Day 86 Dr. Mike’s Getting into Residency For IMG Tip # 3 My conversation with a Program director

Well I decided to write some other tips that might help some people now. But these are just some things that I have learned directly from the internal medicine office at my program. I happened to walk in on the secretary while she was recieving the applications that you guys send in applying. I asked her about how much applications she had recieved at that point, and she said they had received about 1000, and this was just 2-3 weeks into the match. I asked her how did she screen the applicants? She said that well at first she looks at wether the appicants have visa's or not and she automatically deletes them, and sends a sorry response. AUtomatically !! can you believe this? I was
like wow, she doesn't even look at their scores or experience. It is posted in the website and she says that people still send applications hoping to get in, but they have certain restrictions, and they abide by them. So after she screens these people, the pool that are left, are divided among the attending physicians. If there are around 600 applicants, the attendings look at who they want to give an interview, and they give out about 300 interviews. I asked her if she had other cut offs, and she said that sometimes they do cut offs if you have a lot of attempts at the boards. So that too might be put into consideration. She said then you are given an interview, and not always with the person that read your cv. I remember that I had my interview with one of the doctors that actually chose me out of the hundreds of final applicants. This was purely luck, as the people granted interviews are just distributed to the people giving the interview that day.

I also spoke with one of the associate program directors and I asked him how does he decide wether to choose a particular person or not? He said that it is not an easy task, but he tries to find someone that will be willing to handle the work, and someone that is commited to theprogram. He says that a lot of time when he discusses night floats and on call schedules, that he sees the looks on the applicants faces-their looks of shock, when they find out how much work it is. They basically are looking for someone that is willing to do the work. Someone that will work hard and not leave the program. Its trying to find the person that will be commited to the program. A lot of times,people will interview and will have no desire in the program. They are just their, to be their. They don't really care about the spot. Its in their long list of interviews they recieved. The program directors will pick up on this. And you have to be honest with yourself. If you interview at a program and you really don't want to be their. just remember, you will be there 100 hours a week. ALmost everyday. Trust me,I'm here now!! I like my program. but I see some residents that complain, and are not happy, and it affects them. SO be honest with yourself. THe best program is the one that accepts you!! At least thats how I look at it. The human body doesn't change across the border. what matter is your desire to learn and your hard work and determination.

On a personal level I can tell you (And this from someone that scored 78 and 79 on my steps) Programs are more worried about your ability to take care of patients and your recet clinical experience. They want someone that is comfortable with patients, and that is willing to work
hard. There are a lot of people with high scores, so that CAN'T be the deciding factor. Its your desire and your people skills that comes across to them, that willl help them and you.We are in the "business" of taking care of people. This is what matters the most-LIfe. The life and well being of the patient is above all.

I hope you guys well in the interviews. Pray a lot. be yourselfs. Be honest. And have fun, if you mess up at the interview, just remember

their will be others.
LEan on God when life gets hard. The darkest moments of your life can be the brightest. Let God and Jesus light shine on you.

God Bless
Dr.Mike