Check out this comforting article about work-life balance. I’ve only had a label for my posts called “physician dissatisfaction,” but now I’m adding “physician satisfaction.” This article begs the question, though, of how much more competitive medical school admissions will become as bright students flee business.
IMGs: 2009 NRMP Results
The ECFMG has published stats about this year’s Match for IMGs. The data is not significantly different from 2008, which means it’s still not great news: In 2009 only 47.8% of U.S. citizen IMGs obtained first year positions through the Match. Of those IMGs who were not U.S. citizens, only 41.6% matched. Of course, high board scores and excellent LORs are extremely helpful. It’s also important to ensure your ERAS and personal statement are optimal for submission. Contact me for help earlier rather than later please, so I can assist you best.
Tags: May 2009
AMCAS Sequencing Activities: My Error
I want to apologize for a large error I made. The AMCAS cannot be sequenced in a preferred order despite the – apparently outdated – information I gave in a previous entry. If the applicant attempts to reorder, AMCAS will force a chronological order. I spoke to AMCAS and they indicate there is no way around this. Great apologies for my error.
Tags: June 2009
Mama’s Rules
I strongly recommend a charming piece recently published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine written by Emergency Physician Arthur Kellermann. Most of us go into medicine for the right reasons, but it’s amazing how quickly we get bogged down by exhaustion, especially during residency.
Tags: May 2009
Medical School Financial Aid Options
I’ve have several clients who were admitted to medical school this season and may not be able to go secondary to difficulty securing tuition. Remember that getting a Federal GradPlus or other type of loan is difficult now, and that will likely continue at least through next year. Start to think now about how you will finance your education and whether you are a good risk for a loan. If not, consider what family member might co-sign a medical school tuition loan for you. The AAMC has a section on their site called Financing Your Medical Education, which is a good starting point in considering these issues.
Tags: May 2009
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:
