I’ve received a few emails recently asking whether there are still open General Surgery residency slots at Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center (Southern California), a tip I mentioned in a March blog entry. Unfortunately, my contact says there is no funding for more slots and thus, the only applicants who might be considered now would be orphans (residents whose programs have folded and thus come with their own funding). Sorry for the news.
Blog Archives
Residency Application Handout
I’ve received a few requests for the handout I created for the AMSA talk last month. If you would like a copy of my PDF “Don’t Let ERAS Kick Y’ERAS” please shoot me an email: insidermedical@gmail.com.
Tags: April 2010
Happiness
I received really bad advice when I was applying for residency: A dean told me that I would be working so hard, it wouldn’t matter where I lived. He said I should choose the most competitive program regardless of location.
I couldn’t disagree more. If you’re applying to medical school, residency, fellowship or a post bacc program, it’s essential to think about what will make you happiest. Usually, that means being near your significant other, family and friends. It might mean being in nice weather, near your religious community or in a place where you can continue your favorite hobby.
In case you don’t believe me, here‘s an article from the NYT to back me up.
As always, contact me for help.
Tags: April 2010
Getting Into Medical School: Medical School Interview Advice
Getting into medical school has become increasingly difficult, in part, because of the poor economy: Competitive candidates who used to target other graduate schools are turning toward medicine, a less volatile field. Consequently, stronger candidates are now pursuing a medical career, making the medical school interview critical.
But what are medical schools looking for during the interview process?
First, they are seeking someone distinctive. Your goal is to distinguish yourself from all of the other applicants by showcasing your accomplishments. Anyone can say s/he wants to help people or is hard working. Fewer candidates can prove it. Read more ›
Salaried Positions versus Private Practice
There’s an interesting article in the NYT regarding doctors’ seeking salaried jobs over private practice ones. It covers differences in attitudes between established doctors and those newly in the field.
On another note, I just spoke with a first-year medical student who had the foresight to seek help now regarding how her next few years of medical school can be optimized to improved a future residency application. We discussed this year’s summer opportunities, the USMLE, her research and leadership opportunities, amongst other topics.
Contact me early for admissions assistance for a long-term plan.
Tags: March 2010
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:
