FAQ: What are my chances?

[Holderlin]

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Yeah I'm really only mister social when I drink.

Most of the time I'm kinda introverted with sudden nervous bursts of inappropriate, offensive, shocking, and often misogynistic humor.

Cards?

 

[Holderlin]

Man. Well at least I know now. I got the "quiet" comment in surgery, but still got Honors. Whatever...... Is the MSPE, AKA Dean's Letter?

hahahah I was reading your post again and I imagined you just standing in an OR, completely silent, as your AV, as the Surgeon and other students steal nervous glances at the weird kid who looks like prince.

 

[Analytic]

Dude, what is wrong with being quiet and smart? [...]

People need to learn from you. If you don't speak-up, then incompetence is permitted to run rampant.

I'm an INTJ (Myers Briggs) personality type, and I don't handle incompetence well at all, especially from a superior. The study at Stanford shows that everyone in the test group was probably afraid of confrontation and doesn't know how to deal with it. If someone is leading who shouldn't be, you need to challenge their info/data (with maturity) and take over.

Learning healthy confrontation will pay massive dividends the rest of your life, both professionally and personally.

 

[thehoosier]

People need to learn from you. If you don't speak-up, then incompetence is permitted to run rampant.

I'm an INTJ (Myers Briggs) personality type, and I don't handle incompetence well at all, especially from a superior. The study at Stanford shows that everyone in the test group was probably afraid of confrontation and doesn't know how to deal with it. If someone is leading who shouldn't be, you need to challenge their info/data (with maturity) and take over.

Learning healthy confrontation will pay massive dividends the rest of your life, both professionally and personally.

I totally agree. Once you get into med school, you should definitely let your superiors know that you aren't going to deal with their incompetence. Most attendings will really respect you for standing up to them and challenging their authority. Probably surgeons will be the ones who respect you the most for it, I think they are really looking for students willing to step up and take over from them during cases.

 

[ponyfan]

I was wondering my chances. Kinda in a weird situation. stats:

Med school: middle of the road midwest school
Step 1: 249
Pre-clinicals: MS1: 1H, 2 P, 1 fail (anatomy; successfully remediated)
MS2: 4/4 honors
Clinicals: 4/4 honors so far
Research: 2 years of stem cell research prior to medical school at a major research institution. 2 rads case reports.

I realize that my my transcript appears unlikely, but it is the complete truth. I plan to address the reasons for my failure in my personal statement. I know that my step score and clinical grades are up to snuff, and possibly enough research at this point as well. But that fail in anatomy (first block of med school) continues to haunt me. I know that pre-clinicals matter less than clinicals, but how monsterous of a red flag will it be on my application? What should I do to strengthen my application at this point other than continuing to perform academically this as well as next year? Perhaps taking CK early and release the score only if it is an improvement?

 

[badasshairday]

I totally agree. Once you get into med school, you should definitely let your superiors know that you aren't going to deal with their incompetence. Most attendings will really respect you for standing up to them and challenging their authority. Probably surgeons will be the ones who respect you the most for it, I think they are really looking for students willing to step up and take over from them during cases.

lol.

I am "quiet" only because I don't want to be "that annoying medical student." Damned if you do, damned if you don't. Whatever.

 

[badasshairday]

How important is it to do an away rotation in the region you are interested in?

 

[incubate6times]

I was wondering my chances. Kinda in a weird situation. stats:

Med school: middle of the road midwest school
Step 1: 249
Pre-clinicals: MS1: 1H, 2 P, 1 fail (anatomy; successfully remediated)
MS2: 4/4 honors
Clinicals: 4/4 honors so far
Research: 2 years of stem cell research prior to medical school at a major research institution. 2 rads case reports.

I realize that my my transcript appears unlikely, but it is the complete truth. I plan to address the reasons for my failure in my personal statement. I know that my step score and clinical grades are up to snuff, and possibly enough research at this point as well. But that fail in anatomy (first block of med school) continues to haunt me. I know that pre-clinicals matter less than clinicals, but how monsterous of a red flag will it be on my application? What should I do to strengthen my application at this point other than continuing to perform academically this as well as next year? Perhaps taking CK early and release the score only if it is an improvement?

249 with all honors third and second year -- sounds like you will be fine.

Have you seen this Results of the 2010 NRMP Program Director Survey from this site. Compared to step 1 and clinical grades, preclinical grades are meaningless.

This is a good question for TLM at the aunt minnie forums. He's the pd at Cleveland Clinic and he's a regular in the forums.

 

[fun8stuff]

I was wondering my chances. Kinda in a weird situation. stats:

Med school: middle of the road midwest school
Step 1: 249
Pre-clinicals: MS1: 1H, 2 P, 1 fail (anatomy; successfully remediated)
MS2: 4/4 honors
Clinicals: 4/4 honors so far
Research: 2 years of stem cell research prior to medical school at a major research institution. 2 rads case reports.

I realize that my my transcript appears unlikely, but it is the complete truth. I plan to address the reasons for my failure in my personal statement. I know that my step score and clinical grades are up to snuff, and possibly enough research at this point as well. But that fail in anatomy (first block of med school) continues to haunt me. I know that pre-clinicals matter less than clinicals, but how monsterous of a red flag will it be on my application? What should I do to strengthen my application at this point other than continuing to perform academically this as well as next year? Perhaps taking CK early and release the score only if it is an improvement?

98% chance of matching some where.

 

[DrBowtie]

98% chance of matching some where.

So its pretty easy to determine high probabilities of overall matching from the NRMP data.

What are generally speaking the board score ranges for academic vs. community programs?

 

[quietude]

So its pretty easy to determine high probabilities of overall matching from the NRMP data.

What are generally speaking the board score ranges for academic vs. community programs?

I think the answer you are looking for is too region-dependent to determine overall.

Average for 2009 Match was 238. Assume it's probably 240 now.

If it's a name-brand academic center in a desirable city, who knows what the low-end cutoff is but I would assume that most interviewees have 245+.

If it's low-tier academic/high end community and desirable city OR name-brand but terrible location: subtract maybe another 5 from average.

If terrible location, but okay academic program, probably another 2-3 points or so.

Drop off another 2-3 points for community program in terrible location. I think that puts the average at around 235.

See what I mean? There's too much variance in what drives people to apply to certain programs to lump it all into generic community vs generic academic.

 

[DrBowtie]

I think the answer you are looking for is too region-dependent to determine overall.

Average for 2009 Match was 238. Assume it's probably 240 now.

If it's a name-brand academic center in a desirable city, who knows what the low-end cutoff is but I would assume that most interviewees have 245+.

If it's low-tier academic/high end community and desirable city OR name-brand but terrible location: subtract maybe another 5 from average.

If terrible location, but okay academic program, probably another 2-3 points or so.

Drop off another 2-3 points for community program in terrible location. I think that puts the average at around 235.

See what I mean? There's too much variance in what drives people to apply to certain programs to lump it all into generic community vs generic academic.

Thanks for trying to answer the unanswerable question 👍

It seems like the strategy is just to apply to a broad mix of places and see who happens to like you 🙂

 

[quietude]

Thanks for trying to answer the unanswerable question 👍

It seems like the strategy is just to apply to a broad mix of places and see who happens to like you 🙂

I can't recommend this strategy highly enough. I made a pre-interview rank list in the fall.

I went back and compared my certified rank list with that list out of idle curiosity. They were surprisingly different. The biggest changes were ranking many strong community programs above low and mid-tier academic places. Some programs I expected to love annoyed me to the point that they fell pretty far.

You really don't know who's going to invite you and what you're going to like until you get there.

 

[a winner is you]

Don't be fooled by the "community" moniker for radiology. There are "community" programs at level 1 trauma centers with 1000+ beds and a transplant center. Unlike many other specialties, you don't need the research that you'd find more at a big academic center.

 

[jhu1]

203/195

US Grad with some research ...

Do you guys think I have anychance?

 

[myhandsarecold]

.

 

[clw1334]

Hey everyone, it is great reading all of this information. I was just wondering what everyone's opinions of externships are. I don't know if i really want to take an externship, but some students have told me this might not be a good idea. I am planning on doing a few radiology rotations my 4th year at my school early on.

Heres some info:
Step 1: 246
I go to a smaller private school in the midwest, nothing special
Preclinical: a few honors, no fails. My school doesnt rank.
Clinical: Honors in OB/GYN and Peds, Pass surgery and Psych.
Leadership/volunteering: Some volunteering here and there. Nothing big.
Research: Small amount of research in undergrad, was thinking about getting involved in this coming year.
Letters: I think I can get two good letters in non-radiology, and i have gotten to know the radiology chairman. Hopefully after doing some radiology rotations I can get more.

I am from Minnesota and would love to be as close to there as possible. Mayo would be #1 but obviously that's hard to get into. What do you think are my chances to get into somewhere close?

Thanks a bunch

 

[tachyon34]

Hey everybody, what are my chances at getting into a Cali program (UCLA, UCSD, UCI ,UCSF, UCDavis, USC, Stanford ? ) and if not, chances of a good academic program elsewhere.
almost nobody from my school has gotten into a cali school in rads for like the past 5+ years. I really want to go home. Its hard to stay away from home in cold, cold nyc for 5 years being a southern cali guy although there are some really great community programs that tempt me here.


Step 1: 259
2nd year: our school doesnt rank.
3rd year: 2 honors, 2 high pass. All passes in P/F classes
LOR: probably 1 great one in rads, one much weaker one in research,
AOA: unlikely
Personality: very laid back
School: NIH Top 40 ~ rank 32 In NYC
Research: 1st author retrospective rads research
Volunteering: some
Extracurrics: Almost none

is it true one of our letters needs to be from our medicine clerkship, especially for the transitional year site? And is it bad to have 2 rads letters (one research one clerkship?). I think i have a good shot at places other than cali, but for some reason its impossible to get there (hence why im doing med school out here)

 

[konRAD 1]

Hey Tachyon, my numbers were somewhat similar to yours, just one more honors in third year, and no actual radiology research, just a lot of research in a different field. I got AOA, my school is nothing special. I'm from Cali, got flat out rejections from every program I applied to in the midwest and all of NYC, seriously, not kidding. I think NY and CA have it out for each other because I got interviews everywhere in CA except UCSF which likes the big name schools apparently. Matched in CA.

And clw, Mayo is actually not that bad to get into if youre from MN. I personally know someone with Step1 in the 230s and Step2 in the 250s and minimal research, +AOA that got into Mayo. Those numbers aren't that great, but this person is actually from rochester and did school in CA. Imagine that, people actually come from there.

And you do need a letter from Med. I had One rads, one research, one med, one surg. Two rads is fine if one is focused on research. None of my letter writers were huge names at all.

 

[Fannibal]

Hey all, hoping you guys can give me some advice! don't be afraid to be brutally honest.
Engineering Major in undergrad with lots of research. In med school, I am in my school's non MSTP MD PhD program, and I have non-radiology publications. All passes in MSI and II, and so far I only have passes and 1 high pass in surgery in clinical clerkships. Passes are due to low shelf scores. My clinical evaluations range from glowing in OBGYN and surgery to satisfactory in pediatrics. My step I is pretty low- 204. I plan on studying hard for Step II and take it in June so that the score can be included in on any application. I heard that research doesn't actually help that much for radiology programs, especially community programs. is that the case? If so I am a little worried I am playing my cards all wrong. I am worried that university radiology programs that are research heavy won't look at my because of my low test scores, and the community programs that might give me an interview will not really care about my research.

I also have one other limitation- I have to match in the CT area, including NYC, RI, MA. I don't think I have much of a chance at big name university program, but what about community programs in CT? Is it worth doing an externship in a CT community program to get my foot in the door?

Thanks in advance everyone!

 

[fun8stuff]

Hey all, hoping you guys can give me some advice! don't be afraid to be brutally honest.
Engineering Major in undergrad with lots of research. In med school, I am in my school's non MSTP MD PhD program, and I have non-radiology publications. All passes in MSI and II, and so far I only have passes and 1 high pass in surgery in clinical clerkships. Passes are due to low shelf scores. My clinical evaluations range from glowing in OBGYN and surgery to satisfactory in pediatrics. My step I is pretty low- 204. I plan on studying hard for Step II and take it in June so that the score can be included in on any application. I heard that research doesn't actually help that much for radiology programs, especially community programs. is that the case? If so I am a little worried I am playing my cards all wrong. I am worried that university radiology programs that are research heavy won't look at my because of my low test scores, and the community programs that might give me an interview will not really care about my research.

I also have one other limitation- I have to match in the CT area, including NYC, RI, MA. I don't think I have much of a chance at big name university program, but what about community programs in CT? Is it worth doing an externship in a CT community program to get my foot in the door?

Thanks in advance everyone!

You may have a shot at small community programs. I would plan on doing a rotation or two at smaller community programs and schmoozing them. Make friends with the chief residents. If I were you and set on rads though, I would be applying to very community program in the country (or at least expand my area to the midwest and south). Many programs screen by Step 1 score >220/230 simply because they cannot interview everyone who applies. Some academic places screen by step 1 >240 & AOA status. You will likely go up a little on Step 2, but unfortunately the only things PDs seem to care about is Step 1, 3rd yr clinical grades, and AOA status.

Another option would be to somehow get a great LOR from a big name person in rads.... or a family member that could pull some strings.

 

[RisingSun]

I agree that you have a chance but I think that it is pretty imperative that you sit down with faculty from your home program (preferably the PD or med student adviser if there is such a person) and get a fair assessment of your chances. They will help you select suitable programs, and may have connections at some of the community programs in your desired area that may/may not make it easier to get an interview there. Several faculty in my department said that they would call/email the PD of the residency that they trained at if I was interested in going there. That may be something that your faculty could do for you. It's a small world, that kind of support goes a long way.

Research never hurts, obviously being MD/PhD will help, not hurt, you going for radiology. I would bet that alone will get you interviews at some academic programs in your area that you would think that you would not otherwise be qualified for. I am interested in research, and I interviewed at the smallest community program in the US. There were several faculty who were working on projects and said that they would love for interested residents to get involved. So I think that it is less that community programs would shun you for being interested in research than residents at community programs not wanting to do research at all. So I don't necessarily think that you have played your cards wrong at all. You have a strong research record, make that a strength of your application.

I think that you have a fair chance of matching. Right now it is imperative to test the waters by talking with faculty at your home program. Good luck, HTH. 👍

Hey all, hoping you guys can give me some advice! don't be afraid to be brutally honest.
Engineering Major in undergrad with lots of research. In med school, I am in my school's non MSTP MD PhD program, and I have non-radiology publications. All passes in MSI and II, and so far I only have passes and 1 high pass in surgery in clinical clerkships. Passes are due to low shelf scores. My clinical evaluations range from glowing in OBGYN and surgery to satisfactory in pediatrics. My step I is pretty low- 204. I plan on studying hard for Step II and take it in June so that the score can be included in on any application. I heard that research doesn't actually help that much for radiology programs, especially community programs. is that the case? If so I am a little worried I am playing my cards all wrong. I am worried that university radiology programs that are research heavy won't look at my because of my low test scores, and the community programs that might give me an interview will not really care about my research.

I also have one other limitation- I have to match in the CT area, including NYC, RI, MA. I don't think I have much of a chance at big name university program, but what about community programs in CT? Is it worth doing an externship in a CT community program to get my foot in the door?

Thanks in advance everyone!

 

[mikespan32]

Hey all,

Looking for some advice.

3rd yr med student at average Northeast school
step 1- 227
Preclinical- 1 HS, all others S
Clinical- All HS so far except Medicine (S)
Research- couple things, but nothing in radiology.

Looking to stay in the northeast.

what are my chances?

also, any recommendations for away rotations? i would like to stay in the nyc area (not necessarily in the city- i understand how competitive those programs are).

thanks in advance.

 

[UnderPar22]

.

 

[rads83]

Hey,

I'm looking for some thoughts on my chances at matcing next year. I am currently completing a prelim GS internship that I accepted during my reapplication into ENT that I did not match into my 4th yr. After reapplying, I again did not match, and ended up matching into OBGYN, which I initially thought was a similar sort of lifestyle & combination of medicine/surgery/clinic that I sought in ENT. Throughout this year, I have learned that I am not a surgeon and no longer want to pursue OBGYN. I understand that there are non-surgical areas in OBGYN, but I have no real interest in infertility or maternal-fetal medicine.

I have also realized that radiology is what I have always really enjoyed, and that I needed to stop forcing myself into the mindset that surgery was the only real way to help patients, which is what I had convinced myself of in the past. I am just wondering what my chances of reapplying again and successfully matching into Radiology are.

Step 1: 245
Step 2: 237
3rd year (which seems like a distant memory now): Honors in OBGYN, Satisfactory (H/S/F) in the rest.
Research: 2 ENT publications (1 first author, 1 second author). Working on 2 radiology projects now, 1 ENT national poster presentation, various other non-radiology projects.
Top 20% in graduating class

I graduated from a midwest medical school, am doing my internship at a top GS residency program, and am matched into OBGYN at a community program in the midwest for next year. I am about 75% sure that I would like to do IR, and will be applying to the DIRECT programs in addition to DR, especially with having 2 years of clinical training under my belt at the end of next year. I don't want or really expect to go to a top-notch program, but would like to stay in the Midwest.

Any thoughts or advice are greatly appreciated.

 

[ammallu]

a

 

[DrBowtie]

Hi! Here are my stats. Unfortunately I have so-so grades that don't match up to my boards, so I'm planning to apply to 48 programs. I'm from California and would like to go back, but I know that may not be possible for such a competitive residency..

Step 1: 255/99
Step 2: 262/99
1st & 2nd year: Some H including physio, many HP, and several P including anatomy
3rd year: H in Medicine, HP in surgery, P in Peds and Anesthesia, most likely will HP all others

Is 48 programs enough? I'm involved in quite a few social extracurriculars in school, volunteered in an Indian slum for 6 weeks, and I have 2 publications related to Ultrasound-guided pain management procedures..but I am just so concerned that my grades just don't measure up to my board scores! Especially for California..sometimes I wonder if I should just make things less complicated and apply for something less competitive like Gas that I could still see myself doing. But if I actually have a chance at Rads then I don't think I should shy away from it. Thank you for your input! 🙂

You'll definitely match, and 48 seems like plenty/overkill.

 

[ammallu]

a

 

[whatabro]

Hahahahahahaha

 

[hoagiedogy]

Hey everyone.... Just wanted to get some input on my likelihood of matching for radiology somewhere based on my current numbers. I'm a "decent" student... not amazing... which is why I'm posting this for some input (hopefully to put my mind at ease). Any advice would be appreciated (ie how many programs to apply to). Also... for what its worth... while I would love to match at a big name academic center... I'm the type of person that will be content almost anywhere. Thanks everyone!

Step 1: 243
Step 2CK: Taking Sept 3rd 2011
MS1/MS2 Grades: Mostly Honors, some High Pass and Pass
MS3: Honors in Rads Elective and Surgery, HP in ophtho, P in neuro, psych, medicine. Still waiting on OB/Gyn and finishing up Peds currently.
MS4: Radiology research, FM and urology clerkships, electives...
Research: One definite planned research project early 4th year. Maybe a second project if time permits.
Extracurriculars: Lots of peer tutoring, some peer advising, applicant interviews/tours, fundraising walks/runs, some clinical volunteering.
AOA: not yet... was offered junior year entry... unfortunately didnt make it. Crossing fingers for senior membership (however, 3rd year grades may make this unlikely).

Thanks!

 

[cowme]

Hey everyone.... Just wanted to get some input on my likelihood of matching for radiology somewhere based on my current numbers. I'm a "decent" student... not amazing... which is why I'm posting this for some input (hopefully to put my mind at ease). Any advice would be appreciated (ie how many programs to apply to). Also... for what its worth... while I would love to match at a big name academic center... I'm the type of person that will be content almost anywhere. Thanks everyone!

Step 1: 243
Step 2CK: Taking Sept 3rd 2011
MS1/MS2 Grades: Mostly Honors, some High Pass and Pass
MS3: Honors in Rads Elective and Surgery, HP in ophtho, P in neuro, psych, medicine. Still waiting on OB/Gyn and finishing up Peds currently.
MS4: Radiology research, FM and urology clerkships, electives...
Research: One definite planned research project early 4th year. Maybe a second project if time permits.
Extracurriculars: Lots of peer tutoring, some peer advising, applicant interviews/tours, fundraising walks/runs, some clinical volunteering.
AOA: not yet... was offered junior year entry... unfortunately didnt make it. Crossing fingers for senior membership (however, 3rd year grades may make this unlikely).

Thanks!

Your lack of 3rd year honors may keep you out of some big name interviews. If you apply broadly, you still have a very strong chance to match.

 

[Handsome88]

Looked through this thread but couldn't find an answer to this.

This question goes especially to IMG applicants. What are the chances for IMGs aspiring for radiology? Are they finding it easier to match? Is it tougher or easier than General Surgery? What is the minimum step 1 score required to match?

It seems like grades in medical school mean a lot when applying to Rads. The thing is my school doesn't have the same Honor/High pass/Pass system.

 

[hyrule]

Publications vs. abstracts.. what's the hierarchy?
Is a 1st or 2nd author on an abstract/oral presentation better than being a 5th author on a paper? I know the average # of research items (pubs/abstracts) for Rads accepted applicants is 5 based on that giant PDF document.

Also can you list non-medical publications on your app? I wrote a chapter in a non-medical book a few years ago (related to Racial issues) and it's in press. Too big of a deal to not include IMO.

 

[xx216xx]

So i guess I'll throw this out there to try and ease my tension after looking at all the great applicants. I'm dead set on rads and more specifically on IR and will apply to all the DIRECT programs that I can, though I'm still trying to figure out how that works. I'm not a huge stickler when it comes to program or location but if I had my choice I'd like to end up in the northwest or mid-west.

Step 1: 257
Step 2: sometime in nov or dec...should i take it earlier?
All but 1 honors the first two years
Invited to junior AOA but not accepted due to heavy weight on extracurics
Third year:
Ob/Gyn: P (but 96%tile on the NBME)
Psych: H
Internal: H
Surg: P
Fam: H
Peds: pending
Pretty sure I'm in the top 15% of the class, definitely the top 25%
I don't have any research or pubs since undergrad because our school has poor resources and I'm not terribly interested
Also, I'm at a state school in texas
I'm pretty sure I've got a good chance at matching somewhere cuz i'm gonna apply broadly and be aggressive about it, it's just that my 3rd yr grades bug me since i might only honor 3/6...hopefully i knock out peds this week and end up with 4/6

thanks for the support/criticism

 

[blanketlights11]

I'm entering my fourth year and was wondering if I have any shot at matching in radiology.


Step 1: 264
2nd year: Bottom 50%. (I failed and had to remediate anatomy.)
3rd year: Our school does not give Pass, High Pass, or Honors. Either way I have done well in my rotations and shelf exams. My comments on my MSPE have been good so far although a surgeon gave me one negative comment.
LOR: None so far. They will probably be generic.
AOA: unlikely
Personality: Laid back, but quiet.
School: NIH Top 50
Research:Some basic science papers (not first author). Started getting involved in Rads Research recently
Volunteering: Set up multiple organizations and community events
Extracurrics: Organized running club

 

[cowme]

I'm entering my fourth year and was wondering if I have any shot at matching in radiology.


Step 1: 264
2nd year: Bottom 50%. (I failed and had to remediate anatomy.)
3rd year: Our school does not give Pass, High Pass, or Honors. Either way I have done well in my rotations and shelf exams. My comments on my MSPE have been good so far although a surgeon gave me one negative comment.
LOR: None so far. They will probably be generic.
AOA: unlikely
Personality: Laid back, but quiet.
School: NIH Top 50
Research:Some basic science papers (not first author). Started getting involved in Rads Research recently
Volunteering: Set up multiple organizations and community events
Extracurrics: Organized running club

No chance In hell. Lol of course you will match. Probably get some interviews at top places with that step 1, and should definitely match at an academic place.

 

[goingnuclear]

I'm the very definition of an atypical candidate. I'm actually a nuclear medicine resident at an excellent academic institution. I have done a ton of rads already with great letters of rec and the support of the radiology faculty at my home institution (several have told me that the fact that I haven't gotten a position is 'crazy')

the thing is my application isn't strong.
Step 1: 210s
Step 2: 230
Average grades in pre-clincal years and lots of honors in clinical (except medicine and rads)
Currently working on two research projects
I'm born and bred in the states and went to a top 10 med school but my ethnic sounding name might scare off PDs weary of the visa thing/IMG thing

These are my questions, how on earth do I get past the Step 1 cut-offs for an open R2 position (should I call PDs directly or get my PD to call them?) so that some human actually looks at my application and LORs

When going through the match (and I will be applying to every damn program in the country) should my personal statement reflect the issues that made me do so poorly in the first place (family illness and a difficult pregnancy) or does that merely make me look unstable.

Should I talk about nuclear medicine and my love for it or does that turn of PDs?

I've done a LOT of radiology, should I document a case log with comments about how great I am 🙂rolleyes🙂 to send to programs or would that be obnoxious.

The radiology PD at my home institution is nice but I really need some constructive criticism of my application to make it better

If there are ANY PDs or assitant PDs or Chiefs out there who could out of the kindness of their heart read through my application and give me a few pointers I would send them boat loads of good karma 🙂


Thank you ALL! much love

 

[MossPoh]

I'm entering my fourth year and was wondering if I have any shot at matching in radiology.


Step 1: 264
2nd year: Bottom 50%. (I failed and had to remediate anatomy.)
3rd year: Our school does not give Pass, High Pass, or Honors. Either way I have done well in my rotations and shelf exams. My comments on my MSPE have been good so far although a surgeon gave me one negative comment.
LOR: None so far. They will probably be generic.
AOA: unlikely
Personality: Laid back, but quiet.
School: NIH Top 50
Research:Some basic science papers (not first author). Started getting involved in Rads Research recently
Volunteering: Set up multiple organizations and community events
Extracurrics: Organized running club

Were you busy memorizing first aid during 2nd year? That is a huge friggin score to be the bottom half of your class.

 

[MrBurns10]

I'm the very definition of an atypical candidate. I'm actually a nuclear medicine resident at an excellent academic institution. I have done a ton of rads already with great letters of rec and the support of the radiology faculty at my home institution (several have told me that the fact that I haven't gotten a position is 'crazy')

the thing is my application isn't strong.
Step 1: 210s
Step 2: 230
Average grades in pre-clincal years and lots of honors in clinical (except medicine and rads)
Currently working on two research projects
I'm born and bred in the states and went to a top 10 med school but my ethnic sounding name might scare off PDs weary of the visa thing/IMG thing

These are my questions, how on earth do I get past the Step 1 cut-offs for an open R2 position (should I call PDs directly or get my PD to call them?) so that some human actually looks at my application and LORs

When going through the match (and I will be applying to every damn program in the country) should my personal statement reflect the issues that made me do so poorly in the first place (family illness and a difficult pregnancy) or does that merely make me look unstable.

Should I talk about nuclear medicine and my love for it or does that turn of PDs?

I've done a LOT of radiology, should I document a case log with comments about how great I am 🙂rolleyes🙂 to send to programs or would that be obnoxious.

The radiology PD at my home institution is nice but I really need some constructive criticism of my application to make it better

If there are ANY PDs or assitant PDs or Chiefs out there who could out of the kindness of their heart read through my application and give me a few pointers I would send them boat loads of good karma 🙂


Thank you ALL! much love

First, any chance of you transferring to your home program? It sounds like they like you, and your home program is frequently your best chance.

I would recommend having your PD call other programs for you. There are always posts on Aunt Minnie regarding openings (in fact, an open R2 position at Harlem Hospital was just posted today), so check the site frequently and don't delay in contacting the PD/PC of the program. You could certainly call yourself and it couldn't hurt, but having your PD (also) call helps gives that extra boost.

If you apply through the match, I would recommend just talking about your commitment to radiology (you can mention NM but don't limit yourself) and why you want to switch out of NM in your personal statement. You can always talk about your score issues at interviews.

Best of luck!

 

[2012mdc]

Step 1 - 260
preclinical - all A's/honors
clinical - A/Honor in Surg (only grade back so far)
med school - low tier in South
research - none so far in med school
undergrad (no idea if it helps at all) - Stanford
Born and raised in Socal.

Posted on this thread previously but I have a more concrete/somewhat related posting. I recently have started coming up with a list of programs I'm interested in applying to and I am wondering what y'all will have to say about the composition/diversity as well as the total number.

19 top tier/very competitive programs in all regions of the country (MGH, MIR, UCSF, UW, Vandy, Emory etc.)

20 programs in warm weather regions/desirable cities (Cali, Florida, Texas, Arizona) that includes University programs (UCI, U of Arizona, U of Miami, UT Houston etc) and Community programs (Cedars Sinai, Mt. Sinai Miami, St. Joe's in Phoenix, SB Cottage, etc)

11 programs in the South - UAB, MCG, Savannah, MUSC, L'ville, Ochsner NO, UT at Memphis etc

New Mexico's categorical program.

51 total programs - 35 University based, 16 Community stand-alone/community affiliated with a Univ.

I strongly prefer to go to a warm weather program (returning to Cali is ideal but I know it's very tough) but will obviously be thankful for an opportunity to train at somewhere like MGH or Hopkins.

51 programs too many? Too many top tier? Not enough regional? - I really don't see myself living in places like Jackson, MS or Knoxville, TN.

With attending a low tier med school and not having any med school research, what would be examples of "safety" programs or do none exist given the previously mentioned weaknesses?

Thanks

Update
Step 1 - 260

M1 and 2 - all A's/honors

M3 - A's/honors in everything except OB (still on the rotation) - evals for the most part have been really good with some decent ones thrown in. Nothing too bad has been written about me so far. Shelf average ~88 (I have heard shelf scores are reported somewhere, the dean's letter maybe?)

junior AOA

med school - low tier in South

research - none so far in med school (only UG), will see if I can get some quick stuff done in early M4

undergrad (no idea if it helps at all) - Stanford

Born and raised in Socal (permanent address there)

I've cut my list down to about 40 as I've done some more research into programs and have gotten less neurotic as 3rd year has gone on and I have continued to do well.

Now that ERAS is close to opening up I think I'm starting to get neurotic again.

People have said 40 is too much but if my goal is to crack a different region AND I'm going from a lower ranked school AND I lack research does that still ring true?

 

[Sheldor]

Update
Step 1 - 260

M1 and 2 - all A's/honors

M3 - A's/honors in everything except OB (still on the rotation) - evals for the most part have been really good with some decent ones thrown in. Nothing too bad has been written about me so far. Shelf average ~88 (I have heard shelf scores are reported somewhere, the dean's letter maybe?)

junior AOA

med school - low tier in South

research - none so far in med school (only UG), will see if I can get some quick stuff done in early M4

undergrad (no idea if it helps at all) - Stanford

Born and raised in Socal (permanent address there)

I've cut my list down to about 40 as I've done some more research into programs and have gotten less neurotic as 3rd year has gone on and I have continued to do well.

Now that ERAS is close to opening up I think I'm starting to get neurotic again.

People have said 40 is too much but if my goal is to crack a different region AND I'm going from a lower ranked school AND I lack research does that still ring true?

I have nothing to add in terms of an answer to your question, but I wanted to publicly say well done. You've obviously worked hard in in medical school, and man does it show in your stats! I'm excited to see how the application process goes for you, I'm willing to bet you will do great!

 

[2012mdc]

I have nothing to add in terms of an answer to your question, but I wanted to publicly say well done. You've obviously worked hard in in medical school, and man does it show in your stats! I'm excited to see how the application process goes for you, I'm willing to bet you will do great!

Thanks. Combination of hard work and fortunate events (a few close calls with grades, overall a very solid/fair group of attendings and residents)

 

[cowme]

2012, I would say 40 is a good number, especially if you have some safeties . I had similar stats to you, and applied to 40, and got about 20 offers. Im assuming you will be applying to very competitive places with those numers, and an interview is no guarantee anywhere. Matching at a top tier program pretty much requires a flawless application and perfect interview.

 

[badasshairday]

2012, I would say 40 is a good number, especially if you have some safeties . I had similar stats to you, and applied to 40, and got about 20 offers. Im assuming you will be applying to very competitive places with those numers, and an interview is no guarantee anywhere. Matching at a top tier program pretty much requires a flawless application and perfect interview.

Did you do all 20 interviews?

 

[badasshairday]

will update soon.

 

[2012mdc]

2012, I would say 40 is a good number, especially if you have some safeties . I had similar stats to you, and applied to 40, and got about 20 offers. Im assuming you will be applying to very competitive places with those numers, and an interview is no guarantee anywhere. Matching at a top tier program pretty much requires a flawless application and perfect interview.

Yes that's why I'm nervous about applying to too few places. My list has the usual big names, most of the Cali programs, some other west coast programs, and some Southern programs (incl TX).

In your opinion what are some examples of some safety programs in the West and the South? Any programs in these areas I should avoid?

 

[jahbrony]

.

 

[badasshairday]

Also was wondering if I am late in the LOR game? Should I have already secured some LOR's by now? Ie. already LOR already written and stored in the schools LOR vault for later ERAS use?

 

[Musician13]

Hey guys! I'd be appreciative if some of you could give your opinions on my chances this coming match:

Osteopathic student, West coast
Top quartile
USMLE Step 1: 227, taking step 2 soon
H in radiology and family, HP in ICU, peds, surgery and OMM, P in IM, psych and ObGyn
Standard lors and extracurriculars
Published rads abstract and a poster presentation
willing to go anywhere, will be applying to many programs

What are my chances of matching at a community ACGME rads residency? Should I apply to a backup specialty? I pretty much can only apply through ERAS once for several reasons.

 

[2012mdc]

Also was wondering if I am late in the LOR game? Should I have already secured some LOR's by now? Ie. already LOR already written and stored in the schools LOR vault for later ERAS use?

Considering we can't send off ERAS until September 1st I think you're good. Now is the time to start figuring them out. I want to have my PS and CV in order when meeting with them and will do it in July.