To Program Directors - Need Advice

[chumbojumbo]

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For those of us who unfortunately did not match this year or find a position in the scramble, what can we do this year to improve our chances of matching into EM next year? Is it better to pursue any internship we can find or work in an ED as a medical assistant for a year for some experience, or do some research. I really want to do EM and I do not want to settle for anything else, but I want to have a productive year to improve my chances next year. What I guess I am asking is...what can we do to show YOU that we really want to do EM? By the way, we all really appreciate your time and guidance on these forums.

 

[BKN]

For those of us who unfortunately did not match this year or find a position in the scramble, what can we do this year to improve our chances of matching into EM next year? Is it better to pursue any internship we can find or work in an ED as a medical assistant for a year for some experience, or do some research. I really want to do EM and I do not want to settle for anything else, but I want to have a productive year to improve my chances next year. What I guess I am asking is...what can we do to show YOU that we really want to do EM? By the way, we all really appreciate your time and guidance on these forums.

Get a training year. Impress your PD with your quality so he'll write a good letter. It may or may not work but the other two options you list will not help you.

 

[deleted109597]

Gee, can I send you my file through ERAS and have you evaluate it?

Not having a program here means that I don't anyone to read it and tell me things.

 

[nvmd]

I am gonna be in the match this year for EM and that is kind of scary for me to think about. Why do you think you didn't match? board scores? grades?

 

[BADMD]

Not having a program here means that I don't anyone to read it and tell me things.

Have you tried SAEM's virtual advisor system? http://www.saem.org/saemdnn/Home/Co.../VirtualAdvisorProgram/tabid/192/Default.aspx

 

[trkd]

Gee, can I send you my file through ERAS and have you evaluate it?

Not having a program here means that I don't anyone to read it and tell me things.

When I signed up for SAEM's virtual advisor, I got set up with a faculty member that has been a huge help. I should note that some people never heard anything back the first time and had to do it twice before they got a response. If nothing more, it would provide SOME input. EMRA also a student-resident mentor thing. I think it would probably be easy enough to sign up for this because you will be doing the match next year even though you are not technically a student. Maybe this can help anyone who needs some guidance or a second opinion about stuff.

 

[trkd]

Have you tried SAEM's virtual advisor system? http://www.saem.org/saemdnn/Home/Co.../VirtualAdvisorProgram/tabid/192/Default.aspx

Ha ha, I should refresh before posting. You beat me to it.

 

[deleted109597]

I used the virtual advisor, and let's just say that I'm willing to find another one now.

Not that my old one did anything terribly bad, just that communication took forever, and in the end, some of the things I was worried about they just kind of glanced over, ignored, or neglected to tell me about. I found out more about my application during my interviews than I did from my advisor.

 

[trkd]

I used the virtual advisor, and let's just say that I'm willing to find another one now.

If you sign up again, I bet you that another one would get assigned. I say this because my friend signed up a second time and got another one. I don't think the assignment process is very hightech.

good luck.

 

[chumbojumbo]

I have looked into SAEM's virtual advisor, unfortumately though they do not offer this service to IMG's🙁 Bummer. I think I had trouble matching due to two things, 1. I only received 4 interviews and 2. there was a tremendous amount of very well quialified candidates applying to EM this year, and I am all for letting the best man win. That doesn't mean we cant try again though right?

 

[Spunky Monkey]

For those of us who unfortunately did not match this year or find a position in the scramble, what can we do this year to improve our chances of matching into EM next year? Is it better to pursue any internship we can find or work in an ED as a medical assistant for a year for some experience, or do some research. I really want to do EM and I do not want to settle for anything else, but I want to have a productive year to improve my chances next year. What I guess I am asking is...what can we do to show YOU that we really want to do EM? By the way, we all really appreciate your time and guidance on these forums.

I agree that the best way to proceed is to work your tail off in internship and get a great letter about your work ethic, etc. It may help to be involved in committees etc. Also evaluate your application and interview season, figure out what held you back and try to address it actively.

 

[trkd]

I have looked into SAEM's virtual advisor, unfortumately though they do not offer this service to IMG's🙁 Bummer. I think I had trouble matching due to two things, 1. I only received 4 interviews and 2. there was a tremendous amount of very well quialified candidates applying to EM this year, and I am all for letting the best man win. That doesn't mean we cant try again though right?

I am an IMG. My friend that signed up twice is also. They don't check. And as a general rule, never say it doesn't work until AT LEAST rejected. That has been my way of getting this and also other things like electives at places that "don't accept foreign medical students". Try, the worst they can say is no.

 

[trkd]

I have looked into SAEM's virtual advisor, unfortumately though they do not offer this service to IMG's🙁 Bummer. I think I had trouble matching due to two things, 1. I only received 4 interviews and 2. there was a tremendous amount of very well quialified candidates applying to EM this year, and I am all for letting the best man win. That doesn't mean we cant try again though right?

How many places did you apply to. If too few, try to double it next year. It is only money (I mean that seriously).