Thinking about switching focus from surgery to EM

[medstud87]

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Hi everyone,

M3 here.


So for the past 3 years I have been set on a competitive surgical sub specialty (don't want to give away too many identifiers). Anyways, as I go through my rotations (started a few months ago), I find that I love and appreciate each! I also enjoy lots of patient interaction and prefer a fast pace environment. I'm thinking EM might be for me. I have limited experience in the ED but will try and talk to the program director soon. However, what I've seen so far, I've liked.

Anyways, I have 2 published papers (1 acknowledgement and 1 co-author) in that surgical sub specialty and my question is do these publications even matter to the EM residency directors? I mean I'm switching gears kind of late in the game.

My stats:
Top 25%-50% at a well-known (not top 25 though) school
Step 1 = 240
The published papers I mentioned (not in EM)
One or two minor extra-curriculars.

Also my Step 1 was taken while I was terribly sick and with only 2 hours of sleep (not trying to make any significant excuses as I am content with score but felt like I could have done even better. Will be aiming for 260's for Step 2)

I would really appreciate some sound advice. Also, I'm looking to head to Northeast for residency.

Thanks.

 

[migm]

Hi everyone,

M3 here.


So for the past 3 years I have been set on a competitive surgical sub specialty (don't want to give away too many identifiers). Anyways, as I go through my rotations (started a few months ago), I find that I love and appreciate each! I also enjoy lots of patient interaction and prefer a fast pace environment. I'm thinking EM might be for me. I have limited experience in the ED but will try and talk to the program director soon. However, what I've seen so far, I've liked.

Anyways, I have 2 published papers (1 acknowledgement and 1 co-author) in that surgical sub specialty and my question is do these publications even matter to the EM residency directors? I mean I'm switching gears kind of late in the game.

My stats:
Top 25%-50% at a well-known (not top 25 though) school
Step 1 = 240
The published papers I mentioned (not in EM)
One or two minor extra-curriculars.

Also my Step 1 was taken while I was terribly sick and with only 2 hours of sleep (not trying to make any significant excuses as I am content with score but felt like I could have done even better. Will be aiming for 260's for Step 2)

I would really appreciate some sound advice. Also, I'm looking to head to Northeast for residency.

Thanks.

rotate in the ED, then come back. the rest of your app is above average

 

[Transmogrifier]

You're just fine. Research looks nice even if it wasn't in EM as it's not really the requirement that it is for some specialties.

Your board score is very good. If you get an elective third year do it in the ED or else do a rotation at the beginning of your fourth year. Many are in that same situation and you don't need to show that you came out of the womb wanting to be an EP. You can do an away if you like but it's not an absolute must.

Your EM grade and LOR from EPs will clinch your already solid application. You've made up your mind with plenty of time to spare.

 

[EM2013woot]

I mean I'm switching gears kind of late in the game.

No you're not. You still have over half of 3rd year left.

Also my Step 1 was taken while I was terribly sick and with only 2 hours of sleep (not trying to make any significant excuses as I am content with score but felt like I could have done even better. Will be aiming for 260's for Step 2)

Your step 1 is terrific.

I would really appreciate some sound advice.

Relax. You're gonna do great.

 

[Laeno]

...M3 here...I mean I'm switching gears kind of late in the game...

Erm, no you're not. Several classmates of mine have swapped as late as the start of September, and I've heard of even later changes. You have several months, keep your mind open (that way, when you choose EM you can do so having given everything a fair shot).

If anything, having research in another field shows that you're not single-minded.

 

[FMtoEM]

Medstud87 keep your head up...I believe your story is very similar to mine as a med stud I was aiming for a surgical subspecialty which resulted in board scores similar to yours...fast forward today I have successfully matched into EM without an EM rotation, SLOR, and changed specialties twice...you are way ahead. Follow everyone's advice above and get a strong SLOR's and rock those EM subI's/rotations.

 

[EM2013woot]

Medstud87 keep your head up...I believe your story is very similar to mine as a med stud I was aiming for a surgical subspecialty which resulted in board scores similar to yours...fast forward today I have successfully matched into EM without an EM rotation, SLOR, and changed specialties twice...you are way ahead. Follow everyone's advice above and get a strong SLOR's and rock those EM subI's/rotations.

You never did an EM rotation?

 

[FMtoEM]

No but as a PGY2 I was in the ED 1 month for Trauma service and hence slapped my forehead as to why didn't I apply to EM.

 

[dotcb]

Relax - You'll likely do very well in the match. You're not expected to have chosen a specialty until the beginning of 4th year. People change their minds all the time up until then.