Insider Medical Admissions: For residency applicants: Where to apply

Monday, August 4, 2008

For residency applicants: Where to apply

Assuming you’ve chosen your specialty (or at least have a couple in mind), a good way to get started in considering where to apply to residency is to check out FREIDA. This service is provided by the American Medical Association and is available on line: http://www.ama-assn.org/vapp/freida/srch/ . FREIDA allows you to define your search by specialty, location (see my previous blog entries on the importance of geography) and program size, amongst other specifics. It then provides all programs that meet your criteria and their details – program director, program coordinator, web site address, etc.

With this information you can pick programs initially and then contact residencies for information including application requirements; accreditation status; ERAS use; special requirements for personal statement and letters of recommendation; unique deadlines and, as necessary, if they IMG-friendly.

For one-on-one help applying to residency – strategy sessions, assistance with your ERAS, personal statement and interviews – please see http://www.insidermedicaladmissions.com/applicants/residencyapplicant.shtml .

About Me

Years of candidate selection at Harvard taught me what characteristics comprise a desirable applicant and how even bright candidates make mistakes that undermine their admissions success. I am a practicing Emergency Physician with nine years of experience training medical students, residents and fellows. I won three teaching and mentorship awards while at Harvard. Please see Insider Medical Admissions for the full array of personalized services I offer to clients applying to medical school, residency, fellowship and post baccalaureate programs.