how to match at the residency of your choice?

[paco]

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So I've gotten into med school after lots of pain and anguish and I'm wondering if getting into a good (or even top) residency is a similar type of "game," if you will.

I realize that board scores, clinical evals/grades (AOA etc), recommendations will all help you get into the residency that you want. But I did have questions about what else residency directors look at in ranking students.

FYI, I'm interested in IM and peds but I think I might also be interested in rads and possibly surgery.

1. Do you need to be involved in extracurriculars and show leadership capabilities in them? It doesn't seem like med students have lots of time for this.
2. What about research? I've heard that some competitive specialties look favorably on research. But does research always help? I assume it depends on certain factors. But what are these factors?
3. Does Affirmative Action also play a role in residency matching? Just curious on this.
4. Is there anything else I'm missing? What else besides excelling in the required stuff (boards, classes, rotations) do you need to match at your favoriate program?

edit: Sorry if this has been discussed ad nauseum elsewhere. if so, please link me up. And thanks to folks in advance. It seems like this process cycles endlessly.

 

[trouta]

So I've gotten into med school after lots of pain and anguish and I'm wondering if getting into a good (or even top) residency is a similar type of "game," if you will.

I realize that board scores, clinical evals/grades (AOA etc), recommendations will all help you get into the residency that you want. But I did have questions about what else residency directors look at in ranking students.

FYI, I'm interested in IM and peds but I think I might also be interested in rads and possibly surgery.

Yes you have to play the game. All of the things you mentioned go into the decision though usually more as screening for the initial interview offers.

1. Do you need to be involved in extracurriculars and show leadership capabilities in them? It doesn't seem like med students have lots of time for this.

Extracurriculars are good. Many residency directors have said that community involvement as well as involvement in specialty specific things are important. Your right there isnt lots of time, but there is enough time to do these things (especially if they are truly important to you).

2. What about research? I've heard that some competitive specialties look favorably on research. But does research always help? I assume it depends on certain factors. But what are these factors?

In IM and peds research is a good thing to have but not necessary. In some of hte more competitive specialties it becomes more important. From what I understand it seems like reasearch always helps (at least it cant hurt you) and most people just like to see it on your record even if it isnt in your field of choice (though Im sure it is better if it is).

3. Does Affirmative Action also play a role in residency matching? Just curious on this.

No idea on this

4. Is there anything else I'm missing? What else besides excelling in the required stuff (boards, classes, rotations) do you need to match at your favoriate program?

Just show interest early and continuously, be a reasonable person. Away rotations can help or hurt, I would ask your program director about that. Also if you can get someone to call on your behalf that will almost always help.

 

[brotherbloat]

There is an awesome book out there that is very helpful on this subject. It's called "The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Medical Specialty" by Brian Freeman. This book is an easy read and has great information on how to best match into each specialty along with a very informative chapter on each major specialty.
I highly recommend it!

 

[watermen]

Is AOA really important to get into competitive program?

 

[ORS]

My guide to getting a competitive residency.

First, you have to realize that the admissions crew will be viewing applications from 500 "perfect candidates" for four slots in many specialties (ortho, neuro, derm....). The trick is to ditinguish yourself if at all possible.

Everyone will have good grades, good board scores and good letters. You NEED THESE to get an interview. Then what can you say about yourself.

1. Have a life outside of medical school. Travel, drink, go out be involved in cultural activities and clubs. You will be asked what you do outside of medical school.

2. Research. Try to start early (in your first year). Do not just try to get your name on a paper, get involved. Many an attending has told me that they ask studnets about their research and if they can not explain it they get dumped.

3. Rock step I. The best way to do this is study hard at the end of second year for your finals. Ignore year one. Do not worry too much about your grades in the pre-clinical years.....Honors are good, but third year grades are way more important.

4. Get as many honors as you can in third year (AOA would be nice, but is not required to get top residencies). Do not kiss butt, just work hard, be interested in learn..... A key that worked for me was to treat every rotation like I wanted to go into it. And remember, your rotation is your last chance to learn about that field if you are not going into it.

5. LORs. If someone offers take them up on it (it will probably be a great letter). Also, make your letters OPEN, that way you can pick the best ones.

6. Setting up year 4. Take Step II early if your step I is to close to the national mean for comfort. BUT!!!!!!! Register for it AFTER YOU SUBMIT YOUR ERAS and release Step I. That way you can release step II later if it is better. OR VICE VERSA. Schedule electives in your chosen specialty wisely. Place some "cush time" inbetween the audition electives. You can not shine for 3-4 months straight in surgical fields (maybe you can, but I could not). Do a home elective first so you can get acquainted with your chosen field. You will get your best LORs from your away rotations. Schedule your rotations at a variety of programs (community and academic) to open up more slots for yourself. Apply to 40-50 programs and the choose which interviews to go to. Make a calender with the dates that various programs interview so you can avoid as many conflicts as possible (there will be conflicts, but thats just tough).

7. ERAS. KEY POINT here. MAKE YOUR ERAS ADDRESS THE STATE YOU WANT TO END UP IN. Apply to programs in many different states. You will likely get regionalized, but do your best to avoid this. I.E. If you went to medical school in New York and come from cali..... Your best bets are cali and NY. If your top choice is cali, use cali. addres.....

8. Interviews. Relax. They are just trying to find out if you will be a cool guy/gal to work with for the next 3-7 years.

9. Thank you notes. Write them to everyone. This includes the people who wrote your LORs, your interviewer's.... If anything this keeps you name in their head.

10. Let your top program know they are number one..

11. Rank list. Rank it how you want , the match is set up in the applicants favor....

Hope this helps.