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So shoot me for sounding like a gunner. I've got my sights set on a residency in Boston. What do I need to do to get there?
pre-residency Q
- Thread starter Newquagmire
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Well first, you'll take I-95 North...
Seriously - it's like anything else: study hard, get good clinical grades, do well on USMLE, get good letters of rec, do an elective rotation there early in 4th year, etc.
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First thing you have to do is decide you actually like the residency programs when you go to visit them. Other than that all the usual: work hard, play hard, stay sane.
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Sweet, sounds like more masochistic stress. I-95N is a little out of my way. First, I'd need to take the M11 to Heathrow.
I've heard about AOA, but don't really know what it is. How do you "get" it?
I've heard about AOA, but don't really know what it is. How do you "get" it?
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First, decide a specialty. 😉
Really, one of the best things you can do, even more than AOA (IMO) is do an away rotation or two thier during your fourth year. This can really put you over in terms of getting in.
Also, network. A big chunk of residency is networking. Get strong letters of rec. I have known people who are AOA with good board scores that had questionable interview skills not get in where they want.
Research is also good.
Also, bribes sometimes work. *g*
Really, one of the best things you can do, even more than AOA (IMO) is do an away rotation or two thier during your fourth year. This can really put you over in terms of getting in.
Also, network. A big chunk of residency is networking. Get strong letters of rec. I have known people who are AOA with good board scores that had questionable interview skills not get in where they want.
Research is also good.
Also, bribes sometimes work. *g*
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*waves a cookie in front of roja's face*
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yum, cookies! 😀
let's just say i've got the next 7-8+ years already planned and research isn't going to be a problem 😉
don't worry, i know that plans can and do change. thanks for all the tips y'all!
let's just say i've got the next 7-8+ years already planned and research isn't going to be a problem 😉
don't worry, i know that plans can and do change. thanks for all the tips y'all!
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I cosign the other posters' advice. One thing I'd be careful with is zeroing on a particular program in Boston or Baltimore or Palo Alto or New Haven etc too soon. Residencies can sometimes be malignant at these locations. Certain residencies may not nearly be as strong as the reputation of the actual med school or undergraduate institution. Not to say that they're bad, but they may not be as great as you think.
Virtually all residencies are run sub-optimally. No matter where you go there will be people complaining of poor teaching, poor organization, poor working conditions, lazy nurses, incompetent ancillary staff etc. Landing a residency at a prestigious place/specialty is like dating a smokin' hot chick. Although it's nice to have people congratulating you, you will quickly realize that she's just as screwed up (if not more so!) than any of the other chicks you've gone out with in the past once the initial euphoria wears off. The only saving grace is that you'll have the prestige of being good enough for her, which will open doors with other hot chicks in the future (i.e. fellowships, jobs). No matter how hot she is, it's just a matter of time before you'll want to trade her in - everyone in residency, no matter where they are, just wants to finish asap. So don't overlook the girl next door - do electives at places that you hear through the grapevine are pleasant to work at or at a program in a fun city, even if it isn't a top 10. 😎
Virtually all residencies are run sub-optimally. No matter where you go there will be people complaining of poor teaching, poor organization, poor working conditions, lazy nurses, incompetent ancillary staff etc. Landing a residency at a prestigious place/specialty is like dating a smokin' hot chick. Although it's nice to have people congratulating you, you will quickly realize that she's just as screwed up (if not more so!) than any of the other chicks you've gone out with in the past once the initial euphoria wears off. The only saving grace is that you'll have the prestige of being good enough for her, which will open doors with other hot chicks in the future (i.e. fellowships, jobs). No matter how hot she is, it's just a matter of time before you'll want to trade her in - everyone in residency, no matter where they are, just wants to finish asap. So don't overlook the girl next door - do electives at places that you hear through the grapevine are pleasant to work at or at a program in a fun city, even if it isn't a top 10. 😎
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There are quite of few programs in Boston besides MGH. There's another small hospital outside of Beacon Hill called the Brigham and Women's which from what I heard is pretty good. There's Boston Univ. Med Center, Tufts-NEMC, St. Elizabeth's, and the VA system, too. Like everyone says, do an away rotation, get that letter of rec, and then work the shotgun approach to applications. Shoot out a large field of lead, and maybe you'll wing a bird.
