programs 1 , rirriri 0

[rirriri]

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first of all, THANKS for everything so far...this forum has been VERY VERY helpful in everything i've done.....and one day I will return the favour.

second of all, i hope no one thinks i'm being selfish by having my own thread and i hope no one thinks that i wanna be the center of attention...because that's not true (i recieved a pretty scathing PM from someone today regarding this).

I'll be totally honest...on PAPER, i am not the greatest candidate. US-IMG (from Europe), low USMLE, no research, no publications, no pathology LORs.

I have thus far relied on the "intangibles". the PD told me today during this meeting "you will be very successful in this field, because your attitude is excellent" and i think THAT made me happier than getting the actual interview.

Overturning the rejection was VERY TOUGH. Personally, i've never even heard of anyone else accomplishing this... I spent 4 weeks literally working my ass off to make them see how much I wanted it.....it was ALL ME, and I had no help from my actual application. I hope you are right Path19, about them wanting to rank me...that would be fantastic.

I think it was the presentation that did it...because the PD told me that several people came into his office and told him that they loved my presentation.

A few days ago, i had several people tell me not to get my hopes up for an interview, because this year they are looking for mainly AMGs and Mud Phuds....but the PD sounded very positive today.

One of the attendings advised me to interview in January to maximize my chances....because he said he thought that everyone will remember me for right now, but in January (latter end of interviewing) it will be best to remind them then, so they don't forget me during the other interviews....i think I will use this strategy...i trust his opinion...he was a resident at this program and now he is an attending.

well, i'm just happy i've landed an interview at my #1 choice....and i HOPE that others can benefit by my strategies....that's why i post my stories on here along with my gratitude for the advice i get....this is my career on the line...so it's worth it.

as for the Northwestern program...it's a GOOD program....just like any program, there are strong and weak points. They are currently understaffed, so some of the residents are spending extra hours at the hospital, but it should be fixed by next year. There are some good attendings who teach very well and the environment is pretty nice. I think there ARE better programs, but due to me wanting to stay in Chicago and also land a spot at a large University.....i made this my #1 choice way back in August and it's still my #1. I very much enjoyed my 4 weeks there.

THANKS AGAIN and CHEERS/LUV/ALLOFTHEABOVE
-R

 

[rirriri]

oh, and the PD is writing me an LOR.

 

[Cesar]

I can only imagine how hard you work man.



It is truly inspirational. Thanks for sharing your story.

 

[Primate]

r-man,

Don't know you. Do admire the work.

OooooooooooooooooRaaaaah!

Keep taking it to 'em.

P

 

[sacrament]

Originally posted by rirriri
first of all, THANKS for everything so far...this forum has been VERY VERY helpful in everything i've done.....and one day I will return the favour.

second of all, i hope no one thinks i'm being selfish by having my own thread and i hope no one thinks that i wanna be the center of attention...because that's not true (i recieved a pretty scathing PM from someone today regarding this).

wtf? Tell whoever it is that they can kiss my ass.
Congratulations man. Your passion for this field is obvious, and I find it hard to imagine anybody deserves it more than you. Rock on.

 

[pathstudent]

yeah rirri,

Way to go! You can't do much better than Nortwestern.

Whoever PMed rirriri can go **** himself. Rirriri didn't make a thread for only him. This thread took on a life of its own.

Let us know how things turn out. Tell us how the interview goes.

ANd to whoever PMed Rirriri, I hope this thread lives forever. GO screw yourself!

 

[rirriri]

thanks you guys. i really appreciate it....it's been a pretty cool day today! i feel pretty confident that we will all be alright in the end....somehow!

I always see you other guys as so "worry free"....it inspires me to chill out a bit...since i'm always on the verge of a breakdown/revolution/collapse/comeback/orsomethingelsemiscellaneous! haha

and Sacrament, what a nice surprise it is to see you on here! cheers man!



CHEERS!

 

[governaitor]

Great job Rirriri.

YOU are the man!

screw that dude who gave you a hard time. That dude needs to get a life!

Would you mind posting what he said. It would make for a good laugh. Don't need to identify him, but what the hell could be his point.

GO to NW and rock their socks off in the interview. How big is the NW program? How many new residents are they looking for? While you were there, had many people already interviewed?+

 

[Doctor B.]

Congrats, Rirriri. Which Northwester program did you get the interview at? The one in the city or the one in Evanston?

 

[rirriri]

BCMD, i got it at the Downtown Chicago Northwestern Memorial Hospital(the main one next to the Feinberg School Of Medicine)...thanks for all your help thus far (there is still a LOOOONG road to go!)

and Governaitor....here's the PM i was sent:

"riririririririririri:

Yeah, your really cool for getting an interview. One day I wish I could be just like you and have my own thread to celebrate my acommplishments, Are you just trying to rub in that fact you have an interview at Northwestern and others don't? I think u are. - S"

that's the PM. what causes people to write such rubbish? i am the last person who would rub in anything on anyone. and this fool better learn how to type/spell/punctuate before he/she does anything else. On top of that, he/she registered just to send that message. pitiful.

CHEERS!/THANKS!

 

[governaitor]

what a total dick!

that is not how it came across to me, and I believe most people would agree.

What a weasel too! Registering solely to PM you. He is a dick and a weasel.

So tell us more about the program as you spent a month there.

 

[pathstudent]

yeah what a total gladys! I hope whoever did that is willing to confess.

 

[Weil-Felix]

Congrats, Rirriri! I'll bet you have many more interview offers to come. Your enthusiasm is infectious, even from across the computer! (And I agree that whoever sent you that PM is a tool. Sounds like someone who hasn't gotten a single interview yet and is just jealous of you, man...)

 

[rirriri]

thanks Weil!

i sincerely want to succeed....and i sincerely want everyone else to succeed as well.

 

[pathdr2b]

Originally posted by rirriri
and i sincerely want everyone else to succeed as well.

Just remember to keep this in my when your the PD and my application comes across your desk

 

[Doctor B.]

Don't sweat it, Rirriri. I think everyone who has posted on this thread doesn't feel indignant about it. We all want you, and everyone else applying, to do well!

 

[rirriri]

hey everyone,

i've decided to try some radical approaches. Today I e-mailed a PD from a program i haven't heard from yet with a brief description of who I am and why i'm interested in their program. Note that this correspondence was written outside of ERAS and i'm curious to see what kind of response I get.

This could work OR it could blow up in my face.

i'll keep you posted.

CHEERS!

 

[pathstudent]

I think it can only help.

 

[yaah]

I applied to one school late (mid-october) and sent an email explaining why I applied late, that I was very interested and had heard great things about the program, realized my mistake in not applying earlier. Don't know if it made a difference, but I did get an interview a week later.

 

[rirriri]

yeah Cesar, this is all so tough being single with no one else to be responsible for, i can't imagine how hard it must be with a family. nice work for pulling it off though.

we'll see what happens with this extra contact. there is a fine line between contact and irritation.....i just wanna make sure i'm not testing the fine line.

cheers

 

[rirriri]

da dum!

programs 7 rirriri 3

Interview @ University Of Illinois-Chicago/Metropolitan Group Hospitals

groooooove on! the underdog strikes again!

 

[pathstudent]

That's fantastic. I had heard that the MGH (metropolitan group hospitals) residency program was shaky, but know that they are fusing with UIC it should be rock solid. A UIC fouth year told me about it and she was way psyched on it.

Way to go!

 

[rirriri]

thanks pathstudent!

yeah, the Metro. Group Hospitals program is essentially a full UIC program in the near future (next few months) and i have alot of info about it from other people and it's pretty solid. It will be an interesting interview.

it's one of my "preferred" programs here in Chicago, so i'm content interviewing there fo sho!

cheers!

 

[rirriri]

i have my first interview tomorrow morning!!

any advice/suggestions/questions that i should be aware of? is there anything that they can surprise me with? any "malignant" questions that i could be posed?

meanwhile, i'm gonna dig up that older thread about important questions to ask a program.

cheers!
r

 

[yaah]

Hey, I have an interview on the morning of the 18th (and 19th, and 20th)! And I'm in Chicago right now (not all the interviews are in chicago though). The interview I had already (boston) was pretty low key, lots of "What questions do you have." The questions I have been asked include things like "where do you see yourself in x years," etc.

I did get asked "what are your strengths and weaknesses" but I kind of like that question.

I kind of don't know how to respond to questions that involve projecting my future career, because personally I think a lot of that is still "to be determined."

good luck (I guess you would be done by now though...)

 

[rirriri]

yeah, i had my first iView today.

i don't like the question relating to "how you see yourself in 5 years" because like you said Yaah, the answer always includes alot of "to be determined" type things.

my interesting question of the day:

"So "rirriri" (he didn't actually address me as rirriri!!! haha)...since you lived in Europe and you've lived in the USA, if George Bush was sitting in front of you right now...what would you tell him regarding the +/- (positives and negatives) of the european health care system vs. US health care system??"

LOL.

only *I* could get a question like that!!! HAHA. But i answered it pretty well i think. I discussed corporate involvement/judicial involvement here VS. Europe and also discussed rights of the patients here and there. Interesting question all in all. I even tried to crack a joke, but i think it failed miserably. When he said "so what questions do you have for me?" i said "well, Dr. XXXXX, suppose Dick Cheney was sitting in front of you....." and then i just smiled and said "just kidding".....but i think it backfired! LOL..oh well.

CHEERS!

 

[Brian Pavlovitz]

Rirriri--

I'm sure you did very well. Medicine needs more people with a sense of humor!!

Best of luck!!

Brian

 

[governaitor]

Hey Rirri, can you give us an update? I hope all is going well with you.

I have only been on two interviews, but have a few more coming up.

 

[rirriri]

how are things going? really crap.

i'm stuck at only 3 interview invites. finished one interview and have my next one at Baystate next week.

rejections amount to: 16

have heard NOTHING from the rest of the programs. i'm not so happy these days. I've done all i can. I've written to some of the programs and have heard nothing even then.

but if anything, i've learned that the unexpected usually happens to me, so i'll keep you lads and lasses updated.

CHEERS for asking and hope all your interviews are going well!
-r

 

[Brian Pavlovitz]

*positive vibes...positive vibes*!!

We're all behind you!!!

 

[Global Disrobal]

Ririri,

A word of wisdom (as it was passed down to me a while ago): If you haven't heard from a program, call them up on the phone rather than e-mail. They are less inclined to reject over the phone than on e-mail where a "form letter" is a cut and paste away from being sent. Besides on the call you can really show them how badly you want to go there.

I'm sure you'll be fine though. I'll keep my fingers (hell, even my toes) crossed for you. Kick @ss!

Laterz!

 

[rirriri]

thanks for all your kind words everyone.....i have been pretty discouraged lately. I think you are right Global, i think the e-mail might be a bit disposable for someone like me....who teeters on the borderline in every case.

got a telephone call from Western Care Reserve/NEOUCOM in my voice mail just now....so i'm up to 4 interviews.

got rejected from some of my higher choices: Dartmouth and U. Of Chicago last week.

the thing that really bothers me....is that GIVEN THE CHANCE, i know i can make an impression....it's just pitiful that my scores and IMG status get in the way of them taking my application seriously.....but i'm not bitter...that's just the way things go.

cheers!!!!!!!
-R

 

[ariwax]

hey rir,

this is my first post, and i'm going to use it to root for you.

keep your head up. i am an american msII studying in israel, pre-boards, and your story now could be my story in a couple years. i, and i imagine the entire community of usa-bound fmg's, are pulling for you hard. next july, you will be busting your ass in intern heaven; don't doubt it.

 

[Jeeves]

Rirri,

So what did you think of Baystate?
Was it a good experience?

Cheeres
Jeeves

 

[yaah]

SOrry about Dartmouth. I was highly impressed despite the small size. Dartmouth is now what is giving me headaches when I think about my rank list. If I rank it #1, might feel guilty about passing up a chance to go to a bigger place. If I don't, will be wondering "what might have been " if I am not 100% thrilled with my actual match.

I have to ask though, where is Western Care? Oregon?

I hope the Baystate interview worked despite the good old "nor'easter" we had over the weekend. (Every storm in New England that brings >6 inches of snow and waves that cause even minor coastal flooding seems to get that term now). Consarnit, in my day we needed hurricane force winds!

 

[rirriri]

thanks thanks!

the Baystate interview exceeded my expectations.....like some of you had told me before about that place...it seemed very solid and seemed like an "up and coming" program. the attendings were all really young and very nice. The interview schedule was pretty tough on paper! i spoke with 9 doctors for 30 minutes each! ouch! fortunately, they were all very nice and they impressed me. They also seemed to really take a liking to my "blunt gung-ho honest" attitude and they all expressed alot of enthusiasm towards me.

This is the kind of situation that screws me over....because as much as i really liked the program of Baystate.....the location really makes me uncomfortable.....Springfield is not exactly Chicago (or Boston for that matter). i guess i can't be all luxurious right now in my choices, can i? LOL!

i would say this program is much better than the Univ. of Illinois/Illinois Masonic program i interviewed at a couple weeks ago.

YEAH, i was bummed about Dartmouth! i've heard very good things about that place....crepitus fremitus is a pgy1 there.....too bad PGY-1 doesn't stand for "Program Director" haha.

Yaah, ohhhhhh, what i would give to be in the "decisions, decisions" phase like you are!! i'm sure you will make the right choice. Western Care Reserve is in Ohio, actually....

Jeeves, what places are you considering right now??

Ariwax, i'm flattered you used your first post to root for me! haha.....are you applying to Pathology?

CHEERS!

 

[rirriri]

HEY!!!

sorry, i haven't been around in a while.....my mind has been wandering all over the place.

how are you guys!?!?! what's going on?? anyone figure out anything new and interesting for yourself???

i have my *BIG* interview on Thursday with my #1 choice. Who knows what will happen....i've decided to be "all or nothing" and just tell them honestly about my thoughts of their program and HOPE that they tell me something positive in return.

what about you guys? what's going on?

 

[Global Disrobal]

Good Luck on the invite Boss! As for me, I am sitting here sipping on my Heineken Dark, watching my last days of medical school of happily waste away!

Keep us posted with the interview...***crossing fingers, toes, and all appendages as a sign of wshing luck***

GD

 

[yaah]

I would be honest - the programs I have been at really like

1) enthusiasm for the field
2) Ability to articulate why
3) Demonstrating that you have thought about the field, your possible career paths, what makes a good resident/residency

It may sound obvious, but who knows! I don't think it's like dating. If you tell someone they are your #1 choice, It seems like it couldn't really hurt.

Good luck!

 

[Brian Pavlovitz]

I'm getting ready to leave this Saturday for my last semester in the Caribbean! Really looking forward to Step I this summer, too

Best of luck on your interview--no doubt everyone on this forum is rooting for you!! Go get 'em!

Brian

 

[rirriri]

Global...you've been chilling for months now!! lucky boy! thanks man. have a couple glasses of Guiness for me eh?

Yaah, yep, just like you said, i'm gonna do the TOTALLY honest approach......you wanna know what one of the other hospitals here in Chicago said?? i found this out indirectly after i got some "insider scoop" about my status there....they said (about me) "he is too good of a candidate, he will probably end up at Northwestern" (!!!) DAMMIT!!! so i didn't realise til now that there is a PENALTY for interviewing well..LOLOL. So now i am in a strange predicament of ME (rirriri) being "too good" for a program, when in reality, i am NOT! lol. After this interview tomorrow, i will have to call that other program and show my interest all over again, because obviously it didn't work, if they think i'm going somewhere else. *sigh*. I'm sure you get this Yaah, because you REALLY are a good candidate, but i haven't got this til now.

Brian, ahhhh, wrapping up the basic sciences eh?? good one!! Step 1 is a *alot* of fun, so approach it with the enthusiasm of.....errr, i'm kidding...Step 1 is like being tortured in a library, so make sure you study. Thanks for the well wishes man! have fun in the carribbean!

cheers!
syed



.

 

[Global Disrobal]

Brian,

(Not to stray off topic) As a fellow Caribbeanite, I must ask: Where are you stuck in the triangle of humidity?

Ririri,

Definitely do call the program to show the interest. A friend (Ross Grad) actually called programs he was rejected from in Dec. and asked for a second look. Out of 20, 5 did and he got an invite from 2. I'm sure you won't need that and already have a spot ready!

I guess I shall now go and pop open a guiness on your behalf!

Laterz

GD

 

[Primate]

Two n's, two s's, 5 minutes to pour (min), a lifetime of sublime pleasure.

Man, I miss the Erin Isles (Erin, I miss the Isle of Man?).

Could use a Guinness, but have to go read about hernias. Gotta love surgery.

 

[Brian Pavlovitz]

Hello, Global!

I'm headed for St. Vincent this Saturday. And I was just getting used to the sub-zero wind chill 😉. At least it will be dry season, so I'll only sweat "some" of the day instead of "most" of the day!

I didn't know you were a fellow Caribbeanite! Where did you go?

Brian

 

[Global Disrobal]

I had the wonderful misfortune of attending St. Matthew's. 1 Hurricane, 2 administrations, and 8 cities later I finally find myself looking at my diploma.

Good luck with the studies at St. Vincent's. I'll crack open a Guiness in your honor as well.

By the way gang, I came up with the following formula to describe my life:

Me+Pre-Match Contract=Lots of time on hand x many drinks +25 extra pounds on the belly

 

[Brian Pavlovitz]

Congrats on the pre-match! I, too, shall raise a toast (hopefully, you won't mind a cabernet/merlot blend)...

Brian

 

[rirriri]

Originally posted by yaah
rirriri I am not sure they would penalize you for interviewing well, or even for assuming you want to go to another program. However, I do know that there are programs who want to have their match list go well for them. It sounds like, from what they are saying, that they think you are a good candidate so they would rank you highly inhopes that you either fall through the cracks or decide you like them better anyway.

But it is true, at a couple of interviews I had a great experience, but the PD or others seemed to think I must not be seriously interested when I told them some of the other places I was visiting. So I am trying to be honest. A couple of the big name programs I visited I did not really like enough.

yeah, i think you're right Yaah....but in my position, i can't afford to have any programs thinking i'm not gonna rank them....so i will probably get cracking on this other program right after tomorrow's interview.

Tomorrow should be interesting, nonetheless.

thanks for your advice Yaah! keep letting us know what's going on with you and your choices!

cheers
r

 

[rirriri]

Originally posted by Global Disrobal
Me+Pre-Match Contract=Lots of time on hand x many drinks +25 extra pounds on the belly

LOL. 25 pounds?! i hope you are kidding man!

if you aren't kidding, then that prematch contract turned out to be brutal!

 

[rirriri]

well, i was pretty much told today that my competition has an "edge" on me...they said at Northwestern that they are mainly looking at people with research and even PhDs........my interview went superb today, but in the end, my CV is what dragged me down. i don't have a PhD, i don't have research.....i'm just an average student.

the PD still said "hopefully we will see you in june" but i think that was out of courtesy.....i was VERY BLUNT with him and told him that i will be ranking this program at the top, and he replied that he isn't allowed to discuss his side of the situation with candidates....then i felt a bit like an ass because he started discussing "violating terms of the match" and all that stuff.....i had to remind him that i didn't tell him to try and drag information out him really, i told him i was just telling him so he knew how i felt and then he said he appreciated it.

they all really like me as a person, but i don't think my chances are good.

i've done all that i can......and yet, i think i might be screwed.

oh well, at least i'm not (physically) dead.

 

[Brian Pavlovitz]

What the hell. Who gives a s*&% about having a PhD? No offense to those who have them, of course...

Maybe I just don't know enough about the field, but I know a few "MD only" pathologists that do a lot of research--some of whom are quite well known (Bonfiglio at U of R, Wilbur at MGH). Do programs get reimbursed more if they have MD/PhD's as residents? Does the program just "look" better if they have dual degrees?

Anyhow, I will remain hopeful that they come to their senses! It sounds like you kicked butt otherwise (wouldn't doubt it for a second)!

Keeping my fingers (and everything else) crossed--

Brian