Neurocritical Care Applications

[Iliopsoas]

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What are the expectations from programs for applicants doing away rotations or shadowing at the very least? Is this commonly expected by higher level, top tier programs? What about mid-level programs with few spots? Furthermore, if you think that it is necessary, how many days would be recommended? Shadowing for 1-2 days or rotating for 1-2 weeks??

A trustworthy attending at my institution told me that it's recommended to rotate through these top-tier programs. I don't doubt that this puts you in better standing with programs, but traveling to all of these places on a residents salary is not easy. Not to mention the cost of interviews in a couple months. I remember that these away rotations were useless during residency application.

Also does anyone know the rough timeline to start submitting NCC applications? I have my LORs cooking and am working on my CV and essay. I just want to know if November is too early or perfect.

 

[darksideone]

Just an FYI, be careful which programs you might select to rotate at. Some programs have dubious reputation for filling their programs well in advance with their internal residents without making this known. This is dishonest at best with the match program. Dr. Wade Smith sent out a harsh email regarding programs stating they were entering into the match yet having their spots filled outside of the match. You can't eat your cake and have it too. I won't name names, but there are several east coast programs that are known for this. Regardless if you spend 2 months there, you have no shot to match there. Good luck.

 

[typhoonegator]

I think it is largely dependent on your program of origin. If you are at a hospital with a decent NCC program and have spent a good amount of time in there, then you can expect the unit director to be able to open some doors for you. When I interviewed for fellowship spots, I did not do any away rotations. I don't even know if that would have been possible with my schedule. I got multiple offers, though (this was before the match), so don't feel like it is a prerequisite. But I came from a pretty big program.

NCC is a small field, and people know each other. At the major programs, no one is going to offer you a position without first being able to talk to someone they know who knows you. This is also why you want your letter writers to be well-known. Even if you spent a ton of time with some junior adjunct faculty member who wrote you a stellar LOR, you need that letter from the senior faculty who barely knows you to round out the application.

I would say that if you are concerned that your neuroICU doesn't carry much weight, or you lack exposure to the field, you might consider rotating for a few days at select places. You won't be able to touch any patients because you won't be insured there, so make sure you can give a talk when faculty are around. Otherwise I fear you (and they) won't get much out of the time expenditure.

 

[reticularmonkey]

Since the SFmatch opens on Oct 1, when do most people apply by? When is a decent deadline to apply by? I'm planning to apply by the beginning of November, but I'm worried it will be too late. Is this a big problem? Please give feedback!!

 

[chessodoc]

Bump.

 

[typhoonegator]

Not too late. I know a big program that doesn't close their application window until the end of January, then they review and offer invites. Not sure if everyone does something similar, but I doubt it's too far from the mean.

 

[Neurok_docd]

Start applying Nov/dec .. Interviews start from Jan end and last upto may sometimes..

 

[humanprogrammer]

I submitted January and have heard back from almost 50% of places so far. Interview offers have ranged from late Jan to early May--quite the span!

 

[typhoonegator]

I just rated a pile of applications last week for our PD. Things are moving.