NRMP Stats

The NRMP does a really great job of collecting and distributing useful statistics about the Match. Many of you know that a document I refer to often is the NRMP Program Directors' Survey. Recently, the NRMP has published several more documents, including "Charting Outcomes of the Match - Characteristics of Applicants Who Matched to Their Preferred Specialty in the 2011 Main Residency Match." I know clever applicants who have used the data in this document to strategically apply to residency this year.

The NRMP comments as follows regarding their analysis:

"The data in this report support the following straightforward
advice one should give to an applicant.

- Rank all of the programs you really want, without regard to
your estimate of your chances with those programs.
-Include a mix of both highly competitive and less
competitive programs within your preferred specialty.
-Include all of the programs on your list where the program
has expressed an interest in you and where you would accept
a position.
-If you are applying to a competitive specialty and you would
want to have a residency position in the event you are
unsuccessful in matching to a program in your preferred
specialty, also rank your most preferred programs in an
alternate specialty.
-Include all of your qualifications in your application, but
know that you do not have to be AOA, to have the highest
USMLE scores, to have publications, or to have participated
in research projects to match successfully."

I Wish I Had Known...

I was recently speaking to a colleague who graduated with his MD from UCSF and his MPH from Harvard. He's a successful, practicing physician, and we were discussing some advice he had offered an undergraduate acquaintance who is pursuing medicine.

My colleague had advised the college student to ensure she gets to know faculty: During his undergraduate years at Stanford, my colleague had gotten acquainted with a few professors by inviting them to lunch. He had to call one or two several times before they met with him! But once they did, my colleague's opportunities really expanded. One of the professors in particular realized my colleague's potential and good nature and offered him a position on an honor committee and a strong medical school recommendation.

I wish someone had advised me early to get to know faculty. It turned out okay for me but not without having to do some hard thinking about whom I was going to ask for faculty recommendations. Acquainting yourself with faculty early in your academic career can afford you research and leadership opportunities. Of course, it can also help you with those much-needed letters of recommendation.

MD/MBAs

Here's a recent NYT article on joint MD/MBA programs. Currently 65 MD/MBA programs exist. I have several colleagues and friends who obtained their MBAs years after obtaining their medical degrees - another option for interested physicians.

ERAS: September 1

Just a reminder that today is the day applicants can start applying to ACGME-accredited programs through the AAMC’s MyERAS website.

There are several advantages to an early application: 1) You look organized, a good quality for a future resident. 2) Admissions readers may have more time to review your application thoroughly. Later in the season, the volume can get overwhelming.