MSPE Mistake

[beyondbethany]

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During my first interview at my home institution, the PD told me that my MSPE/dean's letter talked about me going into neurology, despite the fact that I changed to IM and communicated this to the dean in person multiple times and by email before the MSPE release date. The PD said it wasn't a big deal to him because the letters commonly have mistakes.

Is this going to hurt me as I interview?

 

[member77077]

Have you gotten a reasonable amount of interviews? If so, I wouldn't worry about it, but I would clarify with PDs when you do interview. Maybe something along the lines of, "It has been brought to my attention that my MSPE states I'm going into neurology. I wanted to clarify that this is an error and I am only applying to IM programs."

If you are not getting the number of interviews that you think is expected, then I would pursue it with your Dean. Not sure what they can do for you, but an appointment to discuss your situation might be in order.

Hopefully one of those actually involved in the selection process will weigh in as I'm just another applicant.

Good luck!

 

[beyondbethany]

Yes I have a good amount of interviews lined up. I was just concerned that it might become an issue as interviewers and PDs take a closer look at my file on interview day. I'm waiting to hear back from my dean's office as to what the letter actually says.

 

[FrisbeeDocIM]

Have you gotten a reasonable amount of interviews? If so, I wouldn't worry about it, but I would clarify with PDs when you do interview. Maybe something along the lines of, "It has been brought to my attention that my MSPE states I'm going into neurology. I wanted to clarify that this is an error and I am only applying to IM programs."

If you are not getting the number of interviews that you think is expected, then I would pursue it with your Dean. Not sure what they can do for you, but an appointment to discuss your situation might be in order.

I agree with the above. My MSPE had an almost identical error (except it said Med-Peds when I'm doing IM). I went into the secretary's office at my home institution who is in charge of uploading the MSPE and we edited it together, with me able to watch her reupload the corrected letter.

That being said, I could see that several programs had not reuploaded my corrected MSPE. On the interview day, I just told them what the bolded quote says, explained that I was considering Med-Peds, and then used it as a chance to explain why I want to do IM. It's worked so far for me, I'm sure you'll be fine, too. Good luck!