The purpose of my writing this document is to do two things
First, tell you what worked out for me.
Second, inspire you to make it work for you.
First, tell you what worked out for me.
Second, inspire you to make it work for you.
Whatever I did to match was nothing new. I did almost the same steps as all of you did. Most of this is going to be a search for you to find something different that I did. Sparing a few details here and there.
The details presented in this document are a culmination of all that I saw, I heard and I learnt in the entire process. I matched into a super competitive specialty not because I had high scores but because all my coaches were the right people. I would also like to state that I look at my match as a sign of hope to everyone who was told they cannot match for any reason.
The details presented in this document are a culmination of all that I saw, I heard and I learnt in the entire process. I matched into a super competitive specialty not because I had high scores but because all my coaches were the right people. I would also like to state that I look at my match as a sign of hope to everyone who was told they cannot match for any reason.
My USMLE Profile:
IMG
decent scores,
All steps Passed first attempt, Step 3 passed while in the Interview Season,
4 Observerships, 1 month research experience (volunteer)
1 US publication, Seven other publications,
Book co authored chapters
Volunteer experience – both in Home country and US
YOG 7
First time applicant, Home Residency present
No contacts in the specialty /program that I knew.
Time spent in the US – over a year
IMG
decent scores,
All steps Passed first attempt, Step 3 passed while in the Interview Season,
4 Observerships, 1 month research experience (volunteer)
1 US publication, Seven other publications,
Book co authored chapters
Volunteer experience – both in Home country and US
YOG 7
First time applicant, Home Residency present
No contacts in the specialty /program that I knew.
Time spent in the US – over a year
Tip # 1: Always be informed
If you don’t have the right information, you’ll always lose out to a better-informed candidate. Sometimes it means knowing people in the program, sometimes it means knowing where to apply and where not to, sometimes it just means knowing the right people to do the right thing.
It means also getting all the right documents available at the right time.
Knowing what people want at what time.
I was helped by knowing a lot of people – even co applicants – my co applicants some of which who matched into various programs provided me with information that I would not have accessed otherwise.
Tip # 2: Collaborate with everyone
I collaborated with a lot of co applicants. Keep jealousy aside. In the end, the race is only against yourself.The majority of my knowledge came from some of my co – applicants who were kind enough to share most of their experiences with me – stuff like what to wear to an interview, what to say, what questions were they asked, what they wore, ate, did – all of this really helps and I cannot stress it enough. I learnt how to approach programs – when to mail them
I collaborated with a lot of co applicants. Keep jealousy aside. In the end, the race is only against yourself.The majority of my knowledge came from some of my co – applicants who were kind enough to share most of their experiences with me – stuff like what to wear to an interview, what to say, what questions were they asked, what they wore, ate, did – all of this really helps and I cannot stress it enough. I learnt how to approach programs – when to mail them
Collaboration also means being able to be a part of a Facebook Group. Go for groups with more members. Most information is useful but you do need to filter out what you need.
Pros of a facebook group – you get a lot of information which you would never have as a first-time applicant
These groups will provide your inputs from anything like where to stay to where and who to approach – links to observer ships, list of programs
One of the best things that collaboration does is it divides the work load amongst people. Make excel sheets for specialties you would apply to.
Excel sheets help you save time and Money. You could apply to better programs with that money. I had five excel sheets ready before I applied. I knew where to apply and where not to.
Excel sheets help you save time and Money. You could apply to better programs with that money. I had five excel sheets ready before I applied. I knew where to apply and where not to.
Cons of a facebook group: You need to filter out information
They are people who make profiles with seemingly medical names and then post stuff to demoralize people – “I have 270 on step 1 260 on step 2 and GC …what are my chances? “
This is unfortunately humorous for some people to laugh at other people’s score and visa status. Steer clear from these messages. They will only make you feel ugly about yourself.
This is unfortunately humorous for some people to laugh at other people’s score and visa status. Steer clear from these messages. They will only make you feel ugly about yourself.
One of the things I did was to ignore these messages – completely. They’re a double-edged sword. Understand that clearly.
You can push yourself to oblivion just by giving head to fake messages on groups.
You can push yourself to oblivion just by giving head to fake messages on groups.
TIP #3: Connect with people Where you observe.
The observer ship is not just to gain a letter of recommendation. It is also for a potential interview. You need to meet the chief and the PD in some form. Connect with the residents, fellows. Basically, be welcome into the program. You just might match where you observed. Courtesy interviews are often handed out and you just might match there.
The observer ship is not just to gain a letter of recommendation. It is also for a potential interview. You need to meet the chief and the PD in some form. Connect with the residents, fellows. Basically, be welcome into the program. You just might match where you observed. Courtesy interviews are often handed out and you just might match there.
TIP #4: Get hands-on training
It really makes a difference if you have hands-on training.
A fellowship does two things. It gets your foot in the door. Then it gets you hands-on experience which is invaluable.
I would rate a fellowship > research any given day.
It really makes a difference if you have hands-on training.
A fellowship does two things. It gets your foot in the door. Then it gets you hands-on experience which is invaluable.
I would rate a fellowship > research any given day.
TIP #5: Stay connected to anyone and everyone who you know in the US.
You never know who is going to help you. Stay visible but don’t be too clingy.
Be ready for some people
The people who match are not necessarily intelligent – they’re smart and have good networking skills. This is the chief reason you get people with poorer scores than yourself matching at better places than you.
Networking = Matching
You never know who is going to help you. Stay visible but don’t be too clingy.
Be ready for some people
The people who match are not necessarily intelligent – they’re smart and have good networking skills. This is the chief reason you get people with poorer scores than yourself matching at better places than you.
Networking = Matching
TIP #6: All mails should go out at 9 am destination time.
Preferably That’s when PCs and PDs see their mails.
You will notice a 50% increase in your response rate if you send out mails at this time.
Try and get your mail in their inboxes. Some of your mail reaches spam. Try and send mails to everyone in this time frame when they’re active on the inboxes.
Be patient for responses. They make take a couple of days or more. If you show desperation you’re out of the program automatically.
Learn how to mail. Mailing is a skill. Be good at it.
Good Mailing Skills = Matching
Good Mailing Skills = Matching
The Holiday mails should also be sent but keep them to the point- no spamming. Don’t be a spammer- no one likes them too.
Maintain a steady contact between you and the program.
Maintain a steady contact between you and the program.
TIP #7: Be ready for rejections.
You will get a lot of them.
A Lot.
It will fill your inbox.
You’ll feel cheated.
Some people who promised they will help you will not do so. Be ready for shocks and setbacks. This is a survival game. It’s more a test of character than intelligence. Believe me when you Match you’ll be a stronger person. In the end you need only one spot. It doesn’t matter if you get ten ivs or 45 ivs.
1 is enough. I am a living proof of that. There are many others like me. Each time you think of you having less interviews than me - Think of us.
This was told to me by my friend. I didn’t believe him then. Now I stand happily corrected. People around you may have ten. It doesn’t matter. In the end the race is only against yourself.
You will get a lot of them.
A Lot.
It will fill your inbox.
You’ll feel cheated.
Some people who promised they will help you will not do so. Be ready for shocks and setbacks. This is a survival game. It’s more a test of character than intelligence. Believe me when you Match you’ll be a stronger person. In the end you need only one spot. It doesn’t matter if you get ten ivs or 45 ivs.
1 is enough. I am a living proof of that. There are many others like me. Each time you think of you having less interviews than me - Think of us.
This was told to me by my friend. I didn’t believe him then. Now I stand happily corrected. People around you may have ten. It doesn’t matter. In the end the race is only against yourself.
TIP #8: Find accommodation for the entire season. Try to be here even for SOAP. You never know.
Try and locate yourself in a city with a good airport. Like NY. With frequent flights to everywhere.
Get a Verizon phone.
My T mobile did not work at some places.
You don’t want to be away from your phone and the mail in the IV season.
Try and locate yourself in a city with a good airport. Like NY. With frequent flights to everywhere.
Get a Verizon phone.
My T mobile did not work at some places.
You don’t want to be away from your phone and the mail in the IV season.
Interview tips for pretty much anywhere:
Most of the stuff here is a collection of tips and tricks, I have absorbed from various sources - Past residents, Friends, People who do interview preparation for a living and my own meandering interviewing experience.
Having modest scores, I really relied on the interview skills to help me stand out.
Tip #1: The interviewer is smarter than you are - always!
Imagine interviewing close to 300 applicants every year. They know how to see through you, Every step in your application. Every word that you wrote. They see 85% similar stuff from each candidate - thus they’re good people to catch you when you’re lying and when you’re not.
Imagine interviewing close to 300 applicants every year. They know how to see through you, Every step in your application. Every word that you wrote. They see 85% similar stuff from each candidate - thus they’re good people to catch you when you’re lying and when you’re not.
Tip # 2: DONT LIE
Don’t lie on your CV - if you fabricate most likely you will be caught. Once you lose faith there isn’t much you can do to cover up. People like Academically strong people but who likes a liar. No one. Weed out anything you cannot justify, prove or provide evidence for. I had a few publications that wouldn’t show up on a google search - I chose to leave them out
Don’t lie on your CV - if you fabricate most likely you will be caught. Once you lose faith there isn’t much you can do to cover up. People like Academically strong people but who likes a liar. No one. Weed out anything you cannot justify, prove or provide evidence for. I had a few publications that wouldn’t show up on a google search - I chose to leave them out
Personal statements – This is what most programs read beside your CV. Try to make it personal and concise. Don’t brag. Be the hero of the Personal statement. Don’t overdo it. Some Personal statements that I have read would make you feel that the person is an incarnation of the Almighty. At the same time, it should bring out the essence of being you.
It should touch on your strengths and weaknesses. Events from your life.
But it shouldn’t be a mini CV. It should have paragraphs sticking to a certain theme. Don’t begin with quotes – they’re too cliché.
Be ready with whatever you wrote on your CV or PS – you will be asked. If you cannot answer – it goes against you. It means you were fibbing. You don’t want to be called out a liar. You will be asked every bit of your Cv – your publications, your experiences and questions relating to them.
It should touch on your strengths and weaknesses. Events from your life.
But it shouldn’t be a mini CV. It should have paragraphs sticking to a certain theme. Don’t begin with quotes – they’re too cliché.
Be ready with whatever you wrote on your CV or PS – you will be asked. If you cannot answer – it goes against you. It means you were fibbing. You don’t want to be called out a liar. You will be asked every bit of your Cv – your publications, your experiences and questions relating to them.
Make separate PS for each type of program – community vs university.
Universities like researchers and academic people
Community programs like people who will stay and serve as physicians.
The last paragraph should bring out these future goals for you.
Make a separate PS for each place you observed. – it should highlight why that program
This makes a huge impact when you talk to the program. Be reasonable. Don’t go overboard. Highlight the unique good things about the program. Everyone likes a little pat on the back.
This makes a huge impact when you talk to the program. Be reasonable. Don’t go overboard. Highlight the unique good things about the program. Everyone likes a little pat on the back.
Tip #3: You’re being interviewed every second. By everyone - the PC, The PD, The PC’s friend, The shy intern, the confident Chief resident. Every mail. Every communication. Every breath you take. All things in and around the interview matter. The pre-interview dinner, the showing up on time on the day. Knowing your way around. Keep that in mind - whether you hold out a door for someone - whether you are polite - all of it is being logged on a secret ledger.
So don’t be too nervous or scared. And don’t be too casual. Be who you are - if you pretend you’ll become nervous - that is super counter-productive. Programs understand your pressures.
So don’t be too nervous or scared. And don’t be too casual. Be who you are - if you pretend you’ll become nervous - that is super counter-productive. Programs understand your pressures.
Tip #4: Book Hotels and flights in advance - see if the town has Uber and get your commute figured out. - you don’t want to be coming in late on day of it or to the pre I’ve dinner.
Some places might not have über or left - arrange for transport beforehand.
Transport issues is the most common cause of an interviewee coming in late - AVOID AT ALL COSTS TO WALK IN LATE.
If you still happen to walk in late – Apologise -
Prices go up logarithimically
Some places might not have über or left - arrange for transport beforehand.
Transport issues is the most common cause of an interviewee coming in late - AVOID AT ALL COSTS TO WALK IN LATE.
If you still happen to walk in late – Apologise -
Prices go up logarithimically
Tip #5: Pre interview communications
Don’t try to bog down the PC with extra mails - just the right amount - only for the relevant stuff. The Pc is squally recovering from a Previous season - be kind - it counts - if you’re too nosy no one will eventually want you - you don’t want that
Don’t try to bog down the PC with extra mails - just the right amount - only for the relevant stuff. The Pc is squally recovering from a Previous season - be kind - it counts - if you’re too nosy no one will eventually want you - you don’t want that
Tip #6: Pre interview Dinner
I cannot stress this more. Be there early - helps immensely - I landed before the Hosts. It helps youaccommodate with the surroundings - you’re no more nervous -
Open up the menu beforehand via urbanspoon or google to see what you will order -I was a vegetarian and so I had to adapt - as it turns out the menu was non vegetarian - normally I would have been hesitant trying to figure out how to adapt – but I blended in because I had the right information
the usual tips apply - order of lesser value than the host - 15$ range is a good estimate
No one will pay for drinks - if they do politely turn down the request to drink —you want to be sharp on the next day.
I cannot stress this more. Be there early - helps immensely - I landed before the Hosts. It helps youaccommodate with the surroundings - you’re no more nervous -
Open up the menu beforehand via urbanspoon or google to see what you will order -I was a vegetarian and so I had to adapt - as it turns out the menu was non vegetarian - normally I would have been hesitant trying to figure out how to adapt – but I blended in because I had the right information
the usual tips apply - order of lesser value than the host - 15$ range is a good estimate
No one will pay for drinks - if they do politely turn down the request to drink —you want to be sharp on the next day.
Talk - most people don’t - are shy and uncomfortable - make your talk a mix of academics and personal life - make new friends - most people I know were talking about how’s the cardiac here. How is the pay here.... avoid ... makes it boring - talk to your fellow applicants too ...... people are out to impress the staff members only make everyone feel you’re a good team player rather than a shy nerd.
No one likes nerds. Nerds also don’t like other nerds.
So don’t be a nerd - at all costs.
No one likes nerds. Nerds also don’t like other nerds.
So don’t be a nerd - at all costs.
Tip #7: Dining Etiquette’s - I did undergo a video brief up of how to make a mark with dining manners as well. Although this is bit of a stretch but I focused as I had only one clear IV - it was a desperate attempt so I was trying to check all boxes. It doesn’t make you into a genious – it just blends you in. You want to blend in – don’t you?
Tip #8: Practice Talking to people - Learning how to small talk helps a lot with the whole interview process – including the pre-interview It really helps in being able to put your point across. People stop talking once the whole interview is dinner. I was talking to people even at the lunch after the IV- this makes you stand out again as most people are shy to talk to the rest of the depth. Talk to everyone – even people who are not interviewing you. Talk relevant but not always quiz about the program – some of my co applicants were talking about training. I was talking about my pet cats and fish and what the residents do in their duty after hours – Who wants to talk work over a dinner. Mention it but don’t grill them!
People always try to talk to residents never to co applicants – DO TALK TO COAPPLICANTS – remember they’re potential colleagues and not competitors in the true sense. By the end of my interview I had 5 new friends who were co applicants – They matched too – but it gives a sense of you being a friendly person – do that – connect. I was in touch with these co applicants even after the IV – which also helps it gives u a relative look at the feedback u get from the program
Tip #9: Get your wardrobe sorted out for the IV Season
Try on everything you will wear on that day. Match your tie to your shirt. Your suit to your skirt. The watch. The spectacles. Everything. Shoes socks. Everything. You want to look sharp on that day.
Try on everything you will wear on that day. Match your tie to your shirt. Your suit to your skirt. The watch. The spectacles. Everything. Shoes socks. Everything. You want to look sharp on that day.
How to dress for the PreIV dinner: Business casuals -
Things not to talk at a program including PreIV – You’re Taking a big risk if you bring these up in conversation.
POLITICS
GOSSIP
RACISM
CONTROVERSIAL TOPIC
MONEY
BADMOUTHING ABOUT YOUR OLD SCHOOL/PEOPLE/COUNTRY
BRAGGING ABOUT YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
BEING RUDE/ DISRESPECTFUL
GOSSIP
RACISM
CONTROVERSIAL TOPIC
MONEY
BADMOUTHING ABOUT YOUR OLD SCHOOL/PEOPLE/COUNTRY
BRAGGING ABOUT YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
BEING RUDE/ DISRESPECTFUL
Try not to be opinionated. They’re looking for raw clay and not cemented pots. Be malleable but not swayable. If you’re rigid it’s a no go. Interviews are hard to come by and try and maximize them. Use all your mistakes from one and don’t repeat them again.
The Interview Proper:
The Interview Proper:
The interview is about being very clear and crisp. They’re not judging you but they’re judging you.
Questions I faced:
USUAL ones
Why this specialty?
Why here? What made you choose us?
What are your academic goals?
Where do you see yourself?
What do you do in your leisure time?
Why this specialty?
Why here? What made you choose us?
What are your academic goals?
Where do you see yourself?
What do you do in your leisure time?
Difficult ones
How do you explain your scores?
How will you be able to adjust to taking orders from your seniors who may have less experience than you?
How well do you handle stress?
A few questions doubting things on my CV….
How do you explain your scores?
How will you be able to adjust to taking orders from your seniors who may have less experience than you?
How well do you handle stress?
A few questions doubting things on my CV….
EVERY RED FLAG WILL BE BROUGHT UP IN ONE INTERVIEW OR THE ANOTHER. IF YOU CANNOT ANSWER TO THESE Q’s SATISFACTORILY… PEOPLE WILL NOT TALK TO YOU.
Some Basics:
Points to remember before interview
Show motivation towards the specialty
Want to know about when and why you wanted to pursue this specialty
Know pros n cons of the specialty as he wants u to understand wat u r getting into
Will try to search for points in favour of u in the lor
Be emotionally stable as they want such candidates only
Be confident and humble- self righteousness may take ur chance away
Accept ur faults and recognize when u r wrong
Be consistent dont fake stuff
Generally medical questions not asked but reasoning questions are asked
Best applicants smile, make good eye contact and are engaging interesting enthusiastic and warm
Have a sparkling personality
Smile and greet everyone
Red flags in ur cv means gap
Red flag less score but if u r called for interview its nt an issue but u should be able to justify
Gve complete answer not with yes or no
Dnt gve brief answers
Make it interesting so it makes the interviewers job easy
Make segues to topic you want to discuss
Make ur interview conversational but still keep it formal
Be sure to strategically bring up red flags dont dwell on them
Dont speak longer than 3 mins until unless your interviews.....(to be continued)
Points to remember before interview
Show motivation towards the specialty
Want to know about when and why you wanted to pursue this specialty
Know pros n cons of the specialty as he wants u to understand wat u r getting into
Will try to search for points in favour of u in the lor
Be emotionally stable as they want such candidates only
Be confident and humble- self righteousness may take ur chance away
Accept ur faults and recognize when u r wrong
Be consistent dont fake stuff
Generally medical questions not asked but reasoning questions are asked
Best applicants smile, make good eye contact and are engaging interesting enthusiastic and warm
Have a sparkling personality
Smile and greet everyone
Red flags in ur cv means gap
Red flag less score but if u r called for interview its nt an issue but u should be able to justify
Gve complete answer not with yes or no
Dnt gve brief answers
Make it interesting so it makes the interviewers job easy
Make segues to topic you want to discuss
Make ur interview conversational but still keep it formal
Be sure to strategically bring up red flags dont dwell on them
Dont speak longer than 3 mins until unless your interviews.....(to be continued)
MORE STUFF COMING SOON. Please provide feedback if this helps.
I will take personalised queries as well - inbox me your questions (preferably in bullets)and I will do my best to answer them for you. Dont forget to mention your email.
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