1. Optimizing Your Fourth Year Douglas S. Ander, MD Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine Director Undergraduate Medical Education Directory Emory Center for Experiential Learning Emory University School of Medicine

2. Career Choice  Final career choice needs to be made.

3. EM Rotations  Why? –Finalize career choice –Audition –Program evaluation (by you) –Unique educational experience (for you) –Letters of recommendation –Clinical skills –Course grade

4. EM Rotations  Where? –Home program if available and consider an audition elective. –If no home program choose elective at a strong EM residency program.

5. EM Rotations  When? –Before September’ish  Remember letters of recommendation need to be in file by September/October. –September through January  Clinical experiences  Grade

6. EM Rotations  How? –Web sites, email, word of mouth, mentors, and telephone  Remember first impressions.  Plan in early spring  How Many? –Most students will do two EM rotations

7. Other Electives  Three categories –Flexibility for interviews –Supplement clinical experience prior to interviews –Fun

8. Other Electives  Critical care  Cardiology  Orthopedics  Radiology  Anesthesiology  Pediatrics  Ophthalmology  Otolaryngology  Toxicology  Research  Exotic

9. Step 2 and CS  First decide based on your Step 1 score if you need to take Step 2 –Low = definitely take –Above Average/High = Wait –Average = Your call  When does your school require completion

12. Application  Complete by September/October –Programs start to review applications in Oct. –The more complete the more likely you will be granted an interview –Important to have EM letters of recommendation

13. Interview season  December and January –Consider vacation –Rotations that allow for traveling (flexibility) –Make sure program director knows who you are

14. Post-Interviews  Thank you notes  Reminders  Have FUN!

15. Research  Pros –Understand the research process –Publications and presentations –Networking  Cons –Time consuming –No instant gratification

16. Research  Do I have to do research? –No  What type? –Genuine interest in the topic  Other options? –Reviews, curriculums, administrative projects

19. Understand EM Issues  Educate yourself on important issues –Read EM websites –Join an EM organization –Be able to demonstrate an understanding of important issues facing emergency physicians  Malpractice  Nursing shortage  ED Overcrowding  Ambulance diversion

20. Be honest with yourself  Examine your record –Be honest with yourself –Have someone else be honest for you (need a good mentor)  If you have an average record –Apply broadly –Consider a backup plan –What else makes you special

22. Extracurricular Activities  Community Service  International experiences  Organizational involvement  Advanced degrees

23. Networking  Go to meetings (regional and national)  Visit programs  Talk to graduates  Use faculty contacts from your school

24. Letters of Recommendation  3-4 letters (2 from EM faculty)  Balance between someone who knows you and a leader  Consider extra time with the faculty

25. RELAX!!!!!!!!