How does non-EM experience look to residencies?

[WayChanger]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hey forum-goers -

I did try the search function without avail, so please feel free to direct me to some relevant past threads.

So I'm at the beginning of third year, into my second rotation. My top specialty choices at the moment look like IM vs EM. I've been pretty focused on IM so far in med school (IM research/pub in progress, IMIG president, etc), but EM is really growing on me in terms of what I want to do. I went to an EM symposium today, and it was awesome! =]

I know it's way early in terms of choosing rotations and obtaining letters and whatnot, but time is ticking as far as EM-specific things are going - I doubt I'll have time to do any EM-related research, or become significantly involved in EM organizations (though I did recently join AAEM and ACEP/EMRA).

So my question boils down to - should I indeed decide to try for EM, will my previous IM involvement raise questions about my sincerity/dedication to EM, or would it rather be seen a positive that I was involved in some sort of leadership/research period? Do I *need* to do some EM-specific things now before residency applications next year?

Thanks everyone!

 

[Apollyon]

You're at the beginning of 3rd year - past experiences are nice, but, in the measure of things, don't count for much. You have more than enough time to join EMRA and ACEP and SAEM, and schmooze, and set up your EM rotations 1 year from now.

 

[Charlie Bravo]

Hah were you at the USC Symposium?

 

[WayChanger]

Hah were you at the USC Symposium?

Haha yeah, wasn't it awesome? Great turnout today, too! I was so impressed that so many people from outside of the area managed to come in for today =]