Peds Fellowship Timeline

[cf817]

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I'm currently a CA-1 interested in applying for peds. I wanted to clear up the usual timeline and what to expect. I've looked at some older threads, went to program pages and NRMP but there are a couple of foggy issues. If someone who is currently applying, has applied or just knows answer the following:

1) When do the majority of applicant get their apps in CA-2 year?
2) Do you wait to have your ITE score from that year before you apply?
3) Would waiting towards the spring of your CA-2 year to apply affect your chances of getting an interview vs someone who applied early on, say in January? (Weird to me b/c there wouldn't be an ITE score from CA2)
4) Besides the usual, USMLE, ITE and publications/research, anything particular that programs really look for ?

Thanks!

 

[Depakote]

I can tell you what I did... I'm not sure it's the best strategy, but it worked well for me.

I submitted my application in Spring of CA-2 year. I don't recall exactly, but it was around the time of the ITE. I didn't have my scores at that time. My logic was that I wanted to get my foot in the door sooner rather than later. I'm pretty sure I had my first interview before CA-2 ITE scores came back so it does work. This isn't a bad idea if you have other strong test scores for them to look at (USMLE, CA-1 ITE percentile, etc). You can always send an update with your CA-2 ITE scores.

You mention some of the important things they consider (USMLE, ITE, publications). Those are all helpful. But letters of recommendation have a lot weight in this. A good set of LORs can really set you apart from the pack of seemingly identical candidates. Bad ones or faint praise will hurt you. Your personal statement will have some weight with this as well.

All in all, they really do look at the whole package. By now, you've built quite a portfolio. Most places are going to look at your entire record (Med school, Step Scores, as much info about how you've performed in the OR as a resident as they can get their hands on, and whatever indicators they can find that you're a decent person they'd like to work with for a year). Most of these places are comfortable looking at a trend with that much data and making a decision without your CA-2 ITE scores.

 

[Lacrosstitute]

Agree with Depakote on this one. I applied fairly early...mid january. Had interviews lined up prior to taking ITE and then simply forwarded my CA-2 ITE score to programs that I had applied to once they came out. Many programs I doubt even looked at the CA-2 ITE score in all the other amount of stuff you need to send each program, but it could only help to supplement your applications. Second the comment about LOR's, they truly will make a difference and many interviewers mentioned things about the LOR in my file when I interviewed with them personally. All in all I would pick the most suitable places you'd like to do fellowship and apply early. Follow-up with the programs and make sure they have received all the supplemental information they ask for...it can be hard to keep track of all of it sometimes.

 

[Jay82]

I applied late Spring and had more interviews than I could attend. I think it works out either way.

 

[ph8]

+1 to Depakote and Lacrosstitute

Pediatric Anesthesia is a small community...fellowship program directors talk to each other, their graduates, former residency colleagues, etc. so they will usually get the requisite word-of-mouth info about you in some form or fashion.

timeline: early to mid January, even early February
pick 5-7 programs (based on geography, spouse, etc)
no one asked for my CA-2 ITE scores, so didn't forward them
LOR writers are important, and getting their letters in can take a little time
follow up with program coordinators to make sure your file is complete

GL!

 

[sunnyINphilly]

Agree with all above.
I was an odd ball in that I submitted my applications late May/June of CA2 year (4-5 months late). I waited until the end of my pediatric anesthesia rotation (3 months where I am) before I fully committed to the application process,

A few programs (LA, NY) thought I was applying for the following interview cycle (2015-2016) and had already filled up their spots for the 2014-2015 interview cycle.

I applied 12 places, 5 interviews, and landed my #1. I feel super lucky (although dealing with 30 inches of snow every weekend will be the opposite of luck).

 

[IlDestriero]

Applications are being reviewed now for 2016-17.

 

[droyt]

Anyone have thoughts about how many places people are interviewing at with the match process, now that it is a few years in existence?

 

[Chief Brody]

I applied in early March of my CA-2 year after rotating though our Peds hospital. At that time, Columbia's Peds program had already filled. I applied to 12, got 11 interviews, went on 7 (we have to use personal/vacation days to interview, so I ran out of steam/$$$), and was fortunate enough to match at my top choice. I was granted interviews prior to programs receiving my CA-2 ITE scores. Aside from the post-call, red-eye flights that my interview season consisted of, I truly enjoyed the interview process and felt that with 7 interviews I was able to see a nice cross-section of the Fellowship opportunities available for Peds.

 

[cf817]

Thanks for all the feedback!!! Quick question, I felt like my ITE-1 didn't go so hot, so I'm kinda preoccupied with thinking that I'm gonna get sunk by it. Also I'm an American IMG with decent step scores, so my thinking was having my most recent score and therefore trend available. Anyone have any experience with a so-so ITE-1 and applying for peds?

 

[Chief Brody]

My CA-1 ITE was not great. Did not have any issues getting interviews prior to programs receiving my CA-2 scores.

 

[Jay82]

I know people who matched into Peds with less than stellar scores. Obviously the top programs are competitive but as long as you are clinically competent and you can shield your interviewers away from your idiosyncrasies, you should be fine.

 

[cf817]

I'm glad to hear that! I know that when I applied for residency going to the ASA national conference was great for networking and the Saturday program meet and greet was really helpful. Is there anything similar at the national peds association conference?