When is it too early to start researching residencies?

[Espressso]

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And by "researching" what I really mean is, putting together a big ol' spread sheet with residency programs in fields you are interested in.

I'm just a first year, but I find that having a google sheet with this info almost eases my mind when stress levels are too high. Like a light at the end of the tunnel sort of thing.

And for preliminary residency lists... what other information should I be noting besides the usual location, program size, intriguing fellowships, # of DOs in the program (if ACGME)?

 

[trs88]

I'm a third year that's not even doing that until September 1st. ERAS submission is September 15th. I would really focus that energy and time spent on making something like that into a hobby that you enjoy instead.

If it still helps, residency programs open and close each year, so there's a chance that your info will end up outdated.

 

[IslandStyle808]

While people may believe this is premature. I don't as long as you are devoting enough time to your studies.

Having these programs on your minding, including importance of board scores, research, and other variable will keep you ahead of the game. Just don't go overboard with your list.

However, I recommend shadowing a doc, who has some knowledge of these programs, before you compile it. Because you will have no clue as to whether these are programs you actually genuinely like.

This list may change and your interests will change, so don't go overboard with a list of a 100+ programs and realize you wasted your time when you could have been pursuing a hobby.

 

[sab3156]

From what several residents in an elite program have told me - it will serve you well to get a mentor in the specialty you are interested in, someone that can be trusted to help you in your application. This can be someone you are doing research with or someone who is keenly aware of the application process and how to strategize about a rank list. This is especially important if you are aiming for a competitive specialty. It's never too early to get settled into your future career.

 

[hallowmann]

And by "researching" what I really mean is, putting together a big ol' spread sheet with residency programs in fields you are interested in.

I'm just a first year, but I find that having a google sheet with this info almost eases my mind when stress levels are too high. Like a light at the end of the tunnel sort of thing.

And for preliminary residency lists... what other information should I be noting besides the usual location, program size, intriguing fellowships, # of DOs in the program (if ACGME)?

Honestly, until you can narrow down that list of "fields you are interested in" to 1-2, I wouldn't bother making a list. Its wasted time that you could use on something else. Now looking at a handful of specific program sites or how many programs there are in regions you're interested in might be helpful to show you what's important for your app. I can't say I didn't do that as early as 1st year. That said, making a spreadsheet seems a bit premature. I suppose I starting doing that in the spring of 3rd year.

 

[CajunMedic]

I came in with a singular specialty in mind. Mine was put together by the end of first year, it got tweaked throughout second year, and narrowed down to pretty much a final list by application season. My list also included: was shadowing encouraged before rotations and was I going to audition there/what documents were needed, etc.