Matching to a residency program through the NRMP® (National Resident Matching Program) is a competitive endeavor. Even strong candidates – especially IMGs (international medical graduates) – can have difficulty getting PGY-1 (post graduate year one) positions in many specialties. Those that do match may not get their first or second choices, leaving them in suboptimal locations or programs. Consequently, professional residency admissions’ consulting has become increasingly important in optimizing residency applications and ensuring that candidates get into the programs they desire. Read more ›
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Residency Admissions
Tags: Admissions Consulting, Admissions Officers, Electronic Residency Application, Electronic Residency Application Service, International Medical Graduates, Interview Skills, Medical Focus, Medical Institutions, National Resident Matching Program, Personal Statements, Program Directors, Residency Admissions, Residency Application Service, Residency Applications, Residency Programs
Medical Residency Interview Advice
Matching to a residency program through the NRMP® (National Resident Matching Program) is a competitive endeavor. Even strong candidates – especially IMGs (international medical graduates) – can have difficulty getting positions in many specialties. Those that do match may not get their top choices, leaving them in suboptimal programs.
Consequently, optimizing your performance during the medical residency interview is critical. But what are residency directors looking for during the interview process?
First, they are seeking someone distinctive. Your goal is to distinguish yourself from all of the other applicants by showcasing your accomplishments. Anyone can say s/he is compassionate or hard working. Fewer candidates can prove it. Read more ›
The Medical Residency Interview: Quick Tips
Once your ERAS has been submitted, getting into residency kicks into high gear with the interview season. Because residency admissions have become so competitive of late – especially in certain specialties – the residency interview has become critical.
Here are a few quick tips that I offer my clients: Read more ›
The Medical Residency Interview: What if You Haven’t Received an Invitation?
Once your ERAS has been submitted, getting into residency kicks into high gear with the interview season. But what if you’ve completed your residency application and yet haven’t been invited to interview?
First of all, realize that residency admissions have become increasingly competitive of late. This is especially true for “lifestyle” specialties like Radiology, Opthalmology, Anesthesia and Dermatology (often termed the “ROAD”). The number of applicants in those fields and others is generally increasing, as the number of medical students continues to increase. Thus, the lack of an invite may just represent overloaded admissions offices. Read more ›
The Medical Residency Interview: Mistakes to Avoid
Once your ERAS has been submitted, your residency admission pivots on your interview performance. And because residency admissions have become so competitive of late – especially in this weaker economy – the medical residency interview has become critical.
There are a few, simple easy mistakes that you can avoid with a little preparation:
- Don’t speak in general terms. Your goal is to distinguish yourself from all of the other applicants by highlighting your achievements. Answer questions with specific examples of what you have done in order to demonstrate that you are distinctive. Don’t worry about repeating what is in your residency application. It is expected that you will flesh out your ERAS and personal statement during the interview. Read more ›
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
