For the second year in a row, I have been invited to be a featured speaker at AMSA's national convention. The AMSA 61st Annual Convention will to be held in Washington, DC this spring. I'm scheduled to speak on Saturday, March 12, 2010 at 10 am. In the past the American Medical Student Association's national meetings have been the largest annual gatherings of medical students in the United States. I'll be offering an interactive lecture called "Getting Into Residency: An Insider's Tips."
See you there.
Insights, Ideas, News From Insider Medical Admissions
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Your Dream Medical School Advisor
Make a list of the qualities that you would want in an ideal medical school advisor:
1. Someone intimately familiar with your academic background and educational pedigree.
2. Someone with a strong grasp of the residency applicant pool against whom you’re competing and a knowledge of the qualifications needed for a successful match.
3. Someone who is familiar with the logistics of the Match process.
4. Someone capable of giving critical feedback (even/especially when it’s not what you want to hear).
5. Someone who has the time and attention to focus on you.
6. Someone who offers discretion when discussing failures or shortcomings in your candidacy.
Only a small fraction of medical students have a dream advisor. The majority of will need to identify an outside mentor who can offer what their medical school cannot.
Whether you pay for a professional consultant or pursue the counsel of a trusted acquaintance, seek excellence in the mentor whose services you retain: Hold out for someone experienced, accountable and available. This individual should advocate for you and should provide the sometimes-brutal honesty to enable you to get your foot in the door with a compelling application and then dazzle your dream program once you interview.
Although friends may not be willing to make you uncomfortable in a mock interview scenario, faculty may have no qualms about doing so during your actual interview. During a residency mock interview, the proper guide can show you how to strategically navigate treacherous interview topics and how to answer open-ended questions so that you distinguish yourself from the masses.
I encourage you to make a list of those people who might help you with your candidacy for a competitive residency. If personal contacts fall short, considering hiring a professional. Ask around, check with fellow students, and look for a service where you know what and whom you are paying for.
1. Someone intimately familiar with your academic background and educational pedigree.
2. Someone with a strong grasp of the residency applicant pool against whom you’re competing and a knowledge of the qualifications needed for a successful match.
3. Someone who is familiar with the logistics of the Match process.
4. Someone capable of giving critical feedback (even/especially when it’s not what you want to hear).
5. Someone who has the time and attention to focus on you.
6. Someone who offers discretion when discussing failures or shortcomings in your candidacy.
Only a small fraction of medical students have a dream advisor. The majority of will need to identify an outside mentor who can offer what their medical school cannot.
Whether you pay for a professional consultant or pursue the counsel of a trusted acquaintance, seek excellence in the mentor whose services you retain: Hold out for someone experienced, accountable and available. This individual should advocate for you and should provide the sometimes-brutal honesty to enable you to get your foot in the door with a compelling application and then dazzle your dream program once you interview.
Although friends may not be willing to make you uncomfortable in a mock interview scenario, faculty may have no qualms about doing so during your actual interview. During a residency mock interview, the proper guide can show you how to strategically navigate treacherous interview topics and how to answer open-ended questions so that you distinguish yourself from the masses.
I encourage you to make a list of those people who might help you with your candidacy for a competitive residency. If personal contacts fall short, considering hiring a professional. Ask around, check with fellow students, and look for a service where you know what and whom you are paying for.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Depression Among Student Doctors
by Michelle A. Finkel, Insider Medical Admissions
This article in the NYT called "Medical Student Distress and the Risk of Physician Suicide" covers depression in student doctors, noting that pre-meds enter medical training with mental health profiles similar to those of their peers but end up experiencing depression at greater rates.
Training is generally awful. (Why would anyone want to spend the majority of his/her time working and not sleeping?) Now that I am past my training and have many friends and colleagues who also are, I have the perspective to say that it gets better.
Please consider talking to a physician-mentor at your institution if you are feeling blue. If you are depressed, seek mental health help. (I have heard students say they are worried this will show up on their academic records, which is not accurate.) Knowing that you are not alone and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel can make a big difference.
This article in the NYT called "Medical Student Distress and the Risk of Physician Suicide" covers depression in student doctors, noting that pre-meds enter medical training with mental health profiles similar to those of their peers but end up experiencing depression at greater rates.
Training is generally awful. (Why would anyone want to spend the majority of his/her time working and not sleeping?) Now that I am past my training and have many friends and colleagues who also are, I have the perspective to say that it gets better.
Please consider talking to a physician-mentor at your institution if you are feeling blue. If you are depressed, seek mental health help. (I have heard students say they are worried this will show up on their academic records, which is not accurate.) Knowing that you are not alone and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel can make a big difference.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Mock Interview Scheduling
By Michelle A. Finkel MD, Insider Medical Admissions
My open November slots are now available on my online calendar. The slots tend to go quickly, so if you are planning to hire me for Mock Interviews please do so soon. The steps to hire me can be found here for residency applicants and here for medical school applicants.
My open November slots are now available on my online calendar. The slots tend to go quickly, so if you are planning to hire me for Mock Interviews please do so soon. The steps to hire me can be found here for residency applicants and here for medical school applicants.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Lacking a "Social Mission"
by Michelle A. Finkel, Insider Medical Admissions
Here's a NYT article focusing on NYU's new curriculum, but examining more closely criticisms of many medical schools - a lack of patient-centered coursework. NYU, Harvard, Florida State University and other institutions are reacting to critiques that students do not get in to see patients early enough in their medical school careers and that pathophysiology is emphasized over compassionate care.
Unfortunately, until incentives are aligned (= reimbursement), practicing physicians will be forced to continue to focus on disease, rather than patient well-being. Along those lines, I recommend Atul Gawande's New Yorker article, "Letting Go" about end-of-life care.
Here's a NYT article focusing on NYU's new curriculum, but examining more closely criticisms of many medical schools - a lack of patient-centered coursework. NYU, Harvard, Florida State University and other institutions are reacting to critiques that students do not get in to see patients early enough in their medical school careers and that pathophysiology is emphasized over compassionate care.
Unfortunately, until incentives are aligned (= reimbursement), practicing physicians will be forced to continue to focus on disease, rather than patient well-being. Along those lines, I recommend Atul Gawande's New Yorker article, "Letting Go" about end-of-life care.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Interviews: What to Wear
by Michelle A. Finkel MD, Insider Medical Admissions
Applicants ask me whether they can wear this-or-that suit, and I've seen entire articles written on interview attire.
But this is an easy one: Don't be noticed for your clothes. Don't wear the cartoon tie (even if you are a pediatrics residency applicant), and don't wear the orange tights in honor of Halloween. You want to be noticed for your accomplishments, not your appearance.
Email me at insidermedical@gmail.com for mock interview help.
Applicants ask me whether they can wear this-or-that suit, and I've seen entire articles written on interview attire.
But this is an easy one: Don't be noticed for your clothes. Don't wear the cartoon tie (even if you are a pediatrics residency applicant), and don't wear the orange tights in honor of Halloween. You want to be noticed for your accomplishments, not your appearance.
Email me at insidermedical@gmail.com for mock interview help.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Compulsive Email Checking
by Michelle A. Finkel MD, Insider Medical Admissions
I don't usually recommend compulsive behavior, but it's worth checking your email once a day to see if you've received interview invitations. Out of courtesy, an invite should be responded to quickly, and the sooner you contact the institution, the more likely you are to get a slot that you want. Ensure your email account is reliable and that messages aren't going to spam. (I've heard some horror stories.)
Contact me for help with Mock Interviews.
I don't usually recommend compulsive behavior, but it's worth checking your email once a day to see if you've received interview invitations. Out of courtesy, an invite should be responded to quickly, and the sooner you contact the institution, the more likely you are to get a slot that you want. Ensure your email account is reliable and that messages aren't going to spam. (I've heard some horror stories.)
Contact me for help with Mock Interviews.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Medical School Interview Tips
by Michelle A. Finkel, Insider Medical Admissions
Congrats to those who have already been invited for med school interviews.
Getting into medical school has gotten so competitive; the interview is critical. But what are medical schools looking for during the interview process?
First, they are seeking someone distinctive. Your goal is to distinguish yourself from all of the other applicants by showcasing your accomplishments. Anyone can say s/he wants to help people or is hard working. Fewer candidates can prove it.
Second, they want to ensure you are committed to medicine and that you have an idea of what you are getting yourself into. Medical school is tough; the institutions are not seeking someone who is ambivalent and might quit. Giving examples of your clinical experience can help.
Third, the schools want to ensure you are reasonable. They want to see that you don’t have a problem personality, aren’t going to harass your colleagues, aren’t going to cause them embarrassment or extra work.
Fourth, they want to hear that you are particularly interested in their institution. You can convince them of your interest by knowing specifics about the school and city.
One would never take the MCAT without practicing first and yet, countless applicants go to interviews without preparing. Consider working with me so that you don't unknowingly undermine your chances of success with poor interview skills. I do all of my own work - not outside, anonymous "consultants."
Contact me (insidermedical@gmail.com) for help.
Congrats to those who have already been invited for med school interviews.
Getting into medical school has gotten so competitive; the interview is critical. But what are medical schools looking for during the interview process?
First, they are seeking someone distinctive. Your goal is to distinguish yourself from all of the other applicants by showcasing your accomplishments. Anyone can say s/he wants to help people or is hard working. Fewer candidates can prove it.
Second, they want to ensure you are committed to medicine and that you have an idea of what you are getting yourself into. Medical school is tough; the institutions are not seeking someone who is ambivalent and might quit. Giving examples of your clinical experience can help.
Third, the schools want to ensure you are reasonable. They want to see that you don’t have a problem personality, aren’t going to harass your colleagues, aren’t going to cause them embarrassment or extra work.
Fourth, they want to hear that you are particularly interested in their institution. You can convince them of your interest by knowing specifics about the school and city.
One would never take the MCAT without practicing first and yet, countless applicants go to interviews without preparing. Consider working with me so that you don't unknowingly undermine your chances of success with poor interview skills. I do all of my own work - not outside, anonymous "consultants."
Contact me (insidermedical@gmail.com) for help.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Scheduling Mock Interviews
by Michelle A. Finkel MD, Insider Medical Admissions
For those of you interested in Mock Interviews, please contact me the day you receive your first invitation. I still have some availabilities in September but am already scheduling into October. I have opened up weekend and late evening sessions to accommodate everyone as best as I can.
I conduct all of my own Mock Interviews. I thoroughly review your background information before the session and provide an individualized feedback document after. Live face-to-face video is an option you can add to your sessions.
Contact me at insidermedical@gmail.com for help.
For those of you interested in Mock Interviews, please contact me the day you receive your first invitation. I still have some availabilities in September but am already scheduling into October. I have opened up weekend and late evening sessions to accommodate everyone as best as I can.
I conduct all of my own Mock Interviews. I thoroughly review your background information before the session and provide an individualized feedback document after. Live face-to-face video is an option you can add to your sessions.
Contact me at insidermedical@gmail.com for help.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
When Your Debts Affect Your Dates
by guest-blogger David Z. Presser, MD, MPH for Insider Medical Admissions
A recent article in the NY Times highlights how individual debt taken on as a student has the power to adversely affect one's subsequent relationships. You can link to the article here.
You are feeling less anxious and more comfortable with the whole medical school applications game. The interviews keep rolling in. Finally, you start to receive acceptance letters from multiple schools. Suddenly you find yourself in the enviable position of having a choice between a reputable state school, where tuition is relatively low, and a reputable private school, where you will go deeply into debt. You visit the private school and see stars: the buildings are made of marble, the admissions officials wear designer suits, and the alumni network, everyone assures you, will give you a leg up in residency applications. Should financial considerations play into your decision? Should you ignore finances and follow your heart, assuming that as a future physician you'll comfortably be able to pay off any educational debt?
These are important questions. Let's look at a few numbers, accessed online on 9/7/10:
Average (2008) loan debt of a Georgetown Medical Student on graduation: $167,000
Average (2007) loan debt of a UCLA Medical Student on graduation: $98,677
Note that each of these numbers do not include debts accrued from undergraduate education. What you owe from college, you owe in addition to this.
Now let's add a touch of romance to the mix. You fall madly in love with another med student, who took out loans to attend a private undergraduate university (s/he owes $100k for that) and you both went to private medical schools ($150k each). Let's give you a pass and say your parents generously paid for all of your undergraduate education, so you personally only assumed debt for your medical education. The wedding after graduation is followed by the shocking realization that you collectively owe $400k. This does not account for the fact that your residency salaries are insufficient to let you pay off significant debt.
Were you both planning on a career in primary care? Think again - your earning potential would adversely affect your ability to pay off your loans. Compare the following starting salaries based on a 2009 American Medical Group Ass'n Survey:
Family Medicine $144,990
Urology $300,000
Anesthesiology $325,000
Internal Medicine $146,251
What if one of you has a high interest loan on a credit card because of poor financial discipline in the years before you met? What if one of you is a saver and the other is a spender? What if the medical student you marry is a U.S. citizen International Medical Graduate (IMG), where only 47.3% obtain a residency position through the match? If your partner cannot get a residency position, there is a real possibility that $250k in loans may not realistically be paid back. Despite the promise of a comfortable life as a two-physician household, your joint credit ratings may never permit you to get a home loan.
These are sobering possibilities that need to be realistically appraised early on. The debts you assume in your youth will have far-reaching consequences. So consider your choice of medical school carefully, because your debts will ultimately affect your dates.
A recent article in the NY Times highlights how individual debt taken on as a student has the power to adversely affect one's subsequent relationships. You can link to the article here.
You are feeling less anxious and more comfortable with the whole medical school applications game. The interviews keep rolling in. Finally, you start to receive acceptance letters from multiple schools. Suddenly you find yourself in the enviable position of having a choice between a reputable state school, where tuition is relatively low, and a reputable private school, where you will go deeply into debt. You visit the private school and see stars: the buildings are made of marble, the admissions officials wear designer suits, and the alumni network, everyone assures you, will give you a leg up in residency applications. Should financial considerations play into your decision? Should you ignore finances and follow your heart, assuming that as a future physician you'll comfortably be able to pay off any educational debt?
These are important questions. Let's look at a few numbers, accessed online on 9/7/10:
Average (2008) loan debt of a Georgetown Medical Student on graduation: $167,000
Average (2007) loan debt of a UCLA Medical Student on graduation: $98,677
Note that each of these numbers do not include debts accrued from undergraduate education. What you owe from college, you owe in addition to this.
Now let's add a touch of romance to the mix. You fall madly in love with another med student, who took out loans to attend a private undergraduate university (s/he owes $100k for that) and you both went to private medical schools ($150k each). Let's give you a pass and say your parents generously paid for all of your undergraduate education, so you personally only assumed debt for your medical education. The wedding after graduation is followed by the shocking realization that you collectively owe $400k. This does not account for the fact that your residency salaries are insufficient to let you pay off significant debt.
Were you both planning on a career in primary care? Think again - your earning potential would adversely affect your ability to pay off your loans. Compare the following starting salaries based on a 2009 American Medical Group Ass'n Survey:
Family Medicine $144,990
Urology $300,000
Anesthesiology $325,000
Internal Medicine $146,251
What if one of you has a high interest loan on a credit card because of poor financial discipline in the years before you met? What if one of you is a saver and the other is a spender? What if the medical student you marry is a U.S. citizen International Medical Graduate (IMG), where only 47.3% obtain a residency position through the match? If your partner cannot get a residency position, there is a real possibility that $250k in loans may not realistically be paid back. Despite the promise of a comfortable life as a two-physician household, your joint credit ratings may never permit you to get a home loan.
These are sobering possibilities that need to be realistically appraised early on. The debts you assume in your youth will have far-reaching consequences. So consider your choice of medical school carefully, because your debts will ultimately affect your dates.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
The Role of Patient Anecdotes in the Personal Statement
by Michelle A. Finkel MD, Insider Medical Admissions
Here's another good one by guest-blogger David Presser, MD, MPH:
The temptation is great to include patient anecdotes in the personal statement. When written well, these stories can capture a sense of common human experience that transcends economic and cultural barriers and demonstrates the empathy of the author-applicant and her sincere motives for pursuing a medical career. This can only help the applicant, right? The answer (as with most situations in life) is: it depends.
The vast majority of applicants have anecdotes to share. Writing too extensively about moving patient experiences can be an opportunity cost. You are given a page to make the case for your entry into a medical training program. Does the anecdote distinguish you in some way from the masses? For example, a story that highlights your specific language abilities as an interpreter at a free clinic may be a wiser use of space than a story simply showing your general devotion to the needy. Does the vignette highlight specific strengths in your application? The experience working with Mother Theresa is more powerful when it transitions naturally into the public health degree you pursued and the parasitology research you published.
The key to judicious use of patient anecdotes in the personal statement is that they must be very concise (every excess sentence is a missed opportunity to make the case for why you are a good candidate), distinguish you from others, and concretely illustrate your attributes. If your patient anecdotes do not make the case that you are a uniquely talented applicant whom programs don't want to pass up, they may better serve you as fodder for your future novel than components of your personal statement.
Here's another good one by guest-blogger David Presser, MD, MPH:
The temptation is great to include patient anecdotes in the personal statement. When written well, these stories can capture a sense of common human experience that transcends economic and cultural barriers and demonstrates the empathy of the author-applicant and her sincere motives for pursuing a medical career. This can only help the applicant, right? The answer (as with most situations in life) is: it depends.
The vast majority of applicants have anecdotes to share. Writing too extensively about moving patient experiences can be an opportunity cost. You are given a page to make the case for your entry into a medical training program. Does the anecdote distinguish you in some way from the masses? For example, a story that highlights your specific language abilities as an interpreter at a free clinic may be a wiser use of space than a story simply showing your general devotion to the needy. Does the vignette highlight specific strengths in your application? The experience working with Mother Theresa is more powerful when it transitions naturally into the public health degree you pursued and the parasitology research you published.
The key to judicious use of patient anecdotes in the personal statement is that they must be very concise (every excess sentence is a missed opportunity to make the case for why you are a good candidate), distinguish you from others, and concretely illustrate your attributes. If your patient anecdotes do not make the case that you are a uniquely talented applicant whom programs don't want to pass up, they may better serve you as fodder for your future novel than components of your personal statement.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Is Your Personal Statement a Little Too Personal?
by Michelle A Finkel MD, Insider Medical Admissions
I have a guest blogger today - my first ever. Dr. David Presser graduated from UCSF Medical School, completed his Emergency Medicine residency at UCLA/Olive View and his MPH at Harvard. He wrote an excellent primer on getting into an Emergency Medicine residency. Here's today's blog written by him:
Picture, if you will, a residency admissions committee member beneath a halo of light reading applicant essays in her office at midnight. Caffeine on her breath, crumpled white coat next to her desk chair, she is making steady progress on the never-ending stack of applicant files until she picks up a residency personal statement that begins, “I first became interested in Internal Medicine when Grandma was diagnosed with cancer…” Pulling out her hair by the fistful, she tosses the file into the trash. That cancer may not have killed your grandma, but it just might have killed your application.
Many students devote a significant portion of their ERAS essays to describing a universal experience that may have piqued their initial interest in a specialty. A residency admissions committee member does look for evidence of how your fundamental connection to humanity will make you an empathetic and skilled physician. The problem comes when an applicant starts to make the reader feel like s/he is providing counseling to the applicant, that is, when the candidate uses language that could strike the wrong reader as inappropriate for a professional application. The admissions committee can handle empathetic writing; however, if they suspect you mistook your essay for the journal under your pillow, they may not be forgiving.
Think carefully about the topics you choose. With all due respect to each of us who has had a family medical catastrophe, you can estimate the prevalence of cancer among the elderly and conclude that starting an essay with the description of a grandparent’s battle with cancer is not going to catch the reader’s attention. Unfortunately, just because it is genuine, it may not be compelling reading or a useful means to distinguish you from the hundreds of residency applicants whose essays share similar themes.
There are exceptions. You can be forgiven for including a common topic if it directly ties into highlighting a unique personal accomplishment. Perhaps grandpa’s prostate cancer diagnosis led you to seek out a research position with a faculty member at your local university lab where you were directly involved in sequencing a promising new molecular marker for prostate cancer. Give the generic topic a brief mention and transition rapidly into how it demonstrated that you are a mover and shaker who took a universal experience and, by virtue of your work ethic and intellectual curiosity, turned it into a contribution to science.
You get a pass on writing about universal experiences if you can pull off a convincing reason to keep the midnight reader going; otherwise, keep your essay distinctive and befitting the professional you hope to become.
I have a guest blogger today - my first ever. Dr. David Presser graduated from UCSF Medical School, completed his Emergency Medicine residency at UCLA/Olive View and his MPH at Harvard. He wrote an excellent primer on getting into an Emergency Medicine residency. Here's today's blog written by him:
Picture, if you will, a residency admissions committee member beneath a halo of light reading applicant essays in her office at midnight. Caffeine on her breath, crumpled white coat next to her desk chair, she is making steady progress on the never-ending stack of applicant files until she picks up a residency personal statement that begins, “I first became interested in Internal Medicine when Grandma was diagnosed with cancer…” Pulling out her hair by the fistful, she tosses the file into the trash. That cancer may not have killed your grandma, but it just might have killed your application.
Many students devote a significant portion of their ERAS essays to describing a universal experience that may have piqued their initial interest in a specialty. A residency admissions committee member does look for evidence of how your fundamental connection to humanity will make you an empathetic and skilled physician. The problem comes when an applicant starts to make the reader feel like s/he is providing counseling to the applicant, that is, when the candidate uses language that could strike the wrong reader as inappropriate for a professional application. The admissions committee can handle empathetic writing; however, if they suspect you mistook your essay for the journal under your pillow, they may not be forgiving.
Think carefully about the topics you choose. With all due respect to each of us who has had a family medical catastrophe, you can estimate the prevalence of cancer among the elderly and conclude that starting an essay with the description of a grandparent’s battle with cancer is not going to catch the reader’s attention. Unfortunately, just because it is genuine, it may not be compelling reading or a useful means to distinguish you from the hundreds of residency applicants whose essays share similar themes.
There are exceptions. You can be forgiven for including a common topic if it directly ties into highlighting a unique personal accomplishment. Perhaps grandpa’s prostate cancer diagnosis led you to seek out a research position with a faculty member at your local university lab where you were directly involved in sequencing a promising new molecular marker for prostate cancer. Give the generic topic a brief mention and transition rapidly into how it demonstrated that you are a mover and shaker who took a universal experience and, by virtue of your work ethic and intellectual curiosity, turned it into a contribution to science.
You get a pass on writing about universal experiences if you can pull off a convincing reason to keep the midnight reader going; otherwise, keep your essay distinctive and befitting the professional you hope to become.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Couples' Match
by Michelle A. Finkel MD, Insider Medical Admissions
I've received a few questions about the couples' match. Here is the information that the NRMP sends to applicants who inquire about it:
(Note the syntax mistakes are not mine :).)
Any two applicants may participate as a couple and may choose to link their individual rank order lists in the NRMP system so that corresponding pairs of programs may be considered together during the matching process.
Couples do not participate in a separate match. Each applicant register separately in the NRMP R3 System and then each partner must link themselves to the other partner in the “Update My Profile” Couples option, any time prior to entering their rank order lists. The rank order list function opens on January 15.
Programs consider, interview, and rank each applicant separately based on their individual merit or qualifications and not based on the fact that one is part of a couple in the Match. The NRMP does not indicate to the programs that applicants plan to enter their rank order lists as a couple.
Both applicants may rank the same or different specialties and programs. However, partners that rank the exact same program MAY possibly end up competing for the same positions in the program in this scenario.
Programs may be located at the same or different hospitals. The programs may be in any location preferred, such as the same city, neighboring cities, neighboring states or any other location of the applicants’ choice.
Prospective partners should determine early in their application process, as many acceptable locations of programs to apply to, so that they will have more workable combinations to rank (subject to interviews).
Couples have two unique options available to them in creating rank order lists:
· The same program of one partner may be ranked multiple times in combination with different programs of the other partner, increasing the possibility of one partner matching to a particularly desired program.
· After all combinations have been exhausted, one partner may also choose to go unmatched in order for the other to match to a program. The partner who is willing to go unmatched enters 999999999 opposite the corresponding program choices of the other partner. The partner who is unmatched will try to find a position through the “Scramble” for unfilled positions.
The R3 System tries to match your first choice and the partner’s first choice, your second and the partner’s second etc. until a match occurs or the entire rank order list is exhausted. Please note: The R3 System will only match you as a couple under this process. If it cannot match you as a couple, it will not try to match you as individuals. The coupling function is only done on the primary rank order lists of the two partners so any supplemental lists will be considered individually without regard for the coupling link.
Each partner of a couple will be billed $15.00. Additionally, for each program over 30 different unique program codes listed per each partner’s primary list, there is charge of $30.00 per additional program. For purposes of billing, even if the same unique program code number is used on one partner’s list more than one time in multiple combinations with different programs on the other partner’s list, it would count only as one code toward the 30 programs per list (no additional charge) limit.
Supplemental list fees per person are $30.00 per each unique program code over 30 programs ranked on all supplemental lists combined.
Please visit our website at www.nrmp.org under Residency Match and then click on the left menu on your applicant type and then on Couples to read further about the process.
I've received a few questions about the couples' match. Here is the information that the NRMP sends to applicants who inquire about it:
(Note the syntax mistakes are not mine :).)
Any two applicants may participate as a couple and may choose to link their individual rank order lists in the NRMP system so that corresponding pairs of programs may be considered together during the matching process.
Couples do not participate in a separate match. Each applicant register separately in the NRMP R3 System and then each partner must link themselves to the other partner in the “Update My Profile” Couples option, any time prior to entering their rank order lists. The rank order list function opens on January 15.
Programs consider, interview, and rank each applicant separately based on their individual merit or qualifications and not based on the fact that one is part of a couple in the Match. The NRMP does not indicate to the programs that applicants plan to enter their rank order lists as a couple.
Both applicants may rank the same or different specialties and programs. However, partners that rank the exact same program MAY possibly end up competing for the same positions in the program in this scenario.
Programs may be located at the same or different hospitals. The programs may be in any location preferred, such as the same city, neighboring cities, neighboring states or any other location of the applicants’ choice.
Prospective partners should determine early in their application process, as many acceptable locations of programs to apply to, so that they will have more workable combinations to rank (subject to interviews).
Couples have two unique options available to them in creating rank order lists:
· The same program of one partner may be ranked multiple times in combination with different programs of the other partner, increasing the possibility of one partner matching to a particularly desired program.
· After all combinations have been exhausted, one partner may also choose to go unmatched in order for the other to match to a program. The partner who is willing to go unmatched enters 999999999 opposite the corresponding program choices of the other partner. The partner who is unmatched will try to find a position through the “Scramble” for unfilled positions.
The R3 System tries to match your first choice and the partner’s first choice, your second and the partner’s second etc. until a match occurs or the entire rank order list is exhausted. Please note: The R3 System will only match you as a couple under this process. If it cannot match you as a couple, it will not try to match you as individuals. The coupling function is only done on the primary rank order lists of the two partners so any supplemental lists will be considered individually without regard for the coupling link.
Each partner of a couple will be billed $15.00. Additionally, for each program over 30 different unique program codes listed per each partner’s primary list, there is charge of $30.00 per additional program. For purposes of billing, even if the same unique program code number is used on one partner’s list more than one time in multiple combinations with different programs on the other partner’s list, it would count only as one code toward the 30 programs per list (no additional charge) limit.
Supplemental list fees per person are $30.00 per each unique program code over 30 programs ranked on all supplemental lists combined.
Please visit our website at www.nrmp.org under Residency Match and then click on the left menu on your applicant type and then on Couples to read further about the process.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Applying to Multiple Specialties
by Michelle A. Finkel MD, Insider Medical Admissions
Just a clarification for those medical students applying in multiple specialties: The program directors cannot see your ERAS Document Submission Form and will not be aware of the other programs to which you will be applying. I know this has been a question that has come up many times.
Contact me for ERAS and personal statement help.
Just a clarification for those medical students applying in multiple specialties: The program directors cannot see your ERAS Document Submission Form and will not be aware of the other programs to which you will be applying. I know this has been a question that has come up many times.
Contact me for ERAS and personal statement help.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
NRMP Program Director Survey
by Michelle A. Finkel MD, Insider Medical Admissions
The results of the 2010 NRMP Program Director Survey are out. (The last survey was done in 2008.) This document is tremendously helpful, documenting what percentage of residencies (separated by specialty) use specific factors (personal statement, perceived commitment to the field, etc.) in interviewing and matching applicants. You can use this evidence to make a strategic plan for your candidacy. (Warning: The PDF is large, and the download may take a while.)
Please contact me now for help with your residency application. You want to submit as early as possible.
The results of the 2010 NRMP Program Director Survey are out. (The last survey was done in 2008.) This document is tremendously helpful, documenting what percentage of residencies (separated by specialty) use specific factors (personal statement, perceived commitment to the field, etc.) in interviewing and matching applicants. You can use this evidence to make a strategic plan for your candidacy. (Warning: The PDF is large, and the download may take a while.)
Please contact me now for help with your residency application. You want to submit as early as possible.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Double Vision
by Michelle A. Finkel MD, Insider Medical Admissions
I've had a couple of clients this season tell me that they had other professional editors revise their personal statements but that they want me to do a re-edit because they need my expertise. Instead of double paying for a second look, please come to me directly. I do outstanding work and expedite your edits. Here is my testimonials page. The number and caliber of remarks about my work says it all!
I've had a couple of clients this season tell me that they had other professional editors revise their personal statements but that they want me to do a re-edit because they need my expertise. Instead of double paying for a second look, please come to me directly. I do outstanding work and expedite your edits. Here is my testimonials page. The number and caliber of remarks about my work says it all!
Monday, August 9, 2010
Why an Early ERAS Submission Will Help You
by Michelle A. Finkel MD, Insider Medical Admissions
When I was an Assistant Residency Director evaluating ERAS, I was impressed with residency applicants who submitted their materials early. I figured those were the people who were on-the-ball and would make reliable residents. Also, early in the season, when I had only a few applications to assess, I was able to spend extra time on each ERAS. Later in the season, when I was flooded with applications, I could only give each one its allotted time.
For those two reasons, I strong recommend submitting your ERAS on September 1. Please contact me now so that you can achieve that goal.
When I was an Assistant Residency Director evaluating ERAS, I was impressed with residency applicants who submitted their materials early. I figured those were the people who were on-the-ball and would make reliable residents. Also, early in the season, when I had only a few applications to assess, I was able to spend extra time on each ERAS. Later in the season, when I was flooded with applications, I could only give each one its allotted time.
For those two reasons, I strong recommend submitting your ERAS on September 1. Please contact me now so that you can achieve that goal.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Secondary Essays
by Michelle A. Finkel MD, Insider Medical Admissions
I've received several emails asking how to best answer the secondary essay question, "Why do you want to attend our school?"
Medical schools want to be assured that you know their institution, are seriously considering it and will fit in well there. I recommend doing your research on the school and linking something specific about you with the institution.
For example, if you tutored high school students in math, you might link your use of the Socratic method with the school's tutorial-based learning. In that way, you demonstrate a knowledge of the school, show that you connect with it and showcase an accomplishment.
Contact me for secondary essay help.
I've received several emails asking how to best answer the secondary essay question, "Why do you want to attend our school?"
Medical schools want to be assured that you know their institution, are seriously considering it and will fit in well there. I recommend doing your research on the school and linking something specific about you with the institution.
For example, if you tutored high school students in math, you might link your use of the Socratic method with the school's tutorial-based learning. In that way, you demonstrate a knowledge of the school, show that you connect with it and showcase an accomplishment.
Contact me for secondary essay help.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
IMG Observership Letters of Recommendation
IMGs, be aware that working in a physician's office getting hands-on experience may be viewed as illegal. The Medical Board of California July newsletter has an interesting article on page five warning physicians that allowing IMGs to work in offices treating patients is "only lawful if the scope of the work is no more than a medical assistant would perform."
The article goes on to focus on letters of recommendation for residency written by physicians who work with IMGs. "While the Board understands the desire to assist the international graduate, letters written by physicians that indicate they have allowed the unlicensed international graduate to perform examinations and assist with patient care activities in their offices can result in a charge of aiding and abetting the unlicensed practice of medicine."
The article never explicitly defines a "medical assistant" but refers to the fact that this role only requires a high school diploma.
The article goes on to focus on letters of recommendation for residency written by physicians who work with IMGs. "While the Board understands the desire to assist the international graduate, letters written by physicians that indicate they have allowed the unlicensed international graduate to perform examinations and assist with patient care activities in their offices can result in a charge of aiding and abetting the unlicensed practice of medicine."
The article never explicitly defines a "medical assistant" but refers to the fact that this role only requires a high school diploma.
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