Expressing interest in a program

[GSmith2013]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Perhaps someone who has done this in years prior or who has sat in on programs ranking process can comment on this. If we interview at a program and really love it and decide that it's going to be our number 1 choice- what are the acceptable options for attempting to strengthen our position with or express interest in that program? Sincere non-generic emails/written letters to the chairman or pd? Phone calls from your home chairman to some faculty that he/she knows at your program of interest...? 2nd look? Are these things just going to annoy a residency program or no?

Thanks for any insight!

 

[Winged Scapula]

Perhaps someone who has done this in years prior or who has sat in on programs ranking process can comment on this... Sincere non-generic emails/written letters to the chairman or pd?

Yes.

Phone calls from your home chairman to some faculty that he/she knows at your program of interest...?

Yes.

2nd look? Are these things just going to annoy a residency program or no?

Yes (to the annoying part).

 

[MrBeauregard]

Next question:

Annoyance > positive impact?

or

Positive impact > annoyance?

 

[maxheadroom]

As I understand it, 2nd looks are no longer allowed in Plastics.

 

[Winged Scapula]

Next question:

Annoyance > positive impact?

or

Positive impact > annoyance?

This question is annoying to me.

2nd looks are for you. They are not going to impact the program in any way except to possibly be annoying because they have to take time out of their day to cater to you.

 

[MrBeauregard]

Well, I wasn't specifically asking about 2nd looks. OP mentioned emails/letters from the applicant and phone calls from a home chairman as well.

 

[Winged Scapula]

Well, I wasn't specifically asking about 2nd looks. OP mentioned emails/letters from the applicant and phone calls from a home chairman as well.

Ah yes, I see that wasn't clear.

IMHO you must convey your interest in a program. This is not the time to act 😎 .

However, that means ONE letter of interest and ONE phone call. No more.

No "stopping by because I was in the neighborhood".

No "liking" the program on FB.

No sending the PC a funny joke you heard.

Hell, you actually could do all of the above and it would be "positive impact" if we like you too. If we don't or you are somewhat socially inept/awkward, then it will seem weird.

 

[Smurfette]

This question is annoying to me.

2nd looks are for you. They are not going to impact the program in any way except to possibly be annoying because they have to take time out of their day to cater to you.

Not to encourage paranoia, but those who did second looks at my program tended to say or do things to get themselves lower on the rank list (like complain or act inappropriately towards residents/students throughout the day). Not everyone did, but seems like it was far more likely to hurt than help.

 

[Winged Scapula]

Not to encourage paranoia, but those who did second looks at my program tended to say or do things to get themselves lower on the rank list (like complain or act inappropriately towards residents/students throughout the day). Not everyone did, but seems like it was far more likely to hurt than help.

Completely agree.

The risk of doing something which moves you down on the list during a second look (in addition to just being annoying) is greater than the chances of it being beneficial.

Face it: many people in medicine and surgery are not the most socially aware.

Some of you guys are just plain weird. 😉