Needing advice on plum crit (disheartened)

[GeekDoc]

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Hi folks,
Firstly, I appreciate you taking the time to read and respond to this inquiry. I know how irritating "what are my chances" threads can be. That said, Im a bit broken hearted. I had assumed for a long time I would end up as an IM Hospitalist, that was until I stepped foot into the ICU during my 4th year. I matched at a mid-sized academic program in the mid-west, and have been in love with pulmonary critical care ever since. However, my step scores are not the greatest (understatement of the century) 78 / 79 / passed CS on 2nd attempt.

Im trying to sort out what Program Directors are looking for in a potential fellow. Im also trying to figure out if I have an "ice cubes chance in hell" of matching into a west-coast / mid-west program.

I would love any advice y'all can offer me, and appreciate whatever response Id get.

Slightly disheartened,
Geekdoc

 

[jdh71]

Hi folks,
Firstly, I appreciate you taking the time to read and respond to this inquiry. I know how irritating "what are my chances" threads can be. That said, Im a bit broken hearted. I had assumed for a long time I would end up as an IM Hospitalist, that was until I stepped foot into the ICU during my 4th year. I matched at a mid-sized academic program in the mid-west, and have been in love with pulmonary critical care ever since. However, my step scores are not the greatest (understatement of the century) 78 / 79 / passed CS on 2nd attempt.

Im trying to sort out what Program Directors are looking for in a potential fellow. Im also trying to figure out if I have an "ice cubes chance in hell" of matching into a west-coast / mid-west program.

I would love any advice y'all can offer me, and appreciate whatever response Id get.

Slightly disheartened,
Geekdoc

The top 10 places for pulm/crit are VERY competitive but for the most part it's not that competitive a field to find a spot somewhere. Your letters of recommendation will probably help you the most - so get to know your institution pulm/crit docs well, use your electives on pulm consults and in the unit, find out if anyone is doing any research (maybe not) and help out, if not
then look for cases to submit as posters to ATS and Chest. Apply at the beginning of your third year and you should get interviews. There are not as many programs on the west coast, and unfortuantely, many of those programs are tip-top programs (UW/UCSF) and others not far behind (UCSD/UCLA), but there are other programs that you've got a shot. But if this is what you REALLY want to do, then apply broadly and be prepared to interview all over.

Good luck.

 

[GeekDoc]

Thank you so much!
I appreciate the fact there is some hope!