How much of an impact is LOR for rads?

[PercutaneousKnowledge]

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Currently figuring out if it is worth it for me to do an away rotation with a possibility of good letter from a PD (from a top 10 program). I know that the benefit of doing an away is debateable, however, does it make sense for me to do this since my home program does not have a residency and is not very prestigious?

Thank you!

 

[IRorBustguy]

Currently figuring out if it is worth it for me to do an away rotation with a possibility of good letter from a PD (from a top 10 program). I know that the benefit of doing an away is debateable, however, does it make sense for me to do this since my home program does not have a residency and is not very prestigious?

Thank you!

yes by all means. i know my lors >>>> anything else on my app

 

[IR4thewin]

People on this forum hate on away rotations. I say go for it. If you are considering IR, an away rotation can be very beneficial. Helps show programs you are serious about IR and can help you get an interview at a more competitive place (not guaranteed, but helpful for the average med student, assuming your are a decent human being).

I would have done an away if I was just going into diagnostics as well. For one, you see how things are done at another institution, which always helps develop your perspective on the field and what you want in a residency program. It can also help you get an interview if you go to a competitive place and if they like you. Again, not guaranteed, but if you are a decent student my personal thought is that it will help more than it hurts.

Some may say that you can only hurt yourself and lower your chances since radiology is a lot of spectating as a med student, and if you're the person who goes through life trying not to screw up, then by all means don't do it. But if you want it, do the away, show up on time, smile, offer to make coffee runs when the list is out of control and the residents can't leave the station, and just do your best to fit in. I say go for it.

 

[PercutaneousKnowledge]

Thank you so much for your help. I was really on the fence on whether to do an away rotation and your comments have helped me to schedule for this upcoming season!!

 

[IR4thewin]

Yeah, just judging by your name, an away is a great strategy for IR. Just remember, programs want to see true interest and dedication to your field. From now until interview season, ask yourself if anything you do is towards that goal, and do those things that are (Within reason, don't fail your clerkships or step 2 for the sake of presenting at SIR, but you get my point). But if you go with that mindset, I think that will lead you down the right path. Go to SIR if you can, do a case report on an IR patient, get that LOR from a well known IR etc.

My last advice for an IR letter, be interested in the rotation but don't force yourself to be involved, realize you know nothing and soak up everything you can. At most places you will watch procedures before getting a chance to scrub in. I was in my second week of an IR away when the fellow was called away to take care of an emergency on the floor, and I was there to scrub in and first assist. Fortunately, I had paid attention during the first week to how they liked to do things, what order they use, when to upsize sheath etc, and a few minutes into the case the attending said 'this isn't the first time you've done this, is it?' Guess who I asked to write my letter? Had I scrubbed in the first day or not paid attention during that first week, I would have been screwed. Just use all the resources you have. IR is complicated with all the various devices, just soak in what you can.


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[Radsandstuff]

One of the few constants across my interviews has been at least one person commenting on how positive my letters were. I don't think "just good" letters will hurt you, but having glowing ones from IR and surgery (the ones interviewers brought up) definitely help. One program even said that my IR letter was why they sent me a first round invite. Echoing IR4thewin, the good parts of my IR letter (he let me read it) were around the fact I actively watched and learned from the outgoing resident, so when the new resident came in I could offer advice on how to chose and prep equipment and generally be helpful. Definitely made it worth focusing on the why and how of doing procedures rather than just getting hands on the patient

 

[weasel23]

Yeah, just judging by your name, an away is a great strategy for IR. Just remember, programs want to see true interest and dedication to your field. From now until interview season, ask yourself if anything you do is towards that goal, and do those things that are (Within reason, don't fail your clerkships or step 2 for the sake of presenting at SIR, but you get my point). But if you go with that mindset, I think that will lead you down the right path. Go to SIR if you can, do a case report on an IR patient, get that LOR from a well known IR etc.

My last advice for an IR letter, be interested in the rotation but don't force yourself to be involved, realize you know nothing and soak up everything you can. At most places you will watch procedures before getting a chance to scrub in. I was in my second week of an IR away when the fellow was called away to take care of an emergency on the floor, and I was there to scrub in and first assist. Fortunately, I had paid attention during the first week to how they liked to do things, what order they use, when to upsize sheath etc, and a few minutes into the case the attending said 'this isn't the first time you've done this, is it?' Guess who I asked to write my letter? Had I scrubbed in the first day or not paid attention during that first week, I would have been screwed. Just use all the resources you have. IR is complicated with all the various devices, just soak in what you can.


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is it worthwhile to just attend SIR without presenting anything or going with your institution? Would love to attend and may do so, but would it basically just be me hanging out and learning more about the field or would you suggest actively networking?

 

[IR4thewin]

I would recommend going even if you are just hanging out. Find some way to get it on your ERaS application so programs will know, and keep your program of speakers and presentations. During the interview season, you can look back and perhaps say "hey DR... I remember seeing you when you presented at SIR last year"


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[weasel23]

I would recommend going even if you are just hanging out. Find some way to get it on your ERaS application so programs will know, and keep your program of speakers and presentations. During the interview season, you can look back and perhaps say "hey DR... I remember seeing you when you presented at SIR last year"


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great advice!