Residency Application and Interviews

Match Day Thursday, March 18, 2010 Thursday, March 18, 2010

Preparation Know thyself Know thyself –Strengths –Weaknesses –Goals/objectives –Maximize options

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

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

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

Application Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE, AKA Dean’s Letter) 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 CV and Personal statement also needed for letter writers –Come prepared Extracurricular activities Extracurricular activities Leadership positions Leadership positions Work History Work History Unique qualities/experiences Unique qualities/experiences

Interviews Factors to consider Factors to consider –Competitiveness –Finances –Be practical –Do your homework prior to scheduling interviews

Interviews Interviews Scheduling Scheduling –Call early –Be courteous and professional at all times to everyone –Be efficient and practical

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

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

Interviews Attire Attire –Business –Versatility/Durability –Topcoat –No or minimal accessories

Interviews Be on time 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

Interviews Courteous Courteous Polite Polite Professional Professional Interested/Engaged Interested/Engaged Informed Informed

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

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

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

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

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

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