In May 2007, we launched our column, The Successful Match, on the Student Doctor Network. Our goal is to make you a well-informed applicant. A better understanding of the residency selection process can help you develop an approach that maximizes your chances of a successful match into the specialty or residency program of your choice. Read our introductory column. Below are links to other columns.
Getting into Pediatrics
May, 2011 - We recently discussed the pediatric residency selection process with Dr. Su-Ting Li, program director of the University of California Davis pediatrics residency program and Vice Chair of Education in the Department of Pediatrics.
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Getting into Radiology
October, 2010 - Radiology continues to be a competitive specialty. How can you improve your chances of a successful match? We discussed the radiology residency selection process with Dr. Vicki Marx, program director of the radiology residency program at the Keck School of Medicine at University of Southern California.
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Getting into Emergency Medicine
August, 2010 - Emergency medicine is a moderately competitive specialty. What can you do to secure a residency position? We discussed the emergency medicine residency selection process with Dr. Jamie Collings, former program director of the emergency medicine residency program at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University.
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Getting into Obstetrics and Gynecology
June, 2010 - We recently discussed the obstetrics and gynecology residency selection process with Dr. Eugene Toy, the Vice Chair of Academic Affairs and residency program director in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at The Methodist Hospital in Houston, TX. Dr. Toy is widely known as the creator, series editor, and primary author of McGraw-Hill’s popular Case Files Series.
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How to Succeed in your Residency Interview
November, 2009 - It's residency interview season. Learn strategies for residency interview success from the authors of The Successful Match.
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Getting into Dermatology
October, 2009 - Competition is tough for dermatology residency positions. What can you do to improve your chances? The authors of The Successful Match recently had the opportunity to speak with Dr. William James, program director of the dermatology residency program at the University of Pennsylvania, about the dermatology residency selection process.
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Getting into Ophthalmology
August, 2009 - Of the 654 applicants who applied to ophthalmology in 2009, 196 (approximately 30%) failed to match. Similar results were noted in the 2007 and 2008 matches, making ophthalmology one of the most competitive specialties. We recently discussed the ophthalmology residency selection process with Dr. Andrew Lee, chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at The Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas and Professor of Ophthalmology at the Weill Cornell Medical College.
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What are program directors looking for?
May, 2009 - A key component of the successful match is a full understanding of the residency selection process, and the factors that influence it. Program directors are key decision-makers in this process, and their insights and experience are invaluable.
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Facebook, a new way to screen applicants?
November, 2008 - Applying for residency, as every applicant knows, is a long, complex process, and understandably so. Residency selection committees use every tool at their disposal to compare applicants. Would programs use internet search engines and social networking sites, such as Facebook and MySpace, to screen applicants?
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The Importance of Mentoring
April, 2008 - In researching our book, we asked applicants what they found most difficult about the residency application process. A number of applicants commented on the same issue. “There’s so much conflicting information out there. How do you know what to believe? Who should you listen to?”
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Importance of Communication Skills
October, 2007 - Every aspiring physician knows the importance of memorization, especially in the basic science years. As you advance in your career, however, communication skills come to the forefront. Physicians with poor communication skills are more likely to be sued. (Virshup) They are more likely to be disciplined by the medical board. They may not receive as many professional referrals from colleagues or word-of-mouth referrals from patients.
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Clerkship Grades are More Important than many Applicants Believe
July, 2007 - Which of the following is the most important academic criterion used by program directors to select residents?
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