Blog Archives

The Craft of Writing

Two weeks ago I blogged about the importance of using your personal statement to showcase your accomplishments, while ensuring your essay does not become a resume in prose. In the “The Sound of a Sentence,” Constance Hale reviews techniques a writer can use to invigorate his or her compositions.

During my medical school admissions process, I introduced myself to my Duke interviewer who said, “Ever since reading your secondary essay, I’ve been looking forward to meeting you!” I had made a favorable impression and distinguished myself through my writing – the goal of my essay. I find some applicants are simply slogging through the process of writing their personal statements. Remember that you only have a small piece of geography to catch the admission reader’s attention. Use the personal statement space to your advantage, and don’t lose a great opportunity to make a positive impression!

Contact me for help with your written materials – AMCAS, ERAS, personal statements, secondary essays, CVs, letters of intent, etc.

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The Medical Residency Interview: Mistakes to Avoid

Once your ERAS has been submitted, your residency admission pivots on your interview performance. And because residency admissions have become so competitive of late – especially in this weaker economy – the medical residency interview has become critical.

There are a few, simple easy mistakes that you can avoid with a little preparation:

  1. Don’t speak in general terms. Your goal is to distinguish yourself from all of the other applicants by highlighting your achievements. Answer questions with specific examples of what you have done in order to demonstrate that you are distinctive. Don’t worry about repeating what is in your residency application. It is expected that you will flesh out your ERAS and personal statement during the interview. Read more ›
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About Dr. Michelle Finkel

Dr. Michelle Finkel

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

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Listen to Dr. Finkel’s interview on the White Coat Investor podcast:

Listen to Dr. Finkel’s interview on the FeminEm podcast: