Need to do an away for DR?

[Hedge Trimmer]

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I've read over the many other posts about the benefits/risks of doing an away for DR. Some posts seemed to indicate that the more competitive applicants did not need to do one because it could only hurt rather than help. Was curious to hear if this advice still applies to me, as my school does not have its own radiology residency program.

I'm an M3 at a pretty middle of the road US MD school in the southeast. I do have access to many doctors on both the DR and IR side of things. Step 1 was 255-258, mix of HP and H on 3rd year rotations, two 1st author publications (1 more radiology focused than the other), 4-5 posters (neuro focused), and 1-2 case reports.

I'd like to stay in this region of the US long term, and would be aiming for the most competitive program that I could get in as I am interested in academics (e.g. Duke, Emory, UVA, Wake, Vandy?, UNC?).

Thank you all for your input

 

[Rad2013]

I think it would be a good idea since you don't have a radiology residency at your program so you can get some exposure. But, aside from that, I don't think aways help or hurt really. The way it can hurt you is if you are weird or annoying. If you aren't those, you'll be in good shape. The main thing for a medical student doing a DR rotation is to find the balance between being engaged but also being respectful of the fact that residents, fellows, and attendings have to get work done... and it's nonstop. When you are excused for the day... leave. Don't think you are getting any points for coming back after conference or staying late.

A good thing about the Southeast is that many of the programs carry name recognition. The programs you mentioned will all be known around the country (and likely well-regarded). I'd consider adding MUSC to that list as well. Duke is probably the most competitive and the most academically-oriented. But, all of those programs are solid training programs and will have plenty of research.

My thoughts, anyways.

 

[Hedge Trimmer]

You have an outstanding application and will get plenty of interviews from solid programs (like the ones you mentioned) without doing an away. Can you do a home DR rotation? If yes then personally I wouldn’t do an away as it is very hard to stand out,. A benefit to doing one, however, is getting to see the inner workings/culture of a particular program. I’ve found on the interview trail most programs are very similar except in name and location anyway. If you can’t do a home DR rotation then an away rotation makes more sense. My application was less impressive but had no issues getting interviews at solid places where I was interested, to give you some reassurance. Some people I’ve met said they were glad they did an away while others did an away and didn’t even get an interview there. YMMV. I have no regrets about doing 0 aways.

Awesome, thanks for your input! But yeah I can do a home DR rotation (I think it's a month) in the hospital's radiology department.

 

[Hedge Trimmer]

I think it would be a good idea since you don't have a radiology residency at your program so you can get some exposure. But, aside from that, I don't think aways help or hurt really. The way it can hurt you is if you are weird or annoying. If you aren't those, you'll be in good shape. The main thing for a medical student doing a DR rotation is to find the balance between being engaged but also being respectful of the fact that residents, fellows, and attendings have to get work done... and it's nonstop. When you are excused for the day... leave. Don't think you are getting any points for coming back after conference or staying late.

A good thing about the Southeast is that many of the programs carry name recognition. The programs you mentioned will all be known around the country (and likely well-regarded). I'd consider adding MUSC to that list as well. Duke is probably the most competitive and the most academically-oriented. But, all of those programs are solid training programs and will have plenty of research.

My thoughts, anyways.

Thanks for your help! I can be more quiet/reserved in social situations, which hopefully would limit that annoying factor.

MUSC is also on my list though! Are there other programs that you would suggest? I know my final application list will likely have 20 or more schools, but just curious if there were places that stood out to you that you didn't expect (if you interviewed in the SE, that is).

 

[Rad2013]

Regarding away rotations... one thing to consider is that you'll need a letter of recommendation from a radiologist. If your home institution doesn't have a residency program, there may or may not be a radiologist able/willing to write a letter. So, an away DR rotation may be necessary to get a letter.

Your list is solid, and with your stats, you will match at one of them. I think 20 is very much overkill with your stats unless radiology has become significantly more competitive since I was in your shoes. You may add in a few smaller programs in the Southeast as safety programs. But, again, I think 20 is excessive... especially when you have to factor in doing internship interviews as well.

 

[radnonymous]

Agree with MUSC. Would add UAB & UF to that list. Wouldn't necessarily go on 20 interviews but applying to less than 20 is a mistake imo. Market is heating up and with that follows med student interest (for better or for worse). Not to mention IR hopefuls applying to DR with hopes of obtaining ESIR. Already have noticed an uptick in applicant competiveness over the past few years. Your stats are great and you will likely do fine regardless, just my 2 cents.

 

[Rad2013]

I agree with radnonymous... I should have been more specific. Applying to 20+ is a good idea. Just don't go on 20+.

 

[TCOM12]

Perused the above, and it all seems good. In terms of doing an away... I would only recommend doing it if you are a normal person who can get along in a reading room. No radiologist or resident will expect you to know anything, so if you can hold casual conversation when the volume is manageable and ask pertinent questions. Don't undercut the R1 because they probably have similar radiology to you but are learning as they go AND dictating. Don't touch the mouse or screen. If invited to go out with residents, go. Basically, its a month long personality interview when interacting with residents (and sometimes attendings if you're that amazing or off putting).

If shooting to do an away at an academic place, get in touch with the faculty liaison ahead of time to see if there is interest in you getting on a project (most likely a case report since its a month). That can potentially show what you're capable of.

Also, go to the conferences. If there aren't resident social things, then this is the time you can at least meet people.

I went on 3 aways during my 4th year. If you have additional questions, or questions about SE programs, feel free to PM me.