Not as much as confusing "affect" and "effect" does

 

[lejeunesage]

Not as much as confusing "affect" and "effect" does

Oh, come on. He's not writing a term paper. He's asking a question on a forum. Affect/effect, a while/awhile, then/than, your/you're, these are small mistakes that people make all the time. And as long as he proofreads his personal statement, I don't think he'll have a problem.

 

[Xardas]

Keep up the good work. You have put yourself in the position enviably, of having a fairly large amount of flexibility if you keep the current pace up. Class rank will not really affect your PM&R rank ability most likely. PM&R is historically not as competitive as the most prized fields but of course things can change over time. Class rank will be looked at but if you are a solid good student who interviews well and does not have skeletons in your closet you will get matched.