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Step 2 CS Changes

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In 2004, a team was created to initiate a multi-year, comprehensive review of the USMLE program. This team, called the Composite Committee, is comprised of the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB), the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME), the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) and the American public.

Last month this team announced some “enhancements” to Step 2 CS that are scheduled to start the middle of this year. Here is a summary of those changes. Updated practice materials for Step 2 CS will be posted to the USMLE website in March 2012.

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Interview Tips from an Entrepreneur

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This article is currently at the top of the New York Times’ most emailed list. It’s written for those entering the work force, but it is very pertinent for applicants to medical school, residency, fellowship, and post bacc programs.

I hope everyone has a happy holiday season!

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Happiness: Be All That You Can Be

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Medical school and residency training usually decrease one’s happiness for several reasons. Happiness researchers have demonstrated that a feeling of control and the amount of spare time one has both correlate with happiness. Both of those factors are limited during med school and residency. Relationships are also correlated with happiness, and those can be squashed during medical training as well.

I’m not trying to be a downer here! I want to encourage applicants to consider this happiness quotient when selecting an institution and training program. If you are able, maximizing your contentment by choosing an institution that fosters your greatest happiness is key. Geography; proximity to family, friends and community; and a location that provides an opportunity to enjoy hobbies during limited free time is significant.

Excellent training is important, but, in the end, many programs turn out equally qualified clinicians. At least consider your well-being as a factor in selecting where you might be for the next three plus years of your life.

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Thank You Notes: A Plug for the US Postal Service

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I was recently asked by a client about the best way to send post-interview thank you notes – email versus snail mail. This client said he had read conflicting advice online.

As a former Harvard admissions decision-maker who used to receive thank you notes, I can tell you that I strongly advise sending your thank you notes by good old USPS. The reasons are twofold:

1) Email may be viewed as lazy. Hand-written thank you notes take more time, which shows.
2) To put an email thank you note in your file, the receiver needs to take the time to print out your email. You don’t want any barriers between you and your good impression.

I do recommend getting those handwritten thank you notes in quickly. The night after you’ve completed your interview or the next day is a good time to write and send.

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Medical Residency Admissions: Apply Early

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Because matching to a medical residency program continues to get harder each year, the submission of a strong residency application is critical. Following a timeline and getting your materials in early can assist you in improving your candidacy and thus, your chances of success.

Getting your ERAS® and residency personal statement in early is essential. ERAS opens in July and materials can be assigned to residency programs in early September. I recommend submitting your written materials as early as possible, while maintaining quality. Some residency admissions officers have more time to carefully review residency applications earlier in the season before the onslaught of application submissions. You should also move quickly on interview requests. Invitations for interviews warrant a quick response for two reasons: First, you want to demonstrate your appreciation and responsibility. Second, the faster you respond the more likely you are to procure a time slot that works best for you. Read more ›

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About Dr. Michelle Finkel

Dr. Michelle Finkel

Dr. Finkel is a graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Medical School. On completing her residency at Harvard, she was asked to
stay on as faculty at Harvard Medical School and spent five years teaching at the world-renowned Massachusetts General Hospital.
She was appointed to the Assistant Residency Director position for the Harvard Affiliated
Emergency Medicine Residency where she reviewed countless applications, personal statements and resumes. Read more

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