Recent US MD Grad Applying Internal Medicine this Fall, Ideas for the year?

[prospectivemd3]

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I recently graduated from a USMD program and this past year I applied into ortho and did not match. I decided to pursue IM-->Cards as I had been considering this in the past and will be reapplying this fall into the next match cycle. In the meantime, I have completed a cardiology elective, and home medicine sub-i and have gotten strong letters of recommendation from both rotations.

I am currently working to get involved with some cardiology-specific research and would like to stay involved clinically in some way. Does anyone have any suggestions for me in the upcoming year to strengthen my application and show my continued involvement?

 

[pazzer2]

Have you considered doing some analyses of clinical datasets? Especially anything oriented towards cardiology? There are large datasets available for the public to analyze (NHANES, Framingham, etc). But you'll have to form a specific hypothesis and know how to analyze the data. Would help to have some data science or stats background. If you find something interesting, approach some cardiology faculty to see if they would be interested in collaborating. This is something you could do in spare time, and also put on your resume as a research activity. With some luck you might be able to find something worthy of publishing/poster.

 

[Dr. Robb Bassett]

Huge respect for your resilience and adaptability. The path you’re walking isn’t easy, and it takes real courage to pivot, especially after the intensity of an ortho application year. It’s clear you’re putting in the effort and intention behind your new direction toward Cards, and that matters more than most people realize.
It sounds like you’ve already laid some strong groundwork—getting a home sub-I and a cardiology elective under your belt, with strong LORs, is a great place to build from. And the fact that you’re proactively looking for ways to stay involved clinically shows a level of commitment that’s going to shine through in your application.

In terms of continuing to strengthen your application this year, a few thoughts:

• Clinical Involvement: Have you considered working as a teaching resident or doing moonlighting (if you’re licensed in your state)? Even a hospitalist-type role at a local or community hospital could help you stay sharp and connected to clinical care. It doesn’t have to be exclusively cardiology if you can speak to how it helped maintain your clinical momentum.
  
  
• Research: It’s great that you’re stepping into cardiology-specific research. Just a gentle nudge here—try to find a project with a clear potential for either publication or a conference abstract within the next 6–8 months. Even a case report from your cardiology elective or sub-I could help anchor your interest. Ask yourself: What story does this research help me tell about my path to Cards?
  
  
• Mentorship and Narrative: If you haven’t already, it might be worth reflecting deeply on why this pivot toward cardiology is the right fit—not just professionally, but personally. What is it about this field that calls to you now in a way that ortho didn’t? That kind of clarity will elevate your personal statement and interviews in a powerful way. It’s not about explaining the switch—it’s about showing how you found your true north.
  
  
• Networking Without Burnout: Attending virtual or local cardiology conferences (like ACC or local chapters) can be a low-pressure way to stay connected and maybe even meet potential research mentors or future letter writers. Just keep it manageable.
  

You're doing a lot of the right things already—this year is about staying grounded, staying curious, and staying connected. If you ever feel stuck, one of the best questions you can ask yourself is: What would the best version of my future cardiologist self do in this situation?

Wishing you a fulfilling and forward-moving year ahead. You’ve got this.