GUIDELINESFORPURSUINGARESIDENCY

IN

OBSTETRICSANDGYNECOLOGY

EditedandcompiledbymembersoftheCREOGCouncil:

Seine Chiang, MD

KarenGeorge,MD

Robert Higgins, MD

PhillipRauk,MD PeterSchnatz,DO

May Blanchard, MD

Tony Ogburn, MD

AdaptedfromtheoriginalworkbyPatrickDuff,MD

August 10, 2016

1

FOREWORD

Wearepleasedthat youhavedecidedtoapplyfor residencytraining inObstetrics andGynecology. Weareconfident youwill findyour career inwomen'shealthcaretoberewarding andgratifying.

Residencytraining inObstetrics andGynecology (OBGYN)is four years. Rotationstraditionallyaredividedbetweenambulatory care, obstetrics,gynecology,gynecologiconcology, femalepelvicmedicineandreconstructivesurgery(FPMRS), maternal-fetalmedicine, andreproductiveendocrinologyandinfertility.Primarycare,emergencymedicine,ultrasound,minimallyinvasivesurgery,andfamilyplanning maybetaughtwithinthetraditionalrotations or throughrotationsinotherdepartments.

Manystudents areattractedtoobstetrics and gynecology due to theuniquemixofprimarycare,medicineandsurgery. Approximately5% ofallseniorstudents inU.S. medical schoolsapplyfora residency position in Obstetrics andGynecology.

Eachyear, asmall percentageofstudents fail tomatch. Inmanyinstances, theseunsuccessful outcomes resultfromunrealisticexpectations andpoor planning.

Thepurposeofthisbookletis toprovideyouwiththeinformationyouneedtomakethoughtful,well-foundeddecisions about graduatemedical education (GME)programs in OBGYN. Includedaresuggestions for choosing electivesinyour senior year,selecting individualresidencies,adhering totimedeadlines,preparing your curriculumvitaeandpersonal statement, andplanning your interviewschedule.

Together withtheOBGYNClerkshipDirector, theOBGYNResidencyProgramDirector andtheOBGYNfacultyat your institution,wecongratulateyouonanexcellentcareer choice. Welookforwardtobeing your colleaguesinOBGYN.

TIMELINE FOR RESIDENCYAPPLICATIONSFOR THEMARCHNRMPMATCH

DATE / GOAL
January- March / Finalizeseniorscheduleinconsultationwithyourfacultyadvisoranddeanforstudent affairs.
TakeUSMLEStep2andStep2ClinicalSkillsexaminations.
D.O.studentswhoareinterestedinallopathicresidencyprogramsshouldtaketheUSMLEexams.
Selectadvisors andtogether consider whowillwriteletters ofsupportDiscussappropriatetraining programs baseduponcompetitiveness
June / CompleteinterviewwithyourDean’sofficetodiscusstheDean’sLetter or Medical Student PerformanceEvaluation (MSPE)
PrepareCurriculum Vitae (CV)andPersonal Statement
Select andcontact facultytowriteletters ofrecommendation
July / Reviewinformationabout residencyprogramsviatheir Internetwebsites.Meetwithyour advisor topreparepreliminarylist ofprograms.
RegisterforElectronicResidencyApplicationService(ERAS) andNationalResidentMatching Program(NRMP)
August / FinalizePersonal Statement andCV
Completeapplicationfor submissionviaERAS
September / VerifythatlettersofrecommendationhavebeensubmittedtotheOfficeofStudent Affairs bySeptember1
ReviewMSPE, andbecertainitis factuallyaccurate.
September15ERASPostOfficeopenstoACGME-accreditedresidencyprogramsandapplicantsmaybegintransmittingtheirapplications.Ifpossible,donotgetyourapplicationinatthelastminuteasmanyprogramsoffer interviews onarolling basis,evenbeforetheMSPEis sent.
October / Schedulemock interviewswithadvisors
MSPEreleasedtoresidencyprograms October1
October- January / Interviewswithresidencyprograms
February / Finalizeranklistinconsultationwithfacultyadvisor
Ranklist must besubmittedmid–February
March / NRMPMainResidencyMatchresultsareavailable.

SUGGESTEDSENIORELECTIVES/CLERKSHIPSFOR STUDENTSINTERESTED INOBSTETRICSANDGYNECOLOGY

  • Sub-InternshipinOBGYN, FamilyMedicine,InternalMedicine,Pediatrics,SurgeryorCriticalCareperyourinstitution’srequirements.TheprincipalobjectiveoftheSub-Internshipistoimprovethebreadthanddepthofyourgeneralmedicalknowledgeandsharpenyour clinicalskills.
  • OneSubspecialtyelectiveinObstetrics andGynecology*
  • Gynecology
  • GynecologicOncology
  • Maternal-FetalMedicine
  • ReproductiveEndocrinology
  • FamilyPlanning
  • FemalePelvicMedicineandReconstructiveSurgery
  • ExternalElectiveorSub-InternshipinObstetricsandGynecologyatanotherinstitution**
  • Remember–youMUSTworkhardduringthistime….youareauditioningforajob. Apoorperformancecanbackfireonyou.
  • Alternatively,ifyourgoalistolearnaboutagivenhospitalorcity,youcanaccomplishthiswithanon-OBGYNelectiveatthathospitalandasktomeetwiththeOBGYNProgramDirector during your timethere.

OtherUsefulElectives

  • BecominganEffectiveResident Teacher
  • MedicalSpanish(depending onwhereyouplantopractice)
  • Dermatology
  • Endocrinology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • ObstetricAnesthesiology
  • Radiology–Imaging ofAbdomenandPelvis
  • SurgicalIntensiveCareUnit
  • Female Urology
  • Anesthesiology
  • Cardiology
  • Pulmonary/Critical Care

*Shouldbetakenwithinthefirst threemonths oftheacademic year.

**Stronglyrecommendedifyouhaveauniquereasontotraininoneparticularprogram(e.g.,proximitytofamily,careeropportunityforspouse/partner,orcouplesmatchpreference).

PERSONALSTATEMENT

Thekeypurposeofthepersonalstatementistoprovideinformationthatcannotbefoundinanotherpartofyourapplication.Itshouldtelltherevieweraboutwhatwon'tbeinyourCV:Yourmotivation,workethicandinterestin/commitmenttoWomen'sHealth.Itshouldbeaboutyoupersonally.ItshouldnotbeaboutOBGYN (whyitisagreatfield),apatientyoulike,oryourfamily–althoughabriefpertinentstorymay be appropriatetoincludeifitshedslightonwhoyouare as an individual.Thinkaboutitasabriefessaywiththe(unwritten)thesisstatement:“Whyyoushouldinterviewmetobeyourresident?”Youcanintroduceyourselfwithabrief(2-3sentences)anecdote. Youshouldhighlightwhatyou bringtoOBGYN,with specificexamplesillustratingyouraccomplishments.Haveyourbestfriendreadit,tomakesureallofyourbestcharacteristicsarethere.Formostpeopleitwilltakeafewversionstogetitright,soleavetimetohaveothers(mentors/family/friends)giveyoutheirfeedback.ItMUSTbeabletofitonONEpage.Yourgoalistohavethereadersay,“Wow!Idefinitelywanttomeetthisperson!”

SuggestedFormat

  • Briefdescriptionofyourbackground--i.e.,placeofbirth,lifeexperiencesthathaveinfluencedyou
  • Explanationofwhyyouoriginallybecameinterestedinmedicine
  • Explanationofwhyyoudevelopedaspecific interestinObstetrics andGynecology
  • DiscussionofwhatmakesyouuniqueasanindividualandwhythosepersonalitytraitsmakeyouwellsuitedforacareerinObstetricsandGynecology.(Forexample,yourexperienceasanathleteormusicianprovidedyouwithfirmdiscipline,astrongworkethic, andacommitment toteamwork.)
  • Ifindicated,anexplanationforsuboptimalacademicperformance,e.g.,seriousillness,pregnancy, deathofafamilymember
  • Ifindicated,anexplanationforunusualconstraintsinselectionofaresidencyprogram,e.g.,specialgeographicalconsiderations,couplesmatch,careeropportunities for partner,specialeducationneeds ofachild
  • Discussionofyour futureplans - ifknown

-Preferredgeographiclocation

-Privatepracticevs. academic medicine

-Interestinfellowshiptraining

  • Descriptionofextracurricularactivities-whatyoudotopreservebalanceinyourlifeandremain"energized"forthestudyofmedicine

PLEASENOTE:

Youshouldhaveat leasttwofacultymembers readyour personal statement.Ifyougetconsistentadviceabout changes, thenyoushouldchangethosethings.Iftheadvisorsdiffer intheir opinions, thengowithyour gut about whichadvicemakes themost sensetoyou. It may also be beneficial for someone outside of Medicine to review your statement, such as someone in Business or Law. They can provide a different perspective of the story you have told in your essay.

Beforesubmitting your essaytoyour advisor forafinal review,readtheessayaloudtosomeone. Your eyetends tooverlookmissing words orpoorsentencestructureuntilyoumust readitaloud.Also, followtheinstructionsinERASabout pasting andcopyingfromaWorddocument. Therearesomeoddthings that happenwithquotationmarksandparagraphsintheactual applicationunlessyouareverycareful. Thesecanbeextremelydistracting tothereader ofyour applicationonERAS.

Becertainthatyouradvisorhasreviewedyourpersonalstatementbeforeyousubmitit.Apoorlywrittenpersonalstatementmaydetractfromanotherwiseexcellentapplication.

CURRICULUMVITAE

SuggestedFormat

PLEASENOTE:MostoftheinformationtraditionallyincludedintheC.V. nowcanbeprovidedinthestandardERASformat.However,youstillshouldprepareaformalC.V.forlaterusewithapplicationsforemployment,licensure,boardcertification, or fellowshiptraining.

  • Name
  • Homeaddress,e-mailaddress, andtelephonenumber (landline,ifapplicable,andcell phone)
  • Dateofbirth
  • Placeofbirth
  • Medical school (indicatedateofanticipatedgraduation)
  • Graduatedegree(ifapplicable)
  • Undergraduatedegree(indicateifyougraduatedwithhonors)
  • Honors–Separateintomedicalschoolvs.college(e.g.,AlphaOmegaAlpha,Dean’sList, Phi BetaKappa, andmeritscholarships)
  • Professionalorganizationsand activities– Separate into medicalschoolvs.college(e.g., student memberofAMA,AMSA,AMWA,OB-GYNInterestGroup)
  • Publications– Distinguish between abstractsandfull-lengthmanuscripts.Boldfaceyour nameinthelist ofauthors.
  • Presentations–Distinguishbetweenposterandoralpresentations. Boldfaceyournameinthelist ofauthors.
  • Patents youandco-investigators mayhaveobtained.
  • Non-publishedresearchexperience.Indicatenameofsupervisorandspecifictitleoftheresearchproject(s)

.

  • Militaryserviceandmilitaryawards(ifapplicable)
  • Recentemploymentexperienceifuniqueorifspecificallyrelevanttoyourmedicalcareer.Donotlistpart-timejobsyouhadduringcollegelikewaitingtablesorlife-guarding.

BECERTAIN YOURADVISORHAS REVIEWED THISDOCUMENTFOR CONTENT,SPELLING,ANDPUNCTUATION. DONOTSUCCUMB TO THETEMPTATION TOEXAGGERATEYOURACCOMPLISHMENTS. ALSO DON’TADDANYTHING THATYOUAREN’TPREPAREDTO TALKABOUTIN THEINTERVIEW

GUIDELINESFORSOLICITINGLETTERSOFRECOMMENDATION

  • The"MedicalStudentPerformanceEvaluation(Dean’sLetter)"isaMUSTforallresidencyprograms.Alllettersareelectronicallytransmittedtoyourdesignatedprograms onOctober1.
  • Mostprogramsrequire3 to 4letters fromindividual facultymembers plus theMSPE.
  • Thelettersshouldbewrittenbyfacultymemberswhoknowyouwellandwhocancommentindetailonbothyourpersonalqualitiesandacademicperformance.ItisOKforoneof yourletterstobefromafacultymemberwhoisnotinObGynbutthisfacultymember shouldbesomeonewhoknowsyouandyour strengthsverywell.
  • Someprogramsrequirealetter fromthedepartment chairmanoraletter that is co-writtenbythechairandanotherfacultyleader,suchasthemedicalstudentclerkshipdirector.OffertomakeanappointmentwithyourObGyndepartmentChairtodiscussthisletter.
  • DONOTsubmit moreletters thanrequestedbytheindividualprogram.
  • DONOTsolicitlettersfromresidentsor fellows.Althoughtheymayknowyouwell,their recommendations will not beas influential as thoseoffacultymembers.
  • Whensolicitingletters,providethefaculty memberswithyourC.V.,personalstatement,G.P.Aortranscript,andclassrank(ifavailable).Informfacultymembersofanyspecialconstraintsyoumayhavesuchasacouples'matchornarrowlydefinedgeographic preference.
  • Requestletters nolater thanJuly15. Ideally, theyshouldbesubmittedeither totheOfficeofStudentAffairsoruploadeddirectlyintoERASbySeptember1.ProvideeachletterwriterwithasignedcoversheetfromERASindicatingthatyouwaivedyourright toreadtheletter.
  • Approximatelytwoweeksbeforethelettersaredue,reviewyourERASfiletodetermineifthelettershavebeenuploaded.Ifaletterhasnotyetbeensubmitted,contact thefacultymemberandpolitelyremindhim/herofthedeadline.

CONSIDERATIONSINCHOOSINGARESIDENCYPROGRAM

Theseitemsarelistedalphabetically,notinorderofimportance.Theactualrankorderofimportancewillvaryfromoneindividual toanother.

  • Affordabilityofhousing
  • Camaraderieamong residents andbetweenresidents andfaculty
  • Career opportunities for partner
  • Competitiveness—theprogram’s andyours
  • Easeoftransportationtoandfromwork
  • Faculty—qualityandaccessibility
  • Fellowshipopportunities at thehomeprogramafter graduationfromresidencytraining.
  • Frequencyofnightcall andexistenceofanight float rotation
  • Geographiclocation
  • Resident autonomy
  • Living conditions
  • Opportunities toteachmedical students andotherteammembers
  • Performanceofresidents onwrittenandoralboardexaminations
  • Populationofpatientsserved
  • Proximitytofamily
  • Qualityofhospitalfacility
  • Resident satisfactionwiththeprogram. Have any residents left the program in the previous 4 years?
  • Reputationofprogram
  • Researchopportunities
  • Salary and Benefits—usuallysalaries varybyregionofthecountry.Forexample,salariestendtobehigher intheNortheast andlower intheSoutheast.
  • School systemfor children
  • Sizeofcity
  • Sizeofprogram
  • Success ofresidentsinmatchingfor fellowships or insecuring favorablepositions as generalistsinacademic medicineor privatepractice.
  • Universityvs.non-universityprogram
  • Weather
  • Working conditions

GUIDELINES FOR RESIDENCYAPPLICATIONS

FORSTUDENTSINTHEUPPERTHIRDOFTHECLASS

  • We recommend you apply to a minimum of 20 programs. While the number of program applications will vary from student to student.Your career advisor and/or clerkship director can help you individualize the mix of program applications you submit. Consider:

•Selecting 10"highlycompetitive"programs.

•Selecting 7"moderatelycompetitive"programs.

•Selecting 3"less competitive"programs.

•Interviewat aminimumof12programs. (This is the average number of programs among matched US seniors)

•Prepareafinal ranklistwith a minimum of 12programs.

•Rank every program that you interviewed with if you could see yourself matching in that program.

FORSTUDENTSINTHEMIDDLETHIRDOFTHECLASS

  • Applyto25-40 programs. The mix of programs can be best determined with the help of your career advisor or clerkship director. Consider the following:

•Select 7"highlycompetitive"programs.

•Select10-12"moderatelycompetitive"programs.

•Select 5"less competitive"programs.

•Interviewat aminimumof12programs.

•Prepareafinal ranklist ofat least 12programs.

•Rank all interviewed programs.

FORSTUDENTSINTHELOWERTHIRDOFTHECLASS

  • Applyto40+programs. Students in this category should consider a “parallel plan” or dual application. Please discuss this strategy with your career advisor. The majority of your selected programs should be in the “moderately competitive” or “less competitive” category. You should plan to schedule more interviews (around 15 and plan to rank at least 12 programs.

ERAS Fees (2016): Application Fee of $97 includes up to 10 programs. Programs 11-20 are an additional $11 each; 21-30 are an additional $16 each; 31+ an additional $26 each

PLEASENOTE:IFYOUARE PURSUING ACOUPLESMATCH, YOUSHOULD INCREASE THENUMBERSSUGGESTEDABOVEBYATLEAST10DEPENDINGUPONTHERELATIVECOMPETITIVENESSOFYOURPARTNER’SSPECIALTY.

THEINTERVIEW

Theinvitationforaninterviewisaclearindicationthat youarecompetitivefortheresidencyprogram.However,mostprogramswillinterviewapproximately10candidatesforeveryavailableposition.Therefore,preparecarefullyforeachinterview.Usetheinterviewasan opportunitytodemonstratethatyouareamature,articulate,affable,andenthusiasticindividualwhohasdevelopedrealistic,clearlydefinedcareergoals.Thefollowing guidelinesshouldbehelpful toyouas youbeginthisexciting process.

GUIDELINESFORRESIDENCYINTERVIEWS

  • Beconsistentlyrespectfulandcourteoustotheadministrativestaff.Anegativecommentfromanoffendedsecretarycanquicklysabotageanotherwiseexcellentapplication.
  • Make sure your voice mail has a professional, appropriate greeting. Some programs will call you with an invitation for an interview.
  • Promptly answer the email or call as soon as possible. Interview spots will often fill up very quickly.
  • Scheduleyourinterviewsthoughtfully.Beawareofthedangersofinclementweather(i.e.,snow,ice, fog) incertainstates inDecemberandJanuary.Consider interview dates that will correspond with other dates if you are applying to multiple programs in the same city,.
  • Arrangereservationsinsafehotelormotelfacilities.AlsocheckwithyourAlumniAffairsOfficetodetermineifformergraduateshaveofferedtohousestudentswhoarevisiting their areafor interviews.
  • Ingeneral,itisbesttostayatthehotelrecommendedbytheprogram(iftheydoso).Oftentheprogramwillhavearrangedadiscountedratewiththehotelandmayprovideshuttleservicefromthehoteltotheinterview,anysocialactivities,and/ortheairport.
  • Becertainthatyouareontimefortheinterview.Ifyouareunavoidablydetained,becertaintotelephonetheresidencycoordinatorandinformhimorherthatyouwillbelate.
  • Dressappropriatelyfortheinterview.Menshouldwearaconservativebusinesssuitorblueblazerandgrayslacks,dressshirt,tie,leathershoes,anddarksocks.Womenshouldwearaconservativedressorbusinesssuit.Avoidshortskirts,lowcutblouses,spikedheels,andexcessivejewelry and makeup. All should avoid perfume or cologne.Extremesofdresswillattractexactlytheoppositekindofattentionthat youdesire.
  • The majority of programs will have a pre-interview resident dinner event. MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ATTEND. Be on your best behavior during this event as the residents will provide their opinions about the candidates.
  • Duringtheactualinterviewthemostimportantruleis:relax,beyourself,yetbeappropriatelyprofessional.
  • Beanimatedandattentivethroughouttheinterview.Becertainthatyouhaveseveralquestionstoposetoeachfacultymemberandresidentwithwhomyouinterview.Donothesitatetoaskthesamequestions ofdifferent interviewers.TRYYOURVERYBESTTOAVOIDANAPPEARANCEOFINDIFFERENCEORFATIGUE,PARTICULARLYATTHEENDOFTHEDAY.THEAPPLICANTWHOISSIMPLY“GOINGTHROUGHTHEMOTIONS” ISALLTOOEASY TOIDENTIFY.
  • Doyourhomework.Havesomeknowledgeoftheprogramyouarevisitingandbeabletoexplainwhyyouchosetoapplytothatinstitution.Providesubstantivereasonsforyourchoiceofaparticularprogram,notjust“geography,”“weather,”or“proximitytoadistantrelative.”Focusonreasonssuchassizeofprogram;reputation;andrecommendationsfromyouradviser,otherfacultymembers,residents,andclassmates whomayalreadyhaveinterviewedat aparticular program

Make sure your curriculum vitae is accurate. You should know the details about activities and research listed in your CV.

Preparealistofquestionsforeveryinterview.Questionsmightincludethefollowing:

1.HowhavepreviousresidentsperformedontheCREOGIn-serviceTrainingExaminationandthewrittenandoralboardexaminations?(Thenationalpassrateforfirst-timetakersofthewrittenexaminationisapproximately88%. Thenationalpass ratefor first-timetakers oftheoralexaminationisapproximately85%. If a programs submitted information to the APGO residency directory, this information is available, apgo.org)

2.Haveresidentsfromtheprogrambeeneasilyacceptedforfellowshiptrainingorpositionsasgeneralistsinacademicmedicine?(Onaverage,throughoutthecountry,approximately 20% of ObstetricsandGynecologygraduating residents enteracademic medicineas fellows or generalists.)

3.Doall members ofthefacultyparticipateactivelyinteaching theresidents?

4.Howmanydidacticsessionsarepresentedtotheresidents eachweek?

5.Doesthedepartmentprovideanallowanceforpurchaseoftextbooks/on-linesubscriptions or travel tomedical meetings? I would not ask anything about funding or money in general. Salaries are listed on the departmental webpage or the APGO directory.

6.Doesthedepartmentrequirethataresearchprojectbecompletedduringresidencytraining?Whattypeofadministrativeandlaboratorysupportisavailableforresidentresearchprojects?

7.Is anight float systeminoperation?

8.Dotheresidents andfacultymembers seemtohavegoodcamaraderie?

9.Whatarethestrong points oftheprogram?

10.Whataretheweakpoints oftheprogram?

11.Isanyfacultyturnoverexpected,particularlyatsenioradministrativelevels(i.e.,chairperson,programdirector,ordivisiondirector)?Ifso,whatimpactarethesepersonnelchangeslikelytohaveonresidencytraining?

12.Haveanyresidentslefttheprograminrecentyears?Ifso,whatwastheexplanationfortheirdeparture?(Someattritionisinevitable,butbewaryofaprogramthatconsistently“loses” or dismisses oneormoreresidents eachyear.)

13.Does theprogramhaveaparentalleavepolicy?(You may considering reserving this question for the residents and not the faculty)

14.Whatcareer opportunitiesareavailablefortheapplicant’spartner?

In turn,be prepared to answerthefollowingquestionsthatfacultymembersmayposetoyou:

1.Whatisyour background—birthplace,typeofeducation?

2.Whatindividual(s) doyouconsider tohavebeenthemost influentialinyour life?

3.Howdidyoubecomeinterestedinmedicine?

4.How did you become interested in the specific discipline of Obstetrics andGynecology?

5.Howdidyoucountertheargumentsofthosewhotoldyouthisspecialtywasnotthebest career choicebecauseoferraticworkhours andhighmalpracticerates?

6.Whatstrengthswillyoubringtoaresidencyprogram?Whyisyourpersonalitytypewell-suitedtothespecialtyyouhavechosen?Conversely,whatarethepersonalweaknesses that youwouldliketocorrect?

7.Howdoyoutypicallyresolveconflict?

8.Howdoyoutypicallyrespondtoadversity?

9.Whatdoyouconsidertobethemajorhealth-relatedproblemsfacingournationandour discipline?

10.Whatareyourelectronic“goto”sourceswhenyouquicklyneedbackgroundinformationabout agivenmedical condition?

11.Whataresomeexamplesofleadershiprolesyouhaveassumedinmedicalschoolor college?

12.Whatareyourplansforthefuture,i.e.,privatepractice,fellowshiptraining,academic medicine,research?

13.Whatactivities doyoupursueoutsideofmedicinetomaintainbalanceinyour life?

14.Whatroledidyouplayintheresearchproject(s)citedinyourC.V.?Whatisyourunderstanding ofthepurposeandmajor findings ofthisresearchproject?

N.B. More and more programs are conducting “Behavioral Interview” questions. A few programs may also assess skills during the interview.

THROUGHOUTTHEINTERVIEW,BEONYOURVERYBESTBEHAVIOR.DONOTCHEWGUM,SLOUCHINYOURCHAIRORSAY“YEAH”OR“NAH”WHENTALKINGWITHTHEINTERVIEWERS.AVOIDASSUMINGTOOGREATAFAMILIARITYWITHTHERESIDENTS.AVOIDOVERLYCASUALCOMMENTS.AVOIDANYAPPEARANCEOFIMPROPRIETYSUCHASCURSING,ORDERINGANALCOHOLICDRINKATLUNCH,ORFLIRTINGWITHANOTHERMEDICALSTUDENTORRESIDENT.EVENIFITSEEMSLIKEYOUAREHAVINGACASUALCONVERSATIONWITHSOMEONE(ANYONE)DURINGYOURINTERVIEWDAY,ITISVERYLIKELYTHATYOUAREBEINGEVALUATEDFORYOUR“FIT” WITH THEPROGRAM.
  • BEHUMBLE. AVOIDANYTRACEOF ARROGANCE.
  • Avoidinconsistenciesinyour responses todifferent interviewers.
  • Attheconclusionoftheinterview,inquirewhetherornotyouareexpectedtocommunicateagainwiththeresidencyprogramdirector.Someresidencydirectorswillexpectyoutocontactthemifyouremaininterestedintheprogram.Othersdonotexpect furthercommunicationprior tothematch. Comply with a program’s request not to send a “thank you” email or letter.
  • Keepa“scoresheet”foryourselflistingwhatyoulikedanddidnotlikeabouteachprogram.Keep this score sheet up-to-date . Bytheendoftheinterviewseason,itbecomes difficulttorememberspecificsabouteachprogram.Considerassigningatentativerank toeachprogramas yougoalong theprocess.
Ifyoudecidetocancelaninterview,becertaintonotifytheProgramDirector’sofficebytelephoneassoonaspossible.Besureyouspeakwitha“realperson”(notjustarecorder).Failuretonotifyaprogram isan extremelydiscourteousactthatdeprivesanotherapplicantoftheopportunityforaninterviewandinconveniencesadministratorsandfacultymemberswhohavesetasidetimetomeetwithyou.Italsoreflectsonthereputationofyourmedicalschoolandmayjeopardizetheabilityoffutureapplicantsfromyourschooltosecureaninterview.

BUDGETINGFOR THE INTERVIEWS

Interviewingforresidencyprogramsisanexpensiveundertaking.A recent survey estimated the average cost to be $4000-5000 (average # interview 12, source: Guidry, et al. Tex Med. 2014)Yourtotalfinancialoutlayobviouslywilldependuponthenumberofprogramstowhichyouapplyandtheirproximitytoyourhome.Listedbelowarereasonableestimatesforlodging,food,airfare,applicationfees, andclothing.

  • Averageexpenseforonenightinacomfortable(but notelegant) hotel (hotelsinlargecities maybealmost twice

asexpensive)...... $100

  • Averageexpenseforbreakfast, lunch, anddinner,

including tips...... $50

  • Averageairfareforasingletrip(highlydependentonyourhomecity)...... $300-400

Averagecostofasingle-daycarrental...... $50

  • ERASandNRMPfees (dependent uponnumberofapplications)...... $500

Newclothingforinterviews(suit,overcoat,shoes)...... $500

Pleaseconsider thefollowing suggestions for reducing your expenses.

  • Drivetoas manyinterviews as possible.
  • Whenmakingairlinereservations,trytouseonlyasinglecarrier.Jointhatcarrier's"frequentflyer"programifyouarenotalreadyamember.Dependinguponyournumberofairlinetrips,youmayearnenoughmileagecredittoqualify forafreeroundtripcoachticket.
  • Obtainacreditcardlinkedtoanairline.Whenyouchargelargeexpenses,youthenwillearnfrequentflyer miles.
  • Toobtainthelowestairfare,trytomakeyourairlinereservationasfarinadvanceaspossible.Someairlinesstillofferlowerfaresifyourreservationincludesanover-Saturdaystay.
  • Ifairtravelisrequired,try togrouptogetherasmany interviewsaspossible.Aslongasyoudepartfrom,andreturnto,thesamelocation,additionalstopsinbetweenmayberelativelyinexpensive.
  • Inquireastowhetherthedepartmentyouarevisitinghasanydiscountarrangementwithanearbyhotel.Iftheresidencyprogramhasagraduateofyourmedicalschool,he/shemaybewillingtoprovidehousingforvisitingresidentapplicants.
  • Beawarethatlowinterestloansareavailabletoassistwithinterviewexpensesandrelocationexpenses maybeavailablefromyour medical school.

PREPARINGTHEFINALMATCHLIST

Theranklist must besubmittedby9p.m. deadline date inFebruary

  • Utilize your career advisors for assistance in preparing your Rank list
  • Becertainthatyouhaveincludedanappropriatenumberandmixofprogramsbaseduponyour qualifications andspecific geographical/personalconstraints.
  • Donotrankanyprograminwhichyouabsolutelywouldnotliketotrain.Askyourselfthisquestion,“WouldIrathergounmatchedthantrainatProgramX?”Iftheansweris“Yes,” donot rank that program.
  • Rankprogramsentirelyaccordingtoyourpreferences.Donotattemptto"guess"howprogramswillrankyouortonegotiatearrangementsoutsideoftheMatch.Suchefforts arefraughtwithuncertaintyandoftenleadtomajor disappointments.
  • Trustyourgutinstinct.Itprobablyismorereliablethananynumericalratingsystemyoucoulddevise.
  • Ifyouarematchingasacouple,beawarethatyoucanarrangeyourlistsbothbymedicalcenterandbycity.Forexample,foryourfirstchoiceyoumightlistOB-GYN—CornellUniversity.YourpartnercouldthenlistMedicine—ColumbiaUniversity.Assumingthat amatchoccurs,youwill at least beinthesamecity.
  • Mostimportantly,trustintheessentialfairnessofthematchingprocess.Thematchingalgorithmiswellvalidatedandisbasedontheconceptofa“win-win”gametheory.Itisdesignedtogiveboththeindividual andtheprogramthebest possiblematch.

NOTES