sub-I and courtesy interviews

[ms697]

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Anyone interested in starting a thread listing where applicants did their plastic sub-I rotations and whether those places offered interviews to such people? As a future plastics applicant next year, it would help in the process of choosing amongst similarly liked programs. Thanks and good luck to you future plastic surgeons. 🙂

 

[mcindoe]

Anyone interested in starting a thread listing where applicants did their plastic sub-I rotations and whether those places offered interviews to such people? As a future plastics applicant next year, it would help in the process of choosing amongst similarly liked programs. Thanks and good luck to you future plastic surgeons. 🙂

you may call them "courtesy interviews"...i think of them more as "patronizing interviews". if you're going to do an away sub-I just for the hope of getting an interview, be very careful about this strategy as it can easily backfire. if they don't like you, it's over, and if you still get a courtesy interview, you're doing so under false pretenses and wasting your time.

away sub-i's are a double-edged sword. while it's a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate your loyalty to a particular program and show them what you've got, four weeks on their service will surely give them an opportunity to see your flaws and may be your kiss of death if you happen to piss off the wrong person.

i did an away sub-i and fortunately i clicked well with them...but it was four long, expensive weeks of walking on eggshells and at this point all it means is that they feel a little more comfortable trusting me as a prospective recruit and there are no guarantees. however, one of my classmates did an away sub-i in ortho and it was his kiss of death...not pretty. just be aware that it works both ways.

 

[jdubya]

I'd echo that comment. Both sub-I's I did ended with the people there telling me I'm a good candidate but not ever mentioning a good candidate for their program. I've been offered an interview at one of the places but haven't heard from the second, whom I thought felt more strongly.
The point is this, pick your aways based on what programs you want to be at and what programs are legitimate chances. I.e. if you are a medium level candidate and you do your aways at UTSW and Harvard, that's a stretch. If you do one at a top notch place and one at a good but less sought after by MDPhD's with more qualifications than you (me rather) place then that seems like it might be a better plan. As they say, diversify. One candidates opinion only.

 

[dr. troy]

On the other hand, letters from big names in the biz can go a long way. I did rotations at UTSW and Georgetown. Both places said "we'll see you in January", and both wrote letters of recommendation. As long as you go somewhere, bust your ass for 4 weeks, read every night (esp if the surgeon has published on the subject), and dont get cocky or overstep your bounds, you will get an interview and be ranked. I think it means a lot to a program if you spend time and $ to work hard at their place. Meet with the director before you leave, dont lie, and dont talk **** on other students or other programs. After that, it all comes down to this confusing game we are playing now where your ego takes a bruising every day (why did Northwestern take me but not MCOW???). Then, my friend, do you have the personality that they want to spend half a decade with? Good Luck.

 

[surggal]

I'd echo that comment. Both sub-I's I did ended with the people there telling me I'm a good candidate but not ever mentioning a good candidate for their program. I've been offered an interview at one of the places but haven't heard from the second, whom I thought felt more strongly.
The point is this, pick your aways based on what programs you want to be at and what programs are legitimate chances. I.e. if you are a medium level candidate and you do your aways at UTSW and Harvard, that's a stretch. If you do one at a top notch place and one at a good but less sought after by MDPhD's with more qualifications than you (me rather) place then that seems like it might be a better plan. As they say, diversify. One candidates opinion only.

Does anyone know if Harvard grants interviews to everyone who rotates at the Brigham? I rotated and got an interview, but wonder if they give courtesy interviews.

 

[mcindoe]

Does anyone know if Harvard grants interviews to everyone who rotates at the Brigham? I rotated and got an interview, but wonder if they give courtesy interviews.

do you know how many interviews they offer at harvard?

i'm sure many people rotate at brigham, and i highly doubt they feel obliged to stack their interview group with those who rotated if they can find more qualified applicants elsewhere.

 

[surggal]

do you know how many interviews they offer at harvard?

i'm sure many people rotate at brigham, and i highly doubt they feel obliged to stack their interview group with those who rotated if they can find more qualified applicants elsewhere.

No idea how many interviews, however, there is only one interview date.

 

[ms697]

I'd echo that comment. Both sub-I's I did ended with the people there telling me I'm a good candidate but not ever mentioning a good candidate for their program. I've been offered an interview at one of the places but haven't heard from the second, whom I thought felt more strongly.
The point is this, pick your aways based on what programs you want to be at and what programs are legitimate chances. I.e. if you are a medium level candidate and you do your aways at UTSW and Harvard, that's a stretch. If you do one at a top notch place and one at a good but less sought after by MDPhD's with more qualifications than you (me rather) place then that seems like it might be a better plan. As they say, diversify. One candidates opinion only.

I appreciate all your advice. Was not implying that I would pick a place for an interview, but that if I valued two progams equally - I would lean toward the one which seems to reward one's hard work. Hey jdubya, care to share where you did your sub-I's and whether you recommend them. Thanks

 

[mcindoe]

do you know how many interviews they offer at harvard?

i'm sure many people rotate at brigham, and i highly doubt they feel obliged to stack their interview group with those who rotated if they can find more qualified applicants elsewhere.

in case anyone is interested for future reference, here's the low-down on the harvard interview:

-approximately 33-35 people interviewed

-five were harvard students

-at least six students there had done visiting rotations at one of the harvard hospitals, and yes, they give everyone who rotates there a courtesy interview

-two of the interviewees are presently research fellows in the plastics lab at MGH. both are FMGs.