Residency Application and Interviews

1. Residency Application and Interviews

2. Match Day • Thursday, March 18, 2010

3. Preparation • Know thyself • Strengths • Weaknesses • Goals/objectives • Maximize options

4. Preparation • Know how the Match/residency interviewing process works • Consult references • AOA/Student Affairs materials/website • AAMC website/publication • Student Affairs Office • Residency Directors • Residents • NBME website • Recent graduates

5. Preparation • Choosing your specialty • Okay to be down to 2 choices • Keep options open • Transition year • Scramble is not an option!!!!

6. Application • Prepare carefully • List only those things that are legitimate • Don’t over think your personal statement (i.e., keep it simple) • Don’t plagiarize! • Proofread, Proofread, Proofread, and then have someone else proofread it again!

7. Application • Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE, AKA Dean’s Letter) • Sessions conducted July, August, September • Have CV completed beforehand • CV and Personal statement also needed for letter writers • Come prepared • Extracurricular activities • Leadership positions • Work History • Unique qualities/experiences

8. Interviews • Factors to consider • Competitiveness • Finances • Be practical • Do your homework prior to scheduling interviews

9. Interviews • Scheduling • Call early • Be courteous and professional at all times to everyone • Be efficient and practical

10. Interviews • Be prepared • Do your homework • Have questions ready (for both faculty/residents) • Be able to summarize your • Strengths/Weaknesses • What you expect to gain from training • Career goals • Your interest in their program

11. Interviews • Questions to ask • Strengths/Weaknesses of the program • Curriculum/teaching • Responsibilities • Call schedule • Supervision/Back-up • Accreditation • Where (and what) their graduates typically practice

12. Interviews • Attire • Business • Versatility/Durability • Topcoat • No or minimal accessories

13. Interviews • Be on time • If possible, check out the location the night before • Call ahead if you are going to be late • If you decide to cancel a visit, notify the program as soon as possible

14. Interviews • Courteous • Polite • Professional • Interested/Engaged • Informed

15. Interviews • Relax • Personable • Act interested • Convey your strengths • Explain your weaknesses/unique situations (no excuses)

16. Follow-up • Send personalized thank you notes • Handwritten is preferred, but must be legible • Personalize notes • Call or send a follow-up letter prior to ranking programs

17. Miscellaneous • Electives • Couple match (must meet with Dean Zeiger!)

18. Rank List • List only programs that you would be willing to attend • List programs from greatest preference to least • Rank enough programs (10-12 recommended) • DO NOT rank any program that you do not want to attend

19. Rank List • Trust no one • Do not divulge to programs how you intend to rank their program

20. Summary • Preparation • Utilize available resources (watch for announcements of additional residency prep sessions) • Be realistic, but don’t sell yourself short • Maximize your options • Have fun!