As medical school and residency interviews approach, I want to remind everyone about Amy Cuddy, the Harvard faculty member who speaks about the psychology of power, influence, and nonverbal communication. Her research shows that a “fake it until you make it” philosophy and “power posing” practices improve your performance in interviews. Cuddy’s TED talk has been viewed over 27 million times.
Do Interviews Matter?
Yes!For residency candidates: The NRMP Program Directors’ Survey makes it very clear that interviews matter a lot, which was also my experience as an Assistant Residency Director. I recall very robust conversations about even small comments candidates made during their interviews, some of which affected their ranking on our Match list.
For medical school applicants: Although there is controversy over how much college interviews matter, even skeptics acknowledge that graduate school interviews make a difference in the application process. In this NYT piece, two former interviewers strongly advise conducting mock interviews and being prepared for “curve ball” questions.
Remember: If you’re well-prepared, once you get your foot in the door, you can make a strong impression about the worthiness of your candidacy.
Tags: Interviews, Medical School, NRMP
NRMP® Data Suggests Residency Applicants Should Apply Broadly
In their publication Impact of Length of Rank Order List on Main Residency Match Outcome:2002-2015, the NRMP reports that matched applicants consistently have longer rank order lists than unmatched applicants.
What that means to those approaching the residency application process is that candidates should throw a wide net in choosing programs at which to apply. Of course, there is a cost to this strategy, and that expense needs to be balanced. However, if you can afford it, starting out with more options usually will provide more opportunities to interview and thus, the ability to create a longer rank order list.
Doctors Sick at Work
Here’s a quick New York Times piece on healthcare providers who come to work sick. I have to say that I cannot think of one physician-friend I know who has not come to work ill at some point. Unfortunately, the system needs to change drastically, especially for residents, to keep doctors away from their responsibilities when ill.
Tags: healthcare providers, New York Times, residents, Sick
Are you a Residency Candidate Applying in More than One Specialty?
If you are considering applying in more than one field, you have a tough road ahead of you, and you should strategize accordingly. Remember that, although your ERAS activities cannot be individualized to different residency programs, your personal statement and letters of recommendation can. Demonstrating commitment to each field through your essay and letters will be a challenge, so take time to write thoughtfully, and make sure you speak candidly to your faculty recommenders.
Above all: Ensure that you assign the correct specialty-specific documents to the correct programs!
Dr. Finkel is a graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Medical School. On completing her residency at Harvard, she was asked to stay on as faculty at Harvard Medical School and spent five years teaching at the world-renowned Massachusetts General Hospital. She was appointed to the Assistant Residency Director position for the Harvard Affiliated Emergency Medicine Residency where she reviewed countless applications, personal statements and resumes. Read more
Listen to Dr. Finkel’s interview on The Visible Voices podcast:
Listen to Dr. Finkel’s interview on the White Coat Investor podcast:
Listen to Dr. Finkel’s interview on the FeminEm podcast:
