The article I’m about to recommend is not for the faint of heart.
Alex Mohseni MD wrote a very pointed, compelling piece in a recent Emergency Medicine News called, “Why I Quit Emergency Medicine.” It has created quite a buzz in emergency medicine circles.
It’s painful, but a really great read. Here it is.
In their publication Impact of Length of Rank Order List on Main Residency Match Outcome:2002-2018, the NRMP reports that matched applicants consistently have longer rank order lists than unmatched applicants.
What that means to those approaching the residency application process is that candidates should throw a wide net in choosing programs at which to apply. Of course, there is a financial cost to this strategy, and that expense needs to be balanced. However, if you can afford it, starting out with more options usually will provide more opportunities to interview and thus, the ability to create a longer rank order list.
Want to get tips on professional happiness, autonomy and flexibility, entrepreneurship, how to choose a medical school and residency program, and how to nail an interview? Download my recent guest spot on the Feminem podcast – 2018 Summer Series.
Just a reminder to residency applicants: MyERAS is open and available for you. Even if you aren’t ready to start working on your application (and if you know what field you are applying in, there’s no reason that you can’t be ready right now), I’d recommend registering and taking a look at what will be required of you on the ERAS. Many applicants have never seen an ERAS and don’t know much about what extras are required (like “other awards” and additional unexpected sections).
Don’t be surprised by what’s required of you later in the season… You really cannot start too soon.
Check out this well-written New York Times piece by Dr. Cheri Blauwet, an American wheelchair racer (Paralympic and Olympic medal winner) and physician in PM&R. I’m sure Dr. Blauwet’s assertions are true about bias among patients, colleagues, and admissions officers: In my career, I’ve met very few doctor colleagues with overt physical disabilities.
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
