Strolling Through the Match CLASS OF 2019 March

Strolling Through the Match CLASS OF 2019 March 22, 2018

2018 Match and USMLE Summary

A Word on Outside Rotations • If you plan to do an outside elective just a few things to remember: • Go the extra mile to impress! • WORK HARD • Go to all lectures even if not mandatory • Go to all functions if possible • Volunteer to help—with everything • Smile! • Be nice to everyone!!!!!!! • Residents actually have a strong say and “veto” power. If they feel you are not working hard they will let the attending's know • Secretary may hold your fate • Janitorial—you never know

Application and Match Services

SFMatch • Sfmatch: Match site for ophthalmology and plastic surgery • https: //www. sfmatch. org/

AUA • AUA: American Urological Association match • http: //www. auanet. org/education/auauniversity/residents/residency/urologyand-specialty-matches • Match day this year was Jan 18, 2018

ERAS • ERAS: This is where you will actually put in your application • https: //www. aamc. org/services/eras/

ERAS

Choosing a Faculty advisor https: //medicine. llu. edu/academics/medical-studenteducation/medicine-specialty-advising/specialties

ERAS: Documents

Application Photo • It is recommended to attach a professional looking photo • Passport type picture • Professional dress • Smile

MSPE: Medical Student Performance Evaluation • Final Letter submitted October 1 st with your application • Deans letter survey to go out soon • We will ask you to submit 3 characteristics • • That set you apart from others That really want prospective residency programs to know about you That you are proud of That you have shown exceptional accomplishment in

MSPE: Medical Student Performance Evaluation • AKA: Deans Letter • Final Letter submitted October 1 st with your application • Deans letter survey to go out soon • We will ask you to submit 3 characteristics • • That set you apart from others That really want prospective residency programs to know about you That you are proud of That you have shown exceptional accomplishment in

Letters of Recommendation (LORs) • LORs are IMPORTANT! • Ask faculty member in person if at all possible • Ask early on and then remind when getting closer • Try to have all of your LORs ready by September 1 st but Oct 1 st you should definitely have everything submitted • Try and communicate first with the faculty’s assistant first • If you have any issues getting a LOR before the application the Dean’s office will help you • Best to try and get LORs from faculty in the specialty that you want to go into • 3 LORs required, nice to have an “extra”

Letters of Recommendation (LORs) • Ensure that the person you ask will be able to write a good letter, if unsure then best not to ask (Did they make comments during your time on service? Did you spend enough time? Did they try to recruit you during the rotation? ) • If you are a visiting student asking for a letter from that facility you should feel confident that you nailed that rotation before asking! • Of note we cannot view your LORs in the Deans Office • New for this year: Prelim program now require a chair of medicine letter. There will be a cutoff date for the upcoming class

Letters of Recommendation (LORs) • The highest valued LORs: • • Chair of the department Chief of a division Program Director Professor>associate professor>assistant professor • A very strong letter from an assistant professor is better than a mediocre letter from a chair/professor • Make sure you know the actual title of the person you ask a LOR from

Letters of Recommendation (LORs)

Personal Statement • • Please start working on your personal statement early on Multiple revisions are typically needed Ask specialty mentor to review Deans office is here to help review as well • • Dr. Kim Dr. Codorniz Dr. Wongworawat Dr. Shankel • https: //www. acponline. org/membership/medical-students/acpimpact/archive/october-2011/ask-the-program-director-personalstatements

Personal Statement • DO: • • Give a brief overview of yourself and what brought you where you are today Tell a personal medical story that has helped to shape you (specialty specific) Be positive Be humble Keep it short but efficient in getting your point across Concisely find a way to show you would be an asset to the program Find your brand! Show you are reliable • DONT • Use Slang • Get bogged down in too much personal information • Lie! • Plagiarize! • Use bad grammar • Make them fall asleep—you have about 30 seconds to capture their interest, make it count! • Dr. Shankel Pearls

USMLE

Transcripts • Requested through registrars office

Certify

NRMP • NRMP: • http: //www. nrmp. org/

How Many Programs Should I Apply to?

How Many Programs Should I Apply to? • https: //students-residents. aamc. org/applying-residency/article/apply -smart-data-consider/

How Many Programs Should I Apply to? • Step 2 has become even more important now • Complete this early as could prevent getting an interview

Interviews Be yourself Dress professional Smile at everyone! Same as outside rotations, be nice to EVERYONE! Throw your phone away for the day The Deans Office will offer an interview workshop for those that want extra practice (not mandatory) • Deans office faculty can also provide extra help on an individual basis (by appointment) • • •

• Do your research. Every medical school structures their interview process differently. Find out ahead of time if the school conducts standard one-on-one interviews, a multiple mini interview (MMI), or a combination. You can find this information by signing into the Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR) under “Selection Factors, ” or by searching the school’s website. • Don’t be caught off guard by not knowing your schedule for the day, such as when you’re touring the campus, eating lunch, and any other interview day activities. • Do practice answering questions. Set up mock interviews with an advisor, mentor, or even a friend so you can get used to responding to questions and talking about yourself confidently. Remember, body language is important! • Don’t memorize scripted responses. You may sound inauthentic and are more likely to be thrown off by unanticipated questions. • Do revisit your primary and secondary applications since you may get asked specific questions about the information or responses you provided. • Don’t only repeat information you’ve already conveyed. Be sure to expand on your experiences and what you’ve learned from them. • Do dress professionally. This means a neutral colored suit or dress without any distracting accessories. • Don’t wear strong perfume or uncomfortable shoes, as you will likely be doing a lot of walking. • Do be friendly to everyone and smile. You should be “on” from the moment you arrive on campus; anyone from staff at the front desk to student tour guides may report any unprofessional behavior or comments. • Don’t walk through campus with your head down. Be mindful of having your phone out or on while on campus, even during downtime, as it’s important to be present and engaged. • Do be prepared to answer why you want to attend this school. Make sure you are familiar with the school’s mission statement, areas of focus, and any unique characteristics so you can reference why the school is a good fit for you and your goals. • Don’t assume that all of your interviews will be the same. Interviewers have different styles and will likely take different approaches to find out more about you. • Do ask questions. The interview is one of the best times to gather more information about a specific medical school, to help reinforce your interest in that school, and make decisions about where you would like to matriculate. Brainstorm ideas for questions to have ready when asked! • Don’t ask questions that can easily be answered on the school’s website or in materials that have already been provided. • Remember, when you get invited to interview, be confident since you’ve already impressed the medical school with your application. This is the time to show who you are and what makes you unique. See the AAMC’s website for more tips and information about interviewing, and visit the AAMC’s Aspiring Docs Diaries blog to read more about interviews from the student perspectives.

Interviews • https: //students-residents. aamc. org/applying-medicalschool/applying-medical-school-process/medical-school-interviews/

Parallel Plan • We urge you all to seek out your ‘plan A’ with all your might! If it is your dream to do a certain specialty then give it all you got! • Having a parallel should be considered by everyone but especially for those that are applying to more competitive specialities • It will usually involve a less competitive specialty • Have a parallel plan personal statement and LORs • Try to front load all of your ‘plan A’ interviews and do ‘plan B’ after

QUESTIONS?