The Residency The Residency Application Process Application Process

and Interview Tacticsand Interview TacticsMicelle J Haydel, MDMicelle J Haydel, MD

Program Director: LSUHSC Emergency MedicineProgram Director: LSUHSC Emergency MedicineNew OrleansNew Orleans

mhayde@lsuhsc.edumhayde@lsuhsc.edu

ObjectivesObjectivesIdentify and briefly describe “pearls” that can Identify and briefly describe “pearls” that can facilitate the residency application processfacilitate the residency application process

Discuss preparation for the residency interview Discuss preparation for the residency interview and appropriate responses during the interview and appropriate responses during the interview

Learn about resources available to medical Learn about resources available to medical students entering the application processstudents entering the application process

How the Match worksHow the Match works

Your rank list places the programs in the order that you want.

The computer gives you preference

If your #1 spot fills before getting to you, then your #2 program moves into your #1 spot.

How Competitive am I?

Medical School Medical School AttendedAttended AOA/Class rankAOA/Class rank Clinical Grades Clinical Grades

Your interviewYour interview

EM rotation: EM rotation: grade & grade & wherewhere

SLORSLOR: : Letters of recommendationLetters of recommendation

USMLE Scores USMLE Scores Dean’s letter: Dean’s letter: akaaka MSPEMSPE

Exposure to EMExposure to EMCommitment to EMCommitment to EMLeadership rolesLeadership rolesExtracurricularExtracurricularResearchResearch

Yellow = ranked higher by PDs, Acad EM 2000 & Acad EM 2005

Personal StatementPersonal StatementStart working on it: draft by end of JuneStart working on it: draft by end of June Review by peers and advisorReview by peers and advisor

Who you are--- Do not rehash CVWho you are--- Do not rehash CV

Life experiences – future potentialLife experiences – future potential

Personal StatementPersonal Statement

Captivating but not flamboyantAvoid being too vanilla or too longFocus on something not evident in CVNO SPELIN or GRAMER mistakes!!Address any low grades or gaps in training.

ANYTHING YOU MENTION IS FAIR GAME AT THE INTERVIEW!!!

Troubled YouthTroubled Youth

CV CV You will enter this into ERASTypically ONE page

exception: extensive research, work or volunteer experience

Logical chronological flowDon’t “pad” the CV or misrepresent infoUse action verbs, focus on your role, results.

ANYTHING YOU MENTION IS FAIR GAME AT THE INTERVIEW!!!

CV CV Choose headings that highlight your strengths, and list in order of Choose headings that highlight your strengths, and list in order of

importance:importance: Education (focus on med school, not undergrad)Education (focus on med school, not undergrad) Honors/AwardsHonors/Awards Commendations for pre-clinical or clinical rotationsCommendations for pre-clinical or clinical rotations ResearchResearch PublicationsPublications Work experienceWork experience Volunteer experienceVolunteer experience Community experienceCommunity experience Extracurricular ActivitiesExtracurricular Activities

Dean’s LetterDean’s LetterHistorically the Dean’s Historically the Dean’s Letter was considered the Letter was considered the “Most important” “Most important” component in the decision of component in the decision of whether to offer an whether to offer an interview- Not so much now interview- Not so much now

PDs use it to look forPDs use it to look for Class rankClass rank Gaps in medical school Gaps in medical school

trainingtraining Comments from your clinical Comments from your clinical

rotationsrotations

Dean’s LetterDean’s LetterYou should ask to read your Dean’s letterYou should ask to read your Dean’s letter

Make suggestions to your Dean so that the Dean’s Make suggestions to your Dean so that the Dean’s letter is suited to EMletter is suited to EM

The most useful Dean’s letter includes comments The most useful Dean’s letter includes comments from clerkship rotations that support EM mindsetfrom clerkship rotations that support EM mindset ““Hardworking”, “Multitasks well”, “Clinically advanced Hardworking”, “Multitasks well”, “Clinically advanced

compared to peers”, “Strong knowledge base”, compared to peers”, “Strong knowledge base”, “Compassionate”“Compassionate”

Letters of RecommendationLetters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendationThree letters of recommendation11stst Choice: Choice: EM EM academicacademic faculty faculty (SLOR) (SLOR)

Ideally from more than one EM programIdeally from more than one EM program

22ndnd Choice: Traditional letters (non-SLOR) Choice: Traditional letters (non-SLOR)1.1. Non-academic EM physiciansNon-academic EM physicians2.2. Faculty on other clinical rotations Faculty on other clinical rotations 3.3. Faculty mentorsFaculty mentors

Standardized Letter of Standardized Letter of RecommendationRecommendation

In 1995 CORD Task Force developed the SLOR b/c of In 1995 CORD Task Force developed the SLOR b/c of frustration over ill-defined words and lack of comparative data frustration over ill-defined words and lack of comparative data in traditional lettersin traditional letters

Optional Optional but…..not reallybut…..not really Over 90 % program directors like it and want it Over 90 % program directors like it and want it Some programs require it Some programs require it Issues most important to program directors are explicitly Issues most important to program directors are explicitly

addressedaddressed

SLORSLOROnly Emergency Medicine FacultyOnly Emergency Medicine Faculty

Contains both Comparative and Narrative dataContains both Comparative and Narrative data

Requests specific content and defines the way Requests specific content and defines the way it can be answeredit can be answered

Requests letter writer’s history of prior Requests letter writer’s history of prior recommendationsrecommendations

   

Applicant's Name:     John P. Applicant ERAS ID No.      12345677Reference Provided By: Micelle J. Haydel, MDPresent Position: Program Director Email: mhayde@lsuhsc.edu

Institution: Louisiana State University -New Orleans Telephone:(504)903-3594

A. Background Information1. How long have you known the

applicant?  2. Nature of contact with

applicant: (Check all that apply): Know indirectly through

others/evaluations Clinical contact outside the ED Occasional contact (< 10 hours) in

the ED Extended, direct observation in the

ED Advisor Other

3. If this candidate rotated in your ED, what grade was given?

Honors High Pass Pass Low Pass Fail

Optional Key Comment from ED Faculty Eval:

4. Is this the student’s first, second, or third EM rotation?

5. Indicate what % of students rotating in your Emergency Department received the following grades last academic year:

Honors 52% # students last year:130 High Pass 42%Pass 6%Low Pass 0%Fail 0%

Signature: Dated:     _____________STUDENT HAS WAIVED RIGHT TO SEE THIS LETTER x

B. Qualifications for EM. Compare the applicant to other EM applicants/peers.

1. Commitment to Emergency Medicine. Has carefully thought out this career choice.

Outstanding (top 10%) Excellent (top 1/3 )

Very Good (middle 1/3) Good (lower 1/3) 2. Work ethic, willingness to assume

responsibility.Outstanding (top 10%) Excellent (top 1/3) Very Good (middle 1/3) Good (lower 1/3)

3. Ability to develop and justify an appropriate differential and a cohesive treatment plan. Outstanding (top 10%) Excellent (top 1/3)

Very Good (middle 1/3) Good (lower 1/3) 4a. Personality; ability to interact with others. Superior Good Quiet Poor

4b. Personality; ability to communicate a caring nature to patients

Superior Excellent Adequate Poor 5a. How much guidance do you predict this

applicant will need during residency? Almost None Minimal Moderate

5b. Given the necessary guidance, what is your prediction of success for the applicant? Outstanding Excellent Good

C. Global Assessment1. Compared to other EM residency candidates you have

recommended as such last academic year, this candidate is ranked as:

Rank # Recommended as such last year

Outstanding (top 10%) 2

Excellent (top 1/3) 4

Very Good (middle 1/3) 1

Good (lower 1/3) 1

Total # of letters you wrote last year: 8

2. How highly would you estimate the candidate will reside on your match list?

Very competitive Competitive Possible match Unlikely match

D. Written Comments

Traditional LettersTraditional LettersUsed when Letter writer:Used when Letter writer:

is not an Academic EPis not an Academic EP Cannot adequately express your many finer Cannot adequately express your many finer

subtle qualities in 250 wordssubtle qualities in 250 words Is a Is a special mentor*special mentor*

*Nobel Laureate, The President, etc*Nobel Laureate, The President, etc

Traditional LetterTraditional Letter One pageOne page

Personal touchesPersonal touches How they know youHow they know you What is so special about youWhat is so special about you How often writer writes lettersHow often writer writes letters

Do Your HomeworkDo Your Homework

Develop your Develop your questions questions (generic & (generic & specific)specific)

Develop your Develop your answers!answers!

Know the program Know the program and current issues in and current issues in EM.EM.

Interview SeasonInterview SeasonEarly Bird gets the worm! Early Bird gets the worm! Interview spots fill quickly.Interview spots fill quickly.Complete applications Complete applications ASAP- July 1ASAP- July 1stst the ERAS the ERAS website allows you to website allows you to start entering application start entering application information.information.Sept 1Sept 1stst, you may start , you may start applying!applying!Nov 1Nov 1stst, Dean’s letters are , Dean’s letters are sent out (aka, MSPE)sent out (aka, MSPE)Remember– the interview starts Remember– the interview starts with the first email or phone call with the first email or phone call you make!you make!

Time Table: JuneTime Table: June

Personal statement and CV: 1Personal statement and CV: 1stst draft draft

Read EMRA/SAEM/AAEM web pagesRead EMRA/SAEM/AAEM web pages

Shadow community practitionerShadow community practitioner

Meet with advisor for reality checkMeet with advisor for reality check

Review programs on webReview programs on web

Construct your “long” listConstruct your “long” list

Time Table: JulyTime Table: JulyERAS registration and data entry begins!ERAS registration and data entry begins!

Personal statement & CV: 2Personal statement & CV: 2ndnd & 3 & 3rdrd drafts drafts

Continue to review program’s websitesContinue to review program’s websites

Go over “long list” with advisorGo over “long list” with advisor

Review EM organizations and specialty Review EM organizations and specialty journals: what’s going on in the world of EM?journals: what’s going on in the world of EM?

Time Table: AugustTime Table: August

Confirm Letter writers: ask them to email Confirm Letter writers: ask them to email you when the letter is sent!you when the letter is sent!Prep for USMLE step 2Prep for USMLE step 2Finalize personal statementFinalize personal statementFinalize CVFinalize CVBegin to prioritize your “long” listBegin to prioritize your “long” list

Time Table: SeptemberTime Table: September

Make sure your Dean’s office has all Make sure your Dean’s office has all your ERAS material.your ERAS material.

Meet with advisor for strategy sessionMeet with advisor for strategy session

Take Step IITake Step II

Time Table Oct – NovTime Table Oct – Nov

Service carService car

Make travel plansMake travel plans

Maps, internet, etc.Maps, internet, etc.

Review programs Review programs in detailin detail

Mock interview!Mock interview!

Time Table Dec – JanTime Table Dec – Jan

Interview seasonInterview season

Second looks?Second looks?

In-depth research of top 5In-depth research of top 5

Database to compare programsDatabase to compare programs

Thank you notesThank you notes

Followup on any missing data: board scores, Followup on any missing data: board scores, letters, etc.letters, etc.

When to Schedule them…When to Schedule them…

Early vs Late in Early vs Late in the seasonthe seasonAvoid last week of Avoid last week of interviewsinterviews

The interviewers are beat!The interviewers are beat!

Getting ThereGetting ThereTry to group interviews by city. It’s Try to group interviews by city. It’s expensive! expensive! The weather is unpredictable (it will The weather is unpredictable (it will be winter)be winter) expect delaysexpect delays bring an umbrella, coat, boots, etcbring an umbrella, coat, boots, etc

CARRY YOUR INTERVIEW SUIT ON CARRY YOUR INTERVIEW SUIT ON THE PLANE WITH YOU!!THE PLANE WITH YOU!!

No Shows…No Shows…The Kiss of DeathThe Kiss of DeathBe wary: Academic Be wary: Academic EM is a small EM is a small communitycommunityCall ASAP – even Call ASAP – even day beforeday before

The Night Before GatheringThe Night Before GatheringIt is now It is now expectedexpected..

Many applicants think they find out the most about Many applicants think they find out the most about the program at this informal get-together.the program at this informal get-together.

No faculty: This is the time for you to ask all the No faculty: This is the time for you to ask all the questions that you “shouldn’t” in the interview:questions that you “shouldn’t” in the interview: How long are the shiftsHow long are the shifts MoonlightingMoonlighting How much vacationHow much vacation

This is really still part of the interview though! Be on This is really still part of the interview though! Be on your best “relaxed” behavior.your best “relaxed” behavior.

Dress To ImpressDress To ImpressConservative Conservative and simpleand simple

Dark colored Dark colored suitssuits

Nothing flashy!Nothing flashy!

The Interview DayThe Interview DayIntroductory presentation Introductory presentation Interviews: Interviews: PD, APD, various Faculty PD, APD, various Faculty and Chief Residentsand Chief Residents

Tour- Tour- by the residentsby the residents

Lunch- Lunch- with the residentswith the residents

Wrap-upWrap-up

QuestionsQuestionsShow how well you:Show how well you: Handle StressHandle Stress Problem solveProblem solve Handle AdversityHandle Adversity TeamworkTeamwork CommunicateCommunicate MultitaskMultitask You will fit in the program!You will fit in the program!

What you will be asked: What you will be asked: (and what it means (and what it means to the PD)to the PD)

In some form:In some form: Strengths Strengths (Are you a future chief resident? (Are you a future chief resident?

Will you fit in here?)Will you fit in here?) Weakness Weakness (What problems will you bring (What problems will you bring

me?)me?) How you handle stress How you handle stress (Will you crumble (Will you crumble

when things get tough?)when things get tough?) How you handle conflict How you handle conflict (Are you going to (Are you going to

be a peacekeeper---or am I going to have to be a peacekeeper---or am I going to have to continuously put out fires that you have continuously put out fires that you have started?)started?)

What you will be asked: What you will be asked: (and what it means (and what it means to the PD)to the PD)

In some form:In some form: Are you enthusiastic and passionate Are you enthusiastic and passionate

about EM? about EM? (Will I want to work with you on (Will I want to work with you on your fourth consecutive busy night shift?)your fourth consecutive busy night shift?)

What questions do you have about our What questions do you have about our program? program? (What are your priorities? i.e., (What are your priorities? i.e., don’t ask about moonlighting, salary, number don’t ask about moonlighting, salary, number of shifts ) of shifts )

What do you like about our program? (Let’s (Let’s see if you’ve done your homework)see if you’ve done your homework)

Questions YOU should ask the Faculty:Questions YOU should ask the Faculty:

Why are you working here?Why are you working here?

What are the strength/weaknesses of the What are the strength/weaknesses of the program?program?

How are residents given feedback?How are residents given feedback?

What are you looking for in an applicant?What are you looking for in an applicant?

What electives do the residents usually What electives do the residents usually take?take?

Where do the graduates go?Where do the graduates go?

Post-Interview “Conversations”Post-Interview “Conversations”

Variable from program to program:Variable from program to program:EmailEmailForm lettersForm lettersPersonalized lettersPersonalized lettersPhone callsPhone calls

YOU are expected to write thank-you notes!YOU are expected to write thank-you notes!

ResourcesResourcesAAEM/ AAEM/ EM SelectEM Select

Searchable database of Searchable database of EM Residency programs EM Residency programs

Personalized Program Personalized Program Program Notes Program Notes Notes for the Interview Notes for the Interview Notes for your Rank List Notes for your Rank List Compare Programs Compare Programs 24/7 access online at 24/7 access online at

http://www.emselect.org

EMRAEMRA Searchable database Searchable database

of EM programsof EM programs

SAEMSAEM Regional ConferencesRegional Conferences Online Residency Online Residency

Catalog & Rotation Catalog & Rotation CatalogCatalog

Virtual AdvisorVirtual Advisor

Other ResourcesOther ResourcesAAEM Rules of AAEM Rules of the Road for the Road for Medical StudentsMedical StudentsJob Interviews Job Interviews For Dummies For Dummies Google!Google!

QuestionsQuestions