FM Personal Statement since I changed my mind

[DrDude]

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Before deciding on FM I wanted to go into another specialty. So much so that I did research and got included on some publications in journals for that specialty. But my interest changed to FM during 3rd year and I won't be applying for residency in the specialty I was once interested in.

How should I address this in my personal statement? Should I even address it? They'll probably want to know why I decided to apply for FM when I was so gung-ho about the other specialty. Somebody told me to downplay my research/publications in the other specialty as much as possible because it might make FM programs skeptical about my desire to do FM, even though I really do want to.

Any advice on how I should tailor my personal statement given my situation would be greatly helpful.

 

[EdibleEgg]

Just tell the truth.

 

[iatrosB]

Just tell the truth.

Agree...don't hide your pubs, you did all that work. It shows that you are passionate and driven. Have a good reason why you want FM and why it is "better" for you than the other specialty. Don't lie or down-play it. FM is pretty laid back, they want to know more about you and why you want to do FM than why you are not doing X.

Good luck, I think the research is a big plus...no matter what in. 👍

 

[HarveyCushing]

Agree...don't hide your pubs, you did all that work. It shows that you are passionate and driven. Have a good reason why you want FM and why it is "better" for you than the other specialty. Don't lie or down-play it. FM is pretty laid back, they want to know more about you and why you want to do FM than why you are not doing X.

Good luck, I think the research is a big plus...no matter what in. 👍

I also think that if you do sub-i's at FM programs that you are interested in and get LOR's from FP that will help show that you are now "committed" to FM. Nothing worse than not doing any sub-i's through a FM program and create the appearance that you were trying to play both fields and use FM as a "backup" to your previous interest.

 

[sophiejane]

Before deciding on FM I wanted to go into another specialty. So much so that I did research and got included on some publications in journals for that specialty. But my interest changed to FM during 3rd year and I won't be applying for residency in the specialty I was once interested in.

How should I address this in my personal statement? Should I even address it? They'll probably want to know why I decided to apply for FM when I was so gung-ho about the other specialty. Somebody told me to downplay my research/publications in the other specialty as much as possible because it might make FM programs skeptical about my desire to do FM, even though I really do want to.

Any advice on how I should tailor my personal statement given my situation would be greatly helpful.

It may make them skeptical when they first look at you "on paper", but you can overcome that. In your PS, you should address why you had a change of heart, and why you think you will be happier in or be better suited to FM. I must say we have had applicants that appeared to switch midstream, and their interviews were so lackluster that we had to think FM was a "back-up"...especially when you see someone with lots of specialty-focused research and club leadership positions early on, and then you see a kind of mediocre GPA and steps and you have to think, hmmm....are they "settling" for FM? Bring it up yourself in your interview, be totally honest and up front and DON'T dodge the issue, no matter what. Make sure to get at least one really great letter from an FP or your FM department head (if they KNOW you personally and have worked with you).