Prelim Spots

[MrDocMD]

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I understand that we need to apply to prelim spots for all the advanced programs we apply to. My question is about LORs. All my LORs are for neurology. None are for the prelim year or IM. Do prelim PDs expect that or do I need to scramble for some IM letters?

Also, how do you apply to prelim years? In the drop-down menu on ERAS, I see Transitional Year, but I was told those are really competitive.

 

[TUGM]

As per preliminary program LORs, I don't have a "correct" answer for you. From what I have heard, it's okay to have all neurology letters. My personal application has 2 LORs from IM doctors (because we are short-staffed on neurologists at my school) - I'm hoping that this will help for prelims, but I highly doubt that it is necessary. Anyone with a differing perspective, please feel free to contradict me.

As far as applying to prelim programs, you will have to go under "Internal Medicine" heading. Here you will see programs listed with "categorical" and "prelim" positions. You can choose a program and select categorical, and specify your PGY-2 speciality selection.

Hope this helps a little. Good luck!

 

[Elipsis]

I can remember at least one program website that requested a medicine letter for applications to categorical spots, but I don't know how essential this is.

 

[Jubears09]

The prelim advisors at my med school told us a medicine chair letter and IM letter will help with prelim applications. So I used those two plus 2 of my neurology letters. I doubt they are absolutely essential, but if you are able to obtain one of those letters by Oct 1st it won't hurt to include it.

Also, be aware that adv neuro programs generally require prelim year (which are internal medicine focused), not transition year - those are for specialties like rads and anesthesia that need a wider foundation (though in reality tend to be better lifestyle wise).

 

[Plecopotamus]

The prelim advisors at my med school told us a medicine chair letter and IM letter will help with prelim applications. So I used those two plus 2 of my neurology letters. I doubt they are absolutely essential, but if you are able to obtain one of those letters by Oct 1st it won't hurt to include it.

Our advising told us we *need* an IM chair letter to apply to prelim medicine programs. I suspect that means that some programs require it, and if we have it, we will be "ok" for all programs.