Page 3 of 3: APPLYING FOR RESIDENCY: AN OVERVIEW OF THE MATCH PROCESS

asutoshsahu · Credits: 2274 My Scrapbook

Radiation Oncology

Over the last several years, this specialty has become ultra-competitive. Nearly all applicants are US seniors at the top of their medical school classes. Many even have a PhD in engineering, physics, or other basic sciences. Because radiation oncology is a very academic field, you should engage in as many scholarly endeavors as possible. Clinical or basic science research—particularly with publications— looks very impressive to selection committees. Find a mentor in radiation oncology and spend time with him or her on a research project or at least in the clinic. You should strive for the best possible scores on the USMLE Step I (at least 220 or above). Membership in AOA is helpful, but not essential. Regardless, try to earn high grades in third-year clerkships. Early in the senior year, take a month-long elective in radiation oncology and work hard to impress your attendings.

Rotations at outside programs are particularly worthwhile for enthusiastic students with less strong academic records. Try to convey your excitement for delving into the scientific literature of the field. Because of the stiff competition, all candidates should submit as many applications as financially possible. You will need three letters of recommendation with at least one from a radiation oncologist who knows you well (even better if he or she is a big name, well-connected, or departmental chairperson). Although the personal statement varies in importance between programs, it should succinctly convince the reader of your passion for radiation oncology (not just for the decent hours and good pay). Program directors look for applicants with intellectual curiosity, competent clinical skills, and a friendly demeanor. If you meet this description, your chances of matching are quite good.

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Radiology

As many stellar applicants discover the attractions of diagnostic radiology, this specialty has now become very competitive. Hundreds of well-qualified applicants find themselves without positions on Match Day. If you are interested in this specialty, you should immerse yourself in the radiology department at your medical school, particularly during the preclinical years. Clinical research in radiology will improve your chances in matching, particularly at the powerhouse programs with lots of grant money. By starting early, it may be possible to publish papers in radiology journals.

You should, of course, strive for high grades in gross Anatomy . Program directors also widely use the USMLE Step I score to screen out applicants. The average score for matching in radiology is reportedly around 220 to 230, with scores higher than 240 necessary for the higher caliber programs. During the clinical years, you should try to earn stellar grades in all of your clinical rotations. Many programs eliminate candidates who have not achieved AOA status. In general, audition rotations do little to improve your chances at matching at that particular program. Unlike in other specialties, as a student, it is difficult to impress radiology attendings and residents with your knowledge and work ethic. At application time, apply to as many programs as you can possibly afford. Most candidates submit between 30 and 50 applications.

The personal statement is the appropriate place to convey that you are smart, hard working, and easy to get along with. Letters of recommendation are helpful from physicians from any number of specialties, as long as they particularly emphasize your ability to work well in a team. In theory, radiology letters do not mean much unless coming from a big name. Due to the extremely competitive nature of this specialty, nearly all program directors recommend ranking preliminary medicine programs at the end of the primary rank list. This way the unsuccessful candidate can reapply while completing the required medicine internship year.

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Urology

This specialty is at the top of the list when it comes to being one of the most competitive. Future urologists should immerse themselves in extracurricular activities to distinguish themselves in some way. Clinical research in urology is extremely valuable and can make you shine in the eyes of program directors, especially if it leads to publications or presentations. Many high-powered academic programs even go so far as to require research experience without divulging this to applicants. Basically, you need to excel at everything—particularly in academic achievement. AOA membership is helpful, but not a strict requirement. Study hard during the preclinical years and earn a high score on the USMLE Step I—at least around 220 to 230. (Because urology is an early Match, most programs do not require Step II scores). Honors grades in the surgery core clerkship and fourth-year urology electives are essential.

Away rotations at other programs are only necessary if there are no wellknown urologists at your own institution from whom to request letters of recommendation. You should, however, consider doing a subinternship at one or two of your top-ranked programs. Urology is a very small medical community, so connections are important. Your letters of reference from well-known physicians could make or break your candidacy. Applicants should obtain three to four letters from faculty members who know them well, especially one from the chairperson of urology at their medical school. They are perhaps the most important part of your application. Submit as many applications as financially feasible. The personal statement is relatively important and should be unique and engaging. Make sure to outline clearly the reasons for your interest in urology and to convey that you are diligent, honest, and do not have a large ego. To avoid being unmatched, all candidates should list all acceptable programs that they would be willing to attend (preferable to not training at all in urology) in their desired order.

stupiddoc · Credits: 423 My Scrapbook

thanks doc ! really really very updated and great informative post , usually ppl would contact about all of thier seniors and freinds working up in residency and alot of ppls intereactions bring this info to us . but u hve done it for every body really amazing .
thanks again.

asutoshsahu · Credits: 2274 My Scrapbook

Thanks for your appreciation.

Your each word boosts me to write more.

Thanks again

medico_mahesh · Credits: 954 My Scrapbook

hmm its all so fresh and supportive data i found.

mutation61 · Credits: 2168 My Scrapbook

nice effort but some of the tips apply to AMG s and not IMG s

asutoshsahu · Credits: 2274 My Scrapbook

sankit · Credits: 10020 My Scrapbook

very gud post . many doubts cleared

sankit · Credits: 10020 My Scrapbook

n jist this outline applies as much to IMGs as AMGs . just leave out pre medical yrs

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