Residency placement??what I needto place..

[gcomplex7]

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Hey guys,
I start medical school in the fall, so i am trying to find out what I need to do in medical school to be competitive for placement.
Basically, what do you think is important for placements, in what order and why?
Thanks alots.

 

[Danger Man]

Something tells me that this topic might have been discussed in the past..you might want to do a search. Residency FAQs is probably a good start, much depends on your given specialty.

 

[napoleanna]

Good question, and good to start thinking early. Though I buy into the philosophy that as long as you work hard learn and what you need you've done 95% of what you need for getting any residency... I know that a lot of my classmates wish they had discovered this book in their 1st year of medical school rather than their 4th.


Iserson's Getting into a Residency: A Guide for Medical Students, Sixth Edition by Kenneth V. Iserson


Answers all the questions you could have about getting into a residency and a lot you haven't even thought of. The first few chapters are appropriate for your first 2 years.

 

[chicamedica]

One thing to keep in mind is, learn for the sake of learning, cause the grading in med school can be very subjective, unstandardized, and just based on different criteria from grader to grader. That would probably be why grades dont matter as much for residency, so no point in stressing over grades that dont quite reflect your quality as a student, cause that happens a lot actually.

 

[APACHE3]

Sorry to say, the answer to your question depends on whether you will attend a US school or study outside the states. Its unfortunate, but you're viewed as 2 different species!! US or IMG. US school, the sky is the limit, you will get many opportunities even if board scores are mediocre. IMG, say good-bye to rads, derm, ortho, ophth. etc. From day one, there's not much chance you will get those spots even if you rock the boards..too many built in hurdles. So if you want to be a dermatologist, please ace the MCAT and go US. For me, I studied in Europe and now will start my IM residency this July. It worked for me (actually was interviewed at a couple of top 25 med schools) took a community spot anyway...and a friend who I attended school with, wants to do derm, is doing Phd work at a US med school, even though he knows his chances are still slim for derm match, because he's IMG. This is NOT a us vs, them post. Just want you to know the realities of which path you choose. Either one will produce good doctors. GL 👍

 

[gcomplex7]

Thanks alot.
I will definitely get the Iserson book.
I was unable to find a post that had previous discussed this, so any link will be helpful.
I actually have been accept to descent US med schs, top 20s, and i am, at this point, interested in a very competitive residency.
Does anyone else have more info?
10s

 

[flighterdoc]

Go buy a copy of Issersons Getting A Residency. Keep it close to you.

 

[APACHE3]

You're in good shape. Congrats on US school. You'll do fine. 👍

 

[geekgirl]

regardless of what you wanna do:

1. grades count - class rank will make you eligible for AOA (the honor society) and this counts during residency apps
2. get involved in something (not everything) but show leadership or organizational skills
3. do research (even if it's not in the field you end up going into) - for academic spots this really counts. if you hate bench stuff, do clinical stuff. summer between yr 1 and 2 is a good time to do this
4. find mentors, get to know 1 or 2 faculty well (could be the ones you do research with). they'll give you good advice and it's good to get perspective and guidance

learn whatever you can, whenever you can. you're finally being taught the stuff you really wanna know. and everything you learn will make you better in the end.
and chill out have fun. it's a great couple of years.
i'm sure you'll do well! best of luck

 

[14022]

Personally, I thought Iserson sucked. I had several advisors at my school give me the opposite advice on many issues (eg, personal statement, cv, timing of interviews, away electives, interview attire, etc). I gladly took the advice of my advisors over Iserson which seemed to be correct. So while Iserson may be helpful on some aspects (choosing a specialty, eg) I find much of it to either be ridiculously obvious (eg, high board scores and AOA are good to have!) or just plain wrong (eg, try not to interview before January, never wear a pinstripe suit).

Of course, if I do not match, I may be retracting this post!