My OMFS Residency Application Journey

[Yah-E]

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So where are you standing now in regards to interviews? Have you gone to any yet or waiting to go?

I'm waiting to go, my first ones are in middle of November.

 

[GatorDMD]

I'm waiting to go, my first ones are in middle of November.

Yahe we miss your posts... Post more man!

 

[tx oms]

When's the interview?

 

[Yah-E]

When's the interview?

I'm off to the Winter Wonderlands today! 😉 In the next 3 weeks or so, I'll be travelling around the country for my interviews....I'll keep y'all updated. 👍

Should I go with my fluorenscent lime green plaid or pink/black suede pokadots suit? Hmmmm....it's a tough one.....

 

[djktennis]

I'm off to the Winter Wonderlands today! 😉 In the next 3 weeks or so, I'll be travelling around the country for my interviews....I'll keep y'all updated. 👍

Should I go with my fluorenscent lime green plaid or pink/black suede pokadots suit? Hmmmm....it's a tough one.....

YahE, do you go to U of Minnesota ? If so, what did you think about your experience overall? I heard they are finally gaining some stability with the hiring of a permanent dean. Is that right? Any word on the new pre-clinical labs and the raise in tuition? Overall, would you recommend Minnesota? Thanks.

 

[Yah-E]

Medical School Interview:

1) What happened to you in undergrad (refering to my poor GPA)
2) Can you "hang" with our medical school curriculum
3) Why Oral Surgery
4) Why a MD program
5) Tell me what happened with your DUI (undergrad - listed on my application)
6) Tell me about your research projects (listed on my CV)
7) Do you have any questions for me

OMFS interviews:

1) Tell me about yourself
2) Why Oral Surgery
3) Can you handle the cold weather
4) Can you pass the USMLE exam
5) What do you think of your past academic performances (refering to my poor undergrad GPA)
6) Tell me about your externship experiences at _________
7) Are you married
8) Do you have a girlfriend
9) What do you do for fun
10) Why this program
11) What do you look for in an OMFS program
12) What do you see yourself in 5, 10, 20 years from now
13) Specifically what area(s) of OMFS do you enjoy the most
14) Any questions for me
15) How many programs did you apply
16) How many interviews do you have

So far all my inteviews went pretty well, I did however get drilled a lot about my undergraduate grade/GPA. As matter of fact, the question of "do OMFS programs look at undergraduate grades?" is no longer a myth, it is real and they absolutely look at your undergraduate grades when the grades are low like mine. Further, I have lost many quality MD programs simply because of my undergraduate GPA. Many have medical school GPA requirements and cutoffs that the OMFS side must obey by.

For example, at University of Michigan, my application passed 3 rounds of elimination (out of 5 rounds), but my undergraduate GPA was simply too low to earn an interview due to the prestigous medical school reputation. My application had the lowest undergraduate GPA that Mich OMFS had ever reviewed and made through 3 rounds of elimination according to a Michigan/Nova OMFS faculty (my inside source). Also according to same source, Mich OMFS was very impressed with my CV and application, but my undergraduate GPA was what killed my application.

My undergrad GPA again is a 2.66.

At Case, according to the Associate Dean of Admission at the CWRU med school, my application had the lowest undergrad GPA that she had ever reviewed. I believe she was quite surprised that I was there. I really don't know how that round of interview will result. The interview went well and I believe I defended my blemishs well. CWRU will either recommend or not recommend for admission to the OMFS side. This is the first year that the CWRU medical school has a say according to CRWU OMFS residency director. This is also the first year that CWRU OMFS conducts 2-day interviews, previous years, the interviews were only one day.

Also, according to the US NEWS.com, CWRU is ranked 20th in the entire country for the best primary care medical school and 15th in research. I did not know that! Oh, by the way, 17 of us none-CWRU graduates are competing for one of two spots at CWRU. The other spot will be occupied by a CWRU graduate.

OMFS side doesn't seem to care about undergraduate GPA so much, but for MD programs, they simply worry about you passing the USMLE Step I if you had ****ty undergrad grades and/or poor NBDE Part I scores.

More later.......

 

[drhobie7]

Mich OMFS was very impressed with my CV and application.

Hey there Yah-E,
I'm not trying to be a smart ass or ballbuster. I'm genuinely interested in how you made your CV and application so impressive/competitive. I've heard the recipe: NBDE, grades, externships, research, LOR; but maybe you did something different? I always figured most OMS applicants are pretty stellar and probably have it all. I'm wondering how you stand out in a pack like that.

 

[Yah-E]

Hey there Yah-E,
I'm not trying to be a smart ass or ballbuster. I'm genuinely interested in how you made your CV and application so impressive/competitive. I've heard the recipe: NBDE, grades, externships, research, LOR; but maybe you did something different? I always figured most OMS applicants are pretty stellar and probably have it all. I'm wondering how you stand out in a pack like that.

I believe what had made my CV strong is how many long-externships (clinical exposure) I've participated and the number of leadership roles I've been involved in.

Again, CV is a document that lists your NBDE, grades, externships, research...

 

[Doggie]

My undergrad GPA again is a 2.66.

I beat you. Mine was 2.8 or something around there. 👍

 

[Yah-E]

I beat you. Mine was 2.8 or something around there. 👍

How dare you brag about your 2.8 in front of me like this! I wouldn't trade my 2.66 for the world! Besides, they say lower the number, the better.....oh wait, that's B.A.C. isn't it?

 

[tx oms]

I believe what had made my CV strong is...

My DUI. Awesome.

 

[toofache32]

I beat you. Mine was 2.8 or something around there. 👍

I was somewhere around a 2.7, so I split the difference between you guys. But I bet I'm still dumber.

 

[MAXFAC]

I enjoyed talking to you Andy, I think you are a solid applicant. I assure you that all the 20 interviewee have equal chances at matching with our program. We don't lock a position for CASE grads.

 

[OMFSCardsFan]

Ooohhh...that has to hurt...

 

[Yah-E]

My DUI. Awesome.

That was in the front page of my CV in BOLD Capitalized letters! No, all seriousness, I'm rather list my criminal records on my PASS than have residency found out later on their own.

I enjoyed talking to you Andy, I think you are a solid applicant. I assure you that all the 20 interviewee have equal chances at matching with our program. We don't lock a position for CASE grads.

I had a great time hanging out with all of you as well. I'm glad that it was a two day interview instead of one so we, applicants, got to interact with you all and the faculty members. I actually just PMed Yellowman, your colleague, I forgot that you're on SDN as well. I enjoyed my interview with your program and was very impressed.

You guys missed out though, some of us applicants went downtown on Saturday night and partied it up, but it is nice to get back to the warm sunny FL!

 

[Yellowman]

Hey Yah-e...glad you enjoyed the interview. It was fun meeting you all. Like Maxfac said, don't assume one spot is reserved for case grad. Remmber, it's match, and match is always unpredictable....so you never know....

 

[GatorDMD]

Hey Yah-e...glad you enjoyed the interview. It was fun meeting you all. Like Maxfac said, don't assume one spot is reserved for case grad. Remmber, it's match, and match is always unpredictable....so you never know....

As I am filling out FL board application it asks about convictions including DUI... do you think this will hurt you man?

Yellowman... MAXFAC you guys not going to give me any love on here? I thought you said you liked me? 🙁

 

[Yellowman]

sup gatordmd....didnt realize that it was you....don't worry mang, there's plenty of love at case to go around for everyone!

 

[toofache32]

Should I include the details if it was less than an ounce and more than 100 yards from any schools?

 

[Yah-E]

As I am filling out FL board application it asks about convictions including DUI... do you think this will hurt you man?

I hope not and I don't think it will, it's not like I am a habitual drunker with 5 DUIs. I believe the state (or any state in that matter) just want to keep tabs on their state practicing dentists and their criminal run-ins.

Just like everything else, all applications these days will ask you if you've been convicted of a felony and/or misdeamnor.

 

[Yah-E]

Just finished my LSU NO OMFS interview today and the residency is just as strong as before. More later.

 

[burmafrost]

Why did you have to reveal that you have any DUI’s? From my understanding – a DUI is a traffic violation and are not crimes (at least in New Jersey). And I believe it is illegal for them to ask about traffic violations, and if they do, you can answer no.

That’s what my lawyer told me when I was charged for a DUI. He was really good and I got the charges dismissed with some community service – so whatever happens – get a good lawyer!

But can they do a background check on you to confirm? Seems expensive to do background checks to everyone that applies to take the boards, and even if they did – it’s a traffic violation!

 

[Doggie]

Why did you have to reveal that you have any DUI’s? From my understanding – a DUI is a traffic violation and are not crimes (at least in New Jersey). And I believe it is illegal for them to ask about traffic violations, and if they do, you can answer no.

That’s what my lawyer told me when I was charged for a DUI. He was really good and I got the charges dismissed with some community service – so whatever happens – get a good lawyer!

But can they do a background check on you to confirm? Seems expensive to do background checks to everyone that applies to take the boards, and even if they did – it’s a traffic violation!

Doesnt california still have that "three strikes" rule? I think if you are convicted of DUI in cali, that would be considered one strike.

 

[GatorDMD]

Yah-e what is up bro? Are you going to share the details about LSU NO? I hear they really liked you there. 😉

 

[north2southOMFS]

Hold on gator, give him time he is still swimming back to his car.

 

[GatorDMD]

Hold on gator, give him time he is still swimming back to his car.

 

[Yah-E]

Are you going to share the details about LSU NO

So much to tell and say, it would take pages of typing to divelge everything. I don't have all the answers, but I got all the answers that I wanted to know for me to believe that LSU NO OMFS is still going strong and showing no signs of slowing down.

I can see why some applicants would be hesitant to apply or to attend an interview there because of the uncertainties. Luckily for me, I've experienced what LSU NO OMFS can offer to a resident during my month-long externship there. Charity or no Charity, I wasn't going to let a closed building to make me believe LSU NO OMFS is weakening. Let me share this:

Why I believe LSU NO OMFS is just as strong or it will get stronger:

1) post-Katrina, no faculty members were lost
2) new LSU NO OMFS surgical centers are projected to open up in next spring in both Baton Rouge and New Orleans
3) now only taking 3 residents a year instead of 4 in previous years to increase resident's training exposure
4) 90% of original New Orleans population are still around and stayed in LA, Baton Rouge tripled its population since Katrina, Lafayette doubled it's population (according to recent demographic studies conducted)
5) LSU NO OMFS will have a bigger presence in Baton Rouge because of the new OMFS surgical center being implemented within the new temporarily LSU dental school facilities (when LSU dental school moves back to NO, then the entire facility will be utilized by the LSU NO OMFS department)
6) new hospitals in NO have just been approved to be Level I Trauma center (Elmwood), plus there are talks of reopening/refurbish University Hospital
7) LSU Plastics are gone, so all face calls go to LSU NO OMFS
8) Tulane ENT are gone, so more face calls for LSU NO OMFS
9) LSU Periodontics residency is gone, so more dental implants for LSU NO OMFS
10) LSU dental school in NO will be remodeled/refurbished, a new OMFS surgical center with ORs is in the talks


Although the old setting to treat trauma is lost, the trauma is still around! Maybe not so much in New Orleans at this time, but it has increased in other cities in LA. Even with a decrease in trauma volume at this time, LSU NO OMFS's program is probably still getting a lot more trauma than other OMFS programs out there.

LSU NO OMFS is strong in orthognathics because of Dr. Kent
LSU NO OMFS is strong in facial plastics because of Dr. Perenack
LSU NO OMFS is strong in dental implants because of Dr. Block
LSU NO OMFS is strong in oncology (radical neck dissections) because of Dr. Wilk
LSU NO OMFS will remain strong in trauma exposure regardless of Charity physically being there or not

Let me also share this, last night when my good friend who's a PGY-1 in LSU's ER residency came up from NO to Baton Rouge to party/celebrate with me, we ran into 3 other ER residents (PGY-2s) while we were bar hopping. You know what they all said to me? They were all in consenses and stated that LSU NO OMFSs receives so much respect amongst other services within the Charity system that they all strongly believe that LSU NO OMFS is one of the top services in that hospital. I was so proud to hear that from other services about how much respect they have for LSU NO OMFS!

Bottom line, LSU NO OMFS is still there, but spread out. Of course the goal for the residency program is to get back to NO as soon as possible, but even when that is accomplished, LSU NO OMFS will have created a stronger presence in Baton Rouge and better rotation sites for its residents. It sucks to not have Charity, but many new opportunities are rising for the better for LSU NO OMFS.

 

[Doggie]

7) LSU Plastics are gone, so all face calls go to LSU NO OMFS
8) Tulane ENT are gone, so more face calls for LSU NO OMFS
9) LSU Periodontics residency is gone, so more dental implants for LSU NO OMFS
10) LSU dental school in NO will be remodeled/refurbished, a new OMFS surgical center with ORs is in the talks

Oh schnap! LSU omfs is gonna be busy up the ass! I liked the scope of the program when I interviewed there, but the fact that they regularly performed "midnight surgeries" turned me away. I'm ugly enough as it is, need my beauty sleep. 😀

services within the Charity system that they all strongly believe that LSU NO OMFS is one of the top services in that hospital. I was so proud to hear that from other services about how much respect they have for LSU NO OMFS!

Whew.......I was afraid LSU-Cowboy was gonna make all OMFS people look like a bunch of pansies with his dirty-sanchez goatee ! Way to hang tough in there, my friend!

 

[Yah-E]

Whew.......I was afraid LSU-Cowboy was gonna make all OMFS people look like a bunch of pansies with his dirty-sanchez goatee ! Way to hang tough in there, my friend!

PW:

LSU-Cowboy and his co-resident did speak of you during my interview visit on how all of you interviewed together at various programs. Definitely no "pansies" at LSU NO OMFS even with the dirty-sanchez goatee fashioned by LSU-Cowboy! 😀

 

[toofache32]

...I'm ugly enough as it is, need my beauty sleep...

Agreed.

 

[Doggie]

Agreed.

I think I only marginally look better than your dogs in the elf getups.

 

[toofache32]

I think I only marginally look better than your dogs in the elf getups.

...but can you lick your own balls like they do? Dey got skillz...

 

[Yah-E]

...but can you lick your own balls like they do? Dey got skillz...

I think I only marginally look better than your dogs in the elf getups.

Don't you two Parkland dudes have better things to do than hijacking my thread? 🙄

 

[LSU-Cowboy]

PW:

LSU-Cowboy and his co-resident did speak of you during my interview visit on how all of you interviewed together at various programs. Definitely no "pansies" at LSU NO OMFS even with the dirty-sanchez goatee fashioned by LSU-Cowboy! 😀

I love how i've coined the porn-star goatee....I wear it proud .....

 

[Yah-E]

National Matching Services opened its Phase II Match ranking list today! I submitted my ranking list and certified it.

I applied to 20 programs
I received 6 interviews
I attended only 5 interviews
I ranked 5 programs

20/6/5/5

My fingers are crossed and hoping to match my #1 choice! I freaking love my #1, I believe I will really be happy there not mentioning learning a sh1t load as well. Now I just hope they like me to rank me high!

All I want for Christmas is to match at my #1 program!! 👍

and a hot girl to make out with on New Years Eye
and to lower my cholesterol
and to graduate on time

Now, I'm going to hate the waiting game! Over a freaking month away! Lets let the waiting game begin! 👎

 

[dinesh]

You'll do great Yah-E!
Why wait till new years to find a hot girl? Start from now🙂

 

[ItsGavinC]

National Matching Services opened its Phase II Match ranking list today! I submitted my ranking list and certified it.

I applied to 20 programs
I received 6 interviews

Given the programs that you applied to, did you expect to receive more interviews than 6, or is that pretty much par for the course when it comes to OMS programs?

 

[Yah-E]

Given the programs that you applied to, did you expect to receive more interviews than 6, or is that pretty much par for the course when it comes to OMS programs?

I was hoping to receive around at least 10, but I strongly believe that my undergraduate GPA hurt me in many 6-year MD programs with top medical schools such as University of Michigan. I also believe that my overall dental school class ranking hurt me a little as well. I say top 15% probably would've gotten me some more interviews. Heck, it wouldn't hurt if my Part 1 was a bit higher too, more interviews probably would've been in my mailbox. So to sum up:

What hurt me:
1) Undergraduate GPA (too low)
2) Overall Class rank (low)
3) NBDE Part 1 (bare minimum)

What helped me:
1) externships (at all my interviews, we talked about my experiences at various externships particularly about Parkland and LSU NO)
2) my good looks

Hey, I'm happy to have received one interview! Good thing that I did all those externships, majority of my interview invites were from programs that I participated in an externship at.

 

[FCIllini]

Good Luck, Yah-E!! I'm sure Match Day can't come soon enough.

Quick question that you may be able to help me with. I've been accepted to dental school for Fall '06 without needing to finish my bachelor's degree. If I were interested in OMS & decided to specialize, do you know if the lack of a bachelor's would affect my chances?

Keep in mind that I have no idea what I will like or if I'll even want to specialize, but I want to get all my ducks in a row up front.

Thanks for your help!!

 

[simpledoc]

National Matching Services opened its Phase II Match ranking list today! I submitted my ranking list and certified it.

I applied to 20 programs
I received 6 interviews
I attended only 5 interviews
I ranked 5 programs

20/6/5/5

My fingers are crossed and hoping to match my #1 choice! I freaking love my #1, I believe I will really be happy there not mentioning learning a sh1t load as well. Now I just hope they like me to rank me high!

All I want for Christmas is to match at my #1 program!! 👍

and a hot girl to make out with on New Years Eye
and to lower my cholesterol
and to graduate on time

Now, I'm going to hate the waiting game! Over a freaking month away! Lets let the waiting game begin! 👎

i hope you match at your no. 1 spot andy! what is your rank order? or atleast your no. 1 choice? have you also applied to an internship at any of your other choices, just as a back up plan?

 

[toofache32]

All I want for Christmas is to match at my #1 program!! 👍

and a hot girl to make out with on New Years Eye who won't deflate.
and to lower my cholesterol
and to graduate on time

I corrected your post for you.

 

[gryffindor]

Why didn't you attend the sixth interview?

 

[GatorDMD]

Why didn't you attend the sixth interview?

yeah?

By the way... for the ROL on the Match site how do you figure your password/Pin?

 

[Yah-E]

have you also applied to an internship at any of your other choices, just as a back up plan?

I have contacted couple of programs in regard to an internship spot, but the program directors told me to contact them immediately if I don't match on January 30th.

I corrected your post for you.

and a hot girl to make out with on New Years Eye who won't deflate.

Toof, you're too funny, I've already done the inflatables, now I'm ready to move on to the real thing now! Actually, I have a NYE date already, she's a little hottie and a pulse! 👍

Why didn't you attend the sixth interview?

It was actually at your neighborhood, I just can't see myself in New York City. I know for some, being in NYC is a dream, to me, I rather go where else. Just a personal choice. Plus I was running out of $$ and sick of going to interviews, need to stay in clinic and finish my graduation requirements.

If I were interested in OMS & decided to specialize, do you know if the lack of a bachelor's would affect my chances?

Keep in mind that I have no idea what I will like or if I'll even want to specialize, but I want to get all my ducks in a row up front.

I don't believe it will, since you'll have a DDS/DMD by then. You want your ducks in a row, then kick @ss in dental school and Part 1 boards. Obviously having a BS degree won't hurt you, if you can get it, then I would. If it's not required to enter dental school, then it's not required for dental specialties, that's how I see it. Some medical schools at 6-year MD programs may see it as a red flag, who knows? Maybe other OMFS residents can help you out more since they're actually a resident currently, I'm just a "wanna be".

 

[Yah-E]

yeah?

By the way... for the ROL on the Match site how do you figure your password/Pin?

W:

Do I have to help you out on everything? Dude, the password/pin was mailed to me by MATCH in a large envelop about a month ago. You should've received it in the mail by now. If you haven't, then I would contact MATCH immediately to get your password/pin for ROL.

 

[toofache32]

...I know for some, being in NYC is a dream, to me, I rather go where else....

I agree. I turned down all NY interviews once I realized I had enough to go elsewhere. My sister lives there and it's bad enough just to visit her every once in a while in that place. They say "if you can live in NYC, you can live anywhere." So if you can live anywhere, why on earth would you live in NYC?

End of rant. Didn't mean to hijack.

 

[adamlc18]

I corrected your post for you.

Cut the guy a break. I think you mean he wants someone who won't her regular hourly rate.

 

[UNLV OMS GUNNABE]

Good Luck, Yah-E!! I'm sure Match Day can't come soon enough.

Quick question that you may be able to help me with. I've been accepted to dental school for Fall '06 without needing to finish my bachelor's degree. If I were interested in OMS & decided to specialize, do you know if the lack of a bachelor's would affect my chances?

Keep in mind that I have no idea what I will like or if I'll even want to specialize, but I want to get all my ducks in a row up front.

Thanks for your help!!

I don't have mine. Hasn't been a problem...so far.

 

[GatorDMD]

W:

Do I have to help you out on everything?

Where would I have been this interview season without you?

 

[shabu2]

What hurt me:
3) NBDE Part 1 (bare minimum)

How much higher should you have gotten to get a few more interviews?