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It's that time again: the yearly post about applying to NeuroICU.
Finishing my second year of Neurology, I've decided on critical care. I know 100% this is what I want. I have combed these forums and the websites for almost every program out there.
Needless to say, I'm pretty worried about my future and I'll explain why:
- I'm at a well-known program that is good, but not elite.
- Given the age of our critical care department, I have been told I have no well-established intensivists at my institution for a strong LOR.
- I plan on doing an away rotation for LOR, but cannot have one sooner than December.
- My year, as everyone's, has been very busy, but to the point that my need to focus on academics has pushed research into the periphery. I do plan on publishing some work, but have nothing yet.
- Reading these forums makes the application process seem significantly more competitive every year.
- The strong, well-sought programs have fellows that seem to have excellent academic pedigrees that I don't think I can match.
- My spouse will be applying for a very competitive specialty after I match so I need to aim for large cities in hopes we stay together.
I know what the key parts of a strong candidate are: connections, LOR, research. Hence, I feel like I'm facing an uphill struggle. I have a strong passion in working hard and want to lead the field one day but I don't want to be stifled by ending up at a place with not the strongest academic background or a brand spankin' new program without any experience.
Folks, what else can I do? This young field is ever-changing. I think addition of some of the newer programs fueled by some of the recent top leaders has accommodated for a growing applicant pool. But I worry that I will lose out.
Am I appropriate for being so worried? Seeing how I just recently put in time to review all these programs, I feel like I am already starting late in the race.
Please help! Thank you for your time.
Finishing my second year of Neurology, I've decided on critical care. I know 100% this is what I want. I have combed these forums and the websites for almost every program out there.
Needless to say, I'm pretty worried about my future and I'll explain why:
- I'm at a well-known program that is good, but not elite.
- Given the age of our critical care department, I have been told I have no well-established intensivists at my institution for a strong LOR.
- I plan on doing an away rotation for LOR, but cannot have one sooner than December.
- My year, as everyone's, has been very busy, but to the point that my need to focus on academics has pushed research into the periphery. I do plan on publishing some work, but have nothing yet.
- Reading these forums makes the application process seem significantly more competitive every year.
- The strong, well-sought programs have fellows that seem to have excellent academic pedigrees that I don't think I can match.
- My spouse will be applying for a very competitive specialty after I match so I need to aim for large cities in hopes we stay together.
I know what the key parts of a strong candidate are: connections, LOR, research. Hence, I feel like I'm facing an uphill struggle. I have a strong passion in working hard and want to lead the field one day but I don't want to be stifled by ending up at a place with not the strongest academic background or a brand spankin' new program without any experience.
Folks, what else can I do? This young field is ever-changing. I think addition of some of the newer programs fueled by some of the recent top leaders has accommodated for a growing applicant pool. But I worry that I will lose out.
Am I appropriate for being so worried? Seeing how I just recently put in time to review all these programs, I feel like I am already starting late in the race.
Please help! Thank you for your time.
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