Research and Letters during COVID

[hungrydoc710]

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OMS 3 interested in academic IM.
Underperformed on Step 1/Level 1 trying to move forward on other parts of app.

Most effective way to get involved with research during clerkships?
Best way to approach preceptor about getting a letter written in your favor?

Thanks!

 

[deleted898021]

A

OMS 3 interested in academic IM.
Underperformed on Step 1/Level 1 trying to move forward on other parts of app.

Most effective way to get involved with research during clerkships?
Best way to approach preceptor about getting a letter written in your favor?

Thanks!

“Academic IM” is attainable based on tier, low tier IM can be achieved with just a decent comlex score and little to no research, mid and upper mid tier IM will need 235-240+ step 1, research publications and good letters and aways, but now due to Covid that might not be possible but I would still try to get an IM letter from a residency program that’s affiliated with your school.

 

[hungrydoc710]

A

“Academic IM” is attainable based on tier, low tier IM can be achieved with just a decent comlex score and little to no research, mid and upper mid tier IM will need 235-240+ step 1, research publications and good letters and aways, but now due to Covid that might not be possible but I would still try to get an IM letter from a residency program that’s affiliated with your school.

More background: 242 Step 1, 551 COMLEX. Plan on applying to many low- and mid- tier IM programs.

My question is more along the lines HOW do I approach my 3rd year preceptors about research or letter.
Just be blunt and ask for research/letters or go about it in a softer manner?
Just get the letter in IM rotation or psych and IM for example? Research can be any rotation or should aim for IM driven one?

Cheers.

 

[deleted898021]

More background: 242 Step 1, 551 COMLEX. Plan on applying to many low- and mid- tier IM programs.

My question is more along the lines HOW do I approach my 3rd year preceptors about research or letter.
Just be blunt and ask for research/letters or go about it in a softer manner?
Just get the letter in IM rotation or psych and IM for example? Research can be any rotation or should aim for IM driven one?

Cheers.

A 242 isn’t underperforming for IM, mid tier IM is possible for you. As far as research I would tru to reach out to residents at an affiliated residency with your school and see if you can get involved with a project, if it’s an IM residency that would be ideal..

 

[hungrydoc710]

A 242 isn’t underperforming for IM, mid tier IM is possible for you. As far as research I would tru to reach out to residents at an affiliated residency with your school and see if you can get involved with a project, if it’s an IM residency that would be ideal..

“Underperforming” is in reference to personal goals/expected scores. I was hitting 250/600 plus for a couple wks surrounding my test.

I will focus on mid-tier programs. Thanks for the insight.

An aside,
I have a good friend who hit 213/511, and I told him that low tier IM is def on the cards w broad app - was this accurate?

 

[deleted898021]

“Underperforming” is in reference to personal goals/expected scores. I was hitting 250/600 plus for a couple wks surrounding my test.

I will focus on mid-tier programs. Thanks for the insight.

An aside,
I have a good friend who hit 213/511, and I told him that low tier IM is def on the cards w broad app - was this accurate? Do you know of programs that for this bill for example?

Yes low tier IM is possible with just comlex and they might get a few interviews from lower mid tiers as well.

 

[hungrydoc710]

Yes low tier IM is possible with just comlex and they might get a few interviews from lower mid tiers as well.

I guess Step 2 is more important than ever nowadays

 

[phagocytosis41]

OMS 3 interested in academic IM.
Underperformed on Step 1/Level 1 trying to move forward on other parts of app.

Most effective way to get involved with research during clerkships?
Best way to approach preceptor about getting a letter written in your favor?

Thanks!

Do very well on the rotation, i.e: ask Smart not stupid questions, always offer to help but don't be annoying when asking, always try to present and know everything about your patients... Even though you might not being doing much most of the time besides following and observing, always knowing the patients your doc and yourself are following leaves a good impression. Whether or not the doctor says anything, they always know if you're following along and paying attention.
In terms of research... most doctors I've come across in the hospital don't do research unless they have a PHD or really like research.. I did/am working on 6-7 research projects and none of them are with an attending doctor, their with PHDs, nonclinical physicians, residents, etc. Attendings don't really like research for some reason, Idk.

 

[diesel2202]

More background: 242 Step 1, 551 COMLEX. Plan on applying to many low- and mid- tier IM programs.

My question is more along the lines HOW do I approach my 3rd year preceptors about research or letter.
Just be blunt and ask for research/letters or go about it in a softer manner?
Just get the letter in IM rotation or psych and IM for example? Research can be any rotation or should aim for IM driven one?

Cheers.

Your scores should be fine to get you low and mid tier invites.

As for letters, towards the end of the rotation talk about your plans, if you haven't already, and ask if they would feel comfortable writing you a strong letter of recommendation.

If the person you are with is involved in research you can always ask if they have any projects they can use help on or if they have any colleagues that are looking for help on projects. You can also reach out to the local university program if there is one or even a community program if they have a research department.

 

[hungrydoc710]

Your scores should be fine to get you low and mid tier invites.

As for letters, towards the end of the rotation talk about your plans, if you haven't already, and ask if they would feel comfortable writing you a strong letter of recommendation.

If the person you are with is involved in research you can always ask if they have any projects they can use help on or if they have any colleagues that are looking for help on projects. You can also reach out to the local university program if there is one or even a community program if they have a research department.

Thank you very much for the reply!
I will ask preceptors if they, or thier colleagues, are doing research and/or reach out to research departments of hospitals within the city.

Perfect, thank you!

 

[AlteredScale]

OMS 3 interested in academic IM.
Underperformed on Step 1/Level 1 trying to move forward on other parts of app.

Most effective way to get involved with research during clerkships?
Best way to approach preceptor about getting a letter written in your favor?

Thanks!

Rotate in a subspecialty of IM if possible. There’s almost alway projects available. If you enjoy Med Ed projects, QI or the case report, you might find some interesting research while rotating in IM. The most effective way to get involved is to ask.

Again, most effective way to get these letters is to ask. Make sure you did well on the rotation before asking.

 

[hungrydoc710]

Yes - asked and got a letter from my OB. Just waiting in ERAS account.
Will def try and get a letter during my IM rotation next.

I guess each rotation I'll just ask if there's any research going on I can get involved in.
I'm going to be with a breast cancer surgeoun next rotation, I'll start with him and just keep trying each rotation.