1. Preparing Your Credentials

2. Goals Understand the mechanics of the residency application process
Understand how to present yourself as a strong viable candidate
Learn how to develop a strong CV and Personal Statement
Navigate the thank-you note issue

3. Other Important Dates NOW - Take CS in the early spring of M3 year
Soon - Take CK in summer or fall of M4 year
UT deadline is October 31st but take it in time for interview season
October 1, MSPE’s released to residency programs
December 2017 – Military Match
January 2018 – Ophthalmology and Urology Match

4. 2018 Step 2 CS Reporting Schedule
Testing Period
Reporting Start Date
Reporting End Date
January 1 - January 27
March 7
March 28
January 28 - March 24
April 25
May 23
March 25 - May 19*
June 20
July 18
May 20 - July 14
August 15
September 12
July 15 - September 8
October 10
November 7
September 9 - November 3
December 12
January 9, 2019
November 4 - December 31
January 30, 2019
February 20, 2019
Your spring break is scheduled for March 24-April 1, making it difficult to take it during spring break
Scores are released every Wednesday
98% of examinees will have scores reported by the third Wednesday
Taking an exam on a Monday or Tuesday usually results in score reporting 1 week earlier than Wednesday-Saturday exams
*No Step 2 CS exams will be delivered March 26 through March 31.

5. MSPE Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE)
An evaluation not a LOR
You get to proofread
Format from AAMC
Schedule early with Dean Brewer, Maish, or Womack
Dr Panda in Chattanooga; Dr Dabbs or Purkey in Knoxville
Bring your CV, personal statement, clerkship schedule
Released to programs on October 1st, nation-wide

6. MSPE Content Six Sections Identifying Information
Noteworthy Characteristics
Maximum 3 bullet points - most salient noteworthy characteristics
Academic History
Academic Progress
Academics and Professionalism
Preclinical if we have it
Clerkship evaluations crucial; class performance charts
Summary
Noteworthy characteristics in maximum of 2 sentences; You and your advisor or MSPE writer can come up with the 3 characteristics

7. MSPE

8. MSPE

9. MSPE

10. MSPE

11. LOR’s Ask for a “strong letter of support” now
Plan on a Chairman’s letter plus 3 others
Give them a deadline
Provide them with your CV, personal statement, and transcript
Provide them with your AAMC ID and the letter ID
They must upload

12. Personal Statement
Describe a specific experience sparked your interest in the specialty
Communicate passion for the field
Address sensitive issues
Tell your story  “I want to meet this person.”
Portray your abilities and provide a base for interview questions
One page
Proofread
No plagiarism

13. Thank You Notes
Should I write a thank you note to my hosts and interviewers for residency?
YES*
* If the program hosts tell you to have no communication with them at all, skip the thank you note

14. Advisors Ask MSPE author for feedback on CV and personal statement
Ask specialty advisor for feedback on CV and personal statement
Specialty Advisor List- these advisors can give you more specific information about programs

15. Curriculum Vitae A resume is about a job, a CV is about a career
Easy to follow
Most recent first
Include service activities, honors and awards
Short phrases of explanation can be useful
Ex: Imhotep Society, UTHSC award for leadership and service
Ex: President, ΣΘΩ, a service fraternity focused on the homeless

16. Decision Process
What are/were your original goals when you decided to become an MD? Are they still valid?
What do you value about the MD role?
What type of MD/Patient relationship do you find rewarding?
What type of lifestyle do you want for yourself (family, income, time for interests)?
In what type of community do you want to practice; clinical setting?
What skills (interpersonal, analytical, technical, etc.)?
Are there particular situations/types of patient encounters that make you feel uncomfortable, feel unsuited?

17. Selecting a Specialty/Program
Be Realistic
Keep an open mind
Consider finances
Apply to programs that are 1. Reach 2. Medium and 3. Sure Things
Factors critical to you

18. Critical Factors Geographic locations Type of institution
Age and stability of program
Academic reputation
Call schedule, supervisory structure, other support
Faculty to resident ratio
Structure and flexibility of curriculum
Physical characteristics of the hospital
Other training programs in hospital
Patient population (racial, gender, SES mix, etc.)
Community
Opportunities for postgraduate training (fellowship)
Others