Category Archive: How to match in….?

Spotlight Interview: How to Match in Urology (OSU Resident)

A Urology Resident’s Perspective:  From an interview with a urology resident from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio

Part of an interview series entitled, “Specialty Spotlights“, which asks medical students’ most burning questions to physicians of every specialty.  See what doctors from every specialty had to say about why they chose their specialty and how to match in their residency.

 

  • How competitive is the Urology match?

Urology is one of the more competitive fields.  I think it’s similar to neurosurgery and ENT.  More competetive than general surgery but probably not as competetive as ortho, plastics, or dermatology.

 

  •  What must a student do to match well in Urology?

The usual stuff like high board scores, honors in your clinical clerkships, and AOA are very common amongst the residents matching in urology. Lacking in one or more of these areas, though, is not a deal breaker.  If you can show programs that you are passionate about field and a hard worker then you still have chance of matching.  This is done with good letters, research in the field, and possibly away rotations (as long as you impress on the away rotation).

 

  • What are residencies looking for in a Urology applicant?
They are looking for someone who is smart, hard-working, and passionate about urology.   Urology used to have a reputation of being an “all male” club, but that is definitely not the case anymore.  Many females are now going into urology.   Many programs seem to have a lot of residents that are regional, but this may be just due to them receiving more applications from regional medical schools.  This also may be due to the fact that faculty will know regional faculty members better and so letters of recommendations from these faculty members may be more meaningful.

 

  • What should students look for in a Urology residency?

In general, most people feel that all urology residency programs are going to give you adequate training.  There are some programs that are 6 years versus 5 years.  The 6 year programs either have an additional year of general surgery (so 2 years altogether) or else a year of research.  If you dread doing an extra year of general surgery or research then this is something to consider.  Because it is competetive and there are not a million programs, you do have to be willing to go to programs or cities that you maybe would not consider if you were applying to a less competitive residency.  I think most urology applicants have the “I’m just happy I matched” attitude.

 

  • Do you have any advice on the application, letters of recommendation, personal statements, or how to rank programs?

With the early match, you have to start early.  Unlike other fields, many urology applicants are trying to squeeze in urology rotations and letters out of end of 3rd year and early 4th year.  Make sure you schedule away rotations early, because some fill up, especially in the Summer and early Fall.  At the beginnning of each away rotation let the chair know that you intend to get a letter of recommendation.  It may actually look bad if you do an away roatation and do not get a letter of recommendation out of it.  You do not necessarily have to send the same letters and other information to every program.  I think you are allowed 3-4 letters in your official application, but you can have different letters available to different programs.  So for instance if you have a letter from a former resident at a program, make sure to include that letter to that program.  There are also tricks to get extra letters sent directly to the program if you think that would be beneficial.  Do not hesitate to mail updated CV’s or research information after the application has been sent out directly to programs.  It gives them more information about you and also shows some extra dedication and interest in their program.  I would rank as many programs as you interview with, unless you truly would rather not match than go to a certain program.

 

  • What do you wish you knew before application/interview season?  

I wish I knew what I was getting into.  Letters, applications, interviews, traveling…there is no way to understand the best way to do it until you actually do it.  Good Luck.

 

  • What other advice do you have for students applying to Urology residency?

Bring it!

 

Editor's Note: Applying for residency or preparing for your interviews? I highly recommend First Aid for the Match, The Successful Match: 200 Rules to Succeed in the Residency Match, and The Residency Interview: How To Make the Best Possible Impression .


 

Spotlight Interview: How to Match in Family Medicine (Oregon Resident)

A Family Medicine Resident’s Perspective:  From an interview with a family medicine resident at the Oregon Health Science University Hospital in Portland, Oregon.

Part of an interview series entitled, “Specialty Spotlights“, which asks medical students’ most burning questions to physicians of every specialty.  See what doctors from every specialty had to say about why they chose their specialty and how to match in their residency.

 

  • How competitive is the Family Medicine match?

Family medicine is not very competitive. I was offered interviews at every school I applied. I ended up turning down many of the interviews I received. I interviewed at 11 residencies and got my first choice.

 

  •  What must a student do to match well in Family Medicine?

The usual stuff, good board scores, good clerkship grades, some research. Interviewing well may be even more important in FP because the specialty is so focused on personal relationships. Networking can be helpful as well, so you should try to get to know people early.

 

  • What are residencies looking for in a Family Medicine applicant?
I really think they are looking for just two things: 1- competency: they need to know you can do the work, w- personality fit: they are going to be working with you for 3+ years, they need to know you will fit in.

 

  • What should students look for in a Family Medicine residency?

A program that is interested in allowing you to be sane and healthy.

 

  • Do you have any advice on the application, letters of recommendation, personal statements, or how to rank programs?

Most people rank according to geography and then dive into specifics. Family medicine residencies are very different from one another, even more so that other specialties. For instance, at one program where I interviewed, the interns do 5 months of surgery their first year! That is kind of weird.  Because the field is so broad (peds, surgery, OB/GYN, hospital, outpatient) there is a great diversity in training programs.

 

  • What do you wish you knew before application/interview season?  

The Northwest is probably the best place to do family medicine. Lots of space, lots of prestige for family medicine residents and a great place to live.

 

  • What other advice do you have for students applying to Family Medicine residency?

Feel out the resident “culture” as much as possible, it wil have a significant effect on your health.  

 

Editor's Note: Applying for residency or preparing for your interviews? I highly recommend First Aid for the Match, The Successful Match: 200 Rules to Succeed in the Residency Match, and The Residency Interview: How To Make the Best Possible Impression .


 

Spotlight Interview: Matching in OB/GYN

 

An OB/GYN Resident’s Perspective:  From an interview with an obstetrics and gynecology resident at Banner Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona.

Part of an interview series entitled, “Specialty Spotlights“, which asks medical students’ most burning questions to physicians of every specialty.  See what doctors from every specialty had to say about why they chose their specialty and how to match in their residency.

 

  • How competitive is the OB/GYN match?

The overall competitiveness of OB/GYN is about average. The average board score for Step 1 is usually in the low to mid 220s. There are many more female applicants than male applicants right now.

 

  •  What must a student do to match well in OB/GYN?

Audition rotations in programs you are interested in can be very helpful but you have to impress people during the rotation. It is very easy to do a rotation and just coast through it.  They are called audition rotations for a reason.  Do well on Step 1, show improvement on Step 2 if needed and get letters of recommendation from people who really know you, not just big names

 

  • What are residencies looking for in an OB/GYN applicant?
Programs are looking for someone who is motivated, works hard and helps those around them.  Intelligence is obviously important but strong work ethic goes much farther.

 

  • What should students look for in an OB/GYN residency?

Look for a program where the residents are happy.  Well trained and well taken-care-of residents are happy residents and it is obvious on interview day which residents are happy.  It is important to note not just what the residents tell you but how they say it.  Every one of them will say they are happy and pleased with the program but it is easy to see those that are truly happy.

Editor’s Note: I remember a number of resident’s giving me similar advice throughout medical school. I must admit, I was skeptical. Anyone can fake it during an interview day, right? How can I learn in residents are happy during an 8 hour interview? The reason everyone will keep telling you to pay attention to this is because it is ABSOLUTELY tangible if the residents are happy or not. If you are paying attention, there is no way they can fool you. Happy residents are excited to see each other, they speak to their attendings when they see them and have ongoing friendships with them, they have lives outside of work, they don’t have to think long about why they love their program, they are quick to explain what features of their program set it apart. You may not think this is a big deal now, but I assure you that the temperament of a residency program will make or break the next 3-7 years of your life.

 

  • Do you have any advice on the application, letters of recommendation, personal statements, or how to rank programs?

Get letters from doctors who know you well, not just big names. As a fact, personal statements are cheesy but try to minimize cliché terms. Rank programs on gut feel taking all things into consideration.

 

  • What do you wish you knew before application/interview season?  

I prepared well. Just read as much as you can about the match and be prepared to ask questions during your interviews.

 

  • What other advice do you have for students applying to OB/GYN residency?

Do what you enjoy, you’ll be training in this specialty and working in it for the next 35 years so make sure you like what you do and the type of people you’ll be working with.

 

Editor's Note: Applying for residency or preparing for your interviews? I highly recommend First Aid for the Match, The Successful Match: 200 Rules to Succeed in the Residency Match, and The Residency Interview: How To Make the Best Possible Impression .


 

Spotlight Interview: Matching in General Surgery

 

A General Surgery Resident’s Perspective:  From an interview with a general surgery resident at Orlando Health in Orlando, FL

Part of an interview series entitled, “Specialty Spotlights“, which asks medical students’ most burning questions to physicians of every specialty.  See what doctors from every specialty had to say about why they chose their specialty and how to match in their residency.

 

  • How competitive is the general surgery match?

Moderately difficult. The average USMLE Step 1 score is usually in the high 220s, but higher for the sought after programs.

 

  •  What must a student do to match well in general surgery?

Your USMLE Step 1 score is the most important factor. Letters of Recommendation are very impotant and some should come from surgeons you have worked closely with. If you are interested in a research institution then research publications and presentations are very important.

 

  • What are residencies looking for in a general surgery applicant?
They are looking for someone who is Intelligent; they use Step 1 scores to establish this. They are also looking for someone who is passionate and hard-working; they can learn this through the activities you list and from the things mentioned in your letters of recommendation. It is important to be easy to work with, you can show this to programs during your interview.

 

  • What should students look for in a general surgery residency?

From a training standpoint, I think that surgical simulation experiences and structured education lectures/curriculum are something that every applicant has to be aware of. These experience are paramount in your surgical training. As you probably know, operative experience volume and variety is one of the most important factors (i.e. how many mastectomy vs whipple cases). You should know these statistics about each of your programs of interest.

 

  • Do you have any advice on the application, letters of recommendation, personal statements, or how to rank programs?

Letters of recommendation should be from faculty that can speak to your strengths in clinical decision-making and surgical skills. Personal statements should not be about how you always wanted to be a surgeon, but why you decided to be a surgeon. Rank programs that provide you with a high operative experience and well-defined simulation/education curriculum

 

  • What do you wish you knew before application/interview season?  

Be sure to prepare your  letters of recommendation early. Plan to interview at about 10-15 programs. If you plan to interview at highly competitive programs, you might need to plan on a bit more interviews.

Editor’s Note: I 100% agree with preparing your LOR early.  Many of the attendings are extremely busy and 1 month notice may not be enough. Start asking at the end of your third year if you find individuals who could write great letters.

 

  • What other advice do you have for students applying to general surgery residency?

The best advice I ever received about deciding to do general surgery was “If you can’t do anything but general surgery and be happy as a physician then you should do surgery. Otherwise do the other specialty”. General surgery is a much more family-friendly specialty than it used to be. The egos and personalities that used to predominate the specialty are gone, surgeons are expected to be calm and mild-mannered today and exist well with their non-surgical counterparts. The best part of being a surgeon is being able to diagnose and treat the problems our patients face. When all other options fail and other specialties are uncertain what to do they will consult a surgeon to help, so you will be the go-to person where-ever you practice

 

Editor's Note: Applying for residency or preparing for your interviews? I highly recommend First Aid for the Match, The Successful Match: 200 Rules to Succeed in the Residency Match, and The Residency Interview: How To Make the Best Possible Impression .


 

Spotlight Interview: Matching in Psychiatry

 A Psychiatry Resident’s Perspective:  From an interview with Dr. Frazier a psychiatry resident at UC Irvine Medical Center in Irvine, California

Part of an interview series entitled, “Specialty Spotlights“, which asks medical students’ most burning questions to physicians of every specialty.  See what doctors from every specialty had to say about why they chose their specialty and how to match in their residency.

 

  • How competitive is the psychiatry match?

Overall, it is not a very competitive specialty.

 

  •  What must a student do to match well in psychiatry?

Mainly, you must show interest in the field. Let people know you’re interested when you’re in your rotation. Doing some research also helps you know if you like the field. Research may also help to get a good letter from someone at your university.

 

  • What are residencies looking for in a psychiatry applicant?
Solid letters of recommendation, a good personality (more important here than in many other specialties), to a lesser extent good board scores (not as important, but they will definitely help you!)

 

  • What should students look for in a psychiatry residency?

Look for a program that trains physicians in what you want to do. Are you interested in research? Choose a program that supports that. Are you interested in clinical work? Choose one that focuses more on that. Also, make sure you get along with the residents. I recommend an away rotation to your top school(s) if you can.

 

  • Do you have any advice on the application, letters of recommendation, personal statements, or how to rank programs?

Identify your letter writers early on. A few from psychiatry, one from medicine, one from family medicine or something else. For ranking, just choose the place that you want the most. Don’t try to game the system!

 

  • What do you wish you knew before application/interview season?  

Interviews are generally very laid back. Still prepare, but don’t stress them too much. Have a few questions for the interviewers.

 

  • What other advice do you have for students applying to psychiatry residency?

Again, identify letter writers early. They mean a lot for residency in general, but maybe even more for psychiatry. Other than that, enjoy your career!

 

Editor's Note: Applying for residency or preparing for your interviews? I highly recommend First Aid for the Match, The Successful Match: 200 Rules to Succeed in the Residency Match, and The Residency Interview: How To Make the Best Possible Impression .


 

Spotlight Interview: Matching in Family Medicine (Ohio Resident)


 
A Family Medicine Resident’s Perspective:

From an interview with a family medicine resident from Columbus, OH

Part of an interview series entitled, "Specialty Spotlights", which asks medical students' most burning questions to physicians of every specialty.  See what doctors from every specialty had to say about why they chose their specialty and how to match in their residency.

 

  • How competitive is the family medicine match?

Not so much.  If you want to go out West you'll need a higher score on USMLE Step 1, but matching in Family Medicine is much less stressful than some fields.  It's more focused on determing where you fit well in terms of residency.

 

  • What are residencies looking for in a family medicine applicant?
Good work ethic, intelligence, compassion, and passion for the field they've chosen.

 

  • What do you wish you knew before application/interview season?  

Family Medicine interviews are more like wining and dining.  Residency programs have one real goal, and that is to figure out if you would be a good fit for their program.  With this in mind, the best thing you can do is be yourself.  Wherever you interview, ask yourself, "Would I be happy living here and working with these people for the next three years?"

 

  • What should students look for in a family medicine residency?

It depends on if you know what type of Family Physician you want to be.  If you want to practice OB when you're finished with residency you should find a program that emphasizes OB/GYN training.  If you want to work in a rural area than a rural FM residency would likely be a good fit because that's where you'd be most likely to be "the only doc in town."  Location is a very important consideration and should not be discounted either.  You need to find a place where you will be happy living.

 

  • What other advice do you have for students applying to family medicine residency?

Be excited.  Family Medicine is a great field that will provide you with incredibly rewarding experiences on an almost daily basis.  You will also be able to make a very respectable living and have a great lifestyle.  What more could you ask for?

 

 

 

Editor's Note: Applying for residency or preparing for your interviews? I highly recommend First Aid for the MatchThe Successful Match: 200 Rules to Succeed in the Residency Match, and The Residency Interview: How To Make the Best Possible Impression .


 

Spotlight Interview: Matching in Radiology

From Hartford Hospital

 
 
A Radiology Resident’s Perspective:

From an interview with an radiology resident from New York City, NY

Part of an interview series entitled, “Specialty Spotlights“, which asks medical students’ most burning questions to physicians of every specialty.  See what doctors from every specialty had to say about why they chose their specialty and how to match in their residency.

 

  • How competitive is the radiology match?

Last year (2011) it wasn’t even specified as “competitive” by the NRMP. However, in general, radiology is a popular choice. I considered myself a consistent but average medical student, and had no trouble getting plenty of interviews. Be realistic with your choices, and don’t think about of the cost of your application. If you are feeling insecure, cast a wide net and spend some time asking yourself what really matters in a program.

 

  • What are residencies looking for in a radiology applicant?
Well first of all, board scores. It is the first screen they put all candidates through. But you were already going to do your best, weren’t you? Once you have the interview, just try to be amiable and show good communication skills. Don’t be too forward, arrogant, or serious. This is all opinion but I don’t think your potential as a radiologist can be divined by an interview. They are just looking for someone they wouldn’t mind sharing space with for 4 years! Try to relax and enjoy it.

 

  • What do you wish you knew before application/interview season?  

If you know you are going to rank a place at the bottom of 10 or more programs, consider cancelling your interview.

 

  • What should students look for in a radiology residency?

I will only mention what is most important: Find the residents, talk to all of them, and ask yourself if you would enjoy seeing them every day. Sure, the upper levels will be gone by the time you get there, but the environment you see will not be much different.

 

  • What other advice do you have for students applying to radiology residency?

You have made the right choice. You will match. Anyone who says anything different (e.g. co-interviewees) knows nothing about it and is probably just trying to get inside your head for petty reasons. Don’t let them succeed… spend your time talking with positive, supportive friends and family. Use advisors. If yours is unhelpful or cannot answer your questions, find an ‘unofficial advisor’ who can cheer you on. They need not be radiologists. They should not be hard to find, the good ones are usually very involved with students.

 

Editor's Note: Applying for residency or preparing for your interviews? I highly recommend First Aid for the Match, The Successful Match: 200 Rules to Succeed in the Residency Match, and The Residency Interview: How To Make the Best Possible Impression .


 

Spotlight Interview: Matching in Ophthalmology (Hopkins Resident)

 
An Ophthalmology Resident’s Perspective:

From an interview with an ophthalmology resident at Johns Hopkins University

Part of an interview series entitled, “Specialty Spotlights“, which asks medical students’ most burning questions to physicians of every specialty.  See what doctors from every specialty had to say about why they chose their specialty and how to match in their residency.

 

  • How competitive is the ophthalmology match?

Ophthalmology is pretty competitive. It is not as bad as plastic surgery, but it is one of the most difficult matches right now.

 

  • What are residencies looking for in a ophthalmology applicant?
The top programs are all academic institutions, so a good research foundation definitely helps. The field is small and well informed, they like to see early and/or definite commitment to the field.

 

  • What do you wish you knew before application/interview season?  

I did not know about the postings on studentdoctor network. If you go online to the studentdoctor network website during interview season you will see that there is a place where people post interview dates and times as soon as they get them.  There is usually also a calendar with all the interview dates listed.  If you can not find a calendar, make your own.  Often you will get interview invites and if you respond in more than a couple hours there are no more interview spots left. Check email every 3 minutes, you just have to do it. Respond to interview invitations within minutes of receiving email.

EDITOR’S NOTE:  I cannot agree more with this advice.  Click here to go to the main SDN ophthalmology page. Click here to see the link to the ophthalmology interview thread from 2011.

 

  • What should students look for in a ophthalmology residency?

You will have to decide for yourself what options you prefer, but here are some of the most important questions when evaluating a program because they represent major differences and distinctions: location, small vs. large program (i.e. 3 residents per year vs. 8 per year), front loaded work and call vs. evenly distributed, home vs. in-house call, research faculty/area/time devotion/expectations, strength and notoriety of the faculty, training style (autonomy vs. faculty guidance), facility and equipment (new slit lamps? teaching scopes? etc), is there a VA, is the VA hours away or in another state, is the VA clinic resident run.  In my opinion, a strong resident run VA clinic is a must.

 

  • What other advice do you have for students applying to ophthalmology residency?

It’s early match so somehow you need to try out the rotation and decide early.  Once make a decision, you need to starting getting your application packet together early. Remember, they want to know that you are committed, this is hard to do because your application is due near the beginning of your 4th year.

 

Editor's Note: Applying for residency or preparing for your interviews? I highly recommend First Aid for the Match, The Successful Match: 200 Rules to Succeed in the Residency Match, and The Residency Interview: How To Make the Best Possible Impression .


 

Spotlight Interview: Matching in Ophthalmology (OSU Resident)

An Ophthalmology Resident’s Perspective:

From an interview with an ophthalmology resident at The Ohio State University

Part of an interview series entitled, “Specialty Spotlights“, which asks medical students’ most burning questions to physicians of every specialty.  See what doctors from every specialty had to say about why they chose their specialty and how to match in their residency.

 

  • How competitive is the ophthalmology match?

Extremely competitive.  For foreign medical graduates (FMG) and second time applicants, chances of match are very slim. The overall match rate for ophthalmology is about 75%.

 

  • What are residencies looking for in a ophthalmology applicant?
They are looking for genuine interest in the field of ophthalmology demonstrated by rotation evaluations, Ophthalmology research, volunteering etc, and a highly competitive applicant. Outstanding applicants with high board scores and numerous class honors do not necessarily have to have as much ophthalmology related extracurricular involvement or research. However, if you are not a stellar applicant, early and evident interest is very important.

 

  • What do you wish you knew before application/interview season?  

I wish I knew which programs I was realistically competitive for. Other than the top 15-20 programs it is difficult to know where a program ranks and how good they are or aren’t without interviewing there.  Ask people who recently applied or find a faculty member who is willing to discuss these types of things.

 

  • What should students look for in a ophthalmology residency?

One of the most important things for me was finding attendings who enjoy teaching and enjoy resident interaction. A program that will help put you in a position to match in your desired fellowship is also very important. Learning about a residency’s job and fellowship placement is very important. Clinical and surgical experience, above all, are something that you must weigh. Surgical numbers should be above the national averages and especially above the minimum required amount.

 

  • What other advice do you have for students applying to ophthalmology residency?

Academic ophthalmology is a small world. A great letter from a prominent ophthalmologist is invaluable.

 

Editor's Note: Applying for residency or preparing for your interviews? I highly recommend First Aid for the Match, The Successful Match: 200 Rules to Succeed in the Residency Match, and The Residency Interview: How To Make the Best Possible Impression .


 

Spotlight Interview: Matching in Neurology

A Neurology Attending’s Perspective:

From an interview with a neurology attending at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Part of an interview series entitled, “Specialty Spotlights“, which asks medical students’ most burning questions to physicians of every specialty.  See what doctors from every specialty had to say about why they chose their specialty and how to match in their residency.

 

  • How competitive is the neurology match?

Fairly competitive for the top programs, but there are enough good programs that most good students should match well.  Average programs and lower tend to fill with foreign medical graduates, so overall the competition is probably below average.

 

  • What are residencies looking for in a neurology applicant?
Despite the reputation for being a less-competitive match, Neuro residents literally have patients lives put in their hands fairly frequently, and often when nobody else in the hospital has a clue what to do.  Thus, it is imperative that the residents be extremely responsible and capable of learning how to handle things like acute stroke, status epilepticus, and other neurological crises.  Oftentimes other physicians will completely miss the diagnosis and it is YOUR job to save the person’s life.  A potential resident must be able to handle that.

 

  • What do you wish you knew before application/interview season?  

Even though it is less-competitive overall, it IS competitive for the top programs, so don’t be cocky.  And remember—ALL residencies just want someone who really, really REALLY wants to learn and take care of patients.

 

  • What should students look for in a neurology residency?

There MUST be an ICU experience of some sort, where you take care of neurological emergencies.  There must be a mix of strong outpatient clinics,neurological consults, and inpatient neurology.  I cannot imagine how you can become a neurologist in a place that only does consults, and not have your own patients.

 

  • What other advice do you have for students applying to neurology residency?

To be completely honest, a lot of people make fun of neurology…right up until the point that they need you.  And you know what?  Everybody always eventually needs you.  Then they call you and are scared to death and you walk in like a hotshot and have all the answers.  Patient’s seizing?  Big deal.  Acute stroke?  tPA and let’s go.  Mental status changes in a 85 y/o demented man with sepsis?  Uh… sure, I’ll do that consult ( in like 3 MINUTES!!)   Unexplained progressive weakness?  Oh yeah, this is the fun part.

Neuro’s awesome.

 

Editor's Note: Applying for residency or preparing for your interviews? I highly recommend First Aid for the Match, The Successful Match: 200 Rules to Succeed in the Residency Match, and The Residency Interview: How To Make the Best Possible Impression .


 

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