My chances in PM&R

[Theasam]

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First of all, congratulations to all those who match!! I am a MS3 interested in PM&R. I heard that the field is getting more competitive so I thought I get some advices from you guys about my chances in PM&R, esp in Cali programs. Do you recommend doing away rotation at interested programs? Also do you guys know how many LORs I might need or these depend on the program?
Here are my credentials: attend among the top 20th medical programs. Was in the middle of my class after 2 yrs, however, my ranking might drop after clerkships, unforunately, to bottom 1/3 due to all these NBME exams. 🙁 The only problem is my Step 1, scored in the 190s. Planning on take Step 2 in July and hopefully doing better on that. Some research experience, one currently in PM&R.
Any advices about how to improve my chances is greatly appreciated.
Thanks!!!

 

[OMMFellow06]

At this point, aside from doing better on Step 2 and possibly some research I think you should definitely ROTATE at whatever programs you are interested in. If you really shine on your rotations, it'll make up for whatever poor scores you may have. Even though it is gettin more competitive, it still is a field where personalities make an impact. Good Luck and keep picking our brains for help.

 

[melancholy]

First of all, congratulations to all those who match!! I am a MS3 interested in PM&R. I heard that the field is getting more competitive so I thought I get some advices from you guys about my chances in PM&R, esp in Cali programs. Do you recommend doing away rotation at interested programs? Also do you guys know how many LORs I might need or these depend on the program?
Here are my credentials: attend among the top 20th medical programs. Was in the middle of my class after 2 yrs, however, my ranking might drop after clerkships, unforunately, to bottom 1/3 due to all these NBME exams. 🙁 The only problem is my Step 1, scored in the 190s. Planning on take Step 2 in July and hopefully doing better on that. Some research experience, one currently in PM&R.
Any advices about how to improve my chances is greatly appreciated.
Thanks!!!

OMMFellow06 is right. Aside from the Step 2 and doing a complete and good job on your research, the main things you can do for yourself would be to select some good PM&R rotations (as well as complimentary ones) and shine on them.

For California programs, I think in addition to having better board scores and GPA, it is increasingly important to rotate at most of these programs, especially for smaller ones. This is partially due to the fact that tons of people want to come to California and that many also want to attending programs that have somewhat more outpatient focus.

The only downfall of rotating at all these California programs is that sometimes you miss out on the exciting and unique opportunity to rotate at very well-known rehab instititutions elsewhere that you may never get the chance to do again in your life. I sometimes feel there is a pseudo-rift between California programs and east coast/midwest programs although it could all be in my head. It is a very nice thing to see how people/programs operate elsewhere outside of Cali.

 

[Gauss]

it is increasingly important to rotate at most of these programs, especially for smaller ones.

I tend to disagree with this statement. I know several residents at RIC and Stanford that didn't rotate at the programs they matched at.

There is no easy answer, everyone knows someone that did things differently. But I do agree that excellent LOR's from big names help a ton. Grades and boards are becoming extremely important nowadays in the competitve climate. UCLA is very stringent on these, UW and Spaulding as well. Research is becoming key. The bottom line is don't neglect anything.

 

[axm397]

Audition rotations can help or hurt you depending on how you are. I have had co-residents tell me they knew they looked better on paper than they would be able to perform so why ruin it by rotating at your top choice? I also know of co-residents who probably didn't look as competitive on paper but rotated and won over everyone at the program.

The decision to do an "audition" rotation at your top choice requires a good thorough inventory of yourself. Think back to your 3rd yr evaluations, ask around for feedback on how well you present yourself.

I actually did not rotate at RIC but did rotate at Kessler and got a "name" recommendation which I think definitely helped me match at RIC.

You never know what will happen during the process. As you interview at programs, you may find programs you wish you rotated at and you may rotate at programs which may not live up to your expectations. The best thing to do is to get a solid exposure to PM&R so you can not only talk intelligently about the field but also know what you are getting yourself into. Getting a letter from a "name" in the field also helps. PM&R is a small field and there are "names" everywhere.

Board scores and grades matter but they may not be changed. Concentrate on what you can change and you will do better. (i.e. research, letters, rotation evaluations, etc.)

Good luck

 

[CasaElGato]

...Here are my credentials: attend among the top 20th medical programs...

I think if you are from a top 20 medical school you will have a very good chance of matching into PM&R (because your school's rep will help) and most likely will do well. Just get some good letters, improve step 2 and you will be golden.

On my who's going where thread you'll see people from "top 20" schools have matched at many of the better programs (Harvard-->Harvard, Columbia-->Harvard, Cornell-->UMDNJ, Michigan-->Michigan, UCLA-->UCLA, etc.).

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=270723

 

[melancholy]

I think if you are from a top 20 medical school you will have a very good chance of matching into PM&R (because your school's rep will help) and most likely will do well. Just get some good letters, improve step 2 and you will be golden.

On my who's going where thread you'll see people from "top 20" schools have matched at many of the better programs (Harvard-->Harvard, Columbia-->Harvard, Cornell-->UMDNJ, Michigan-->Michigan, UCLA-->UCLA, etc.).

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=270723

I partially agree that your school's reputation will help somewhat because I feel that there are not a ton of graduates from these "top 20" schools going into PM&R compared to many other specialties. The potential at some of these schools for research, academic exposure, and other CV-boosting opportunities is invaluable and I would venture to say, a privilege that is sometimes overlooked. Really try to take advantages of these things.

That being said, having a compatible personality and mindset for the field of PM&R is an important aspect of the applicant that cannot be overlooked. Really try to get some good exposure to as many parts of PM&R as possible during your rotations.

 

[melancholy]

I tend to disagree with this statement. I know several residents at RIC and Stanford that didn't rotate at the programs they matched at.

Yeah sorry, I wasn't trying to make a blanket statement, but I feel that for many California programs such as Stanford, UCD, UCLA, and UCI, having done a rotation (and performing well) at these places will give people a much better shot at an interview at the very least... and potentially a positive bump on a rank list compared to a roughly equivalent candidate who may not have rotated at that site.

There are always many exceptions, but California sure doesn't have a lot of spots compared to how many people are applying to them!

 

[Theasam]

Thanks guys for all the suggestions plus comments!!! I recently had a meeting with the program director of PM&R here at my school. She was great, and even offered to write me a LORs, so hopefully that should help out somewhat. I am debating on how many away rotations I need to do. I have 2 so far in mind. Do anyone know when I should start to contact these programs for application. I hope I am not late already. Thanks, you guys are awesome!!!