Strolling Through the Match

Last night was the FMIG's annual Strolling Through the Match. I think the turnout was smaller than last year, but there were lots of good questions. It's always an exciting time to help students get ready for the Match process. It's also a good opportunity to visit with some of my fellow Program Directors. The TX PDs are a pretty close group and we enjoy getting together.

I still can't believe it's almost that time already.

Let me review some of the "top tips"...

Load your documents to ERAS early.

Be sure your letters of recommendation are appropriate to the programs where you're applying. For example, if you're applying to both Pedi and FM, make sure you send the correct letters to the program. It's very bad form to send a FM PD a letter that says, "I'm so pleased to recommend X to you for your Pedi program..."!! It's also not very cool for the letters to be generic. They should indicate that the person writing it knows which specialty you're applying for. The letters should come from practicing physicians, not residents or fellows. Letters from community physicians are encouraged. Some programs prefer to see that you've waived your right to review the letters before they're uploaded.

Personal statement - draft it NOW, and then put it away for a few days. Get it back out and reread it. Have two or three other people read it and give suggestions. Run spell checker. Check your document after you upload it. Sometimes ERAS does weird formatting things and you'll want to correct those. If you had some stumble in medical school or took a leave of absence, the personal statement is the place to address that. Hopefully you will be able to say what you learned from that experience and put a positive spin on it. Don't lecture to us about what is Family Medicine... we already know. We do, however, like to hear any personal experiences you may have had that influenced you to choose FM.

Choosing programs - don't forget, if you will be moving with family that your family has to be happy there too. If they're not happy, you're not going to be either. The consensus among the PDs is that the most important thing is that you like the people you will be working with... that you get a good feeling from the faculty and residents you meet and feel comfortable in the environment. What you get out of residency is a whole lot about what YOU put into it and less so about details of the program. Remember, the accreditation process makes sure all the programs have the minimums. That said, if you have special interests... THAT is worth considering. Make sure the programs you're looking at can meet those needs.

Interview - be on time and be professional. Dress nice. Be on your best behavior. Turn off your cell phone or leave it in the car. Ask questions every time you get an opportunity, even if you've already asked the same question of someone else that day. At the very least, you'll get a different perspective. Most programs have residents involved in the interview process. Often, it is a more casual atmosphere such as a lunch or dinner. Remember that this too is part of the interview process. Being able to work in a team and get along with a group is a huge part of residency, and we'll be looking for clues about you during the group activities. Although more casual, they ARE a part of the interview process. Review your notes about the program the night before the interview. If you are knowledgeable about the basics, it shows real interest in the program and that's important to us.

Don't interview with your top pick first. Do a "practice interview" or two with programs you think are probably lower on your list.

Special needs - if you're couples matching or have a spouse who will need a certain kind of job, there will times it is appropriate to ask for that sort of information. Please do, because it's likely we can help you. We can set you up with a realtor, make sure you get to see the public school system, or whatever you need.

Most importantly, be yourself. Don't put on a show to be what you think the program wants. Obviously, you do want to put forward your best image, but don't try to be something you're not. Chances are, you're going to just know when the fit is right.

Talk to as many 1st and 2nd year residents currently in the program as you can. These are the people you will spend the most time with over the next 3 years of your life.

Good luck! We look forward to seeing you over the coming months.