Want to get tips on professional happiness, autonomy and flexibility, entrepreneurship, how to choose a medical school and residency program, and how to nail an interview? Download my recent guest spot on the Feminem podcast – 2018 Summer Series.
Blog Archives
Come and Get It! The 2018 NRMP Program Director Survey is Out
Every two years the National Resident Matching Program® (NRMP) publishes a program director (PD) survey that focuses on two main questions: 1) What factors do PDs use in deciding whom to interview? 2) What factors do PDs use in deciding whom to rank? Results of the 2018 Program Director Survey are available here.
So, as you approach interviews, if you’re wondering what PDs want – by specialty – here are your answers. This document is extremely valuable.
Medical School and Residency Interviews – Power Posing
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 48 million times.
Quick Tip: Schedule Your Strategy Session and Mock Interview Now
Applicants, secondary to very high demand this summer, I am currently booking 2 to 3 weeks in advance for Strategy Sessions and Mock Interviews. If you are in need of an upcoming Strategy Session or Mock Interview, please make sure to hire me at your earliest convenience to secure a slot.
Secondary Essays: Why Do You Want to Attend Our School?
Secondary essay prompts vary, but there are a few that are standard fare. “Why do you want to attend our school?” is a common topic pre-meds will encounter.
Medical school admissions officers want to be assured that you know their institution, are seriously considering it, and will fit in well there. In approaching the “why-our-school” question, do your research on the institution and link something specific about you with the school’s philosophy, curriculum, surrounding patient population, and/or extracurricular programs.
For instance, if you were a teaching assistant for chemistry in college, you might link your use of the Socratic method with a school’s tutorial-based learning. In that way, you demonstrate knowledge of the school, show that you connect well with it, and showcase your accomplishment.
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: