My Application Shows No Commitment to Specialty

[BIGTIME555]

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I'm wondering how much programs look into commitment to specialty on the application portion of ERAS?

 

[twright]

I'm a newly converted fan to Emergency Medicine late in my third year. However, at my school this year it was such a popular choice I wasn't able to get into an EM course until the block starting 9/24. Besides my ED doc letters not getting submitted until the end of October, as I was filling out the "Application" part of ERAS I made it a point to not show any commitment to a specialty just in case I decide I want to go back to the dark side of Rads during my ED block. I realize I can explain away my love for (Insert specialty here) in my personal statement, and get my LOR writers to do so as well. But where it actually counts (what did I say on the part of the application that has to go to every program and specialty irregardless, and can not be changed) I wasn't ready for that level of commitment.

I'm a competitive applicant for just about any specialty. However, my "Application" is strictly vanilla, I could apply to every specialty out there with it because it commits to none, even though it looks impressive. And my transcript gives nothing away in regards to my interests. It's all on the personal statement and letters for me. I realize that I shouldn't bother with elite programs by not mentioning membership in their professional society of choice, hours of service to their interest group, or research in their field. Specialty commitment is something programs are looking for. I'm just wondering if anyone has any more information on the issue, or knows how often programs look through the "Application" portion just looking for specialty commitment? Or if anyone sits on admissions committees and know how many programs require it before they'll extend an interview. Thoughts?

I am not in Emergency Medicine, but based on what I know of my friends who conduct interviews, sit on adcoms, etc I'm pretty sure they will be looking in your application for evidence of interest in EM.

 

[BIGTIME555]

Let's just hope my LOR's and PS are enough to get me some good interviews.

 

[ForeverBlue]

I'm in an almost exact situation as you. I switched from Radiology to EM late. Visiting rotations are always a sign of commitment. They are are not too difficult to secure if you start emailing and calling, even this late in the game. You just may have to give up an interviewing month.

 

[Transmogrifier]

The EM SLOR has a section rating the applicant's commitment to the specialty (see http://www.cordem.org/files/DOCUMENTLIBRARY/SLOR/Slor2012.pdf). If you're rated strongly here and have convinced your letter writers that you're 100% EM then you may be able to get away with it. Not everyone has their mind made up on the first day of med school to be able to plan three years centered around one specialty. Sit down and talk to your PD, advisors, or letter writers about this too.