2012 Personal Statement Workshop

1. 2012 Personal Statement Workshop

2. From YouTube http://youtu.be/7DkvsJqWco8

3. What is a Personal Statement? A movie trailer about you! Your chance to be unique. Required item for your ERAS file. A story about the journey that brought you to where you are now. Succinct statement of career goals that reflects personality and style.

4. Dr. William Burke, OU-HCOM ‘88, Doctors Hospital “It’s the whole package together, but the Personal Statement is one opportunity to show something that might be unique about an applicant’s background and values, and help to differentiate candidates. This process is super competitive, and the Personal Statement can help you stand out.”

5. Dr. Eric Mast, OU-HCOM ‘93, Firelands “This is not the most critical process of your residency search, although some Personal Statements have been very powerful. The Personal Statement is one piece of the puzzle.”

6. Break Into Groups With a partner or partners, read your Personal Statement out loud. No comments at this time…think them, but don’t say them.

7. PERSONAL STATEMENT CONTENT

8. What got you interested in your particular specialty? Every candidate has a unique story. Why did you decide you wanted to go into family medicine, pediatrics, surgery, etc.? Summarize or describe an event that occurred. Clinical activities, research or special projects that solidified your interest. Let the reader see your commitment to your specialty and profession.

9. Describe your personal characteristics that make you suited for your specialty. • Was there a particular incident that helped your decision (rotation, volunteer experience, life event, etc.)? • Find a compelling angle to set yourself apart from others with similar backgrounds and credentials.

10. Use anecdotes to illustrate your story and bring out your unique experiences and perspectives. • Make your choice unambiguous and your commitment undeniable.

11. What strengths would you bring to OUR program? Could use self-assessment results from Careers in Medicine to describe the attributes that you bring to the program and specialty. Comments about determination, hard work, intellect, values and special skills will catch the reader’s attention. Which of your unique qualities will make your # 1 residency program rank you as their #1 choice?

12. Use transferrable skills. • Think of things such as detail-oriented, computer skills, communication and general “people” skills. • Talk about leadership positions you’ve had. What separates you from the masses? • Can you also be a team player?

13. Why do you want to join OUR program? Go beyond, “I just want to get a residency!” Give examples you have from similar rotations. You can write a Personal Statement for a specific program. Tell them that you’re looking for a program that will allow you to……..

14. Other Questions to Consider What do you intend to take away from or gain from this program? What are your future plans (5 years, 10 years, etc.)? What are your strengths and weaknesses (remember to turn weaknesses into strengths)?

15. Break Into Groups • Look over your partner’s Personal Statement. Has he/she answered the important questions we just discussed? • What should be added? • Removed? • How do you feel after you’ve read your partner’s Personal Statement?

16. Personal Statement Tips • ONE page in length, about 500-600 words. • Should include : • Introduction • Body – 3 paragraphs with a topic sentence for each paragraph • Conclusion

17. Perfect Grammar and Spelling • All things being equal, it would be very easy to eliminate someone for minor spelling and grammar errors. • Avoid abbreviations. • Avoid repetitive sentence structure. • Spell check, grammar check, use a thesaurus or whatever it takes. This is how program directors determine how articulate a particular candidate is. It does NOT reflect well if there are significant errors.

18. Ask for Help Enlist help from someone who can be brutal (should be someone who knows you well). Often it is easier for others to see your strengths. Would not recommend paying someone…no one else can write your personal story.

19. Random Tips Read your Personal Statement and CV right before your interview. Be succinct, but provide reader with an idea of who you are and where you are going. Give yourself adequate time to prepare a well-written statement. Make a first draft, and take time to figure out what you want to write about.

20. Read your Personal Statement aloud to make sure it flows and makes sense. Keep your purpose in mind…land the interview, don’t detail every aspect of your training. This is in ADDITION to your CV and application.

21. And a Few Things NOTto Do Don’t rehash why you came to medical school or summarize your CV. Don’t overemphasize a particular location. It is much more important to find a program that meets the needs of the individual. Don’t play the crowd or try to suck up. Don’t ever plagiarize.

22. Don’t retell your entire life or story Don’t include taboo topics Don’t waste space in your Personal Statement by repeating information available on your application. Don’t be depressing. Don’t use big words just to impress.

23. Break Into Groups • Check the details. • Is everything included? • Is everything perfect? • Do you remember the stories? • Offer constructive thoughts for improvement to your partner.

24. Final Words of Wisdom “All program directors have different experience and background, so we’re looking for different things. To me and my program, writing ability is important.” – Burke You never know how you’ll press someone’s buttons. Be straight forward and be who you are.” – Mast

25. Questions?