The Match process can be confusing. Many students receive minimal
instruction from their medical school and are often left feeling
overwhelmed by what appears to be a very long and difficult
process. However, with some understanding and adequate research,
many can actually acquire a comfortable residency position in
their field of choice.
The most important factor in the match process is timing and
preparation. While many students often put off deciding their
specialty of choice until right before the ERAS opens in the
beginning of September, it is essential to have the career choices
narrowed down to the top two or three specialties at the beginning
of the fourth medical school year. In doing so, students are
then able to pin point the institutions that they would prefer
to attend in the location that they desire. This can be done
by utilizing the Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive
Database (FREIDA) and selecting the Program Search link. Once
you arrive at the site, you are able to select the specific
criteria that you have in mind, including location, specialty
of choice, and others. Doing this ahead of time allows for more
specific planning, including giving you the chance to contact
any medical education department to schedule a "visiting medical
student elective".
Do not underestimate the opportunity to work as a visiting
student at any facility, as giving the faculty a chance to see
you in action can be of great benefit. Also bear in mind that
if you do not adequately prepare and apply for these electives
in advance, little time will be left to schedule these available
rotations and to receive the letter of recommendation that you
need. Letters of recommendation are essentially the backing
of faculty members who support you in your endeavor to be a
physician.
A letter from a resident or fellow does not hold as much weight
as a letter from an attending physician. Overall, though, a
letter from a program director would be best. In addition, a
more specific letter indicating how you are tailored to the
particular specialty that you desire as well as those letters
that relate personal experiences are more profitable than a
general letter. Most institutions require at least three letters
with one letter from a faculty member in the specialty you desire.
Another hindrance that often causes anxiety during the fourth
clinical year is the USMLE Step 2 examination. The USMLE examinations
are the most important factor in determining if you are adequately
prepared to handle the rigors of residency. If your school has
not already arranged a schedule for you to adhere to, try to
schedule the USMLE Step 2 CS as soon as you feel that you have
received adequate history taking skills. Some students feel
comfortable after completing one core rotation while others
may feel that they need two or three.
Finally, after completing the bulk of the work and receiving
most of the letters of recommendation, completing your Step
2 examinations, and deciding the specialty that you prefer as
well as your desired location, you may sit and write your personal
statement. General advice for the personal statement are to
keep it within one page, include personal information regarding
why you chose the field, what you are looking for in a residency
position, and, finally, what you can provide to the institution.
Try to have all these documents ready for ERAS when it opens
up in the beginning of September. This gives the residency program
directors adequate time to review your credentials and to possibly
invite you to an early interview. Ultimately, try to avoid applying
late if possible. Good luck and, remember, plan early!
References
1. Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). http://www.aamc.org/students/eras/start.htm
2. Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database
(FREIDA). http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/2997.html
3. National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/2997.html
How the Match
Works
NRMP
- National Residency Matching Program
ERAS -
The Electronic Residency Application System
NRMP
Match Site - Match schedules for residency and fellowhsip,
log-in page
Finding the Right
Residency
Matching for Medical
Students
