tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76953112258360573582024-03-20T01:02:31.772-07:00USMLE and Residency TipsTools for those seeking medical residency. #justonecauseUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger208125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695311225836057358.post-11906340919507842972020-06-23T20:44:00.002-07:002020-06-23T20:44:28.714-07:00Top IMG friendly states in 2020 for pathology residency<div><a href="http://www.mleresidencytips.com/2020/06/top-5-residency-specialities-to-match.html"><b>Neurology and pathology </b>have stood out as distinct choices in top 5 for IMGs.</a> Last post looked at <a href="http://www.mleresidencytips.com/2020/06/top-img-friendly-neurology-residency.html">neurology and IMG friendly states</a>, this post is for Pathology based on the 2020 data. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
I calculated the percentage of IMG applicants who matched to different states. The results were then ranked in order of least to highest figure 1. <br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg16rtvRsKKXzR3VQOM9odkHhNqKH6EK2QiDcPYpIYS2bFRGy_wjlhli0X7ueWtlSYVVTi5geZ267-jp_voAHuT45DSdWAn28dfFfFzItr7DGeA5n-kL2qORv6W8sTqJOiqF2Fopqrygk/s1800/6-23-20a.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="1078" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg16rtvRsKKXzR3VQOM9odkHhNqKH6EK2QiDcPYpIYS2bFRGy_wjlhli0X7ueWtlSYVVTi5geZ267-jp_voAHuT45DSdWAn28dfFfFzItr7DGeA5n-kL2qORv6W8sTqJOiqF2Fopqrygk/w1220-h508/6-23-20a.png" width="1220" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><b>IMG friendly states ranked by proportion of IMGs matching into pathology residency PGY-1</b><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>States ranked by percent of IMGs matching to Neurology
The results was as follows. Based on percentage the top states with greater than 50% chance of IMGs matching <span style="color: #b51200;">(red box in figure 1) </span>were <br /></div><div>
1. West Virginia <br /></div><div>2. Mississippi <br /></div><div>3. Wisconsin <br /></div><div>4. Indiana <br /></div><div>5. Nebraska <br /></div><div>6. Rhode Island <br /></div><div>7. Oklahoma <br /></div><div>8. Georgia <br /></div><div>9. Connecticut <br /></div><div>10. New York <br /></div><div>11. Pennsylvania <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Programs to avoid (black box) are the ones to the left of the ranking with 0% IMG matched or no pathology positions.</div><div><br /></div><div>
Smaller programs with higher IMG applicants can skew the ranking. To limit this skewing, I plotted the % IMGS to total number of positions. Figure 2 depicts this scatter plot. <br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1nSl7SmkjFmyY2GAARPRyI7Cqq4UatD5FqX4kmIU4pOenrfQyHUUWIsxUXMfe_XXXVPVgSLTrpk_FAi5srBVOabxC5taXGH0bB3kZHm2QDJigM9LbrsWHb56KM5ycMyMdvLmu4v8FSLw/s1800/6-23-20b.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="558" data-original-width="899" height="608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1nSl7SmkjFmyY2GAARPRyI7Cqq4UatD5FqX4kmIU4pOenrfQyHUUWIsxUXMfe_XXXVPVgSLTrpk_FAi5srBVOabxC5taXGH0bB3kZHm2QDJigM9LbrsWHb56KM5ycMyMdvLmu4v8FSLw/w976-h608/6-23-20b.png" width="976" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><b>Scatter plot of total positions versus percent of IMGs matched for pathology residency PGY-1</b><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The solid line is 3rd quartile for both X and Y axes,
The plot itself split into quadrant based on the median for both the variables. Thus as a reminder, 4 quadrants are, <br /></div><div>
1. Programs in top right quadrant would show, more available positions and IMGs matching. <br /></div><div>2. Programs in bottom right would be more available positions but fewer IMGs matching <br /></div><div>3. Programs in bottom left, would be fewer positions and fewer IMGs matching <br /></div><div>4. Programs in top left, would be fewer positions but higher IMGs matching. <br /></div><div></div><div><b>Thus top left and top right would be the quadrants that would be favorable. <br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>From our previous list all 11 of these fall in these 2 quadrants. With New York and Pennsylvania in the top right quadrant. This suggests that these states have higher number of positions and IMGs matching.
<b>Thus, IMG applicants interested in pathology should consider these 11 states as priority. Special emphasis on New York and Pennsylvania</b> for their high number of total positions and percent IMGs matching</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695311225836057358.post-5776593124190566092020-06-21T15:12:00.001-07:002020-06-21T15:12:57.639-07:00Top IMG friendly Neurology residency programs 2020<div>Today's analysis looks at IMG friendly states for neurology based on the 2020 data.</div><div>I calculated the percentage of IMG applicants who matched to different states. The results were then ranked in order of least to highest figure 1. <br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGue5vu-k4YSmRXn6m7EWRfcP4aYhWBruiFqK5ebAV2r4rZiHDliiioprpjdpq4Lp69gKPVLZLdEopkZT1mUdP_7iP1CkN_XH2YAWylivYbKeeFi9RIBQLGEtRKXbTaXQP3if2ZTiE4sE/s1600/6-21-20a.PNG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="1248" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGue5vu-k4YSmRXn6m7EWRfcP4aYhWBruiFqK5ebAV2r4rZiHDliiioprpjdpq4Lp69gKPVLZLdEopkZT1mUdP_7iP1CkN_XH2YAWylivYbKeeFi9RIBQLGEtRKXbTaXQP3if2ZTiE4sE/w976-h450/6-21-20a.PNG" width="976" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>States ranked by percent of IMGs matching to Neurology<br /></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>
The results was as follows.
Based on percentage of IMG applicants matching, the top 5 states were
Nebraska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Louisiana and New Mexico made the top of the list. The range of IMG applicants matching was upwards of 60%. The next tier of places Mississippi, Oklahoma, Kentucky, West Virginia and New Jersey. The IMG applicants ranged from 50% to 56% in these states. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Smaller programs with higher IMG applicants can skew the ranking. For instance, Arkansas has 3 of 4 applicants who are IMGs, making their score of 75%. To limit this skewing, I plotted the % IMGS to total number of positions. Figure 2 depicts this scatter plot. <br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGaiWm5f2kJahyrH2F7RTa1z1hL9UqFZsEnfjpgacKuP8FroDw1NuFlLDuUHghTx_npNljnJhYMXENwegqdyxwxf-1hWHlS92AaOBp2xXl4jU38cQLiKIUMkz8cpGpLa6WNuByEkFAZns/s983/6-21-20b.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="644" data-original-width="983" height="804" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGaiWm5f2kJahyrH2F7RTa1z1hL9UqFZsEnfjpgacKuP8FroDw1NuFlLDuUHghTx_npNljnJhYMXENwegqdyxwxf-1hWHlS92AaOBp2xXl4jU38cQLiKIUMkz8cpGpLa6WNuByEkFAZns/w1220-h804/6-21-20b.PNG" width="1220" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The solid white line is median for both X and Y axes, the dashed yellow line is a stringent gating strategy<br /></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The plot itself split into quadrant based on the median for both the variables. Thus 4 quadrants are,</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Programs in top right quadrant would show, more available positions and IMGs matching. <br /></div><div>2. Programs in bottom right would be more available positions but fewer IMGs matching <br /></div><div>3. Programs in bottom left, would be fewer positions and fewer IMGs matching <br /></div><div>4. Programs in top left, would be fewer positions but higher IMGs matching. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Thus top left and top right would be the quadrants that would be favorable. From our previous figure, Nebraska, Arkansas, Connecticut, and New Mexico are in the top left quadrant. These are programs with fewer positions but greater percentage of IMGs matching. New Jersey, South Carolina, Louisiana, Texas and New York are all in the top right quadrant.
We can set stringent criteria and set the gating strategy to be discriminating (e.g. > 60% IMGs accepted and > 60 total positions). <u><b>This yields top IMG friendly states for neurology as Nebraska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Louisiana and New York. </b></u></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695311225836057358.post-79313171554528809722020-06-20T10:25:00.004-07:002020-06-20T10:45:42.893-07:00Update on ECFMG certification for 2021 Match<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXSDp4Nxt95EDo4qPYN-SnxAJd8ysfmBCHfTrrpP3GlthVeBp2-fd4Z_H-_VvBnuPhfaDphbo9nY8ictVoSpnT33aYFKnWRX9VfHWmht0mB_cjYQ2al0Hm887eFZJH5Ly-yF_OoEauDI/s235/6-20-20.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="126" data-original-width="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXSDp4Nxt95EDo4qPYN-SnxAJd8ysfmBCHfTrrpP3GlthVeBp2-fd4Z_H-_VvBnuPhfaDphbo9nY8ictVoSpnT33aYFKnWRX9VfHWmht0mB_cjYQ2al0Hm887eFZJH5Ly-yF_OoEauDI/" /></a></div>As it has always been, to be ECFMG certified, applicants need to pass Step 1, Step 2 and Step 2 Clincal skills exam. Due to covid-19 pandemic Step clinical skills (CS) exam is suspended for 18-22 months. Below is a brief synopsis for an alternate way that IMGs can qualify for ECFMG certification. <br /><br />These alternatives allow qualified IMGs get certification . If ECFMG or USMLE has barred you, then you are not eligible. Failing Step 1, Step 2 CK or CS, two or more times also disqualifies the applicant.<br /><br />Unrestricted license to practice in another country is eligible for FIRST PATHWAY. The license must be full, unrestricted and obtained after Jan 01, 2015. Applicants who have passed another standardized clinical exam are eligible for SECOND PATHWAY. This is for applicants from UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Ireland. THIRD PATHWAY, if World federation for medical education has accredited your medical school. All medical schools in North America, some in south America are part of the accreditation. Many countries in Europe are NOT part of this accreditation. The list includes China and Russia but not India. Details here <a href="https://wfme.org/accreditation/accrediting-agencies-status/">https://wfme.org/accreditation/accrediting-agencies-status/</a> . FOURTH PATHWAY is if medical school is participating in US Fed student loan program. FIFTH PATHWAY is for LCME accredited medical schools.<br /><br />More details at <a href="https://www.ecfmg.org/certification-requirements-2021-match/">https://www.ecfmg.org/certification-requirements-2021-match/</a> <br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695311225836057358.post-27324933852434580932020-06-17T14:19:00.002-07:002020-06-23T19:41:22.856-07:00Top 5 residency specialities to match in 2020 based on applicant type<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The latest NRMP data (2020) report top five specialties/specialty tracks to which U.S. MD seniors, US MD grads, US DO seniors, US DO grads, US IMG and non US IMG match.<br />
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Terminology: <br />
US MD senior: 4th year medical (MD) student US citizen, sponsored by medical school.<br />
US MD grad: Graduated from medical school, US citizen, not sponsored by medical school.<br />
US DO senior: 4th year DO student US citizen, sponsored by medical school.<br />
US DO grad: Graduated from DO school, US citizen, not sponsored by medical school.<br />
US IMG: international medical graduate but US citizen.<br />
non US IMG: International medical graduate not US Citizen<br />
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Relative distribution of the these top choices puts IM as a top choice and is the largest fraction for IMG (64%). This is in contrast to US IMG, US DO seniors and US MD grads who match with FM between 29 to 46%. Neurology and pathology are unique top 5 choices for IMG in 2020. Surgery and radiology are unique top 5 choices with US MD grads.<br />
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<br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXnNM_oqHDJ2LxqP0ZW3OJysSiIBuie1Lr3zWLLOCY55iBXmYE0gEwzrE8zRkvDJqoRJLaSI5gBk2BtXQ9_N2qv8YKrc8S3AW5YknnUBQveVeUqzLMaaGuJTxLLWrmy0S8iEvCxlJaKU/s893/6-17-20.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="893" data-original-width="799" height="781" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXnNM_oqHDJ2LxqP0ZW3OJysSiIBuie1Lr3zWLLOCY55iBXmYE0gEwzrE8zRkvDJqoRJLaSI5gBk2BtXQ9_N2qv8YKrc8S3AW5YknnUBQveVeUqzLMaaGuJTxLLWrmy0S8iEvCxlJaKU/w700-h781/6-17-20.png" width="700" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />Proportion of applicants choosing their top 5 specialities<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>
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To analyze favorites in common, I performed network analysis and generated a model. I included top 5 choices for all subgroups for network models.
Figure 2 shows, the relationships of type of applicants and their choices. Some important points stand out. The central location of the US MD seniors in the network confirm the known results of match. The largest edge (arrow) in the entire network connects US MD Seniors to IM residency. This suggests that largest cadre of applicants to IM residency programs is US MD seniors. US MD grads on the bottom right are out of the main network since they also have radiology and surgery in their top 5. As seen in figure 1, these were unique top 5 choices in this group. Non US IMG (bottom left) are still part of the network due to their robust connection to core IM node. They are on the periphery due to 2 unique tracks/specialties of Pathology and neurology.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBYnUkwxkX6ed7HIg2ixPSeyDNr6G8ITkx1yGIG-DoL4D2Sg72cV4oYjqKjhXYMhnWrWRJeVMEBpaxopm6IJMRAwaurr0YelJmKEi5nxDnOkuaPo4kvFIIx_RfHnrbtteZJbYWRUqB9U4/s1600/6-17-20b.PNG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="756" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBYnUkwxkX6ed7HIg2ixPSeyDNr6G8ITkx1yGIG-DoL4D2Sg72cV4oYjqKjhXYMhnWrWRJeVMEBpaxopm6IJMRAwaurr0YelJmKEi5nxDnOkuaPo4kvFIIx_RfHnrbtteZJbYWRUqB9U4/s640/6-17-20b.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Network model depicting unique and common top 5 specialties between applicant groups</span></td></tr>
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Reference:<br />
https://mk0nrmp3oyqui6wqfm.kinstacdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/MM_Results_and-Data_2020-1.pdf<br />
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<a href="http://www.veuepoint.com/" target="_blank">Immunity and clinical medicine: Medical information simplified</a> </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695311225836057358.post-68567405787227924042020-06-15T20:53:00.001-07:002020-06-15T20:56:44.259-07:00Temporary, emergency licenses to International Medical Graduates (IMGs)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYfaki-YJXuORWHbUIwy6-QLQGeyxHtcq5lQuA4p0TBhXP-Esgig1cXz6hco3JRqgiIdvMWDgXSNn26IKgozRfZPCqcDJW5KgaNgoSW5_UKPtv2ja-vtDcVQCdzfuYVUY-GfYWCjKlGw/s1600/6-15-20a.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="205" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYfaki-YJXuORWHbUIwy6-QLQGeyxHtcq5lQuA4p0TBhXP-Esgig1cXz6hco3JRqgiIdvMWDgXSNn26IKgozRfZPCqcDJW5KgaNgoSW5_UKPtv2ja-vtDcVQCdzfuYVUY-GfYWCjKlGw/s200/6-15-20a.png" width="75" /></a></div>
Wanted to make people aware that State of New Jersey is issuing temporary, emergency licenses to foreign-licensed physicians.
On April 1, 2020, Governor Murphy signed Executive Order No. 112, which makes it easier for physicians licensed in countries other than the United States to become licensed as physicians in New Jersey on a temporary, emergency basis. <br />
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<table border="1" style="float: left; height: 122px; width: 402px;">
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<td style="width: 193.6px;"><b>Eligibility criteria</b></td>
<td style="width: 193.6px;"><b>Comment</b></td>
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<td style="width: 193.6px;">1) Reside in the United States</td>
<td style="width: 193.6px;">Must be residing in the US</td>
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<td style="width: 193.6px;">2) Be a United States citizen, legal permanent resident or otherwise legally present and authorized to work in the United States;</td>
<td style="width: 193.6px;">Citizen, Green card holder, work visa (non-bound sponsored H1b). Student visa (F1), spouse, tourist visa etc will not be eligible. </td>
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<td style="width: 193.6px;">3) Hold a medical license in good standing in a country other than the United States</td>
<td style="width: 193.6px;">Certificate of good standing. No objection certificate</td>
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<td style="width: 193.6px;">4) Have practiced clinical medicine under that license for at least five years during your career; </td>
<td style="width: 193.6px;">so they want essentially someone who has been in practice for at least 5 years</td>
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<td style="width: 193.6px;">5) Have practiced clinical medicine under that license at some point during the last five (5) years; and</td>
<td style="width: 193.6px;">Those who have done post-grad back home may qualify since some of the PG training can be 5 years or if you have been in clinica practice for 5 years</td>
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<td style="width: 193.6px;">6) Limit your practice under your temporary emergency license to providing in-person clinical medical services</td>
<td style="width: 193.6px;">practice will be only in NJ where ever they need you to provide in-person care.</td>
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<b>Documents needed: </b> <br />
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1) <b>Work authorization: </b> Your authorization to work in the United States – see types of visa that can work in us (table above)<br />
2) <b>Medical license: </b>Your license number – from home country<br />
3) <b>Certificate</b>: Good standing certificate for license.<br />
4) <b>Certificate</b>: Certification that you have held that license and engaged in the clinical practice of medicine for at least five years;<br />
5) <b>Certificate</b>: stating you have practiced medicine for last 5 years<br />
6) <b>Information </b>about your education, training, work history, and specialty, and whether you hold an ECFMG certificate;<br />
7) <a href="http://www.mleresidencytips.com/2011/05/preparing-your-cvresume-for-residency.html" target="_blank"><b>CV</b>: resume or curriculum vitae </a><br />
8) <b>Information </b>about any criminal history, licensing disciplinary history, and history of complaints, grievances, or malpractice claims involving your practice of medicine (if you have any of these you may become ineligible see the details in the document – link below)<br />
9) <b>Agreement</b>: you plan to provide in-person clinical medical services in a facility licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health, including field hospitals and long-term care facilities, or
another location designated as an emergency health care center by the Commissioner of Health; <br />
10) <b>Agreement</b>: you understand the limited scope and duration of the temporary emergency license.<br />
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<b>Not Eligible/Who cannot apply:</b><br />
1) Cannot practice in home country due to medical license restrictions<br />
2) Disciplinary action by medical council<br />
3) Arrested, charged or covicted of a crime in ANY country.<br />
There may be a means to appeal these, please see details in FAQ document (link below)<br />
This was as recent as 6/1/2020 12:54 PM , when the document was modified last. Information was accessed on July 15, 2020.<br />
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For additional details and official information with updates, check these links<br />
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https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/COVID19/Documents/FAQ-Foreign-Licensed-Doctor-Program.pdf<br />
https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/COVID19/Pages/Temporary-Emergency-Foreign-Physician-Licensure-Program.aspx<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695311225836057358.post-24228280898475926692020-06-14T19:20:00.001-07:002020-06-14T19:24:14.901-07:00Highlights of the update from NRMP regarding the match and COVID-19 situation <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPVqWAcGiAcBhxl2m0OVk2E_c_ywoTyauyJoJS-Cop8YrPIILXR9Msy2WzZd4H30WYK1mDfT6qhFAf1ofU1mBo3su2c7mctu5fzUlb-WBgqmTkNhzCIm_HAPkP5djXqKwyI7ecQzxj68/s1600/6-14-20a.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="126" data-original-width="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPVqWAcGiAcBhxl2m0OVk2E_c_ywoTyauyJoJS-Cop8YrPIILXR9Msy2WzZd4H30WYK1mDfT6qhFAf1ofU1mBo3su2c7mctu5fzUlb-WBgqmTkNhzCIm_HAPkP5djXqKwyI7ecQzxj68/s1600/6-14-20a.png" /></a></div>
<b>On recent residency match </b><br />
The NRMP states that it is providing ECFMG a list of matched IMGs. The travel ban may make it difficult for those that matched to travel to US to start residency. NRMP states that they are working with the residency programs and state department. This is to determine who may and who may not be able to begin the program on time. Or, It also suggests deferral or waiver option to start training following year. This may have implications on total number of vacancies that IMGs are able to fill next year. Please track waiver/deferral numbers.<br />
<br />
<b>On current and future recruitment</b><br />
Fellowship applicant season is coming up next. NRMP and residency programs have to abide by public health recommendations. Limited travel and continued social distancing, will be norm, for the health and safety of all. For fellowship programs, it is <a href="http://www.mleresidencytips.com/2020/06/video-interviews-new-skill-set-to.html" target="_blank">recommending conducting a virtual, initial screening interview</a>. It is also suggesting institutions improve their electronic information. Applicants will start seeing Virtual tours, extensive program details online. Also, video introductions from faculty and facilities will be common. The programs will put in place this process for fellowship interviews and refine it. I expect that it will persist for residency interview process. if the COVID-19 pandemic spills over well into next year.<br />
<br />
NRMP COVID-19 FAQ (May 27, 2020) accessed June 14, 2020<br />
https://mk0nrmp3oyqui6wqfm.kinstacdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/NRMP-FAQ-27May2020-final.pdf<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695311225836057358.post-46985742743024385812020-06-12T18:39:00.000-07:002020-06-12T18:39:22.227-07:00A perspective on the recency of this blog.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "special elite"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dear readers
and followers of the blog,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "special elite"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> <span id="goog_97978358"></span><span id="goog_97978359"></span> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-MBQpJojCGvWEIcu7IPKugdEwHFGRLKq_eFped5t5hXCaNG0ySVLMcBpaGlLDjAIe5rk9I-7SgTOTfPt0DrftmUMnIKS0fVWGAwKK_9RVlYrmAgETpv2azrKEh4D2HbSx_RqSvPIdT8/s1600/6-12-20.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-left: 0em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="199" data-original-width="199" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-MBQpJojCGvWEIcu7IPKugdEwHFGRLKq_eFped5t5hXCaNG0ySVLMcBpaGlLDjAIe5rk9I-7SgTOTfPt0DrftmUMnIKS0fVWGAwKK_9RVlYrmAgETpv2azrKEh4D2HbSx_RqSvPIdT8/s200/6-12-20.png" width="100" /></a><span style="font-family: "special elite"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
started this blog back more than a decade ago as I was going through the process
of applying for residency. By any standards, I was an “old Grad”, having been
out of medical college for many years. I went through the graduate school
route, did research and then applied for residency. The blog was an outcome of
my experiences and an outlet for analysis of NRMP match outcomes data. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "special elite"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There is but a point that some of you
may or may not have realized. Many of the articles on the blog content are more
than 5 years old, that’s when I stopped writing due to the busy-ness of life
(family, personal life, work etc.). It is a tough road for an IMG, and it is
good to have any help along the way. Which is why I am now deciding to get back
to writing, informing and helping.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "special elite"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Many of you have reached out in the
meanwhile to ask specific questions about your situation. I have not been able
to respond to all them, some I have. I am doing this because that I can give
back to those who are in same position by sharing my experience and advice. I
am not up to date with the policy and exam changes for IMG residency. One thing
is true, many appreciated posts have endured over the years as still relevant.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "special elite"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This is blog is a labor of love and I
am not getting any significant income from it. Some ad related income goes
towards website upkeep and maintenance. It is neither appropriate nor necessary
to make this a paid site. I have been in your situation and know what situation
IMGs come from. We may not have education debt as common as it is for US grads
but IMGs do have limited funds. The USMLE process is expensive: educational
material, exams, interviews, the list of expenses keeps adding up. So, I do
want to keep this site a free resource for anyone who is in the same journey. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "special elite"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>If I do not respond to your individual
email or Facebook message, please do not take it personally. If there is a
theme that emerges from many people asking the same kind of question, I could
work post to help out. I will pin this post on facebook page, so that readers
do have a general overview of where things are at present.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "special elite"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Stay safe
and take care</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "special elite"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Good luck!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "special elite"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mleresidencytips.com</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695311225836057358.post-58912857715949687252020-06-09T09:26:00.001-07:002020-06-09T09:30:00.965-07:00Video interviews, a new skill set to develop for residency applications<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5Uz0iId8Pb-_wam43eeg0NR7n1Fd_R5HjRNMKJTdM-4OwZvabsAKW3bfML41jR-41KVD7SCmsdB19kJiuW1dwH6UOopBWpUJYndGB4u5rMy9C8Cn8r96flF9rrviwNaiDljbOqrPvZ4/s300/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="150" height="70" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5Uz0iId8Pb-_wam43eeg0NR7n1Fd_R5HjRNMKJTdM-4OwZvabsAKW3bfML41jR-41KVD7SCmsdB19kJiuW1dwH6UOopBWpUJYndGB4u5rMy9C8Cn8r96flF9rrviwNaiDljbOqrPvZ4/s200/Untitled.png" width="70" /></a>These are strange times we live in. Ten years ago, I would have scoffed at the idea that residency interviews would even be done by video chat using a computer but the stark reality in the current post covid-19 world is just that.
But then again, it is not too different from how things were done to an extent in the remote past.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZEQbsfk7AwxA8Jrp4Y-2qcqet23PJ4hDZVd0bHnEVjmJTIcIDYdTiiz2RMO-4oLWXWKd5NifqVCYk2gwH5DjDAg4kDeQ5ws7A9_STUDrstD71P-PN2A7b1BBtRva-RyPKmkXXUIz_jUY/s1600/STD_ISD_PCO_India.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="425" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZEQbsfk7AwxA8Jrp4Y-2qcqet23PJ4hDZVd0bHnEVjmJTIcIDYdTiiz2RMO-4oLWXWKd5NifqVCYk2gwH5DjDAg4kDeQ5ws7A9_STUDrstD71P-PN2A7b1BBtRva-RyPKmkXXUIz_jUY/s200/STD_ISD_PCO_India.jpg" width="79" /></a>Decades ago, I remember going to the local ‘communication center’ used to have the yellow sign in black lettering ‘STD, FAX, PCO’. In case some of you are wondering STD stands for ‘subscriber trunk dialing’ which would allow international calls and PCO stands or ‘public call office’. It was at a time when all households did not have a telephone and one would have to go to a local store to use it. In any case, I had a virtual interview scheduled over the phone with the chair of a research program. That 20 minute call (at 9.30 PM in the night) will be in the group of perhaps the most important phone calls in my life. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Given this dramatic transition to video interviews for residency applicants, What to expect going forward?</b><br />
1. It is a reality that given the concerns with spread of covid-19, many institutions are changing their approach to residency and fellowship interviews.<br />
2. Virtual conferences and interviews using a web-camera enabled computer or tablet are going to be increasingly adapted.<br />
3. Given the currency of the covid situation, most interviews will be transitioned to video format, but as things cool down there will be a return to in-person visit/interview to some extent.<br />
4. There will develop some kind of a hybrid video – in person interview system, where there may be first interview virtually and if selected, the applicants are invited to an in-person campus visit.<br />
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<b>There are several technologies at present that are used for video visits.</b> Skype for business, ZOOM etc all offer video conferencing methods. If you are familiar with them, it is <b>best to get used to these platforms</b> so that there are no technical issues on your end when you are set up to have the interview. These platforms like Zoom are private companies and not propriety to the institution who is conducting the interview. Thus, you could sign up and try it out to get a feel of the functionality of the program and get at least working knowledge of the basic functions (such as full screen, video window, mute mic etc). Facebook also offers video conferencing but I am not sure that the programs would use a social networking site to conduct interviews for residency.<br />
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<b>Another thing to think about is connectivity and broadband</b>. Video applications are data heavy and use a lot bandwidth. If you are on a weaker connection, then it may impact the quality of your interview
Impact on interview process for the applicant.<br />
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It is possible that with the cost savings from not needing to travel (air fare, car rental) or lodging (hotel stays are usually out of pocket for many residency applicants), <b>this could open up the possibility where a greater number of places could be applied to</b>. Video interviews are a different mode of human interaction. I will cover more about what to look for and how to conduct yourself in a video interview in the subsequent sections.<br />
Till then stay safe. Follow, like, subscribe, pass the word along – stay posted.
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695311225836057358.post-62104694820001347192020-06-08T07:33:00.000-07:002020-06-08T07:42:06.011-07:00Motivation, its a hard one to show<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Dear readers,
After a relatively long hiatus I am returning to writing articles on the blog. Last few years were busy with many events in personal life, but hopefully I can return to writing more regularly.<br />
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<b>On to the topic of discussion:</b><br />
<u>MOTIVATION </u><br />
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In the past many years I have seen applicants go through the application process, be it for residency or fellowship, one question that consistently makes the applicant falter or pause is "Why did you chose to get into medicine” or “why did you get into this particular area or topic”. The person who asks this question is looking for the motivation behind your choices and desire to get into residency. It may be a prior life experience, it may be a personal event or a loved one going through a tough medical issue. Something shaped your decision to get into medicine or another specialty. <b>Program directors and interviewers are always looking for highly motivated applicants, because it is these driven individuals that can achieve both personal and professional accolades that trickle over into making the program or institution look good.</b><br />
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<b>Motivation is easy to demonstrate but harder to explain.</b> The fact that your are sitting in an interview with a CV that you worked hard on shows that you are committed to achieving this goal. But, when asked, to explain, sometimes words can fail us, making us look unprepared or only having a superficial understanding of the issue we are trying to describe.<br />
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If it a personal example, then the onus is to explain the emotions behind what was experienced and why those events shaped your choices. If the example is going to be a case or a teaching point remembered from medical college, then you have to prepare a little better for this.
For the latter, here is a common example. Applicants will often say that they remember a complex case study from their medical school or saw this condition or that, during their clinical rotations and that is when they decided to get into medicine, or anesthesia or psychiatry or neurology or whatever. <b>But when asked, what about that case made an impression on you? the applicant can get flustered. </b><br />
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This could simply be that the<b> situational stress</b> of the interview got the better of you OR that you <b>could not demonstrate your understanding of the processes</b> related to those conditions or diseases.
If it is the former where interview stressed you out, you need to practice your interview skills. Practice in front of the mirror, in front of family or friends but have the answers prepared. The best combination is prepared answers that seem natural and on the fly, a difficult but not impossible task. If it is the latter, where there may be issue with explaining fundamentals then the answer is <b>read, reflect and realize </b>the medical issue in question.
Having noted this gap in understanding and explaining complex medical topics, I am working on a sister website called <a href="https://www.veuepoint.com/">www.veuepoint.com</a> where <b>complex medical topics are deconstructed using visualizations and visual analytics, simplify them to enhance understanding</b>. The content audience is pretty much anybody including medical students, residents, fellow even lay persons. The medical topics will explain why a disease does what it does, or why some treatments work and some don’t. So feel free to browse, like and follow as new content will be added in both places.<br />
Site: <a href="http://www.veuepoint.com/">www.veuepoint.com</a><br />
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Veuepoint">https://www.facebook.com/Veuepoint</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695311225836057358.post-50224604427918732542015-05-05T18:53:00.000-07:002015-05-05T18:53:01.941-07:00Importance of your name, consistency and why a rose by any other name is not a rose per ECFMG<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9b/Redoute_-_Rosa_gallica_purpuro-violacea_magna.jpg/371px-Redoute_-_Rosa_gallica_purpuro-violacea_magna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9b/Redoute_-_Rosa_gallica_purpuro-violacea_magna.jpg/371px-Redoute_-_Rosa_gallica_purpuro-violacea_magna.jpg" width="154" /></a></div>
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Todays post is a short blurb about the importance of having a consistent name used on all of important documents. Often times one may not foresee the implications of not having consistent name on all documents. ECFMG is very strict about the name and do not allow variations such as alternative spelling, hyphenated names that are not and vice versa or change in the order of the names. So one thing I would certainly recommend is check with your medical school to see for yourself what is the name spelling on your medical school certificate or diploma going to be. It is worth the small effort in the beginning to fix it at the local (college or university) level than having to go through multiple hoops to fix it in other places. It also comes up as an issue with passport and visa applications. </div>
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Another aspect of importance of names in official documents is if there is a blank space in the given name, first or last name on the passport and your visa for US is approved, the blank get auto filled in as FNU. I actually had a colleague while in my residency who had his name started with FNU, for example, If Mr. John Smith had a clerical error in the passport where the name is blank, the. He would get issued a visa with the name as FNU John Smith!! This can be such a headache, this colleague of mine finished his residency with the FNU stuck to his name everywhere he went. </div>
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Hopefully, this is a small reminder to all the applicants to pay attention to how their name is spelt on their official documents.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695311225836057358.post-8857447736708144362015-04-28T20:06:00.000-07:002015-04-28T20:06:11.402-07:002015 rank order length and matched versus unmatched applicants<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The data for Rank order list and residency was released few days ago. Not surprisingly the results indicate that those applicants who matched had longer ROLs. You can find the results here www.nrmp.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Impact-of-Length-of-Rank-Order-List-on-Main-Residency-Match-Results-2002-2015.pdf</div>
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The average length of the rank order list was 10 for matched applicants as compared to approximately 4 for the unmatched applicants. This is not really that surprising since all it reflects is the fact that those applications that are viewed favorably get more invitations to interview for the match. In a hypothetical scenario where both applicant A and B are invited to interview at same number of places (N) then the probability of the applicants matching depends on how many programs the applicants place on their rank order list. If applicant A has interviewed at N places and puts N programs on his ROL contrast to applicant B who interviewed at N places but put <N programs on their ROL, then the probability of A matching is > than B since, A had a longer ROL.</div>
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Another interesting trend one can see if you look at the numbers closely is that in 2002 Approximately 80.5% matched and had a ROL length of 7.5, Every year the ROL length is increasing but % matched continues to drop. Fast forward to 2015, % of matched applicants is 76% and mean ROL length is 10. It is taking a lot more to match as the years go by and the match chances keep getting poorer. </div>
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So what does it mean for an international applicant? It means that in order to maximize the chances of a match you have to place ALL programs you interviewed at on your ROL. While it may be an option for US grads to not rank a program that they did not like, this may not be an option for IMGs. Thus unless the program had a highly unfavorable impression and there is no reason to considering training there (at the cost of perhaps even not matching) then it may be okay to consider not ranking a program.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695311225836057358.post-4504024582452828052015-04-28T05:20:00.001-07:002015-04-28T05:20:13.808-07:00USMLE and Residency Tips: 10 tips for Ranking programs in ROL<a href="http://www.mleresidencytips.com/2011/03/ranking-programs-in-rol.html">USMLE and Residency Tips: 10 tips for Ranking programs in ROL</a><br /><br />
The first post on this blog approximately 4 years ago...still relevant!<br /><br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695311225836057358.post-86896960682150052492014-08-17T05:24:00.002-07:002014-08-17T05:24:37.220-07:00Observership, USCE and research experience - not the final goal...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Often time, applicants to residency training in US work hard to secure observerships or some sort of extra experience (clinical or research) that will help boost their chances of residency. Such experiences and opportunities are hard to come by and the good ones are very competitive or the more easily available ones are expensive. Sadly, more often than not, it is easy to lose sight of the purpose of such experiences.
Getting an observership is a good thing but that it itself will have limited value when it comes to residency match. If you secure an observership or an ancillary clinical experience or two, at the least it will add a few lines on your CV and show that you have been productive. This is especially true if you have been out of medical school for a while. It does have some benefits, however, if you believe getting an observership is the end goal then this benefit would be marginal at best and a good opportunity would be lost to really do something nice for your application. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I believe that such clinical opportunities even research experiences should never be a goal to achieve, the goal should be to make such an opportunity to work for you. Think of these opportunities as a stepping stone to do something more that what they are – use them fully to market your self and make connections. While it may sound a little disappointing that getting an observership opportunity is really not the goal, I would like to recommend the lucky folks who do get such opportunity to make full use of it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">“Think. Strategize/Plan/Execute.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Think: Before you begin, think how you are going to make most of this. Are you going to go above and beyond the needed to make an impact? Are you planning to really make an impact on the people you work with? How can you as a person stand out in a very positive manner with respect to your professional talents and your personal profile. Is there something about the place you are going to be at that is unique and of your use? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Strategize/plan/execute: make strong positive connections. Remind people that you are there to help. Go the extra mile to make an impression. You never know which opportunity may be around the corner so the only time to relax and let your guard down is when you are home. Be courteous and caring. Stay updated and speak up. Wallflowers are easily forgotten, so don’t be one. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In summary, observership for sake of such is not going to be as useful because in reality while it does add a line on your CV that is not making full use of the opportunity. I think of an obsie as a stepping-stone to market your self. Think of this as the first step towards rigorous and demanding hard work to market your talents professionally and personally. The buck never stops when you get such opportunity, what you make of it opportunities is what matters.
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695311225836057358.post-26245107062439914632014-05-30T20:08:00.002-07:002014-05-30T22:42:14.457-07:00Question and Answer Session - 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><i>Q1. Sohio14 writes on <a href="http://www.mleresidencytips.com/2012/04/graduate-school-as-alternative-for.html" target="_blank">PhD as an Alternative for International Medical Graduates</a> (April 2014 19:26)
Hi Sir,
Thank you so much for your great advises. I would appreciate if I can have your professional opinion about my situation. My step 1 is 224, CK 213, but the problem is that I passed the CS in my third attempt. I am a carib grad and a U.S. citizen. Do you think I have more chance in Path or Psych? If doing master like immunology or biochem for Path or Neuroscience for Psych would increase my chances? Thank you.</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">A1<i>. </i>Path and Psych are both pretty competitive as is. 3 attempts on Step 2 CS is a tough obstacle to surmount. At this point the returns are going to follow the concept of 'diminishing returns'. In my opinion, Masters in immunology or neuroscience are not going to increase your chances much. The best recourse at this time is see if you can make strong connections with psychiatry faculty or pathology faculty who can vouch for you as a person for your traits (hardworking, intelligent etc..) and can thus offset the fact that your did not perform well on the CS exam.</span></span></blockquote>
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<i>Q2. eli james wrote on <a href="http://www.mleresidencytips.com/2011/08/do-non-medical-things-count-on.html" target="_blank">Do non-medical things count on the residency application?</a> (12 April 2014 13:40)
so i had his question in mind it might seem a bit of topic but i am an IMG does GRE scores and MPH scores make for a good CV or are they worthless? </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">A2. This is a good question, thought I don't think they mean much to write on your CV. I did have them under the standardized exam scores section on the CV. So certainly wont hurt if you do.</span></span></blockquote>
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<i>Q3 eli james writes on <a href="http://www.mleresidencytips.com/2011/04/how-important-is-research-for-match.html" target="_blank">How important is research for IMG to match? </a>12 April 2014 14:00
hi ,droidor
im an img from pakistan .... im in my currently in med school . i will hopefly give my usmle in 4th year n i have gone for some observerships till now . In future i plan on going in one of the top 10 hospitals i have given the tofel exam with a 110/ 120 score .... so all im asking is should i give the GRE exams to improve my CV? i have no money problems
thankyou for ur help</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">A3. Hello Eli, I suggest you plan your next steps after you are done with your USMLE and know what your scores are..you may not need to do anything else if you scores are fantastic in which case, just apply and see how many interviews you get. It will be premature at this time to consider GRE/TOEFL if you do not want to pursue research as career and your ultimate goal is to be a practicing clinician. </span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><i>Q4. Anum write on <a href="http://www.mleresidencytips.com/2011/03/on-getting-observerships-usce.html?showComment=1397651582118#c4844616730235806010" target="_blank">On getting observerships USCE</a> (4/16/2014) hello droidor! u are doing an amazing job! i wanted to get ab observership in Chicago in neurology. which hospitals do u think would be the best for that? and how to contact the program directors? do u have any contact IDs of Loyola or northwestern or UIC?? i have no idea how to even start on these things i m a total beginner. i was thinking of going through some companies like chicagoclerkship etc but they are asking for around 2500 for one month rotation. would it be the same even i try to do on my own? any suggestions please!! Thank you! </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">A4. Hello Anum, at this time getting a neurology observership at any institution in Chicago would be good but getting it at a teaching program that has a neuro residency better. One way to approach this would be to write to department chair (not program director) for observership programs and opportunities. I do not have personal contacts at the institutions you mentioned. One careful consideration from private companies offering observerships is make sure that the placement is indeed at good institutions and not in private or semi-private setting. </span></span></blockquote>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695311225836057358.post-11364738828434455322014-05-24T12:06:00.001-07:002014-05-24T14:29:48.114-07:00Question and Answer session - 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><i>Q1. 6 April 2014 18:15 User asks
Thank you.
1-where does each program state its minimum requirements?
2-What do you mean by " it will filters in many a programs" ?
3-I was planning to go for radiology but after getting that score I decided to go for Internal medicine? Do you think it's a right decision?
Thank you for your help. </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">A1. Hi, Thanks for writing in, each program usually states their minimum requirements online on the residency information page. For example, check the Duke University emergency medicine application page. When I said, it “filters in”, I meant many programs will set their minimum to something like 220 in which case if you are able it, you will be in. Radiology is still pretty competitive. If your final goal is to be a radiologist then I would still consider that as a parallel option. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><i>Q2. Alex F. Lazo Vásquez, 8 April 2014 09:37 writes
Hey. I have been reading your blog. Very interesting topics and thanks for everything. Concerning this <a href="http://www.mleresidencytips.com/2012/05/program-rank-order-list-and.html" target="_blank">topic (program rank order list and implications for applicant )</a>, I was actually thinking that if there are more applicants, then it would be more difficult to match? Because you have more competition? But I do not have a good grip on this whole NRMP thing like you, so I might not be getting it.
On the other hand, we are 2014 now, and I have heard that Radiology has become VERY difficult, especially for IMGs. Very competitive, and even more coveted than general surgery. </i></span></span></div>
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A2. Hi, Alex. You have a good question and are correct that if there are more applicants then it would be difficult to match but the point of the article was to compare the pool of applicants that are ranked versus those that are not ranked at all. Thus if the number of applicants in the ranked pool grows then each of those applicants in the pool has at least a chance (compared to the pool of non-ranked folks whose chance of matching is zero). Thus even if there is increased competition that is still better than being eliminated from the game early on. You are correct radiology has become difficult for all applicants and especially so for the IMGs. However, the above still applies, as long as you are on the program ROL somewhere, there is a chance. For example, you are on spot number 8 on a program ROL and there are 5 positions. All the 7 candidates above you that the program ranked chose not to go there, then despite being not in the top 5 you will still match. Thus the article says that if the pool of ranked applicants widens, then all those applicants automatically increase the probability of matching to > 0 compared to non-ranked where probability of matching = 0. Hope this helps. Good luck</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Q3. <i>Arifa patel writes on <a href="http://www.mleresidencytips.com/2012/04/physician-assistant-program-better.html" target="_blank">Physician Assistant program: A better alternative to MHA or MPH?</a> (8 April 2014 14:36.) Hi thanks a lot, I have one more problem, most of the pa programs require anatomy, physio and biochem to be completed at a regional institute not accepting tge courses we took in med school. Are there any program s that accept foreign courses.</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">A3. Hello Arifa, I did check to see briefly, if there are PA courses that will accept foreign transcripts. Unfortunately, it seems like the requirement for training at US institutions is fairly uniform. There may be some exceptions since at the <a href="https://portal.caspaonline.org/caspaHelpPages/frequently-asked-questions/transcripts/sending-foreign-transcripts/index.html" target="_blank">CASPA site</a> "<i>If you attended a foreign school or earned your degree outside of the United States, CASPA does not require any documentation, but most PA programs DO. The majority of PA programs require that you have your foreign coursework submitted to an evaluation service for a course-by-course U.S. equivalency report. This report should then be sent to CASPA directly from the evaluation service. Contact the foreign transcript evaluation service as early as possible. The services may take several weeks to process your foreign transcript once it is received.</i>" The best would be contact the schools in person or via e-mail and ask them to clarify the requirement. Hope this helps. Thanks </span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Q4. <i>chhhhkpuk8 write on <a href="http://www.mleresidencytips.com/2011/10/fellowships-without-residency-training.html" target="_blank">Fellowships without residency training</a> (April 2014 19:09). Hi! I just wanted to ask whether after completing such a fellowship, would one be eligible to write the board exams? (specifically for orthopedics, as ABOS doesn't mention any such thing on their website). Because as far as I have heard, board certification is pretty much necessary to get the patients to trust a doctor. Thanks!</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">A4. There are 3 types of fellowships that one can pursue.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">1. ACGME accredited fellowships</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">2.Non-accredited clinical fellowships.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">3.Non-accredited research fellowships.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">ACGME accredited fellowships lead up to exam and board certification. These almost always require graduating from a residency training program in US. The Non-accredited clinical fellowships are common in highly special niche areas of medicine (movement disorders, neuro-immunology or even areas in <a href="http://www.scahq.org/Default.aspx?TabID=449%20etc" target="_blank">cardiology</a>) and can be applied to by either those applicants who have finished training in US residency programs or those that are ECFMG certified and are able to secure a training medical license. Some institutions will sponsor a J1 visa for the duration of the training. For example check out <a href="http://pathology.ufl.edu/education/fellowship-programs/gastrointestinal-and-liver-pathology-fellowship-non-acgme-accredited/" target="_blank">Gastrointestinal and Liver Pathology Fellowship</a> at University of Florida. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">3.Non-accredited research fellowships. This is purely research and there is no clinical interaction with patients in any form. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">So to answer your question you would know prior to applying/finishing such fellowship if such position was accredited or not. Hope this helps. </span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Q5. Gloria9 writes in response to <a href="http://www.mleresidencytips.com/2012/07/influence-of-gap-in-medical-education.html" target="_blank">Influence Of A Gap In Medical Education - Cv On Residency Application </a>(April 2014 14:31)<br /><br /><i>Hi Droidor, How do I mention volunteer work in the CV? Do I have to submit some certificate/proof? I have been active with some university groups in the US who does voluntary works. Will those count? I don't know if they'll give me any certificates or something..Thanks in advance.</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Hello Gloria, usually volunteerism by itself has limited influence on your CV unless it is 1) significant 2) directly involved medical aid (e.g. relief work during cholera epidemic in Haiti 2010-13 etc). Mention your volunteer work as</span><span style="font-size: normal;"> per example,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">OTHER WORK EXPERIENCE</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Volunteer: 10 hours a week of nursing care under supervision for terminally ill geriatric adults at xyz nursing home.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Usually, there are no certificates for volunteer work and rarely you need to submit proof. The information provided is considered in good faith so not good to lie about it. having volunteer work on CV offers 2 advantages</span><span style="font-size: normal;">,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">1) topic for discussion where the program director/faculty can engage with your in a nice conversation to know you better as a person</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">2) Show that you were pro-active and did not sit around accumulating gaps in your CV. Hope this helps, thanks.</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Q6. <i>Dr.Seema Thakur writes <a href="http://www.mleresidencytips.com/2012/07/influence-of-gap-in-medical-education.html" target="_blank">on Influence Of A Gap In Medical Education - Cv On Residency Application</a> (15 January 2014 02:05). Am an IMG from India, currently preparing for step 1..How much gap is considered acceptable? trying for observership but unable to get. Can volunteer jobs be used to fulfill these gaps??</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Hi Dr. Seema. usually a gap of 6 months may considered okay anything longer than 2 years would certainly raise questions regarding what you were doing for that period of time. Volunteer jobs may be used to fulfill some gap but if you keep rolling from one volunteer job to next then it may lose its appeal in big scheme of things. If you anticipate that you are going to have a tough time matching from low scores or attempts etc then graduate school may buy you time better than volunteering. Good luck! </span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Q7. <i>Rock Champ writes on <a href="http://www.mleresidencytips.com/2012/04/graduate-school-as-alternative-for.html" target="_blank">PhD as an Alternative for International Medical Graduates </a>(10 April 2014 23:14). I am a ECFMG certified IMG and a graduate of year 2009. I have research experience only in gastroenterology and have published 2 papers in it too. I have no Neurology/Neuroscience/Neurosurgery research or clinical experience. However I attended a neuroscience course about 6 months back. I am interested in Neuroscience and research in neurotrauma and neuroregeneration. My experience doesn't show relevant experience and neither are my LORs from neuro-people. Is that a real problem? How do I go about it?</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Hello Rockchamp, Great choice that you want to apply to graduate program in neurosciences. The fact that you have some research experience is good in my opinion. Since you are interested in neuroscience, you have to ask yourself the question "what was it that attracted you to this field" once you find the answer - write down a very well articulated piece on your motivations to be a neuro scientist. This will be your personal statement. Seek out counsel of faculty or scientist in this field who you can share your ideas with. Ask about the state of science, funding and progress in their field (i.e show interest in what they do), they may even be okay writing a letter of recommendation for you. Then focus on GRE and TOEFL and score well. Poor scores will get you nowhere especially neuroscience which tends to be a little competitive. Finally, once you have done all above - apply to all institutions that of interest to you and then wait for things to <span style="font-size: normal;">unfold (for the best). hope t</span></span><span style="font-size: normal;">his helps. </span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Q8.<i> Utsav Shrestha writes on<a href="http://www.mleresidencytips.com/2011/04/step-1-score-and-chances-of-interview.html" target="_blank"> Step 1 score and Chances of interview</a> (11 April 2014 05:14). Hi, I am an IMG and recently completed STEP 1, and got a score of 245, I was really expecting more than that but what can I say. I'm interested in residency programs in psychiatry. I plan to give STEP 2 CK in the next few months. Just wanted to ask how my score was in comparison to the usual IMGs being matched for psychaitry and how much should I really get in my CK to keep the ball rolling and get into a competitive residency program. Thanks !!!</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Hello Utsav, some calculations done using the charting outcomes data from NRMP indicate that the tipping point (i.e. the step 1 score above which more applicants matched versus unmatched) for IMGs was between 231 and 240 for psychiatry. So you are good in that regard. Compare to the similar tipping point for US IMG which was between 211 and 220. So you seem to be in the safe zone good luck!</span></span></blockquote>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695311225836057358.post-44525073898751107202013-11-01T04:36:00.001-07:002013-11-01T04:42:42.066-07:00Anesthesia Observership Opportunities and Alternatives<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><br /><br />A question recently asked by an applicant whose primary interest was <b>anesthesia</b> residency was how to obtain additional experiences and possibly observership in anesthesia?
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">1. Try for <b>publicly announced</b> observership opportunities
<br />a. MD Anderson Cancer Research Center/University of Texas Houston, Texas, (<a href="http://www.mdanderson.org/education-and-research/education-and-training/schools-and-programs/other-training-opportunities/observer-programs/anesthesiology-critical-care.html" target="_blank">link</a>)
<br />b. Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH (<a href="http://portals.clevelandclinic.org/cime/VisitingPhysicianPrograms/InternationalPhysicianObserverProgram/tabid/5479/Default.aspx" target="_blank">link</a>)<br />c. Drexel University, Philadelphia PA (<a href="http://www.drexelmed.edu/Home/OtherPrograms/PhysicianRefresherCourse.aspx" target="_blank">link</a>)<br />d. Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA (<a href="http://www.massgeneral.org/education/fellowship.aspx?id=124" target="_blank">link</a>)<br />e. University of Florida, Gainesville (<a href="http://residency.anest.ufl.edu/resources/observership-volunteering/" target="_blank">link</a>)<br /><br />
These are publicly announced programs and thus have a high visibility. This translates into a higher competition for the few spots that are offered. The programs that offer such positions have a well-established curriculum and defined guidelines. Most of them require fees (example 500$ a week at MD Anderson) but will have a structure to the learning experience. Didactic and practical training may be both covered.<br /><br />
2. Try for <b>unannounced observership</b> opportunities – cold calling physicians in anesthesia. This is the underbelly of the observership beast. A large segment of potential opportunities exist but since they are not officially announced information is usually word of mouth. For what these positions give up in sheer competition, they make up for it in the amount of leg-work and effort that applicant needs to make to initiate the process. Often, you may have to write to several faculty in the practice, in multiple practices, in more than one hospital and all over the state. There are programs and doctors who do wish to teach and are willing to take on observers – its just a matter of reaching out to them<br /><br />
3. <b>Pre-op clinics</b> (internal medicine): This is not to say that observerships in medicine are any easier than those in anesthesia, observerships are difficult to come by for international physicians period. There are many more general internists and possibly family physicians who may spend a portion of their work week doing pre-op clinics. Many places run these clinics in conjunction with Anesthesia team but the experience is similar. Patients with complex medical history going in for elective surgery are assessed for preoperative risk analysis and perioperative complication reduction <br /><br />
4. <b>Emergency medicine rotation</b>: This may benefit those interested in anesthesia (or EM or IM or even FM) by being exposed to common procedural techniques. As an observer due to strict hands off policy – you wont be able to do any procedures but the observer experience would still count. Intubations, central venous access catheter placements, cut-downs, arterial cannulation, pressor protocols etc are some common areas that may be worthwhile.<br /><br />
5. <b>Simulation laboratories</b> (Sim-lab): most major institutions have a simulation lab where life size human dummies can be practiced. These are not just blocks of wood or latex but highly sophisticated pieces of engineering. Fees may be required and access may be limited. <br /><br />
6. <b>Anesthesia grand rounds and Anesthesia meetings</b>: This is another avenue to tap if you are looking to enhance you CV with anesthesia related material. Also an opportunity to make connections with faculty and have brief informal discussions and exchange contact information.
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695311225836057358.post-38871717503080383592013-10-26T10:00:00.000-07:002015-01-17T06:33:36.881-08:00Expediting Residency Match Application (Serial Versus Parallel Processing Of Tasks)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Very often, I run across questions like: should I do X and then do Y to make my application better. For example, a common question would be should I appear for my Step 2 later this year and then look for observership experiences to boost my chances of a residency interview for the next match cycle?<br />
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My answer to deal with questions like these involve the following tasks
<br />1. Taking a high altitude view of the your goals for the next few months so that you don’t get bogged down with details<br />
<br />2. Classify your requirements and CV enhancing ‘to do’ tasks into two bins -
<br />A. Can parallel process
<br />B. Can serial process only.
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<span id="goog_414494660"></span><span id="goog_414494661"></span><br />
This will help you plan out your tasks much better and really shorten the time required to have your application packet complete prior to next match cycle. This has been elucidated in Figure 1. As you can see, there are milestones that need to be done in sort of mandatory serial fashion; these are your steps 1, 2 and 3 (green shapes). You can potentially shuffle steps 1 and 2 but still the general idea is that you need one to move on to the next one. The next set of task like those involved in improving your CV are things like US clinical experience, volunteering, research experience etc (orange shapes)
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2XpjXssGbMItE1kTVsG4vE_gluPw7MJgxDuyZ9IrU_YGDln1SJ2hf_rKKn9uNKDPLUknZUt8hmPZ1_0q2W162b3DUnvcSqrF6x3yeSBiEoHFhvt1njD0q3J1gQuQxpx_Rr9WjOJkWhI/s1600/Slide1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2XpjXssGbMItE1kTVsG4vE_gluPw7MJgxDuyZ9IrU_YGDln1SJ2hf_rKKn9uNKDPLUknZUt8hmPZ1_0q2W162b3DUnvcSqrF6x3yeSBiEoHFhvt1njD0q3J1gQuQxpx_Rr9WjOJkWhI/s640/Slide1.png" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Figure 1: Serial vs Parallel processing in residency applications</td></tr>
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If you serial process your plan (figure 1, A), then it is quickly evident that you will spend months more getting your milestones done and you are in danger of missing your match cycle date and get pushed on to the next year. There is another concern of serial processing your match plans – this opens up the possibility of perceiving gaps in your resume by the programs. Since time spent studying for steps does not really count on your CV, these would appear as ‘down times’ and the only things that would be accounted for are the experiences. If you employ parallel processing method for planning your residency match target, then you will find that time frame is significantly compressed and you get much more done in a relatively shorter period of time. <br />
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Thus, my advice for the readers is take a stock of your situation and outline
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A. Goals achieved
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B. Goals pending
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Once you have clear outline of things you need to accomplish, see which of those you can parallel task and which of those you may have to serial task. This methodical approach to a highly complex process will ease the hardships, reduce total time required to be ‘eligible’ for a fair chance at interview match and overall improve the outcomes.</span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695311225836057358.post-32028397303253034832013-09-28T17:57:00.001-07:002013-09-30T17:00:49.087-07:00Year to Year Variability in Residency Match Rates between Sub-categories of Applicants<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span normal="">Using data from the NRMP main residency match ‘Results and Data: 2013 Main Residency Match’ I tried to address the question is there year to year variability in the match rates for American medical graduates and more importantly international medical graduates. Data are shown in figure 1 which plots the difference in match rates form previous year to this year. Simply put, difference in the match rate for a group between a year and previous year was calculated (Y and Y-1). These are depicted on the y axis and range from -2 to 8, while the years themselves (not notated) are on the x-axis and are from 2009 to 2013. The variation in match rates for US seniors (AMGs) is depicted as a black bar and the US IMGs are in yellow lines while non US IMGs (foreign medical graduates) are in green. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYQ_ioY-YgWrSqtgYwhUXSy3Inhw3k9EgjZ-12G5QbLQM06AEW4hZ6OQYAKt-a7D6pozaCoRgzR0JOuMdq_-vbZdgm0fsm1WMpGDuMGDBlVKTSIOjvsGctaAPD93A63vvnTQbdEifgmI/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYQ_ioY-YgWrSqtgYwhUXSy3Inhw3k9EgjZ-12G5QbLQM06AEW4hZ6OQYAKt-a7D6pozaCoRgzR0JOuMdq_-vbZdgm0fsm1WMpGDuMGDBlVKTSIOjvsGctaAPD93A63vvnTQbdEifgmI/s400/Untitled.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Figure 1: year to year variability of IMG match rates oscillate</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As can be seen in the figure, there is an unexpected </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">variation </span>oscillation in the match rates for IMGs (both US and non US IMGs). The greatest difference between the two was in year 2013 but this difference was calculated to be not significant <span style="line-height: 107%;">(ns, </span>x<sup><span style="line-height: 107%;">2</span></sup><span style="line-height: 107%;"> test, Df=1, 0.05<p<0.1) </span>and the behavior of these 2 groups could be construed as 'linked'. If 2009 is considered to the baseline year, then 2010 was not a good year because overall match rate was less than previous year, 2011 was better than 2010 since the difference from previous year was positive, 2012 was unfavorable with less applicants matching compared to previous year (2011) and 2013 was exceptionally good since more IMG (US and non US IMG) applicants matched that their cohorts in 2012
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Implication:</b> If this trend is to continue, the one would forecast that the 2014 match season will <u>not</u> be favorable for IMG applicants as the next step in oscillation will be the down turn in the cycle. US senior (AMG) match rates were worst in 2013 compared to previous years. It is possible that there may be a rebound in the US senior match rates in 2014, further compounding down turn of other group match rates. Though over all the match process is subject to many variables and it is difficult to foretell how the match season is going to be, this analysis seems to portend a tougher than usual outlook for applicants. This has a learning point, if you fail to secure a residency this cycle, do not give up and feel that you have failed because your profile was not worthy. It may just be that you were unlucky to be applying at a time when overall conditions were generally bleak.
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695311225836057358.post-51774952727655434132013-09-21T21:19:00.000-07:002013-09-21T22:33:43.954-07:00Observerships and US Clinical Experiences Missed Opportunities<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPlXMHN5siAr8iH1msTIokKbvWl0nikelXeUnXRrAuA-UMInr3GLyBeSjplZIdjjawzZ_lxjGaAS1Gr5UktnHKb-6VtzEp4rWEnWx7gfSZJGZGujc-NoNjA3-zWi3kRxgwg5HagMhbQM/s1600/Slide1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPlXMHN5siAr8iH1msTIokKbvWl0nikelXeUnXRrAuA-UMInr3GLyBeSjplZIdjjawzZ_lxjGaAS1Gr5UktnHKb-6VtzEp4rWEnWx7gfSZJGZGujc-NoNjA3-zWi3kRxgwg5HagMhbQM/s320/Slide1.png" width="309" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Opportunities are more than you seek</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Very often, I see applicant not make full use of an observership opportunity. These obsies or pseudo-USCEs are hard to come by for an IMG applicant so one must be fully cognizant of the opportunities that it entails. Sadly, many an applicant just goes through the motions of attending an observership without using that break to full potential. I imagine the benefits that one gets from doing shadowing or observing are like an iceberg<br />
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1. The tip: The most obvious benefit is the fact that it shows that you are resourceful in getting a chance to improve your skill set and you can add it as a professional accomplishment to your CV.
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2. The body: This is the part that just under the surface that is not readily seen from the top but yet easy enough that you can make out the obvious under the surface advantage. This is the chance to obtain a US Letter of recommendation. These LORs are very beneficial especially if they are written by faculty who are well established and respected in the their fields. Also letters from University based hospitals are quite desirous for an IMG applicant.
<br />
<br />
3. The depths: This is the most difficult part of the obsie to grasp and if one is not resourceful it is the biggest missed opportunity. This is the chance to network and make connections when you are doing the observership. Keep your options open and try to connect with as many professionals as possible from the residents to medical students to your supervising faculty to faculty in other departments. Of course you do not have to be obsequious and obnoxious about your eagerness to make connections but it goes a long way to just know the right persons at the right time. Opportunities can present themselves even in the most unexpected situations and if you don’t reach out, you will never know.
<br /><br />
So now that you realize the potential of what you can gain from these clinical experiences it helps to set some expectations from yourself and from the supervising faculty
<br />
<br />
1. Do a good job at impressing all the people you meet
<br />
2. Discuss with the supervisor that you would like a honest assessment of your performance at the end of the rotation and that you would appreciate if they were willing to write a letter to that effect, documenting your qualities and your strengths.
<br />
3. From the day 1, use every single human interaction in a positive way to find influential connections that have the potential of furthering your residency mission cause.
</span></span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695311225836057358.post-74438593042905974102013-09-03T19:36:00.000-07:002013-09-15T07:35:42.659-07:00Cost of Application: Multiple Programs Same Specialty<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">ERAS has listed the 2014 fee schedule for the main residency
match. There are some interesting implications of the fee structure.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">
It is important to note the qualification for the fees is
“Under the Same Specialty” and are divided into tiers.
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Tier 1: Programs Up to 10 - $92 </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Tier 2: Programs 11-20 - $9 each</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">
Tier 3: Programs 21-30 - $15 each <br />
Tier 4: Programs 31 or more - $26 normal; <br /> <br />Thus a typical American graduate applying to internal medicine that is going to apply for 15 programs the cost of application will be - 92 for first 10 + 9 per program for next 5 = 137$. Compare this with a typical foreign medical graduate (with mean application number approx 100 programs) whose math adds up to 92 for first 10 + 9 per program for next 10 + 15 per program for next 10 + 26 per program for last 70 = 152$</span>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSU5t-xyRkY_R9cYNT0JXp0HBq1sLW1cq2lHq2IvHPWXpLoklutxsIR7gCSbWmEgfGL_MB0fYL0SGpL3ZOPm3GwKBdUHsX_t_FoOz_2Zc3gL4rwQilz3BSOjEWr1iJpw75IvyB2MrTfes/s1600/2014+residency+application+cost1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSU5t-xyRkY_R9cYNT0JXp0HBq1sLW1cq2lHq2IvHPWXpLoklutxsIR7gCSbWmEgfGL_MB0fYL0SGpL3ZOPm3GwKBdUHsX_t_FoOz_2Zc3gL4rwQilz3BSOjEWr1iJpw75IvyB2MrTfes/s1600/2014+residency+application+cost1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="justify"><td class="tr-caption">Table 1: Cost of application to multiple programs. Column 1 (number of programs), Column 2 (Total cost), Column 3 (Cost per program)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Included is table 1 that depicts the cost of application to the number of programs if you know how many programs you are going to apply to. This data table is applicable to only same specialty applications and will not work if you are applying to more than one specialty. </span></span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">
</span><br />
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqUoP-m6eGzUQb_OBljyE5LburNz3zKo2DfPzKYvVql10sSd7qxPDMBX9a3ZD6bCeU-KPtch-WP-TwZiKP5A1tjaZCqUIYuampv4lo_nY1oiN6ag-syE89C708po3e1lp5DZbstGfb4yc/s1600/No+app+and+CPP.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqUoP-m6eGzUQb_OBljyE5LburNz3zKo2DfPzKYvVql10sSd7qxPDMBX9a3ZD6bCeU-KPtch-WP-TwZiKP5A1tjaZCqUIYuampv4lo_nY1oiN6ag-syE89C708po3e1lp5DZbstGfb4yc/s640/No+app+and+CPP.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Figure 2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"> There is an interesting angle to this expense, as seen in
figure 2, if you calculate the cost (in dollars) per program, the most cost
effective number of programs to apply to is 20. This may be ideal for American medical graduates who do not have to submit an application to as many programs as
foreign trained applicants. The cost per application falls precipitously till
20 programs but then steadily climbs as the number of applications increase.
The cost per program application is listed in the third column of table 1 for
reference. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695311225836057358.post-82847667457434689582013-07-27T15:33:00.001-07:002013-07-27T15:35:01.468-07:00How To Address The Question Of Gap In CV For Residency Application<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6y-FBcdPlr-uVr4uDZ6pAnsz0RWUw7ZmRJ9fjN0DCDU9cLBcZZ2Gefq0aQxbpXt201512Mp5E6l9JOGExICNIYgvcoQ38D78fQM3qPHYAYliBZV0G2fATe1k2k3KatAlR_ndKUyjZluM/s1600/Untitled123.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6y-FBcdPlr-uVr4uDZ6pAnsz0RWUw7ZmRJ9fjN0DCDU9cLBcZZ2Gefq0aQxbpXt201512Mp5E6l9JOGExICNIYgvcoQ38D78fQM3qPHYAYliBZV0G2fATe1k2k3KatAlR_ndKUyjZluM/s200/Untitled123.png" width="100" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">There is a <a href="http://www.mleresidencytips.com/2012/07/influence-of-gap-in-medical-education.html" target="_blank">distinct effect of gap on the interview chances</a> for residency applicants. This has been covered before in depth. The next question is if a gap exists what can be done to mitigate the adverse effects of the gap?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Disregard gaps less than 6-9 months:</span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Applicants often ask me, how would a gap of 6 months affect
my chances of residency. Honestly, a small gap like this is considered a normal
break from professional activity. It is thought that approximately six to eight
months are acceptable time duration for folks to be in between jobs. So if have
a gap of six months or less after graduating from medical school before you
begin the next activity, it is perfectly acceptable. Even if gap is during your
medical school training provided there is a personal or health reason that can
be explained it will be okay. The instances when gaps even short ones are not
acceptable when applicant has been on probation or faces disciplinary action. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">
</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Be direct in explaining the reason for hiatus:</span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">There is no place for deceit and lies on your application.
Sooner or later, the truth will be out and you will be in a worse position. You
could face disciplinary action, personal fines, penalties and termination of
employment or even criminal action. Be direct in your approach when dealing
with gaps. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">-<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>State
it in your personal statement if it is an obvious gap: if the break is pretty
big and will be picked up by the academic committee or residency selection
team, then it may be just better to be clear about it up front. State the
nature of the gap and why you had it in the first place. Avoid dramatic
descriptions; keep the tone matter of fact and professional. State your reason
in 2 or 3 sentences whether it is personal reason or health reason or other. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">-<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Bring
it up in conversation if topic comes up in interview: It may be an excellent
opportunity for you to show that you are capable of overcoming adversity and
becoming a better person. Don’t dwell on it though, mention it in passing, give
your reasons and move on to the next topic.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">
</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><b>Keep busy – volunteer, enhance skills:</b><br />
If you do anticipate that you are going to be in between professional
appointments, then go ahead and keep your self busy. Look for <a href="http://www.mleresidencytips.com/2011/04/volunteering-untapped-opportunity-for.html" target="_blank">volunteer opportunities</a> and things to keep your CV rolling. Sign up for personal and
professional development courses. Look for continuing medical education (CME)
courses that you can document on your CV. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Make the gap count</span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">If you are going to have a large gap anyways plan your
career such that the reward at the end is bigger than the drawback caused by
the gap. This is especially true for folks who are thinking of masters or
<a href="http://www.mleresidencytips.com/2012/04/graduate-school-as-alternative-for.html" target="_blank">doctoral level graduate studies</a> and research. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">In conclusion, do not be afraid of the gap. Though it does
make it difficult for applicants with gap to have a fighting chance for
residency, if you deal with the gap in straightforward and direct manner, you
can improve your chances.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">
</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695311225836057358.post-90806678176922465682013-07-21T13:41:00.002-07:002013-07-21T13:42:21.379-07:00At What Step 1 Score Do My Chances Of Matching Into A Program Are In My Favor?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Comparison of match score thresholds for matched residency
applicants</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span><style><!--
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<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In the continuum of scores between 180 and 270, there is a
score where the chance that the applicant is going to be matched is higher than
the chance that they would be rejected. The results of the most recent match
data by NRMP were analyzed. The scores were binned in increments of ten and
then ratio of matched versus unmatched applicants was studied. The score range
at which the ratio of match to unmatched applicants was more than 1 for two or
more consecutive bins was considered as the threshold score at which the odds
of an applicant matching are favorable for the applicant. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The results of this are denoted in the figure 1. The
subjects and specialty threshold scores for US seniors are listed to the left
of the range bar, while the same for independents (US IMGs and IMGs) is denoted
on the right. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWZxofGd6Mr0ubJRjHsVNadqfBBlfaz-v36hvQThkpTQqcZj3awx6tTfMf52azKc1XWNdU6rzrA0mQ9rquvb65slWcpWFRlQ68yKUK-HXOyDU317BDQEAJ1fzDgZ1iazH2ivQim7uW2g/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWZxofGd6Mr0ubJRjHsVNadqfBBlfaz-v36hvQThkpTQqcZj3awx6tTfMf52azKc1XWNdU6rzrA0mQ9rquvb65slWcpWFRlQ68yKUK-HXOyDU317BDQEAJ1fzDgZ1iazH2ivQim7uW2g/s1600/Slide1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Figure 1: Threshold Step 1 score ranges based on specialty. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The following observations are made:</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Threshold
conversion scores for US Seniors are lower than those for independent
applicants.</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Programs
in IM, FM, Neurology, Psych, Pediatrics and EM have a higher matched to
unmatched ratio even for scores less than 180 for US seniors.</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: smnormalall;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The
threshold scores for ‘big four’ for independent applicants is between
220-240.</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The
threshold scores for independent applicants are generally higher as
compared to US seniors.</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Programs
like neurosurgery, ENT, Gen surg, orthopedics often require score higher
than 260 for independent applicants. </span></span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So how does this help your case? Find out the program that
you are interested in on the left or right side of the same (depending, if you
are US Senior or independent applicant) an see what score range corresponds to
the specialty of your choice. If your USMLE step 1 score is more than the
threshold score range then the likelihood of you matching into a residency is
more than 1.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A word
of caution with this interpretation: If you scored less than the conversion
threshold then it does not mean you will not match. For example, for internal
medicine the ratio of matched to unmatched applicants is 445 to 104 for the
score range of 191-200, then a 104 applicants still matched. Thus this result
is useful to apply in conjunction with other analytical pieces of data. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695311225836057358.post-86354247264741239852013-07-13T05:17:00.004-07:002013-07-13T05:18:11.326-07:00Can foreign medical graduates (IMGs) with MD or MBBS apply for research in US?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYF7sDiOUFj7DwDKbtVX2Yy7i1_vwumIbqxyRZZZeP2BnUR7dXLCzT0P3X5zxHQ25Q-EUP2vdqK2c-e1SN1xbGquzcUOalETIvC9qZ3tVHDPxy68OsaY-y6rddCWjGFgEL1RRtehDnM2E/s1600/grad.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYF7sDiOUFj7DwDKbtVX2Yy7i1_vwumIbqxyRZZZeP2BnUR7dXLCzT0P3X5zxHQ25Q-EUP2vdqK2c-e1SN1xbGquzcUOalETIvC9qZ3tVHDPxy68OsaY-y6rddCWjGFgEL1RRtehDnM2E/s200/grad.png" width="100" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">One of the extremely common questions that is being asked on the internet is - can someone who has trained to be a physician or finished medical school from an international school pursue research in the US? The answer to that question is a resounding yes. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">In order to consider research as a path for further training there are some basic prerequisites that need to be fulfilled. Fortunately, courses like medical ethics, biostatistics, microbiology, pathology etc which are covered in your earlier years of medical school do satisfy some of the course requirements needed for application for graduate school. Theoretically, it would be possible to apply t just any doctoral course - linguistics, humanities, communication or engineering but the best recourse a person trained in medical field is to apply to medically related fields like microbiology, immunology, virology, pathogenesis etc. I have covered the potential doctoral fields and their correlation to the specialty of residency application elsewhere on the site. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Once you have decided that this is a career path you want to pursue, a few boundaries and outlines must be drawn. After application to graduate schools when you write your career statement or statement of purpose make sure you indicate one of two possibilities: </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">1. Apply to masters degree and explicitly indicate how this would help in your career development </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">2. Apply for doctoral course and commit to completion of the PhD and your research and state in writing that you are devoted to finishing your thesis and that the long-term goal for you is a career in scientific research or clinical-translational research. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">What you do not want to do at any cost, to affect the chances of your peers and colleagues (and to some extent your self – karmic returns), is to join a doctoral program (because of the monetary benefits of tuition waiver and monthly stipend in addition to other aid) and drop out in few years without completion of your project because you got accepted into a residency program. Do not do that. Plan your professional development well. There are two big fall outs when someone does this ‘bait and switch’ the graduate school will be very way of taking another MBBS from a foreign country, because they know they will be ‘used’. It will be more difficult for the next bright eyes fresh doctor who wants to really become the next leader in medical field. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">I can attest from personal experience that one of the first things the director of the graduate program I had applied to during a phone interview asked – are you planning to join a residency in the future? Are you giving your USMLE? Are you planning to leave us if that is the case? I was slightly taken aback at the candor of these questions but since I had no plans to quit – I answered truthfully, “I have no plans to quit research and leave project unfinished, and I do plan to get back into medical practice after my doctoral studies are concluded”. After a few months of starting my courses at the grad school I realized that in the previous years, they had 2 foreign trained MBBS doctors, who joined the program and just left the program to join a residency after coming to US. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">If you are planning to do that – apply to residency in a 2-3 years time, tell them and apply to a masters program. It is a professionally discourteous to lie up front to secure acceptance to a PhD program. In a masters program, you may not get the funding or aid but you may get the experience of working in US, additional qualification to your CV and help you network grow contacts. There are many on campus job one can do when they are a master’s student to supplement the income.
</span></span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695311225836057358.post-56724276645920318962013-04-28T10:57:00.003-07:002013-04-28T10:58:23.810-07:00Applying to two (multiple) programs in same institution<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><b>Advantages of applying to
multiple programs at same institution</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnNox8uANkGyn3SFGrH8apobKBpYgnZYRnSNzKg1TJXAhDss-ZfWUG1lx7ICvpkx0LYURASDv-mkxGP7oVmbdJpFskGyQ9_GRJOd4_P3g97H4C_peLjgtTmDYrIZIrFyfBfTpSQxrsF1s/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnNox8uANkGyn3SFGrH8apobKBpYgnZYRnSNzKg1TJXAhDss-ZfWUG1lx7ICvpkx0LYURASDv-mkxGP7oVmbdJpFskGyQ9_GRJOd4_P3g97H4C_peLjgtTmDYrIZIrFyfBfTpSQxrsF1s/s200/Untitled.png" width="100" /></a></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Hedge your bets: for those that
have less than ideal application profile, it may make more sense to apply to as
many programs as you can. Included in the increased program application style
is the trick of applying to 2 or 3 specialties at once. One must be careful
though because just applying to 2 specialties is not enough to garner numbers,
the applications should also be tailored for the same. For example if you are
going to apply to internal medicine as a primary specialty and then apply to
psychiatry as back up then your individual applications to these specialties
should reflect a certain level of interest. I have done an article which
analyses the relationship between the level of interest demonstrated by the
applicant and the correlation with the interview success. If you have a not so
strong application profile and you want to play to the your advantage and not
place all your chances in one basket, then applying to multiple specialties and
even apply to 2 programs in same institution may be a fair option. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Good for folks who have
geographical restrictions: sometimes applicants are severely restricted to
places they can apply for personal reasons. Many have family, which precludes
them from applying in other states, and the number of institutions that one can
apply to is limited. Thus, in this case, It makes sense to apply to as many
spots in the constrained geographic area to increase the chances</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><b>Disadvantages of applying to
multiple programs at same institutions</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Possibility of being found out:
one thing that most applicants struggle with are what if the program directors
find out that the applicant has applied to another specialty in the same
institution. What are the implications and the consequence of this? Will it affect
my chances of interview adversely? There are 2 approaches to answer that: the
theoretical approach and the pragmatic approach. Theoretically, it is possible
that the programs and the faculty discover that an applicant has applied to 2
programs in the same institution. This may be a more of a possibility in very
small institutions, which interview few hundred applicants in toto. For large
programs, which interview several thousand applicants, this may not be such a
problem. There is however, a real risk that the program director may see this
as being not committed to the specialty and would adversely affect the chances
of matching. The practical approach is that the likelihood of this happening is
very small and should not affect your choice of programs. If there is a
situation where you are asked to explain why you have applied to 2 programs in
the same institution, you can use one of the reasons above and state your case.
Programs may be sympathetic to applicants who have a need to be focused in a
particular location or institution.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695311225836057358.post-61493517025814746242013-04-27T07:44:00.002-07:002013-04-27T07:44:39.648-07:00Self Assessment as Tool for Predicting Residency Chances<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEyeAY4SwLQ3Iq2t8XH3q5MI5rItZfnYT1qCjTngrXo3829VIn9pyX2hU7QH_hHdtPhKxmsXKEk_dPI1tgHPbEi8ZWrnqaFrd_zLg47jRTc-w-FnwnqamG6YqPps6qqgdjQYos6QZZqzM/s1600/Untitled1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEyeAY4SwLQ3Iq2t8XH3q5MI5rItZfnYT1qCjTngrXo3829VIn9pyX2hU7QH_hHdtPhKxmsXKEk_dPI1tgHPbEi8ZWrnqaFrd_zLg47jRTc-w-FnwnqamG6YqPps6qqgdjQYos6QZZqzM/s200/Untitled1.png" width="100" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Often times, I hear from many
folks who write to me about their match profile. Not the matrimonial kind but
the kind that is important for a medical residency match. One common theme
tying some of these queries and concerns from the readers: are they qualified
enough to apply? This is a big trap that may prevent one from applying and
going through residency application in the first place. The <u>perceived</u>
inadequacy in the application especially in absence of benchmark data (USMLE
scores etc) hinders the final application. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Let me walk you through 2
scenarios that are commonly played out. If we take the individual situations
below and consider them to be modular, then multiple perturbations and
combinations will yield numerous situations. But for sake of discussion I am
going to limit myself to the following 2 common ones. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTAilT0yzF5p76tJJ3DVcgJC3Ya9T5ZI5VLKpeTKGKenHs3vk-OIkYaZtJF92ZL2uRRimoxc6awGVCMtIQuc5l65BdZZFIax0r_bsmcNd3YN9wSXrDOLuHeSdBxoqBMh2KocHV0MHx0U/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTAilT0yzF5p76tJJ3DVcgJC3Ya9T5ZI5VLKpeTKGKenHs3vk-OIkYaZtJF92ZL2uRRimoxc6awGVCMtIQuc5l65BdZZFIax0r_bsmcNd3YN9wSXrDOLuHeSdBxoqBMh2KocHV0MHx0U/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Figure 1: self assessment of interview chances (positive outcome)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">In situation 1, the applicant has a complete profile (good
or bad scores do not matter) the profile is complete and filed in for the
application on time before the deadline. They also have a self sense of their
worth and the two factors together can help them decide what the match chances
are. The answer may not be very off from the reality assuming there are no
adverse unknown outcomes.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjK4UqtxJ7HxAzTIUAZbzjJrzGdGJegpB3_emuUhJUkO7Bq6d5XZViwA2T9_S9p934epvftwdAdXyR81GwOL7ALfdwOTRfKVmlFoXzZJsIAg_bybRQBmVym_xVMrA2vNOfjFUlScBNxs/s1600/Slide2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjK4UqtxJ7HxAzTIUAZbzjJrzGdGJegpB3_emuUhJUkO7Bq6d5XZViwA2T9_S9p934epvftwdAdXyR81GwOL7ALfdwOTRfKVmlFoXzZJsIAg_bybRQBmVym_xVMrA2vNOfjFUlScBNxs/s640/Slide2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Figure 2: self assessment of interview chances</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">In another situation, the
applicant is not technically ready to apply as he has an incomplete application
with partial exam scores or gaps in CV, if to that you add a poor assessment of
self worth, the applicant will not recognize the areas they need to focus on to
improve their profile. They know they need to do something to improve their
chances but the attempts to correct the situation are not going to be focused.
This will lead to a misplaced sense of interview failure/success. The applicant
feels that they had deficiencies, which they ‘rectified’ hence their chances
have gotten better while in reality they may be no better off than their original
situation. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Hopefully, this article will alert
the applicant assess their chances based on the completeness of the application
profile, in addition to the quality of the information. Also, remember that if
you have not finished all the steps towards the application, then having self-doubt
will impede your effort to achieve those said milestone, realizing your initial
fears of negative response. </span></span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0