Blog Archives

Thank You Notes

Clients ask me what’s the best way to send post-interview thank you notes – email versus snail mail. I advise the latter, sending hand-written notes. Email can be viewed as less labor-intensive or thoughtful.

You can still get the notes in quickly: Put them in the mail the morning after you’ve completed your interview. Some applicants even bring blank thank you notes to the interview day, complete the cards after their interviews, and leave them with the program coordinator.

Your thank you notes should be written on plain cards and sent to every faculty member you conversed with one-on-one. If the residency coordinator helped you with a difficult scheduling issue, for example, writing to him/her would be wise too. Within reason and if written cordially, a thank you note cannot hurt you (unless you have been expressly asked not to communicate after the interview day).

Consider them low-hanging fruit.

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New NRMP Data Available

As I’ve mentioned before, the National Residency Match Program (NRMP) provides copious statistics regarding the Match. Recently, the NRMP published Results and Data: 2014 Main Residency Match, which is filled with information that can help you approach this year’s application cycle strategically. For example, the report includes a chart called, “Positions Offered and Number Filled by U.S. Seniors and All Applicants, 2010 – 2014,” which gives you a pretty clear idea of how competitive different fields are. Here is the newly published report.

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It’s Never Too Early To Start Thinking about Applications

Residency Application Help

Last month I was an invited exhibitor at Student Doctor Network’s Test Prep Week 2013. As an exhibitor, I received several good questions. Because I am always impressed with someone who thinks ahead, one of my favorites was

When do you suggest students begin preparing for residency applications?residency application

The below was my response:

Good question. The simple answer is to start working on a personal statement and ERAS activities draft around March of the year you are planning to apply. Assume it will take multiple drafts to get your written materials into good shape. Once you’ve done your best, find someone with residency admissions experience (like me) to help you get your documents into outstanding shape.

In terms of your comprehensive residency candidacy, you should start planning a strategy toward the beginning of your first year of medical school. If you are applying in a very competitive field (derm, plastic surgery), you should get started on your first day of med school. (No joke.) Consider hiring me for a Strategy Session early.

I hope this helps current first-, second-, and third-year medical students who are thinking ahead!

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When Your Debts Affect Your Dates

A recent article in the NY Times highlights how individual debt taken on as a student has the power to adversely affect one’s subsequent relationships. You can link to the article here.

You are feeling less anxious and more comfortable with the whole medical school applications game. The interviews keep rolling in. Finally, you start to receive acceptance letters from multiple schools. Suddenly you find yourself in the enviable position of having a choice between a reputable state school, where tuition is relatively low, and a reputable private school, where you will go deeply into debt. You visit the private school and see stars: the buildings are made of marble, the admissions officials wear designer suits, and the alumni network, everyone assures you, will give you a leg up in residency applications. Should financial considerations play into your decision? Should you ignore finances and follow your heart, assuming that as a future physician you’ll comfortably be able to pay off any educational debt? Read more ›

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Medical Residency Admissions: Apply Early

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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