PM&R Recs coming during interview season

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UDontKnow

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Just sent off my first PM&R rec on Thursday. 👍

My next 3 PM&R rotations are at actual residency programs and I'm aiming to get LoRs from them as well. This means that invites will be sent out while I'm sending some of these recs in.

Is there a way for all the programs to see that my application file has been updated? This whole concept of electronically submitting LoRs has not worked out the way I'd hope as a bunch of my current LoR writers and the hospital secretaries are simply not doing them. Will I have to call every program I'm applying to (which is between 50-60) to inform them that my application has been updated with a new LoR from XXXXXXX residency program?

This all being said, say I don't match PM&R this year (and am unable to scramble, in the event that they are open positions after the match)...will I have to submit all those LoRs again for the 2013 match or does ERAS have them scanned and saved in your electronic file?

I know it's a lot of questions - but I'd really appreciate input from the knowledgeable folks here. Thanks for all the advice up to this point. 🙂
 
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You asked a lot of questions and I don't have all the answers but here is a suggestion:

Go to the AAPMR in Orlando this year, its in November 16-21. Everyone who is anyone in PM&R (including program directors) will be there. They even have a medical student get together where they can meet PDs. Just an idea to get a foot in the door and make a good impression.

Good luck
 
You asked a lot of questions and I don't have all the answers but here is a suggestion:

Go to the AAPMR in Orlando this year, its in November 16-21. Everyone who is anyone in PM&R (including program directors) will be there. They even have a medical student get together where they can meet PDs. Just an idea to get a foot in the door and make a good impression.

Good luck

Thanks Spinebound. Beat you to the punch. Registered for it back in July! Any advice you have on approaching the PDs (especially if your USMLE scores are god awful)?
 
I went to the medical student program last year at the annual meeting and they had a residency fair set up. There were roughly 30 booths with information from each program and either the PD or some of the current residents were there to answer questions. It was quite informal; just be yourself and show that you're a real person who is genuinely interested and that will go a long way.
 
Thanks Spinebound. Beat you to the punch. Registered for it back in July! Any advice you have on approaching the PDs (especially if your USMLE scores are god awful)?


Excellent, maybe I'll see you there!

To answer your question, I would avoid bringing up the board scores and if asked, give a vague answer to risk getting shut down on the spot. Think of how to present yourself as a successful applicant in 20 seconds and practice it. Fine tune everything from enounciation of words, facial expression, eye contact, body posture/body language, energy level, speaking appropriate and intelligent words which will make a favorable impression and want the PD to hear more. If you do have a good conversation with a PD you want to make sure you establish a way to follow up and send an email no later than 12 hours later and follow that up within 5 days.
 
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