NAVIGATION:        Physician Jobs | Physician Salaries | USMLE | MCAT | Nursing Jobs | CME Online | Medical Software | Student Loans
       USMLE Step 1 | USMLE Step 2 | USMLE Step 3 | Residency Match | USMLE Test Preparation | USMLE Scores | ECFMG

Financial Aid
» Student Loan Consolidation
» Federal Student Loans
» Student Health Insurance
Medical Schools

» Medical School Rankings
» Top Medical Schools
» Caribbean Medical Schools
» Competitive MCAT scores
» USMLE Forum
» USMLE Study Guides
» Medical School Admissions

Medical Students Residency Match

    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




Physician Salaries