keeping the dream. EM advisor/externship suggestions

[freshdoc2016]

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Hey guys,
I am a soon to be MS4 with a very strong interest in EM and a very weak Step 1 score <200. I've been told that it's not a reason to "roll over and die", although that's exactly what I have been tempted to do lately.
After considering all my options I want to still apply to EM and give it my best shot in the application process. To do that I need someone who knows what they are talking about to help me apply to programs that I would have a good chance in. My school does not have an EM program and I got no response from SAEM after applying for an advisor. So I decided to reach out to this community of bright and active physicians and residents.

I've heard that SLOEs are critical, but I am having trouble even finding externships before November. The rest of my application is average. Honors on evaluations, pass on shelf exams, volunteer, research etc. I like to think I am more impressive in person than I am on paper. I am not very particular about a location, I just want to do EM.

On the other hand, if anyone thinks I am wasting my time and should just go with my plan B of internal medicine, do tell.

Thanks.

 

[alpinism]

Apply to as many programs as possible but focus on smaller community programs and newer programs in undesirable locations.

Basically programs filled with FMGs and DOs.

You don't really need an advisor per se, just do your homework and look on each residency program's website.

Same thing goes for away rotations/sub internships (externships?).

 

[freshdoc2016]

Thanks for the reply. I've gotten most of my information from here already, so it was worth a shot.

Would you recommend programs that are new in 2015 for an away rotation? Would that SLOE carry equal weight compared to another average program? Also, should I be more aggressive with away rotations in showing my interest to a program?

 

[racerwad]

Thanks for the reply. I've gotten most of my information from here already, so it was worth a shot.

Would you recommend programs that are new in 2015 for an away rotation? Would that SLOE carry equal weight compared to another average program? Also, should I be more aggressive with away rotations in showing my interest to a program?

From your first post - are you asking us for a list of residency programs that you have a shot at? If so, you've still got a ways to go before you're clicking submit on ERAS. You should probably have your Step 2 complete and you need to get some SLOEs before your applicant profile is complete. Who knows, maybe you'll be one of those rare individuals that really will "crush" Step 2 after a poor showing on Step 1.

Anyhow, going to newer/smaller/less well known programs for a rotation and SLOE is not a bad idea mainly because they are less likely to be inundated with VSAS applications. However, they will carry less weight than a SLOE from a well-known program. But SLOEs from any program is better than none at all.

To your last question - don't be weird. Despite your less than awesome Step 1, you won't help your case if you act like someone desperate for that month.

Try getting a mentor through EMRA. I know for a fact that the person who coordinates that puts a lot of effort into matching med students to residents that share similar interests and goals. They will get back to you.

Attend the residency fairs at SAEM and ACEP. Meet residency directors, maybe get a rotation or two, and network. In your position, you need to work every angle to get folks to notice you.

Good luck.

 

[The White Coat Investor]

Apply to them all. Seriously. You never know. Worst case scenario- you spent a couple thousand more than you needed to and end up cancelling 30 interviews. But what if you apply to them all and only get 5 interviews? You'll be darn glad you didn't limit yourself to 30-50 programs.

In general, newer programs, programs on probation, programs that take a higher percentage of DOs and IMGs, programs in less desirable locations (think Midwest) are going to be your best bets. But be sure to apply to your most desired programs too because you never know.

 

[Angry Birds]

In addition to the advice above, you could take the step 2 and kill it. This would help offset the low step 1 score.

 

[freshdoc2016]

Racerwad, I submitted an EMRA mentor request and didn't hear back. I will re-submit and maybe get a reply this time. 🙂 thanks. Attending aconference is not feasible for me financially and because of my current rotation schedule.

ActiveDuty, Angry Birds, I intend to apply to every program out there, and of course, have a significantly better score on Step 2. At this point i can't find an away rotation and that's what's making me wonder if I am wasting my time. I know I can get great SLOEs, but I am sure I am getting filtered through the application process because of my score (198).

Any specific programs that you would recommend applying to for an away rotation (midwest is great)
Should I apply for a backup in internal medicine?

I realize these are questions addressed in hundreds of threads there, but you guys are a great resource and with my future on the line I am hoping for some up to date direct advice. Thanks again.

 

[Fox800]

Racerwad, I submitted an EMRA mentor request and didn't hear back. I will re-submit and maybe get a reply this time. 🙂 thanks. Attending aconference is not feasible for me financially and because of my current rotation schedule.

ActiveDuty, Angry Birds, I intend to apply to every program out there, and of course, have a significantly better score on Step 2. At this point i can't find an away rotation and that's what's making me wonder if I am wasting my time. I know I can get great SLOEs, but I am sure I am getting filtered through the application process because of my score (198).

Any specific programs that you would recommend applying to for an away rotation (midwest is great)
Should I apply for a backup in internal medicine?

I realize these are questions addressed in hundreds of threads there, but you guys are a great resource and with my future on the line I am hoping for some up to date direct advice. Thanks again.

Have you tried programs that don't use VSAS? Give Newark Beth Israel a try. All they asked for were my preferred dates and a phone number before approving me.

Some other places that aren't on VSAS: UCLA Harbor, UCLA Olive View, Kern, UAB, Hackensack, St. John in Detroit, Mercy St. Vincent, Resurrection, Henry Ford, York, Christiana Care, Atlantic Health in NJ

 

[LostinLift]

http://www.nrmp.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Charting-Outcomes-2014-Final.pdf

31 U.S. Seniors out of 53 who applied to EM with a step 1 score under 200 matched. Given that doesn't include any other parts of their applications, but it is definitely doable!

 

[freshdoc2016]

Some other places that aren't on VSAS: UCLA Harbor, UCLA Olive View, Kern, UAB, Hackensack, St. John in Detroit, Mercy St. Vincent, Resurrection, Henry Ford, York, Christiana Care, Atlantic Health in NJ

I am from the midwest, and was told not to waste money applying to california programs or away rotations with my score. Do you think it's worth a try at this time in the year?

And thank you for all the suggestions!

 

[DarkHorse22]

I would apply to rotate at CA programs. Assuming you do well and earn an Honors, then I would consider applying to residency in CA. Otherwise, no, I think you'd be wasting your money.

I agree with Fox's list. Definitely shoot for rotations that don't use VSAS.