What Makes a Good Pediatrics Candidate?

[flipasta]

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Hi Guys,

I just wanted to ask this question and share the knowledge I've accumulated to anyone else who may be interested.

As an average to below average student in medical school (despite my best efforts), I was wondering what the chances are of realizing my dream of going to an enjoyable, positive atmosphere pediatric residency in one of my 'dream' urban areas of Portland, Seattle, Chicago, Austin, Houston, DC, Brooklyn, or Boston (not likely, I've been told).

Is there any resource that lists out the pediatric residencies in the country by competitiveness?

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My story:
Step 1: 212 (tragedy for me, unfortunately. But life goes on)

Preclinical years: Only getting Ps in first year with one PC (due to very personal issues, and a natural disaster). Second year was an 'average' student with Ps and HPs.

Clinical years: So far only getting Ps (below average). But have been getting exceptional comments from my attendings for dean's letters. Missed HP cut off in Pediatrics by one or two students (makes me sick to think about it), but Peds director said she'd make a comment on my exceptional reviews by attendings and residents in her letter for me.

Have spent lots of time at a volunteer clinic in the city I'm in and have been volunteering as a weekend intermediate school teacher with underprivileged kids for awhile now (makes me happy 🙂). No research experience.


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Here's what I know (mostly from talking to pediatric residency directors at my medical school, a 'not-ultracompetive' residency):

1. Lab experience is not highly regarded (I asked "how much do you value lab experience" and without hesitation, was given the answer "it doesn't really matter".

2. Step 2 > Step 1 score. A person with a low Step 1 score and high a Step 2 score is seen as someone who simply may not be a book learner, but is good in the clinics. A student that has the reverse (or does not have their Step 2 score in by the time their listing their candidates) are considered red flags.

3. A HUGE emphasis is placed on students 'living their life' during medical school. What extracurriculars where they involved in? Did they pursue their hobbies? Are they well rounded individuals? Are they interesting?

4. They approach candidates as 'would I enjoy working with this person?' before 'is the person's numbers good enough'.

5. Our director speculated that competitive residencies like TCH probably have a Step 1 + Step 2 cutoff. This is not from the horse's mouth obviously, so take this bit for what its worth.

Just thought I'd pass on what information that I value. Please let me know if you have reason to disagree or agree with any of these points.

 

[khadija]

i have heard that being a part of professional associations r also important.

 

[michigangirl]

You are reading into to many "ifs"-- I need to understand why you are getting P's in all of your clerkships if your comments and references from faculty are so glowing? Is it poor showing on the shelf exams? Please expand on this-- with mediocre/low Step I scores, the clerkships really make or break your chances-- what is keeping you from getting high pass or honors if people are willing to bend over to write nice things?

If your dream is to go to a "top" peds residency program in one of those cities, you NEED to do well in your clerkships-- high pass or preferably honor the rest of them this year and schedule a peds AI early in 4th year that you blow out of the park and get an amazing letter from. You are also the type of applicant who has nothing to lose by doing an away elective at a program that is your dream to go to-- and doing your best to knock their socks off-- it would be an almost automatic in for an interview and if they have met you and know you in person, and LOVE you, then the chances are they will want to hire you.

I would take Step 2 early and try to do better on it-- don't read too much into what the score improvement would mean-- it just draws attention away from the Step I score. It's not a bad score, but if I'm reading "positive, friendly, urban" as a great program in a big city, then it deserves some improving.

Don't focus too much on extracurriculars and professional societies, etc now-- you NEED to bring up your clerkship grades with a strong finish this year. concentrate on that. You are volunteering, which is great, and that's more than sufficient while in med school.

Good luck, and feel free to PM me to discuss more.

 

[natashana]

This post makes you sound like you're trying to justify your application which you seem insecure about. Don't be, you will go to a program that will train you well.

The only cities out of the ones you listed which you may or may not get interviews at are Portland, DC, and Seattle. These three cities only have one pedi program which is moderately to highly competitive. All of the other cities have a wide range of programs in terms of competitiveness.

For a truly competitive program you need it all--honors in peds and subi, good step scores, interesting involvement in other activities, the potential to be a leader in peds (research or something else). For a good program you can take it all down a notch. I'm sure you will get into a good program and be trained very well. I wouldn't worry about it!!!

And for peds, the interview is very important... you left that off. They do want to make sure that they can work with you, but just as important is if you will be able to thrive in residency, not kill people, and pass your licensing exams. Don't let your advisors down play those priorities! I feel in peds Step 1 and 2 are equally important, there are probably cutoffs, and most places like to see you take an interest in something besides grades and school on your application (research, volunteering, student groups). Research is just one of those things and yes, not necessary, even for the most competitive programs, but it sure helps you out if you are first author on a paper!!! Don't let anyone fool you about that!