Super Duper Creepy

Here's a disturbing article in the Chronicle of Higher Education about a man who writes papers for students. (Even he is troubled by his work.)

I want to point out that I do not generate materials, and I am not a "secret weapon" for my clients. On the contrary, I am thrilled when applicants are forthcoming about my assistance. One of my clients was asked during her interview day if she had obtained professional help with her residency candidacy. When she said yes, the interviewer congratulated her on her initiative.

Contact me now for mock interview assistance. I have only a few slots left in December.

Happy, Healthy Thanksgiving

Just a quick greeting to all of my American readers. And to my international friends, have a great end of November. I'll resume my comments after the holiday!

More Options for Those Interested in Emergency Medicine

For those of you considering a career in Emergency Medicine, the American Board of Medical Specialties recently approved Emergency Medical Services (EMS) as a subspecialty. It is the sixth subspecialty available to boarded Emergency Physicians, along with Hospice and Palliative Care, Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Medical Toxicology, and Sports Medicine. The American Board of Emergency Medicine is the sole sponsor of the EMS subspecialty.

Going Home

Here's a quick tip regarding medical school clinical rotations:

A few third years have asked me if it's kosher to take a resident up on an offer to go home early.

Very few residents are trying to trick you or test you when they tell you to get out of the hospital. The one thing I would suggest - before you leave - would be to say, "Thank you. Is there anything I can do for you or for our patients before I go?" The comment will go a long way.

Student Doctor Network Article

Here is my recent contribution to Student Doctor Network regarding planned modifications for the Scramble:

Using “SOAP” to Clean Up the Scramble

In response to persistent concerns about the “Scramble,” the two-day process when unmatched residency applicants vie for unfilled residency positions, the National Residency Match Program (NRMP) and the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) have announced significant Match Week changes to start in 2012, thus affecting next year’s residency applicants. The new system, called the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP), is an attempt to improve the Scramble after repeated complaints about disorganization and lack of transparency. SOAP will overhaul the Match Week calendar, so all applicants – both unmatched and, indirectly, matched candidates – will be affected by the reforms.

Read the full story here.