Where to Apply

[bullpup777]

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I am hoping for some advice on what programs would be likely to look kindly on my application.

I have a degree from a top twenty US medical school and completed a medicine prelim at a non-cushy program with an excellent reputation without any issues. But that was in 1999.

I did a few months of PM&R and then had to leave because of pregnancy complications. I also have an older daughter who has complex medical, intellectual, and psychiatric issues. I have been unable to get back into medicine because of her needs.

In the interim I wrote numerous biographies for web sites and some for print magazines, and work at the Starbucks as a barista to get medical insurance-you only have to work twenty hours a week to get benefits.

Now my daughter is in the process of entering a residential facility and I want to get on with my medical career. I am applying in FM because it seems they are the most likely to take me, but I would really like to get a psych spot.

During my prelim year, I loved my psych rotation. I know that I cannot hope to get into a program of that quality, but will accept practically anything.

Any suggestions? I do have a valid, current, unrestricted NY license and have passed all three steps of the USMLE, but can't practice because of the difficulties of getting malpractice insurance. I haven't even had any luck finding a place to volunteer.

There are no skeletons in my closet other than the long lapse.

 

[Doc Samson]

I am hoping for some advice on what programs would be likely to look kindly on my application.

I have a degree from a top twenty US medical school and completed a medicine prelim at a non-cushy program with an excellent reputation without any issues. But that was in 1999.

I did a few months of PM&R and then had to leave because of pregnancy complications. I also have an older daughter who has complex medical, intellectual, and psychiatric issues. I have been unable to get back into medicine because of her needs.

In the interim I wrote numerous biographies for web sites and some for print magazines, and work at the Starbucks as a barista to get medical insurance-you only have to work twenty hours a week to get benefits.

Now my daughter is in the process of entering a residential facility and I want to get on with my medical career. I am applying in FM because it seems they are the most likely to take me, but I would really like to get a psych spot.

During my prelim year, I loved my psych rotation. I know that I cannot hope to get into a program of that quality, but will accept practically anything.

Any suggestions? I do have a valid, current, unrestricted NY license and have passed all three steps of the USMLE, but can't practice because of the difficulties of getting malpractice insurance. I haven't even had any luck finding a place to volunteer.

There are no skeletons in my closet other than the long lapse.

I wouldn't necessarily write off your chances anywhere. I think you'd be best served by the personal touch on this one - do you have any contact with psychiatrists from med school/internship who could vouch for you? If they could pass your story along to PDs they know, it'd probably be your best way forward. Aside from that, I think you might be looking at spending a year doing research to make some connections/get some fresh LORs before you could realistically apply.

 

[OldPsychDoc]

I wouldn't necessarily write off your chances anywhere. I think you'd be best served by the personal touch on this one - do you have any contact with psychiatrists from med school/internship who could vouch for you? If they could pass your story along to PDs they know, it'd probably be your best way forward. Aside from that, I think you might be looking at spending a year doing research to make some connections/get some fresh LORs before you could realistically apply.

Yeah, I agree--you'd definitely be the type of candidate that our program would give a shot, especially if you had an inside contact. And you'd be eligible for a prematch offer, as well. Downside caution flags would be the amount of time since your passed USMLEs and any question about your ability to stay dedicated to the program once you get started. (Note I said *caution* flags, not red flags--just be prepared to address those issues vigorously.)

 

[bullpup777]

I am then proceeding with my application, applying to a mix of programs that tend to have trouble filling and programs i would really like to go to, including the one that I originally did my prelim at. We'll see how it goes, and if it goes badly I will try to get some research or volunteer work and try again next year.

I have no connections to speak of, having been outside the loop a really long time. I don't think I can approach my daughter's psychiatrists with this one.

 

[bullpup777]

Well, I applied to a whole bunch of programs. After two weeks I have one rejection and no interviews. We'll see how it goes but not feeling too confident about now.

 

[Sneezing]

It might not be so much you, but maybe when you applied?

 

[bullpup777]

Now I have one rejection and one interview. Things are looking up.

 

[Doctor Bagel]

Now I have one rejection and one interview. Things are looking up.

Yay! I hope more come rolling in soon.