Official 2013-2014 Heme/Onc fellowship application cycle

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Can someone comment on chances of getting into heme onc fellowship with H1B visa.
CV: Decent USMLE scores, 10-12 peer reviewed publications, 5-6 poster presentations and some basic science and clinical research experience.
 
I have the same problem too. They say it can take upto 1 week to process and release it.
Doesn't make sense.
 
Gutonc

This john smith guy has gone to every forum and asked the salary question many time, and then poached into GI forum after he realized Gi is the best deal money wise
 
salk said:
Gutonc

This john smith guy has gone to every forum and asked the salary question many time, and then poached into GI forum after he realized Gi is the best deal money wise
Click to expand...
There is nothing wrong in choosing a lucrative career.....
 
While reading the How to Apply pages on fellowship sites, I noticed a lot of them want a curriculum vitae listed in addition to the ERAS common app. In EFDO, there is no upload category for this.

Are they wanting a separate CV as well? If so how do we get that out there...
 
Niviancer said:
While reading the How to Apply pages on fellowship sites, I noticed a lot of them want a curriculum vitae listed in addition to the ERAS common app. In EFDO, there is no upload category for this.

Are they wanting a separate CV as well? If so how do we get that out there...
Click to expand...

No, they don't want a separate CV, just the one created by ERAS. Don't worry about it.
 
One of my LoR's author will not be able to upload the letter until the 15th (the first date that programs can download application materials). Should I wait until that last letter is uploaded before sending out my appliation to program? Is there a real benefit for doing this? (ie. program will only review complete application and by sending incomplete application (3 letters instead of 4), that 4th letter might never get reviewed, and a decision might have already been made by the committee by then. <---- Any truth to this?

On the other hand, if i wait until that last letter to be uploaded, I'll be behind by at least 1 week. Would that hurt my chances as well?
 
qv3755 said:
One of my LoR's author will not be able to upload the letter until the 15th (the first date that programs can download application materials). Should I wait until that last letter is uploaded before sending out my appliation to program? Is there a real benefit for doing this? (ie. program will only review complete application and by sending incomplete application (3 letters instead of 4), that 4th letter might never get reviewed, and a decision might have already been made by the committee by then. <---- Any truth to this?

On the other hand, if i wait until that last letter to be uploaded, I'll be behind by at least 1 week. Would that hurt my chances as well?
Click to expand...

Stop making this process harder than it is. Just apply.

There are answers to your questions, but they're going to be specific to every program and the answer may change from one day to the next. Since you'll never know the answers, stop worrying about them.
 
Gutonc- how does your program review masses of applicants? I understand that it varies from program to program but how does one go about reviewing 500+ applications. I'm just curious to see how many qualified applicants actually got overlooked.
 
qv3755 said:
Gutonc- how does your program review masses of applicants? I understand that it varies from program to program but how does one go about reviewing 500+ applications. I'm just curious to see how many qualified applicants actually got overlooked.
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1. Needs a visa? Out.
2. Minimum Step Scores. I don't actually know what this is but it's pretty low based on some of the scores I saw.
3. Quick peek at PS (can you write complete sentences in English?) and LORs by the PD and chief fellow (both of them look at all the apps that make the first 2 cuts).

That cuts our list down to ~200 or so. These then get divided up among the fellowship review committee. Each app is reviewed by at least 2 reviewers as well as the PD who reads all the apps.

There are probably as many ways to go about this as there are fellowship programs.
 
Thanks Gutonc,

Anyone have experience with the time it takes for USMLE scores to be sent? Should I just finalize the common app now despite having few letters in just to ensure the board scores get uploaded/sent on time?
 
gutonc said:
1. Needs a visa? Out.
2. Minimum Step Scores. I don't actually know what this is but it's pretty low based on some of the scores I saw.
3. Quick peek at PS (can you write complete sentences in English?) and LORs by the PD and chief fellow (both of them look at all the apps that make the first 2 cuts).

That cuts our list down to ~200 or so. These then get divided up among the fellowship review committee. Each app is reviewed by at least 2 reviewers as well as the PD who reads all the apps.

There are probably as many ways to go about this as there are fellowship programs.
Click to expand...

Thanks, GutOnc. This really helps. I guess if I make the first 2 cuts then it will all come down to LORs. Lots of times, these LORs are very subjective. How do you compare apples to oranges? Or is it really just based on who wrote them? Does geographical location really matter when it comes to fellowship? or PDs only want the best candidates? Also, smaller programs tend to reserve one or two spots for people from their own IM programs.. is it best not to apply to programs with only 1 or 2 spots? I do not wish to apply blindly to every programs that are out there.. Your inputs are greatly appreciated.
 
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qv3755 said:
Thanks, GutOnc. This really helps. I guess if I make the first 2 cuts then it will all come down to LORs. Lots of times, these LORs are very subjective. How do you compare apples to oranges? Or is it really just based on who wrote them?
Click to expand...

Yes, LORs are subjective. But they're honestly the best thing we have. Part of it is who wrote them but part of it is what they say. Here are 3 examples:

1. Nobel L. Aureate, MD, PhD, MPH, FACP, GOD - "Dr. qv3755" will be an excellent addition to your program."
2. Semif A. Mousdude, MD, PhD - "Dr. qv3755 has performed well in my clinic, exhibits excellent clinical skills and has knowledge and dedication above and beyond that of the fellows in our program. We are actively recruiting him to our program and he will be an asset to any program he matches to."
3. Nobod Y. Freshgrad, MD - "OMFG, Dr. qv3755 is the total shiz and we're actually thinking about tying him down and not letting him leave so that he can be my fellow next year and work in my lab and ... OMFG."

Which LOR do you think is the best?

Does geographical location really matter when it comes to fellowship? or PDs only want the best candidates? Also, smaller programs tend to reserve one or two spots for people from their own IM programs.. is it best not to apply to programs with only 1 or 2 spots? I do not wish to apply blindly to every programs that are out there.. Your inputs are greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...

Remember when i told you not to get your knickers in a twist over things you couldn't divine or control? This is what I was talking about.
 
when do programs start sending out interview requests and when do they actually schedule them? i heard september/october?
 
I have noticed this yr that ERAS gives the option of "Pending permanent residency application". Is this viewed any differently from a candidate requiring VISA.

I am a FMG and a current faculty at a University program in Infectious Diseases division. I have competitive USMLE scores (97th/92nd), have 7 book chapters in topics related to infections in BMT patients, have very strong LORs from my chief of ID, chairman of medicine and from a national authority in Oncology. Given my approved PR application, would I be competitive this year.
 
med98 said:
when do programs start sending out interview requests and when do they actually schedule them? i heard september/october?
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@med98.. On last year's forum, there were posts about IV calls as early as July 26th.
 
gutonc said:
We won't start reviewing apps until the middle of August. Interview days will be in late Sept and early Oct.
Click to expand...
why the middle of August? you only review apps after the closing date? no exception?
 
gutonc said:
Yes, LORs are subjective. But they're honestly the best thing we have. Part of it is who wrote them but part of it is what they say. Here are 3 examples:

1. Nobel L. Aureate, MD, PhD, MPH, FACP, GOD - "Dr. qv3755" will be an excellent addition to your program."
2. Semif A. Mousdude, MD, PhD - "Dr. qv3755 has performed well in my clinic, exhibits excellent clinical skills and has knowledge and dedication above and beyond that of the fellows in our program. We are actively recruiting him to our program and he will be an asset to any program he matches to."
3. Nobod Y. Freshgrad, MD - "OMFG, Dr. qv3755 is the total shiz and we're actually thinking about tying him down and not letting him leave so that he can be my fellow next year and work in my lab and ... OMFG."

Which LOR do you think is the best?



Remember when i told you not to get your knickers in a twist over things you couldn't divine or control? This is what I was talking about.
Click to expand...

some fellowship programs do not specify that 1 LOR must be from your program director. Does this mean that I can use all of my LORs from Hem/Onc faculties? or it is better to have one from either the Chair or the PD? it's just that we have a new PD recently and I just don't know if she/he knows me well enough yet.
 
I have two articles (previously abstracts) that are ready to be submitted to journals but we are waiting on one or two in-house reviewers to provide some feedback.....

can these be put in the publication section and if so, how? or should they just go in the experience section under "research"?

thanks,
wt
 
I have one of the same and I put it under research because my in-house reviewers are taking forever and I doubt it will be submitted before interviews. I think it would look pretty crappy if it was not submitted really and you put it down as such.

I vote put it under research.
 
gutonc said:
Why would we screw around and do it before then?

I'm also still trying to figure out why you're so worked up over things you can't control.
Click to expand...

I'm so worked up because I'd like to at least know/feel that I'm doing something right.. I've scheduled my 2 weeks vacation at the end of Sept so that I can try to go to as many interviews as possible during this time. It'd be suck if I'm on an ICU rotation and there's an invite for an interview that I'd like to go. I guess I'm somewhat obsessive but I hope that all of these plans would pay-off eventually.. But you're also so right about these are the things that I cannot control.
 
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WildTumor said:
I have two articles (previously abstracts) that are ready to be submitted to journals but we are waiting on one or two in-house reviewers to provide some feedback.....

can these be put in the publication section and if so, how? or should they just go in the experience section under "research"?

thanks,
wt
Click to expand...

Put it in research section. Unless submitted you can not put it in publication section.
 
Niviancer said:
I have one of the same and I put it under research because my in-house reviewers are taking forever and I doubt it will be submitted before interviews. I think it would look pretty crappy if it was not submitted really and you put it down as such.

I vote put it under research.
Click to expand...

In hindsight, I think I should've put mine there as well.. but it's too late for me to change. I hope I don't get into trouble for this since I have the final paper to show for it (it just need that one last person to review).
 
tetr said:
Put it in research section. Unless submitted you can not put it in publication section.
Click to expand...

Is there a way to automatically update the CV and have it sent to programs once they are submitted....or is this just over-kill
 
WildTumor said:
Is there a way to automatically update the CV and have it sent to programs once they are submitted....or is this just over-kill
Click to expand...

You cannot update CV once submitted. But you can tell in interviews about any new published article or can send emails to program if you get a publication in Nature/Cell etc. However a paper only submitted in itself has no meaning.
 
Hi guys, I have a quick question. I did 3 hem/onc electives during my residency. where should I report them in the application? thanks
 
billhem said:
Hi guys, I have a quick question. I did 3 hem/onc electives during my residency. where should I report them in the application? thanks
Click to expand...

in experience as elective
 
Just a heads up.

LoR - last one I have uploaded was uploaded at 7/5/13 but showed up in EFDO 7/10/13
USMLE transcript - took about 24 hours to show up

Just uploaded my last letter today.. hope it gets in there sooner than later
 
Niviancer said:
Just a heads up.

LoR - last one I have uploaded was uploaded at 7/5/13 but showed up in EFDO 7/10/13
USMLE transcript - took about 24 hours to show up

Just uploaded my last letter today.. hope it gets in there sooner than later
Click to expand...


Yea same here. One of my letter writers uploaded 2 days ago and it's still not up yet in ERAS post office. It apparently takes anywhere from 24 hours to a week to process according the ERAS person I talked to! 👎
 
med98 said:
Yea same here. One of my letter writers uploaded 2 days ago and it's still not up yet in ERAS post office. It apparently takes anywhere from 24 hours to a week to process according the ERAS person I talked to! 👎
Click to expand...


true - BUT - you can still apply without all your letter uploaded and then just assign them to all programs....right?
 
WildTumor said:
true - BUT - you can still apply without all your letter uploaded and then just assign them to all programs....right?
Click to expand...
Yes, you can still apply without all of your letter uploaded.
 
anyone here from previous years can provide some inputs on the type of questions that are asked at interview? And how to be your best at these interviews?
 
I just have the same problem. If we go ahead applying today with three LOR, what shall we do when the 4th LOR arrives?


qv3755 said:
Yes, you can still apply without all of your letter uploaded.
Click to expand...
 
qv3755 said:
anyone here from previous years can provide some inputs on the type of questions that are asked at interview? And how to be your best at these interviews?
Click to expand...

The questions are really what you would expect: they want to get a sense of why you want to do oncology, what kind of oncologist you want to be and why (academic - lab based vs clinical; or private practice), details of your research and what you have learned from it, some random questions about anything else on your CV. Be honest, know about everything on your application and don't oversell yourself and you will be fine!

Be punctual, dress well, be nice to everyone you meet. Seem interested in the program, think of questions to ask every interviewer. When they run out of things to ask you they will invariably ask what questions you have for them. Ask about their research, why they chose that institution, specifics about the program (but don't ask questions that are answered on the program website, don't ask about the call schedule or vacation). Send a nice thank you email after the interview referring to something specific that you discussed. None of this is rocket science and no one expects you to know anything about oncology.
 
I don't have stellar USMLE scores (low 200s, all 3 steps). However, I have a year of research in GI + pubs & posters. I also have an NIH research grant for a Hem/Onc project. Stellar LORs, but only 1 Hem/Onc and others from top names in GI. Residency in a uni program.

I want to be in a uni program to do research (not particularly interested in just clinical practice). With my low scores, are there any uni programs that might take a look at my app? Do fellowship programs use a score filter too like residency? Someone once told me that my "USMLE scores will haunt me for as long as I am trying to get into some program". I am trying to compensate for it with my research and pubs, but not sure if that really helps or whether programs just use a USMLE filter on apps?

Any thoughts from people with inside knowledge regarding fellowship app review process?
 
tetr said:
in experience as elective
Click to expand...
Thank you buddy, actually I forgot to mention that I did all the electives in my residency program, should we report them separately or under one tab? I do not want to seem making my application longer. thanks 🙂
 
For all the people who are scared of submitting and not being able to add additional letters:

I did it today. Submitted to a program without ANY letter, and then clicked on "Applied to" and subsequently added a letter.

As stated, we should be able to add letters. You just cant remove them after assigning them.
 
billhem said:
Thank you buddy, actually I forgot to mention that I did all the electives in my residency program, should we report them separately or under one tab? I do not want to seem making my application longer. thanks 🙂
Click to expand...

If you did it in your residency program no need to mention it anywhere. That's my opinion. Others may differ.
 
Question for everybody, especially gutonc: is it ok to send more than the required number of letters programs are asking for? most programs are asking for 3 (including program director) but I'd like to send 4. And if do decide to send all 4, do you read all 4 or just pick the first 3 and dump the last one?
 
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Niviancer said:
For all the people who are scared of submitting and not being able to add additional letters:

I did it today. Submitted to a program without ANY letter, and then clicked on "Applied to" and subsequently added a letter.

As stated, we should be able to add letters. You just cant remove them after assigning them.
Click to expand...

Yea I submitted my application too. I'm just going to add letters.
 
So I won't be able to change this as I have already submitted my application but in the work experience section I only described my chief residency. I mentioned the residency training only in the training section but did not describe it. Do you think this will make a huge difference?
 
A few programs are asking for a green card / visa copy(emory) or medical school diploma(all mayo clinics). I am wondering if they just did not update their website or are you guys planning on emailing scanned copies?
 
med98 said:
Question for everybody, especially gutonc: is it ok to send more than the required number of letters programs are asking for? most programs are asking for 3 (including program director) but I'd like to send 4. And if do decide to send all 4, do you read all 4 or just pick the first 3 and dump the last one?
Click to expand...

Unless they say "only 3 letters", 4 is fine. I "read" them all (in that, I have about 10 minutes tops to devote to each app I review, I'll probably spend 1-2 minutes of that total skimming LORs).
 
hemdoc said:
So I won't be able to change this as I have already submitted my application but in the work experience section I only described my chief residency. I mentioned the residency training only in the training section but did not describe it. Do you think this will make a huge difference?
Click to expand...

Work experience is for non-residency stuff. We know what you did in residency. We did it too.
 
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