Pc q&a

[ProgCoordinator]

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Make or submit? We have the same ROL deadline as applicants do. Our list will be made the first week of November and submitted at that time. Every program will of course be different but the end of October is probably a good time to send your love letters.

We will work with our list up to the deadline. Calls and emails can start now.

 

[WildcatGal]

Thanks progcoordinator for your advice on this thread. Your advice is very useful.

Quick question.

Why do some interviewers ask what other places are you interviewing and/or what places are you looking at?

This seems unethical to me. It seems like a loaded question. Also, what is the best way to answer this question. Vague or actually naming programs.

Is there a purpose for this question?

 

[ProgCoordinator]

Thanks progcoordinator for your advice on this thread. Your advice is very useful.

Quick question.

Why do some interviewers ask what other places are you interviewing and/or what places are you looking at?

This seems unethical to me. It seems like a loaded question. Also, what is the best way to answer this question. Vague or actually naming programs.

Is there a purpose for this question?

Each interviewer is different, so there are several different reasons to ask. Believe it or not, some may want to know in order to help guide candidates to the program(s) that will best suit them; even if their own might not be the very best fit. Some may just be nosey. Some may want to size up the competition. In most cases you can probably figure out who is asking for which reason. It's up to you how to answer.

Interviewers and PD's aren't sinister, mustache-twirling antagonists. Generally. Of course they want what is best for their program, but we really want what's best for candidates, too. There is nothing good to be gained by trapping a candidate into coming onboard if we're not a good fit or can't offer opportunities that suit and benefit those who match with us.

 

[July4th]

Congrats on making it to the other side of the interview trail in one piece! Send the emails before the end of October. State your continued interest. It's fine to tell your 1st choice that they're your #1 if you want to.

How should I write my emails to tell my number 2 or 3 program that I really want to go there without telling them which number they are on my rank list? Should I say something such as I plan to rank them very highly? Thank you for your help.

 

[ProgCoordinator]

How should I write my emails to tell my number 2 or 3 program that I really want to go there without telling them which number they are on my rank list? Should I say something such as I plan to rank them very highly? Thank you for your help.

Sure, "rank you very highly" is a good one. Most pretty much understand what that means.

 

[Phoenix0260]

Dear PC , Gutonc , others
Does receiving a positive response from PD &/ chair after interview mean anything ? or is it just customary..
ty

 

[ProgCoordinator]

Dear PC , Gutonc , others
Does receiving a positive response from PD &/ chair after interview mean anything ? or is it just customary..
ty

I don't think that, generally speaking, post-interview followups initiated by PDs or Chairs are customary. That's nice, but at the end of the day you should rank with your gut.

 

[TCR255]

Sure, "rank you very highly" is a good one. Most pretty much understand what that means.

The letter of intent/letter of interest seems like a very strange game. Is it necessary to send an e-mail at all stating that I intend to "rank you very highly"? It seems that applicants can send that to every program where they interview, except their number one (after all, what does rank highly really mean - top 3, top 5, top 10?). Then all you are saying is that the program you are e-mailing is not your number one. Is it better to send nothing at all and at least leave open the possibility that you might rank that particular program number one? Or does making no such remark indicate a lack of interest altogether? Do these things really have much impact on how programs rank applicants? Thanks for your insight into this very mysterious process!

 

[ProgCoordinator]

The letter of intent/letter of interest seems like a very strange game. Is it necessary to send an e-mail at all stating that I intend to "rank you very highly"? It seems that applicants can send that to every program where they interview, except their number one (after all, what does rank highly really mean - top 3, top 5, top 10?). Then all you are saying is that the program you are e-mailing is not your number one. Is it better to send nothing at all and at least leave open the possibility that you might rank that particular program number one? Or does making no such remark indicate a lack of interest altogether? Do these things really have much impact on how programs rank applicants? Thanks for your insight into this very mysterious process!

I recommend sending at least an email to your first choice. We generally feel that if we don't hear from you after your interview day that you're not interested. We'll rank you anyhow, but you may be a few rungs lower.

If you'd already sent a thank you to all of the programs with which you'd interviewed then you needn't send anything. But, again, I suggest sending something brief to your first choice.

You're correct that some candidates do canvas many/all of their programs with "rank highly" or "you're my first choice." Many times we can figure out who lied if we'd ranked them to match and then they don't. Memories run long in these instances.

I suggest that you don't approach this as a terribly mysterious exercise. Just rank them as you feel them.

 

[DrVanNostran]

Advance thanks PC.

1. How are extra-curriculars viewed that involve resident involvement in hospital subcommittees (i.e. pharmacy and therapeutics or chemotherapy usage, etc)?...it probably varies from hospital to hospital. But, at my program, these committees are composed of senior attendings, pharmacists, RNs, and usually 1-2 residents.

2. Chief resident year vs academic hospitalist year? I only ask because getting chief seems to be becoming much more competitive at my program. (I'm planning my contingency plans now 😉 )

Thanks again!

 

[gutonc]

Advance thanks PC.

1. How are extra-curriculars viewed that involve resident involvement in hospital subcommittees (i.e. pharmacy and therapeutics or chemotherapy usage, etc)?...it probably varies from hospital to hospital. But, at my program, these committees are composed of senior attendings, pharmacists, RNs, and usually 1-2 residents.

Just like ECs in med school...it's better than nothing, but not that big of a deal and won't make a huge difference in your app.

2. Chief resident year vs academic hospitalist year? I only ask because getting chief seems to be becoming much more competitive at my program. (I'm planning my contingency plans now 😉 )

Thanks again!

Being a Chief says to me that you're willing to forego another year of a decent salary in order to make me believe you really, really want to be an academic whateverologist. That's all it really means to me. Others get a massive stiffy from recruiting former Chiefs. Again...it might make a difference, but probably not a major one.

 

[ProgCoordinator]

Just like ECs in med school...it's better than nothing, but not that big of a deal and won't make a huge difference in your app.



Being a Chief says to me that you're willing to forego another year of a decent salary in order to make me believe you really, really want to be an academic whateverologist. That's all it really means to me. Others get a massive stiffy from recruiting former Chiefs. Again...it might make a difference, but probably not a major one.

Point 1: True
Point 2: The Chief year may also prove that you're highly valued and have administrative and leadership experience. While we don't necessarily get a stiffy by recruiting CMRs, we do give them bonus points when adjudicating their files when figuring out our interview invitation list.

 

[avidgolfer]

I have a quick question for either of you. I had a late interview (now I wished I scheduled it earlier) and at the end, my last interviewer informed me that they were meeting that day to do their rank list. Is that list then set in stone? The reason that I'm asking is that my mentor offered to call one program for me and I want to know if it would be a waste of time if a program has already met for their rank list. My number 2 is more like a 1a and maybe that's what I should shoot for? Thanks in advance.

 

[ProgCoordinator]

I have a quick question for either of you. I had a late interview (now I wished I scheduled it earlier) and at the end, my last interviewer informed me that they were meeting that day to do their rank list. Is that list then set in stone? The reason that I'm asking is that my mentor offered to call one program for me and I want to know if it would be a waste of time if a program has already met for their rank list. My number 2 is more like a 1a and maybe that's what I should shoot for? Thanks in advance.

It's not set in stone until the NRMP deadline. Have your mentor call ASAP. Whatever you feel is the best choice for you should be your #1. If it's a toss-up between the two...congrats. Not a terrible predicament.

All the best!

 

[Phoenix0260]

Hi PC & Gutonc:
Two of My very well known mentors recently emailed my top 2 programs and got very positive feedback. They are happy to call as well but we r now concerned as it may be seen as too pushy second time around ? Wld it hurt that we emailed vs calling them ? Thanks

 

[ProgCoordinator]

Hi PC & Gutonc:
Two of My very well known mentors recently emailed my top 2 programs and got very positive feedback. They are happy to call as well but we r now concerned as it may be seen as too pushy second time around ? Wld it hurt that we emailed vs calling them ? Thanks

No difference. Should either of the programs wish for further insight they will call/email your mentor(s) with questions.

 

[tooquiet]

Please help to decipher this situation. A fellowship program director called my residency PD last week to ask about me. Of course, my PD said good things. But I don't know the conversation detail. I then wrote the "I will rank you highly" email to the fellowship PD. There is no response.
Can I say he was interested and on the fence, but now he is not interested anymore, e.g. I don't have a good chance with this program?

 

[ProgCoordinator]

Please help to decipher this situation. A fellowship program director called my residency PD last week to ask about me. Of course, my PD said good things. But I don't know the conversation detail. I then wrote the "I will rank you highly" email to the fellowship PD. There is no response.
Can I say he was interested and on the fence, but now he is not interested anymore, e.g. I don't have a good chance with this program?

Nah. I think it's all good. We typically only call a candidate's PD if we're really interested.

 

[TKib]

Do programs generally respond when you tell them they are the top choice? I sent my top choice such a message last week, and got no response. I had gotten a brief response when I thanked them initially after my interview day. It seems like a somewhat negative sign, although hopefully not all is lost.

 

[ProgCoordinator]

Do programs generally respond when you tell them they are the top choice? I sent my top choice such a message last week, and got no response. I had gotten a brief response when I thanked them initially after my interview day. It seems like a somewhat negative sign, although hopefully not all is lost.

Don't read anything into it. A lot of people have been slammed. Especially since AHA is this week. Don't allow a nonresponse to impact your rank list because you're reading into it that they may not love you. Rank them how you like them. Give yourself a break.

 

[abbaroodle]

.

 

[ProgCoordinator]

Its probably too late at this point, but do most residency PD's e-mail or call on behalf of a candidate? (I asked my PD if she would be willing and she said she never had and was unsure if it would help or hurt. She was going to talk to some colleagues and see what they thought.)

Also, it sounds like it is common for fellowship PD's to call and speak to residency PD's. If no calls have been made, is that a bad sign?

(Yes, I am nervous! And wondering if I need to start looking for a job for next year! I know I need to relax and see what next month brings!)

Thanks!

First...breathe. Second...have a drink tonight if you're not on call.

I won't go so far as to say that most residency PDs reach out to fellowship PDs. If you have really strong feelings for your first choice program, though, it will be fine for your PD to email/call the fellowship PD to tell him/her that you will be ranking them #1. If your PD agrees to do it, she should do it today or Monday, 11/12.

A fellowship PD may reach out to a candidate's residency PD if (A) s/he is very interested in the candidate but isn't sure whether the candidate is very interested in their fellowship program or (B) s/he is interested in a candidate but doesn't have a firm idea of what they're really like, their work, their interests within the subspecialty, their interpersonal skills, and/or ambitions.

The PD call/email game is not common for the vast majority of candidates, so don't freak out. Your only job now in this process is to build an ROL that you're happy with.

 

[ProgCoordinator]

It's been a great season. Just want to wish all of you the very best of luck in the match. Please make some time to relax between now and 12/5.

 

[cardforlife]

Dear Program Coordinator,

You've been super nice and patient with us through this tough season. Though I have been one of the silent watchers, I really appreciate all your threads. Thank you so much again. I only got 4 interviews from not-big-named places, and I know that there is no guarantee that I would match anywhere with my short ranking list. We'll see. Anyhow, I learned a lot (I mean it) from you and Gutonc. I wish to meet a program coordinator like you if I match somewhere.

Happy Thanksgiving!

from Boston.

 

[cardforlife]

Dear Dr. GutOnc,

Thank you so much for your support and help with us in this season. You might not know me because I haven't converse that much here. But I feel very lucky to have you as a mentor at this forum, as I have no 'physical' mentorship after graduated from the residency program a couple of years ago. Thanks to you, I could prepare the application and interview process quite confidently. I hope your program get the best fellows ever in this season.

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

[ProgCoordinator]

Dear Program Coordinator,

You've been super nice and patient with us through this tough season. Though I have been one of the silent watchers, I really appreciate all your threads. Thank you so much again. I only got 4 interviews from not-big-named places, and I know that there is no guarantee that I would match anywhere with my short ranking list. We'll see. Anyhow, I learned a lot (I mean it) from you and Gutonc. I wish to meet a program coordinator like you if I match somewhere.

Happy Thanksgiving!

from Boston.

I sincerely wish you the very best. Good thoughts for match day!

 

[Big Toe]

Hello, I'm still a medical student but I was wondering if there is a bias against DOs in cardiology, as there is with some IM residency programs. Thank you!!

 

[CanIMakeIt]

Hello, I'm still a medical student but I was wondering if there is a bias against DOs in cardiology, as there is with some IM residency programs. Thank you!!

Probably in the big 10-20. But once you are finishing Allo IM residency, are US citizen with decent stats, I think you will be given your fair chance - but that is coming from this side of the table. PC/gutonc may be able to answer it more intelligently.

Good Luck

 

[ProgCoordinator]

Hello, I'm still a medical student but I was wondering if there is a bias against DOs in cardiology, as there is with some IM residency programs. Thank you!!

Within the scope of competitive academic programs there generally is.

 

[Keg]

Bump for this cycle, unless ProgCoordinator wishes to start a new thread.

 

[ProgCoordinator]

Bump for this cycle, unless ProgCoordinator wishes to start a new thread.

We can give this one another go. Bring it on.

 

[Madhatter]

Thank you for helping for another season!

I have step 1 and 2 scores >250 but a step 3 score of 210. Do you think that this will cause me to get filtered out of many of the very competitive programs?

 

[ProgCoordinator]

Thank you for helping for another season!

I have step 1 and 2 scores >250 but a step 3 score of 210. Do you think that this will cause me to get filtered out of many of the very competitive programs?

Hard to say as everyone does it differently, but some may set their ERAS to filter you automatically.

 

[HarryGary]

I don't think anyone cares about Step 3.

 

[ProgCoordinator]

I don't think anyone cares about Step 3.

Yes and no. While many (most?) programs don't put as much weight on step 3, a filter may still block the submission. If the minimum is set at 200, no problem. If it's 220...

 

[KRichards62]

Today (July 1) is the first day applicants can submit their ERAS application, but programs can not download applications until July 15.

Does an applicant who submits July 2 have any advantage over an applicant who submits July 14?

 

[Madhatter]

Can they set the filter to just step 1 scores or does it automatically apply up all the steps?

 

[ProgCoordinator]

Can they set the filter to just step 1 scores or does it automatically apply up all the steps?

ERAS allows a separate filter for each.

 

[ProgCoordinator]

Today (July 1) is the first day applicants can submit their ERAS application, but programs can not download applications until July 15.

Does an applicant who submits July 2 have any advantage over an applicant who submits July 14?

Nope!

 

[Mr Pancreas]

So far it has been a horrible experience. I have no letters uploaded to the MyEras yet. EFDO just messaged me saying that one of the letters is of an unacceptable quality 1 week after it was submitted.
3 of my 4 letter writers were on vacation the week of 4th of July and one was on vacation the week before. Two of the programs I'm hoping to match in have a dead line on 7/31. I tried to call the EFDO, no one will pick up until 1pm because they are "undergoing improvement". EFDO crashed in the first week and no one could get a token until the 24th of June. All fellowship applicants are already stressed by the fact that they may match or not and their future depends on that, and the last thing we need is a system that instead of making this an easier experience, adds more stress.

 

[ProgCoordinator]

So far it has been a horrible experience. I have no letters uploaded to the MyEras yet. EFDO just messaged me saying that one of the letters is of an unacceptable quality 1 week after it was submitted.
3 of my 4 letter writers were on vacation the week of 4th of July and one was on vacation the week before. Two of the programs I'm hoping to match in have a dead line on 7/31. I tried to call the EFDO, no one will pick up until 1pm because they are "undergoing improvement". EFDO crashed in the first week and no one could get a token until the 24th of June. All fellowship applicants are already stressed by the fact that they may match or not and their future depends on that, and the last thing we need is a system that instead of making this an easier experience, adds more stress.

I absolutely understand your frustration. Trust me, though, that it will all work out. Come back to me if this issue hasn't been resolved by the 19th and I'll offer you some guidance on how to make it all work out.

I'm so Zen today!

 

[Mr Pancreas]

I absolutely understand your frustration. Trust me, though, that it will all work out. Come back to me if this issue hasn't been resolved by the 19th and I'll offer you some guidance on how to make it all work out.

I'm so Zen today!

Thanks you for your understanding PC.

 

[mks5799]

Question for PC

Many programs would only download ERAS profile, USMLE transcript and med school transcript. They'll exclude PS, LORs etc. Is there a reason for that? Screening via just those documents? Do programs really have control over what documents to be downloaded of an applicant or if they're downloading an application, all documents should download in their system?.

 

[kayrish]

Hey PC,

Thanks for all your help.

I had to submit my PS thrice. Initially, there was a minor error- howver after I uploaded the corrected PS- tys formatting was messed up. I had to upload the third versio. this was done within 2 hours of submission of my application.

I called ERAS and they convinced me that only the latest version of the PS will be visible on PD workstation. However, I realize today that all programs are downloading ALL versions of my PS even fter I deassigned old PS before intiation of download.

I called ERAS again and a different person told me that ALL Ps will be available to download and forwarded my call to AAMC. The AAMC people told me the same thing that the the first ERAS responder had told me.

I am very confused, Can you please clarify the difference between 'being able to downlaod all version' and ' being able to see only the latest version'.

Thanks

 

[ProgCoordinator]

Hey PC,

Thanks for all your help.

I had to submit my PS thrice. Initially, there was a minor error- howver after I uploaded the corrected PS- tys formatting was messed up. I had to upload the third versio. this was done within 2 hours of submission of my application.

I called ERAS and they convinced me that only the latest version of the PS will be visible on PD workstation. However, I realize today that all programs are downloading ALL versions of my PS even fter I deassigned old PS before intiation of download.

I called ERAS again and a different person told me that ALL Ps will be available to download and forwarded my call to AAMC. The AAMC people told me the same thing that the the first ERAS responder had told me.

I am very confused, Can you please clarify the difference between 'being able to downlaod all version' and ' being able to see only the latest version'.

Thanks

Programs will automatically download whichever is available. If it's the 1st version then the updated one will come through during a later download and essentially swap out seamlessly. Many won't even notice it. Especially this early on since there are hundreds of submissions to review. At this point we're basically receiving major data dumps daily without the ability engage in any detailed reviews yet.

 

[ProgCoordinator]

Question for PC

Many programs would only download ERAS profile, USMLE transcript and med school transcript. They'll exclude PS, LORs etc. Is there a reason for that? Screening via just those documents? Do programs really have control over what documents to be downloaded of an applicant or if they're downloading an application, all documents should download in their system?.

This doesn't sound familiar. What I think is happening is that ERAS is doling them out that way. In batches I've had candidates tell me that everything is in, but ERAS may not push it all through to us at once. For example, I may get most of your documents in the morning, but your USMLE may not come through to me until the evening or next day along with 100 other USMLE transcripts. It's par for the course.

We've never filtered the downloads and I'm not in front of the workstation right now, so I can't say with 100% certainty right now that it's not possible. But I'll look into it and get back to you. What I know we can control is how and what we print from submissions, but you guys would't have any way to see/know that.

I'll tell you that we've been experiencing some delays and glitches just as you did earlier, so that may add to the hiccups you're seeing.

 

[salk]

..

 

[Darlene]

PD, can programs apply filters to publications and research?Also for programs that make USMLE scores optional-what is your take on this. Do we still send the scores?

Also, is it easier for to obtain research spot vs clinical spot?

Thanks in advance.

 

[kayrish]

This doesn't sound familiar. What I think is happening is that ERAS is doling them out that way. In batches I've had candidates tell me that everything is in, but ERAS may not push it all through to us at once. For example, I may get most of your documents in the morning, but your USMLE may not come through to me until the evening or next day along with 100 other USMLE transcripts. It's par for the course.

We've never filtered the downloads and I'm not in front of the workstation right now, so I can't say with 100% certainty right now that it's not possible. But I'll look into it and get back to you. What I know we can control is how and what we print from submissions, but you guys would't have any way to see/know that.

I'll tell you that we've been experiencing some delays and glitches just as you did earlier, so that may add to the hiccups you're seeing.

Thanks,

So, that means only the one new version of PS would have downloaded it replacing old PC.
That helps, now I know that programs won't have 3 of my PS which would have looked bad.

 

[ProgCoordinator]

PD, can programs apply filters to publications and research?Also for programs that make USMLE scores optional-what is your take on this. Do we still send the scores?

Also, is it easier for to obtain research spot vs clinical spot?

Thanks in advance.

If the scores are optional then you needn't provide unless you want to.

I can only guess whether it is easier to secure a research spot versus clinical. In my experience, it seems that research is easier to land and that many pursue that avenue in order to build upon their scholarly activity which can help to secure an accredited fellowship slot in their future.