P4 dilemma

[jawnc]

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Hi, I'm a current P4 on APPE rotations. I never thought I would consider applying for a residency but after one of my rotations on internal medicine, I've been contemplating every.single.day. While doing so, I've been looking into a LOT of residency programs just by searching through the ASHP directory and realized there are many specialized/specific PGY-1's like amb care, managed care, acute care, and even MS programs! So my questions for now is this: When I apply for a residency, is it okay for me to apply to all these different types of residencies as opposed to just applying to one kind? and if the prior is okay, how am I to go about getting my LOR's? If I ask 3 professors to write LOR's for me, does that mean they will have to tailor each of those letters for the different types of programs? any help or advice would be appreciated!

 

[Papichulooo_92]

You are more than free to apply to whatever you want and how ever many you want -- keep in mind application process is costly and you are charged a flat-fee for the first 4 programs and an additional cost per program there after.

Aside from that, I would suggest you continue to use your APPE year from now till Midyear exploring as much as you can. You have to find your passion/niche/interest. It is highly recommended you focus your drive for something particular because programs can detect if you are not which may decrease your chances for matching. On that same note, I do also recommend you keep your mind open to different things as the year progresses so you can rule out what is not for you. For example, personally, I am not an AmCare kind of person, so i steered away from programs with a heavy AmCare focus and steered more towards a inpatient/adult focus.

As far as LOR's, keep tight and positive relationships with preceptors. This means giving and leaving an everlasting impression with your dedicated work ethic and achievements during the rotation. Really ask people you know that can speak to your achievements personally instead of someone accepting and writing something generic.

And the hardest part of your question, or rather solution to your question; your LOR-writers may write as many tailored letters as they want but remember it is a LARGE BURDEN on them. I would suggest you only ask them to tailor it towards one type of program than multiple.