Second look

[tabasco]

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I had four interviews today at a certain program, and during all four the interviewers suggested/recommended/urged me to call and if possible return for a second look if I was really interested in them.

That was a bit of a surprise, as I hadn't quite gotten that message from any of the other programs I interviewed at. They did tell me to call if I had any questions, and gave me their cards to email, but no hints as in "Let us know if you really want to come here."

What's your experience? Is a second look really that important? Do programs really rank you based on the interest you show them rather than whatever they think about you?

And are you guys going to go for second looks? When? How many?

 

[NeedMyCoffee]

Most of the places I've been to so far have pointed out that a second look is for you (the applicant) only...you would not be judged on the second look. Basically the gist was that it was for you look at whatever you needed to look at to make your decision.

I personally do plan to revisit one or two places come the end of my interview trail, but I have yet to hear what you heard tabasco.

Maybe someone else has had a similar experience.

 

[limabean]

From what other residents at the programs I interviewed at told me, it is important to show continued interest in programs. However, a second look is not the only way-you can email the PD and/or residents or have your home PD make a phone call on your behalf in Feb. to your top choice, etc. I think it would be great to do a second look if it will help you and you have time, but I'm sure that they understand that it may be financially impossible for some of us to do so.

I was told however on at least three interviews, " When all your interviews are over, make sure you let us know if you are really interested in our program....."

 

[roja]

Originally posted by limabean
From what other residents at the programs I interviewed at told me, it is important to show continued interest in programs. However, a second look is not the only way-you can email the PD and/or residents or have your home PD make a phone call on your behalf in Feb. to your top choice, etc. I think it would be great to do a second look if it will help you and you have time, but I'm sure that they understand that it may be financially impossible for some of us to do so.

I was told however on at least three interviews, " When all your interviews are over, make sure you let us know if you are really interested in our program....."

I agree. I didn't do any second looks as I was living in a different state and stacked my interviews together. I just didn't have time. However, I did send thank you cards and let the programs that I really liked know it. Of course, first ranked program (and where I matched) didn't get the letter until *after* the ERAS deadline for match so I doubt it did anything either way.

So, I would say if you got the feeling that some kind of input from you would be appreciated and you liked the program, send that card. It isn't goign to hurt. And if you can do a second looke easiy do it. It may help you figure out your final match list.

 

[EMIMG]

I think that there are many benefits of a second look and the person it benefits is the applicant.

Let's face it, those residents that show up for the interview are typically those that are very pro-residency. The moaners, whiners, complainers, typically will not show up for the interviews. During the interview process, the residents can tell the applicants whatever they want to hear. When you actually come back for a second look, you get to see how the residents functioin with their attendings, nurses, ancillary staff, etc. You can see what a typicaly shift may be like in terms of patient population, acuity, etc. I think there are many benefits for a second look.

Also, if you are doing a second look, try to find out when they have a journal club and schedule it during this time. Many programs do have journal clubs at an outside location (attending house, restaurant, etc.) This way you can also see how the residents function outside of the hospital, and you will typically see many more residents during this one time than on your other visits.

Just my thoughts. I did second looks at many of the programs, and I thought that it was very beneficial.

 

[NinerNiner999]

During my interviews, I would ask the program director or assistant program director what I could do as an applicant to improve my chances of going to their program. Every response I recieved was "keep in touch". At the end of one of my interviews, the PD whom I asked this question to pulled me aside and told me he wanted to see me again.

From my - albeit limited - experience, showing extra interest above and beyond the interview may help, but I can't speak for what really goes on behind the scenes...