When to reach out to programs
Started by Buckphart
I contacted programs and visited during my 2nd year, after I had taken lower anatomy, and once again after I had finished pod med 1, pod surg 1, and other basic courses on biomechanics and orthopedics.
I think 1st year might be a bit premature as you don't really know anything about podiatry yet, but I'm not a resident/attending, so take my advice with a grain of salt.
I think 1st year might be a bit premature as you don't really know anything about podiatry yet, but I'm not a resident/attending, so take my advice with a grain of salt.
You really have no idea what you want in a program yet, but it's never a bad idea to start visiting programs for a day just to get a vibe of how things there work. I only visited one program as a 2nd year and it was only for half a day; but after meeting the director and talking to one of the 1st years, I knew it wasn't right for me and I needed not waste a precious extern month on the program.
The problem with visiting during 1st year is that you literally know NOTHING about Podiatry and your evaluation will only be of the people you meet. Waiting until 2nd and 3rd year will be a lot more efficient use of your time and will muddy the waters less.
The problem with visiting during 1st year is that you literally know NOTHING about Podiatry and your evaluation will only be of the people you meet. Waiting until 2nd and 3rd year will be a lot more efficient use of your time and will muddy the waters less.
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I completely agree with g squared. I visited a program during the summer after my 2nd year and very conveniently the director was gone that day. I ended up externing there, and with the director being there....it was waste of a precious month. Fortunately it was my first month and was a chance to make some dumb mistakes without real consequences.
I think some schools are at a disadvantage when it comes to visiting programs, mostly due to location. I think as a 2nd year you should visit a program or two even if you are not interested in them. Consider it practice. Also, it gives you some context into the general workings of how residency works.
I think some schools are at a disadvantage when it comes to visiting programs, mostly due to location. I think as a 2nd year you should visit a program or two even if you are not interested in them. Consider it practice. Also, it gives you some context into the general workings of how residency works.
