Blog Archives

MSPE Releases Today

Just a reminder that the ERAS Medical School Performance Evaluation (MSPE) release is scheduled for today – October 1st – instead of November 1st, as in years past. Likely this will lead to earlier interview invitations at many residency programs.

If you are interested in mock interview assistance, please consider contacting me early, so you are not caught with a surprisingly early interview without professionally-guided practice.

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Important ERAS Date

This is just a quick reminder that residency applicants can begin applying to Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) residency programs tomorrow, September 15.

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Residency Admissions

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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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 ›

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Improving Your Medical Residency Application: Tips for Obtaining Optimal Letters of Recommendation

Matching to a residency program through the NRMP® (National Resident Matching Program) is a competitive endeavor. Even top-tier candidates 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, the submission of an excellent residency application is crucial.

The Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS®) is a centralized program that transmits applications, letters of recommendation (LOR) and other supporting credentials from the applicant to program directors using the Internet. Most residency programs now use ERAS®, although a few use individualized applications. 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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Listen to Dr. Finkel’s interview on the White Coat Investor podcast:

Listen to Dr. Finkel’s interview on the FeminEm podcast: