FAQ: What are my chances?

[badasshairday]

---

Members do not see this ad.

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.

K, cool. This whole thing is getting pretty stressful. So many things to do, so little time. Have you signed up for Step 2 yet? I'm thinking Oct, Nov, or December for Step 2.

 

[MrBurns10]

(Sorry for the really long post ahead. I'm not usually this verbose.)

Guys,
Believe me, I completely understand your trepidation about the application process. The unknownness (it's a word...now) of it all is stressful and you want to know if you have a good chance at program X, how many you should interview at to successfully match, etc. The problem is that none of us knows the answer to these questions...the most you can do is apply broadly and put your best foot forward.

The best advice I can give to people is to be pessimistic and to seek out interviews you haven't gotten, because that's what worked well for me. I applied to 40-44 programs (somewhere in there) because I was couples matching, ended up with ~21 interviews, and went on 15. It was a little more than it turned out I needed, but again, I was couples matching and I would MUCH rather spend the money up front then cancel offers than save money up front but end up not having enough interviews. And that's what I mean about being pessimistic.

As for seeking out interviews you haven't gotten, there were several occasions where I emailed the PC of a program expressing my interest/reason for interest in the program (though usually this was done in the context of "my husband got an interview, blah blah"). And I know it helped at least at a few. One cool story about this: I recommended this to a friend of mine who really wanted to go back to LA (we go to school in the South), but he'd actually been rejected at UCLA. You know what he did? He showed up at UCLA's office when he was in town and gave them his reasons for wanting an interview. And they gave him one. He didn't match there, but what if he had blown that interview out of the water? At least he gave himself the opportunity.

The reason I'm saying all this is because no one can really tell you your chances of matching in a certain area of the country or at a certain tier, because we don't know the intricacies of your applications and we also don't know what PDs are really looking for. I mean, I got a 229 on step 1...yet I got interviews at several top 10 programs and matched at one, which probably goes against the suggestion one receives on your standard WAMC threads on SDN/AM. (Admittedly, I matched at my home program so I did have an advantage there, but it is where I wanted to be). So, what made up for my sub-par step 1 score, what many argue to be among the top 2 most important aspects of one's application? Was it my clinical grades? My research? The "prestige" of my med school? I have absolutely no idea, which is why my ability to advise others is as limited as everyone else. But I will tell you this. I'm sure I didn't have the lowest step 1 score of any applicant at top tier programs, there were plenty of applicants from "non-prestigious" med schools interviewing at the top tier, others had no research, etc. Who really knows what got us our interviews when we didn't have flawless applications?

Anyway, all I can say is...apply broadly (I'd say 25-30 programs at least), remain pessimistic/realistic, and don't leave anything to chance. If you're interested in a program and you haven't heard from them, make sure they know you still exist.

Best of luck, everyone. I am confident you will all match somewhere, and considering I think all programs will train you well, that's all you need. 🙂

 

[2012mdc]

K, cool. This whole thing is getting pretty stressful. So many things to do, so little time. Have you signed up for Step 2 yet? I'm thinking Oct, Nov, or December for Step 2.

Late Nov for CK and CS about a week later. I have a very light non-clinical rotation in November so I'll be able to study for about a month. I chose late November to have enough time to study but I also didn't want to cut too much into IV time.

Thanks for the advice Burns. Very solid and reassuring.

 

[cowme]

The best advice I can give to people is to be pessimistic and to seek out interviews you haven't gotten, because that's what worked well for me. I applied to 40-44 programs (somewhere in there) because I was couples matching, ended up with ~21 interviews, and went on 15. It was a little more than it turned out I needed, but again, I was couples matching and I would MUCH rather spend the money up front then cancel offers than save money up front but end up not having enough interviews. And that's what I mean about being pessimistic.

The reason I'm saying all this is because no one can really tell you your chances of matching in a certain area of the country or at a certain tier, because we don't know the intricacies of your applications and we also don't know what PDs are really looking for. I mean, I got a 229 on step 1...yet I got interviews at several top 10 programs and matched at one, which probably goes against the suggestion one receives on your standard WAMC threads on SDN/AM. (Admittedly, I matched at my home program so I did have an advantage there, but it is where I wanted to be). So, what made up for my sub-par step 1 score, what many argue to be among the top 2 most important aspects of one's application? Was it my clinical grades? My research? The "prestige" of my med school? I have absolutely no idea, which is why my ability to advise others is as limited as everyone else. But I will tell you this. I'm sure I didn't have the lowest step 1 score of any applicant at top tier programs, there were plenty of applicants from "non-prestigious" med schools interviewing at the top tier, others had no research, etc. Who really knows what got us our interviews when we didn't have flawless applications?

Anyway, all I can say is...apply broadly (I'd say 25-30 programs at least), remain pessimistic/realistic, and don't leave anything to chance. If you're interested in a program and you haven't heard from them, make sure they know you still exist.

Best of luck, everyone. I am confident you will all match somewhere, and considering I think all programs will train you well, that's all you need. 🙂

Definitely can agree with the unexpected nature of this whole process from the opposite end. I had a pretty strong application (research, EC's, 250's-260s steps, mostly Honors--not AOA, but close, top 20 med school) and got interviews at most of the top programs I applied to. I had way too many people, from fellow applicants, to my advisors (including my pessimistic dean), and interviewers themselves, tell me that I would match wherever I wanted to... Well guess what? I matched well into the teens on my rank list. I have no idea why I fell so far (I have suspicions about a LOR based on some comments about it at interviews).

That said, I could care less because I only ranked programs I knew that I would be happy at. I loved the program I matched at and it will put me in a position for any career within radiology that I desire. I'm not saying this to scare you--- most of you WILL match in your top 3. But the reason you go on 15-20 interviews and obsess over your rank list is for situations like mine--you never know if you will be that one crazy story you hear on message boards of the 2% of people who fall far down their rank list for an unknown reason. This is why you rank programs of all tiers--your ideal rank list should have 1/3 reaches (top programs in great cities), 1/3 where you think you fit (solid programs in great cities/great programs in solid cities), and 1/3 places you'd be content with (solid programs in cities you'd be OK with).

Write a list of every place you think you would want to live. Then take a serious look at applying to ANY program in that area that has any semblance of a good radiology program (which is pretty much all of them).

Don't get too bogged down in the prestige of a program compared with where you want to be (unless you are into serious academics---ie. becoming a department chair or doing some SERIOUS research in residency). If your goal is to do private practice out in Cali, it would be a bad idea to rank a place like Pitt or Mayo over a place like Santa Clara Valley (which, for 2012, is an awesome community program from what I've heard).

 

[PistolPete]

.

 

[studentdoc911]

.

 

[jazzman84]

Jumping on the bandwagon now that I'm getting stressed about applying!

Year: MSIV (I expanded a year between 3rd and 4th years for rads research and elective rotations)
School: well-known nationally
USMLE: Step 1: 247/99
Step 2: 233/99
Grades: 1st year (P/F): all P
2nd year (H/P/F): 2 H (psych and nutrition), everything else P. RED FLAG: I had to retake the final for our MS2 epidemiology course (only graded part of the class) because I was sick the day of and stupidly forced myself to take it. Passed on first redo.
3rd year: All P (RED FLAG), HP in Peds
4th year (including expansion): Rads-H (my comments from this rotation include that I got the highest grade on the written exam in recent classes), Anesthesia-HP, Urology-HP, Neuro pending (hopefully at least HP, not sure how the shelf went).

No significant volunteer/leadership/ECs

Research: Two neurorad projects during my expanded year. I worked closely with an attending neurorad at my institution on a large multidepartment study that is ongoing in which I score brain MRIs for infarcts and markers of CVD. I also worked with the same guy on a smaller study comparing two MRI sequences for evaluation of white matter disease. This latter project had an abstract accepted for the 2011 ASNR conference; I also gave an oral presentation at the conference. Currently working on manuscript but unlikely to be submitted in time for applications. I will be continuing on the larger project through this year as well.
Between my 1st and 2nd years, I worked on a non-rads project that was accepted for abstract publication and presentation at Carmel, CA. My partner gave the presentation at conference (not enough $$$ to send us both so we flipped a coin).

LORs: 4 total; FM clerkship site director, Peds attending, Neuro attending, and research letter from my neurorad PI. They should all be strong.

I'm not hellbent on a top academic program. I don't mind doing research but I am not planning on an academic career; I just want to be a radiologist. I know the strongest part of my application is my Step 1 score and my research. I think I indicated the biggest weaknesses. Third year was rough and I think my greatest downfall was that I have a tendency to be reserved and introspective that may come across as being uninterested, even though my comments routinely praise my knowledge base as being very strong. It's a personal trait when I am in a group and is something I am really working on; I think my improved 4th year grades show that to a degree, at least.

Currently planning on applying to 35ish programs plus TYs/prelims. I really hope that my research endeavors show that I am committed to the field and am not just applying to a "lifestyle specialty". Anyways, I'm rambling on, so I appreciate your feedback!

 

[dude1344]

.

 

[FullTiltMD]

K, cool. This whole thing is getting pretty stressful. So many things to do, so little time. Have you signed up for Step 2 yet? I'm thinking Oct, Nov, or December for Step 2.

schamon dude dont be so stressed. just become an anesthesiologist and relaxxxx! 😀 👍

 

[DrBowtie]

I'm interested in radiology and I just got my step 1 back yesterday - 258 - now I can seriously start thinking about this specialty. I attend a nonprestigious US allopathic school. Had honors in years 1 and 2, possible junior or senior AOA. I did non rads summer research between MS1 and 2 that hasn't resulted in a publication yet, but could still...

I'm doing radiology for our one month elective in year 3. Is there anything else I should be doing at this point to make myself competitive? There's really no time during rotations to be doing research, though I guess I could do some early 4th year.

I assume I should be picking rads related electives early in 4th year as well?

Congrats on the step 1 score.
The only thing I could think of would be see about maybe doing a case writeup or small project during your rads elective 3rd year.

 

[SeekerOfTheTree]

Question for you guys. What if you are interested in Rads but want to make sure you match into a certain state? IM is the other love of your life and you want to apply to that in case you don't match into Rads but you are stuck on matching into a state. What should you do? Is this even possible or are you screwed because you are going to be applying to two specialties in the same state/area?

 

[cowme]

Question for you guys. What if you are interested in Rads but want to make sure you match into a certain state? IM is the other love of your life and you want to apply to that in case you don't match into Rads but you are stuck on matching into a state. What should you do? Is this even possible or are you screwed because you are going to be applying to two specialties in the same state/area?

Apply to every rad program in the state you wanna be in. Also apply for IM. If you only get 3 interviews in your desired state for rads then your rank list will look

1-3.rads
4-10. IM

 

[SeekerOfTheTree]

Apply to every rad program in the state you wanna be in. Also apply for IM. If you only get 3 interviews in your desired state for rads then your rank list will look

1-3.rads
4-10. IM

How bad does it look to interview at the same place for rads and IM? I hear mixed things on this based on searching the forums.

 

[badasshairday]

How bad does it look to interview at the same place for rads and IM? I hear mixed things on this based on searching the forums.

It is fine as long as they don't find out. But it will be awkward when you start at that institution when somebody who interviewed you from the other specialty sees you in July and asks, "What are you doing here?"

 

[SeekerOfTheTree]

It is fine as long as they don't find out. But it will be awkward when you start at that institution when somebody who interviewed you from the other specialty sees you in July and asks, "What are you doing here?"

Lol so true. I'm going to have to disguise myself. During interviews I will have a beard and change my hair color. When I start I will go bald and shave of all my facial hair.

 

[MrBurns10]

It is fine as long as they don't find out. But it will be awkward when you start at that institution when somebody who interviewed you from the other specialty sees you in July and asks, "What are you doing here?"

...and then absolutely nothing happens as you continue on in your radiology residency training.

I personally think people make applying to rads + a backup specialty into a bigger deal than it is (rads/IM wouldn't be perceived the same way as, say, rads/derm), at least from the radiology perspective. The only tricky part will be since you need to stay in a particular state, you really can only apply to the categorical IM programs and not their prelim brethren. But a year away from your preferred state isn't nearly as bad as 4-5 years.

 

[Nebulus2012]

Hello All,

In brief, strong research and clinical grades, but weaker Step scores....see below.

School = East Coast, Allopathic, Top 30s nationwide.
Pre-Clinical = P/F system...all P's.
Clinical = Mostly Honors (6/8 so far), High Passes in Neurology and Pediatrics.
Step 1 = 229/98
Step 2 = 241/99
EC = multiple radiology research projects since MS1. Multiple RSNA abstracts, 1 full manuscript that was rejected and is being resubmitted to AJNR now.
LORs = Medicine (honors), Psychiatry (honors), radiology clerkship director (honors), radiology research PI.


I'm looking to stay in the Northeast, preferably Boston, and casting a wide net (applying to all of the NE programs, NYC, and Philly).

Any and all reflections, suggestions, feedback is welcome.

Thanks!

 

[cowme]

Hello All,

In brief, strong research and clinical grades, but weaker Step scores....see below.

School = East Coast, Allopathic, Top 30s nationwide.
Pre-Clinical = P/F system...all P's.
Clinical = Mostly Honors (6/8 so far), High Passes in Neurology and Pediatrics.
Step 1 = 229/98
Step 2 = 241/99
EC = multiple radiology research projects since MS1. Multiple RSNA abstracts, 1 full manuscript that was rejected and is being resubmitted to AJNR now.
LORs = Medicine (honors), Psychiatry (honors), radiology clerkship director (honors), radiology research PI.


I'm looking to stay in the Northeast, preferably Boston, and casting a wide net (applying to all of the NE programs, NYC, and Philly).

Any and all reflections, suggestions, feedback is welcome.

Thanks!

You should absolutely match to a university program. Same advice as always, apply broadly to top tiers, mid tiers, and lower-tiers/community. I would imagine you will get some interviews to that whole range of programs.

 

[Nebulus2012]

You should absolutely match to a university program. Same advice as always, apply broadly to top tiers, mid tiers, and lower-tiers/community. I would imagine you will get some interviews to that whole range of programs.

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond! I feel much better getting a "Seal of approval" from a current resident..

 

[DrVanNostran]

I'm still considering Rads and was thinking of just getting some LORs in just in case. Who are guys using for LORs and I may not take a Rad rotation this year since I already took on near the end of third year....

I was thinking: One rad faculty, One from Family (guy knew me well), and one possibly from surgery...

 

[a winner is you]

You should absolutely match to a university program. Same advice as always, apply broadly to top tiers, mid tiers, and lower-tiers/community. I would imagine you will get some interviews to that whole range of programs.

Can we please stop this whole community = low-tier non-sense as far as radiology residencies are concerned? Tell me, what exactly does a "university" program have over a "community" program that is a level 1 trauma center, major transplant center, has its own fellowships, has widespread connections to all the private practice groups in the region, etc? Research is about it, and that means diddly squat in radiology.

 

[2012mdc]

Can we please stop this whole community = low-tier non-sense as far as radiology residencies are concerned? Tell me, what exactly does a "university" program have over a "community" program that is a level 1 trauma center, major transplant center, has its own fellowships, has widespread connections to all the private practice groups in the region, etc? Research is about it, and that means diddly squat in radiology.

Do most community programs have things like that?

 

[Cochan]

Where should I apply for allopathic radiology residency's as a DO with these stats:
MSIII at LECOM
USMLE Step 1: 248/99
COMLEX Step 1: 697/96
Step 2s have yet to be done.
2 months into 3rd year

Im still a bit early into clinical rotations but i'd like to know where i should audition and think about my chances as a DO applying to allopathic Rad programs. If any of you have suggestions let me know! any help would be much appreciated!

 

[a winner is you]

Do most community programs have things like that?

Do most? Maybe not most, but the 2 I interviewed at both did and I ranked both of them above many well-regarded university programs. My point is to not make generalizations about community programs = low tier. There are plenty of community programs out there that are better than university programs, base your "tier lists" off what the programs have to offer, not whether they are community or university-based.

 

[2012mdc]

Do most? Maybe not most, but the 2 I interviewed at both did and I ranked both of them above many well-regarded university programs. My point is to not make generalizations about community programs = low tier. There are plenty of community programs out there that are better than university programs, base your "tier lists" off what the programs have to offer, not whether they are community or university-based.

I agree. I wasn't trying to dispute that point. I'm just currently trying to figure out my list and I had some interest in what you said. What are some examples of community programs like that?

 

[cowme]

Can we please stop this whole community = low-tier non-sense as far as radiology residencies are concerned? Tell me, what exactly does a "university" program have over a "community" program that is a level 1 trauma center, major transplant center, has its own fellowships, has widespread connections to all the private practice groups in the region, etc? Research is about it, and that means diddly squat in radiology.

I was not implying community = low tier. I agree, plenty of community programs are far better than most university programs. I was implying that they tend to be less competitive to get interviews/match at.

 

[cowme]

I agree. I wasn't trying to dispute that point. I'm just currently trying to figure out my list and I had some interest in what you said. What are some examples of community programs like that?

Mayo and Cleveland Clinic are the best of the best when it comes to community programs.

Beaumont and Henry Ford-Detroit, Albert Einstein-Philadelphia, Mount Auburn-Boston, Santa Clara Valley-Cali, Virginia Mason-Seattle.

Any program on this list can go toe to toe with most university programs.

 

[DrBowtie]

Is it about time for the 2011-2012 applicant thread? Seems to be lots of chatter in this thread.

 

[badasshairday]

Mayo and Cleveland Clinic are the best of the best when it comes to community programs.

Beaumont and Henry Ford-Detroit, Albert Einstein-Philadelphia, Mount Auburn-Boston, Santa Clara Valley-Cali, Virginia Mason-Seattle.

Any program on this list can go toe to toe with most university programs.

Is it safe to say that going to a top community program would not disadvantage you to get a top fellowship spot at an academic program (VIR specifically)?

 

[cowme]

Is it safe to say that going to a top community program would not disadvantage you to get a top fellowship spot at an academic program (VIR specifically)?

Depends, if you are choosing a community program a place like Mallinkrodt, then yes, it would be a disadvantage to goto the community program. If you choose the community program over an academic place of similar reputation, it probably wont make much of a difference (but i cant say for sure as I haven't been through that process yet)

 

[badasshairday]

Depends, if you are choosing a community program a place like Mallinkrodt, then yes, it would be a disadvantage to goto the community program. If you choose the community program over an academic place of similar reputation, it probably wont make much of a difference (but i cant say for sure as I haven't been through that process yet)

A few of the programs you listed above are on my list of community programs I am thinking of applying to. I ultimately would like to go to a strong VIR program

 

[2012mdc]

Mayo and Cleveland Clinic are the best of the best when it comes to community programs.

Beaumont and Henry Ford-Detroit, Albert Einstein-Philadelphia, Mount Auburn-Boston, Santa Clara Valley-Cali, Virginia Mason-Seattle.

Any program on this list can go toe to toe with most university programs.

Thanks for the info. Don't know much of anything about Virginia Mason. Will have to look into it

 

[boobaunutz]

Is it safe to say that going to a top community program would not disadvantage you to get a top fellowship spot at an academic program (VIR specifically)?

I know recent graduates of one of those community programs who matched at MGH and Mallinkrodt. I'm not sure which fields - they were working, I was rotating as a med student, they were kind of busy and I was actually more interested in the pathology on the screen. I know it wasn't anything like mamms, though.
I was really impressed with the program - and after talking with attendings at other hospitals, they agree. The biggest question to me: do you really want to live in Rochester, Cleveland, or Detroit?

 

[2012mdc]

I know recent graduates of one of those community programs who matched at MGH and Mallinkrodt. I'm not sure which fields - they were working, I was rotating as a med student, they were kind of busy and I was actually more interested in the pathology on the screen. I know it wasn't anything like mamms, though.
I was really impressed with the program - and after talking with attendings at other hospitals, they agree. The biggest question to me: do you really want to live in Rochester, Cleveland, or Detroit?

Seattle and the Bay also were on the list (Philly too)

 

[badasshairday]

Seattle and the Bay also were on the list (Philly too)

Yup yup. One of those community programs is in my home town. I would love to go back there. But then again I'd love to be a badass VIR someday, so if I need to go academics to get the fellowship......... 🙁 there goes my dream of going home.

 

[cowme]

Bad, why are u so dead set on a top research IR program? There are plenty of places that offer comparable clinical training; the main difference in the top places are mainly research related. If you search the forums on this issue, there are far more people who regret choosing prestige over where they thought theyd be happiest than vice versa

 

[a winner is you]

Mayo and Cleveland Clinic are the best of the best when it comes to community programs.

Beaumont and Henry Ford-Detroit, Albert Einstein-Philadelphia, Mount Auburn-Boston, Santa Clara Valley-Cali, Virginia Mason-Seattle.

Any program on this list can go toe to toe with most university programs.

And Baylor-Dallas is the best community program in the South.

 

[badasshairday]

Bad, why are u so dead set on a top research IR program? There are plenty of places that offer comparable clinical training; the main difference in the top places are mainly research related. If you search the forums on this issue, there are far more people who regret choosing prestige over where they thought theyd be happiest than vice versa

Not really looking for a top research program, more for the top clinical IR program.

 

[boobaunutz]

Seattle and the Bay also were on the list (Philly too)

True, but no one ever says "Oh man, I have to move to Seattle!" Detroit and Cleveland seem like death sentences - especially with all the crime in Detroit. At least Rochester is close to Minneapolis.

I'm confident those programs would be much more attractive and regarded better if they were in good cities.

 

[2012mdc]

True, but no one ever says "Oh man, I have to move to Seattle!" Detroit and Cleveland seem like death sentences - especially with all the crime in Detroit. At least Rochester is close to Minneapolis.

I'm confident those programs would be much more attractive and regarded better if they were in good cities.

My point was that not all of the top community programs he listed were in bad locations.

 

[BigRedPremed]

Haven't posted here in awhile but it's time for residency apps!

I'm in the middle of the road as far as radiology applicants go (USMLE score a little above 240, almost all HP's (1 pass and 1 honors) in my rotations at a top 20 med school, 1 summer radiology research (no pubs), 1 review article published in a low level journal, and some misc extracurriculars. I will be ranked in the group signifying I'm in the second quartile (top 25-50%) of students on my MSPE. I've talked to my dean and a few radiologists and it's still a bit unclear to me:

1. Can I get into a transition year program (in a big city) with these stats?

2. I'm pretty interested in the academic side of things. Can I get into a low or mid-tier academic radiology program with these stats? Should I apply to community programs as well? My biggest advantage is that I'm not tied down by location. Ideally, I'd like to do my residency in a city but I don't have preference as far as West Coast vs. East Coast vs. Midwest.

 

[RUcereus]

I have an interesting circumstance. I am a brand new 3rd year, wanting to know if rads is a possibility.

step 1-251/99
step 2-no idea will take in june july 2012
top 25% 1st and 2nd year
Research-doing some trauma research (hopefully) in 3rd year.
Pubs-1 maybe 2
Kicker-I'm a DO student.

What are my chances?
a.) very good
b.) good
c.) maybe
d.) stick with anesthesia
e.) stick with Fam med

Also, any ideas how to get radiology research?

 

[a winner is you]

1. Can I get into a transition year program (in a big city) with these stats?

Just FYI, there are some really tough TY programs out there, especially in big cities. It's the TY programs in smaller cities that are usually super cush. And on a side note, there are some prelim-medicine programs that are just as cush as most TY programs. The one I'm in right now has no clinic, 4 months of electives, no weekends unless on call or post-call, and usually out by 2 pm if not on call.

 

[2012mdc]

Just FYI, there are some really tough TY programs out there, especially in big cities. It's the TY programs in smaller cities that are usually super cush. And on a side note, there are some prelim-medicine programs that are just as cush as most TY programs. The one I'm in right now has no clinic, 4 months of electives, no weekends unless on call or post-call, and usually out by 2 pm if not on call.

Do you mind revealing this program? you can PM me if preferred

 

[badasshairday]

So application season is coming closer and closer. I have secured two LORs so far, one from psych (very strong letter), one from Medicine. I am concered I will be hurting in the app cycle because I don't know any surgeons well enough to get a LOR. My surgery ended 8 months ago, and although I got Honors in it, I just didn't ask for a lettor. Will this hurt me?

My other two letters will be from DR and IR. I have an IR month coming up, and at my instituation the IR service is more like a surgical service in that they admit, consult, and run clinics. Hopefully I can secure a LOR from IR and have it be a sub for a surgery LOR (I know not really, but it is the best i got!).

 

[RisingSun]

So application season is coming closer and closer. I have secured two LORs so far, one from psych (very strong letter), one from Medicine. I am concered I will be hurting in the app cycle because I don't know any surgeons well enough to get a LOR. My surgery ended 8 months ago, and although I got Honors in it, I just didn't ask for a lettor. Will this hurt me?

My other two letters will be from DR and IR. I have an IR month coming up, and at my instituation the IR service is more like a surgical service in that they admit, consult, and run clinics. Hopefully I can secure a LOR from IR and have it be a sub for a surgery LOR (I know not really, but it is the best i got!).

BAH -

I would not submit anymore than 4 letters. I think that having an IR letter is a good idea - many department chairs are IR guys and showing an interest in the field early may be appreciated come interview time. I really cannot think of many situations in which a general DR letter would be strong, unless you are a real superstar and actually did something worthwhile during your DR rotation. I think the more likely option would be that you have done research with someone on the DR side and they are writing a letter.

I secured more letters than I needed, and chose which to submit. You may be in the same boat. Without knowing any details of your psych letter, I would guess that in general it may not be regarded as strongly as from a medicine or surgery attending. That being said, if it is a really strong letter, then you should submit it. People actually read these things and strong comments on your behalf can go a long way, regardless of who they are from.

I think that you should be okay with the four letters that you are proposing to use. However you may want to sub a surgery letter for the DR one unless there has been some research or you have a particularly strong relationship with that rad. And definitely not more than 2 rad letters!

Getting ready for applications is an exciting time, good luck!👍

 

[badasshairday]

Thanks for the advice. My only problem is that I don't know any surgeons well enough to get an LOR, esp since I didn't ask anyone to write me one when I was on my 3rd year clerkship 8 months ago. No surgery Sub-I untill Februrary!
So my LOR's will be:
1. Psych, 2. Medicine, 3. DR 4. IR.
DR one should be okay because I am doing research with one of the radiologists, so they know me a bit better.

 

[DeadCactus]

What's the issue with not getting DR letters? Is it just because there's not much of a chance to shine clinically on a DR rotation?

 

[UnderPar22]

What's the issue with not getting DR letters? Is it just because there's not much of a chance to shine clinically on a DR rotation?

Bingo. Medical students have little to no responsibility on these rotations. You can basically ask questions and try not to be annoying. Much easier to obtain clinical letters where your hard work goes recognized and can directly impact patient care.

 

[SxRx]

Which letters to submit? Strength of letter with 10 being the best. 🙂

DR#1-East Coast: 7 (never worked with him. But saw my presentation which he really liked. I've talked to him in his office once. He's a PD at an away rotation)
DR#2-Midwest: 6 (never worked with him. Met him for 30 minutes when met him to ask for a LOR..He's our school rad dep chair)
IM: 7
Surgery:7
Psych: 8

The reason I am getting a letter for each region I plan to apply is regional bias I've been hearing about. So, I did a DR rotation in the east coast and one in the mid west.

Given above, should I use DR#1 for midwest as well?
Also, should I use Psych as a fourth letter or submit it instead of IM or surgery?

Thanks.