interview timeframe

[MedicalBeast]

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what is the interview timeframe for FM residencies? trying to plan my 4th year schedule. thanks

 

[MadHopsMD]

Traditionally midwest and south programs start interview early October
East and west coasts are in Nov-Dec- Jan months. I would try to schedule most in Oct/ Nov because of the weather later on... Remember Nov has thanksgiving which screws things up and Dec has christmas.

I would take Oct off if I was going to midwest places.
I would take Nov off if I was set on east/west coast places.

 

[organdonor]

Most programs started interviewing mid or late October

Most ended mid to late January. There are a couple outliers still interviewing into Feb though.

 

[MedicalBeast]

thanks. i didn't know programs started that early! i will plan on taking november off for interviews.

along the same lines...when is the best time to take Step 2? my grades have been good and Step 1 was 230. I know a lot of people take July after 3rd year to study and take Step 2. There is a limited time early on in 4th year to do AI's and away rotations so I'm not sure what would be better.

July-vacation/study for step 2
August- FM AI

or

July--FM AI
August--FM away rotation/Indian Health Service
September---Step 2 and prepare applications?

i guess my question is whether its better to take a month off in July, gun for a great step 2 score or do an additional rotation and get a LOR/cool experience to put on your application and postpone step 2 for later in 4th year where stuff won't be as fresh.

thanks in advance!

 

[MadHopsMD]

thanks. i didn't know programs started that early! i will plan on taking november off for interviews.

along the same lines...when is the best time to take Step 2? my grades have been good and Step 1 was 230. I know a lot of people take July after 3rd year to study and take Step 2. There is a limited time early on in 4th year to do AI's and away rotations so I'm not sure what would be better.

July-vacation/study for step 2
August- FM AI

or

July--FM AI
August--FM away rotation/Indian Health Service
September---Step 2 and prepare applications?

i guess my question is whether its better to take a month off in July, gun for a great step 2 score or do an additional rotation and get a LOR/cool experience to put on your application and postpone step 2 for later in 4th year where stuff won't be as fresh.

thanks in advance!

Ya traditionally they didnt, but more and more are doing it early. The reason? Because the MSPE (dean's letter) is going out early now. So I know lots of programs especially in east coast are going to try to schedule interviews more in Oct/Nov. Just because weather here can cause delays after Nov. That said schedule something light in Oct and Dec (out patient rotations).

Your step 1 is good enough that you do not really have to do step 2 as early (or at all before you submit your applications). September is fine, if its good (better than step 2) release it, or else you do not have to declare it. Indian Health Services sounds really cool. Definitely do that!!!

 

[Kitabu]

I applied mainly east coast and started getting offers two days after ERAS was sent out, many for programs with October dates. I am STILL hearing back from a few places and got an offer a few weeks back with dates in February...so you can run the full gamit in FM! (There was no way I was interviewing in Feb though).

If you have the option of getting a lot of time off, like my school did, take a few weeks in Nov or Dec off to just concentrate on interviews. It's tiring. And I agree with MadHops MD with trying to schedule light rotations Oct through interview season. I got very lucky and was able to take electives where I never had to go in and could pretty much work on my own time.

You don't need to take step 2 early. Do your AI early and get good letters (mine were mentioned quite a few times during interviews, so it matters!). Just keep in mind if you are trying to send out ERAS & do step 2 at the same time that it is stressful! Work on ERAS as much as you can before your study period, and be aware that you may start getting interview offers during your study period. I was on EM during that time and ALL the 4th yrs were frantically checking their emails every 5 min. Just be careful not to disturb study time!