A Guide To The Perplexed: Residency Advice

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A Guide To The PerplexedResidency Advice
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Residency Advice

• First And Second Year

3
Youve Been Screened, Interviewed.

• And Admitted To Medical School
• WOW!
• Now You Start To Worry Already About
• Residency?
• Obsessive-compulsives!

4
Planning Is Different From Anything Youve Done
Before

• Each residency will want to hire the best doctors
  they can get for their specialty. Youll be
  working as a doctor to learn to be a better
  doctor it is both a job and an education.
• So it will be, in the round of residency
  competition, more than your potential as a
  doctor thats important (as it was for med school
  admission). From now on , you will be judged by
  your proven track record as a student-doctor.

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The Basic SciencesThe Essential Thing

• Pre-clinical academic performance is important,
  not just as 'grades and scores', but because
• Excellence in your clinical years will depend on
  how well youve learned the lessons and
  discipline of your pre-clinical years.
• The more you know of medical science, and of
  scientific logic and method, the better doctor
  you are likely to be in both your clinical and
  investigative skills.

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M1 and M2 Years

• Your performance on examinations (numbers)
  is more emphasized by some specialties than
  othersbut no specialty wants to take a person
  who has trouble passing exams, if only because
  such a person cant get licensed to practice.
• Some specialties want you also to have
  evidenced commitment to advancing the art by
  clinical or bench research (more about this
  later).

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COMMENTS FROM THE DEANS

• USMLE STEP I and II Exam Scores? How
  Important Are They?

From Dr. Kumari (2005) I surveyed UCD residency
directors about the value they put on USMLE
examination scores in assessing applicants for
residencies in their disciplines. The responses
are in each specialty sections program director
slides. Keep in mind that these are our schools
perceptions only, though they are likely to
reflect those of program directors within the
same specialty at other programs. However,
expect differences in opinion based on the
specific program director and resident selection
committees experience, competition between
programs, prestige, geographic appeal, nature of
the programs patient population and perceived
mission (clinical, research, e.g.), etc.
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Comments From The DeansUSMLE Board Scores

• DEAN MICHAEL WILKES (2005)
• Step 1 has added importance at a pass-fail school
  such as ours. It seems that for most non-surgery
  programs, the USMLE score is not vital but it
  must be passed (solidly!). Students that barely
  pass, program directors worry, may have
  difficulty also with specialty exams in the
  future, causing trouble for the program.
• Most program directors will not feel a 205
  score is much worse than a 225 (everything else
  being equal), and will value other items much
  more (clerkship evaluations, letters of
  recommendation, etc.)
• Surgical specialties and subspecialties often
  place a high value on test scores, however.

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The Other Essential Thing!

• ALL specialties will want candidates who are
  responsible, mature, hard working, caring,
  honest, curious, professional and collegial, and
  who can work well with staff, peers, students,
  nurses, supervisors, patients and families.
• Bad behavior will be seen as a sign of flawed
  character, no matter when it occurs.

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How Do You Choose?

• Some of the preclinical students know already
  what they want to do.
• Most dont.
• Many who know will change their minds.
• To choose a specialty without having real
  experience in it is like marrying a mail-order
  spouse.

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What Are The Best Specialties?

• The best specialty for any doctor is the one they
  love best and in which they do their best.
• No specialty is intrinsically better than
  another.
• The life-style of any specialty can change
  abruptly by political, economic or societal whim
  choose for content, not structure.

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Coming To Your M3 Year?

• How important are your evaluations during M3
  clerkships?
• Generally critical!
• You may overcome a lackluster pre-clinical record
  by being a clinical star, but even the top
  pre-clinical record will not do you much good if
  you are a clinical disaster in any clerkship
• There will be a class meeting about the M3 year
  before you have to do anything about it.

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The M3 Year

• No matter what your fellow medical students (i.e.
  the they of they say) tell you
• The order of your M3 clerkships makes very little
  difference. What makes a big difference is how
  well you do in each compared to the students who
  are in it at the same time you are.

Doing clerkship X first will compare you to
others doing clerkship X first second with
second, and so on. So putting one off so youll
be more experienced when you take it just has
you evaluated relative to others who now also
are experiencedsee?
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I Hear The Evaluations Are Subjective!

• Sure they are.
• There are no objective ways to assess
  responsibility, dedication, character,
  inter-personal skills, interest, aptitude,
  teamwork, maturity and judgment.

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They Say That Personality Conflicts With
Evaluators Can Ruin Your Grade

• If you believe there is a significant personality
  conflict that might lead to an unfair assessment,
  it is your responsibility to discuss this with
  the instructor of record as soon as you become
  aware of it.

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ARE THE SHELF EXAM SCORES IMPORTANT?

• They sure are these are USMLE board type tests
  of the clinical knowledge you should have after
  each clerkship. Since they are tests, you must
  study for them during your clerkship!
• You may not, however, spend so much time in study
  for tests that you neglect your clinical
  assignments.
• You must do well in both!

Either knowledge without skills, or skills
without knowledge, make you dangerous..not a
doctor!
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Coming To Your M4 Year

• There are no tricks of working the match system
  that will advantage you in applying to residency.
• Program directors in all specialties are too
  experienced and devoted to their programs to fall
  for non-substantive attempts to game the match.
• The order of your senior clerkships, however,
  will potentially make a difference both to you
  and to the programs you apply to.
• There will be a class meeting about your M4 year
  before you have to do anything about it.

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Coming To Your Senior Year

• You should seek advice from a faculty member in
  the specialty you wish as to the content and
  order of your senior year.
• It is generally wise to take at least one acting
  internship in your chosen specialty and at least
  one (if you can) at the program to which you want
  to matchbefore November of your senior year.
  This gives time for evaluators to write letters
  for you.

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Your Senior Year

• You will need letters of recommendation from
  faculty who have worked with you clinically in
  your chosen specialty (how many letters will vary
  by program so check with them, and send no more
  and no less than they ask for).

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What About The Deans Letter?

• This will contain information about both your
  pre-clinical and clinical achievements. It will
  be honest, and cannot be selectively expurgated
  of unfavorable comments if it is to remain
  credible.
• Generally, the deans letter-writer will not
  quote an unfavorable comment unless it is either
  about egregious lack of professionalism or is
  part of a theme (i.e. is commented upon by more
  than one independent evaluator).
• The deans want to get you the best residency
  possible, but cannot lie about or obscure your
  record.

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How About Interviews?

• You should schedule time in your senior year for
  interviews at the programs in which you are
  interested.
• Do not schedule time for interviews concurrent
  with a clerkship and expect to be released from
  your duties to go. This will be seen as
  unreliability to your clinical responsibilities
  in order to advantage yourself- Bad, Bad!

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How About AOA? Isnt That Important?

• The only way to get into AOA, the National
  Medical Honor Society, is to be an exceptional
  student and superb doctor.
• There are no other ways to apply.

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Criteria For Election To AOA

• Scholastic achievement should be the primary but
  not sole basis for election of a student.
  Leadership capabilities, ethical standards,
  fairness in dealing with colleagues, potential
  for achievement in medicine, and a record of
  service to the school and community.

To be eligible, one must be in top 25 of the
class, but eligibility is not election. The full
qualities of each eligible candidate are
carefully considered by AOA members, who are
students, residents, faculty
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AOA And Residency

• AOA election is not intended by the society to be
  a device to enhance ones candidacy for
  residency.
• A candidates motive for desired election to
  AOA is immaterial.
• It is the totality of a candidates
  accomplishments in scholarship, leadership,
  service, and character which is determinative.

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Worthy To Serve The Suffering

• AOA membership is an honor, but it is primarily
  an obligation and a life-long promise.
• WHAT THE INITIALS IN GREEK (???) STAND FOR.

ELECTION OF STUDENT MEMBERS OCCURS AT THE END
OF THE THIRD YEAR AND IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE
4TH YEAR OF MEDICAL SCHOOL.
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Specific Residencies

• Anesthesiology
• Dermatology
• Emergency Medicine
• ENT
• Family Practice
• Medicine
• Neurology
• Neurosurgery
• Nuclear Medicine
• Ob-Gyn
• Ophthalmology
• Orthopaedics
• Pathology
• Pediatrics
• Plastic Surgery
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
• Psychiatry
• Public Health

BUT WHAT IF YOU DONT KNOW YET?
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So You Dont Know Yet?

• Start by honestly assessing your own gifts and
  limitations.
• In what specialty during the 3rd year did you
  most enjoy the people with whom you worked, both
  colleagues and patients?
• Think about what you dont want to do, and
  eliminate those careers.
• Try several likable possibilites as clerkships
  early in your senior year.
• Talk to your clinical advisor, a trusted teacher,
  your college director , and people already in the
  fields youre considering.

You are not in the minority here many
medical Students dont know by their senior year!
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Specific Residencies

• Anesthesiology
• Dermatology
• Emergency Medicine
• ENT
• Family Practice
• Medicine
• Neurology
• Neurosurgery
• Nuclear Medicine
• Ob-gyn
• Ophthalmology
• Orthopaedics
• Pathology
• Pediatrics
• Plastic Surgery
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
• Psychiatry
• Public Health

EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITIES!
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So You Want To Be An Anesthesiologist?

• ADVICE FROM PROGRAM DIRECTOR
• We interview applicants in upper quartile of
  USMLE Step 1 is important as basic sciences
  particularly physiology, biochemistry and
  pharmacology are the foundations of
  anesthesiology practice. A poor score in Step 1
  can be negated by improved USMLE step 2 or strong
  advocacy from faculty adviser.
• ALL positions fill in California. Open positions
  in south and northeast regions fill during
  post-match scramble
• There is no early match.
• The majority of positions are at the PGY2 level.
  There are a small number of categorical PGY1
  positions nationally. Most applicants will need
  to consider participating in match for PGY1
  transitional internships in addition to PGY2
  position in anesthesiology.
• Research is highly desirable in related research
  area .
• Grades/USMLE important but not supreme.
  Clerkships (electives) indicate their idea of the
  important core medical disciplines relevant to
  the practice of anesthesiology. Their facility
  in discussing experiences during clerkships and
  medical school indicate self reflective and
  communication skills. Strong advocacy from
  faculty adviser(s) as to clinical performance and
  character on clerkships. Personal statement not
  as important as ability to discuss their life and
  learning experiences, influences and personal
  values. Some sense of who they are, what they
  are looking for from residency I.E., the
  impressions gained during the interview day is
  the deal breaker/maker.
• CONTACT Peter G. Moore, MD, PhD (chair and
  program director)
• PHONE [phone]
• E-MAIL peter.moore_at_ucdmc.ucdavis.edu

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So You Want To Be ADermatologist?

• ADVICE FROM PROGRAM DIRECTOR
• Preferential consideration is given to
  candidates with USMLE I scores above 235. Grades
  during 3rd year clerkships and AOA status are
  given particular attention.
• There are limited positions nationwide.
• There is no early match.
• There is no PGY II match.
• Research is highly desirable but not required.
• Students should seek advice from faculty
  beginning in their M1 and M2 year.
• Our program seeks enthusiastic, hard working and
  motivated candidates who wish to pursue a career
  in academic dermatology.
• CONTACT Nasim Fazel MD, DDS.
• PHONE [phone]
• E-MAIL nasim.fazel_at_ucdmc.ucdavis.edu

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So You Want To Be An Emergency Doctor?

• ADVICE FROM PROGRAM DIRECTOR
• Most important to perform well on Emergency
  department rotations and core rotations (e.g.
  Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics). High board scores
  certainly help, but most EM programs focus on the
  whole package. Very low board scores will hurt
  most applicants.
• There are limited positions nationwide, but about
  95 of US seniors who apply only to EM will match
  in EM. This means that the vast majority of UCD
  SOM graduates should be able to match in an EM
  program somewhere, as long as they have an
  appropriate application strategy (get an
  advisor!!).
• There is no early match
• Of the 136 EM programs in the US, 15 are PGY2-4
  programs (3-year programs that require completion
  of an internship). More information about
  programs at www.saem.org -- go to residency
  catalog.
• Research is not required, but it can strengthen
  your application. Some programs care more about
  this than others. If you truly have no desire to
  do research during medical school, it is probably
  not worth your effort.
• Students should seek advice on residency in their
  M2 or M3 year.
• There is no ideal applicant, but most programs
  want these qualities
• Academicstrong performance in medical school
  overall, especially ED rotations
• Personaloutstanding interpersonal skills,
  enthusiasm about the specialty and about
  learning, empathy for patients, strong work
  ethic, balanced individual who will do well in a
  busy training program
• CONTACT Molly Fling, Residency Program Manager,
  PHONE [phone]
• E-MAIL mfling_at_ucdavis.edu

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So You Want To Be AnENT (Otorhinolaryngologist?)

• ADVICE FROM PROGRAM DIRECTOR
• Grades/numbers highly influence on match in
  Otolaryngology
• There are limited positions nationwide.
• There is no early match.
• There is no PGY II match.
• Research experience makes the applicant more
  competitive.
• Students should seek advice from faculty
  beginning in their M1 or M2 year.
• Our goal is to chose people who are academically
  competitive, well-rounded often excelling in
  areas outside of medicine.
• CONTACT Sally Mohr, Residency Coordinator
• PHONE [phone]
• E-MAIL sally.mohr_at_ucdmc.ucdavis.edu

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So You Want To Be A Family Practitioner?

• Advice From Program Director
• The UCDMC Family Practice program gives no
  systematic weight to USMLE Step 1, but if its
  low this could be a red flag to pay attention to
  other evidences of academic difficulties which,
  collectively, might drop a student from
  contention.
• A high USMLE score is a bonus, but less important
  than the deans letter and other measures of
  performance and personality.
• Clinical evaluations are most important.
• I suspect this thinking is similar in most FP
  residency programs.

More on next slide
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So You Want To Be A Family Practitioner?(cont).

• Positions are available, with a wide range and
  number of programs
• There is no early match
• There is no PGY2 match.
• Research is not essential.
• Students should seek advice from our faculty in
  their M3 and M4 years.
• We seek people dedicated to learning a wide range
  of skills (including a rigorous inpatient
  training) in order to become excellent primary
  care physicians. Excellent communication skills
  are sought as well.
• Contact Tom Balsbaugh MS Tel [phone]
  e-mail thomas.balsbaugh_at_ucdmc.ucdavis.edu.
• Other mentors Kay Nelsen MD, Assoc.Program
  Director kay.nelsen_at_ucdmc.ucdavis.edu
• Geriatrics
  huey.lin_at_ucdmc.ucdavis.edu.
• Sportsgeorge.rankin_at_ucdmc.
  ucdavis.edu
• Womens health, OB
  Suzanne Eidson-Ton
• 
  wetona.eidson-ton_at_ucdmc.ucdavis.edu.

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So You Want To Be An Internist?

• Advice From Program Director (M3-4 also see next
  page)
• We dont pay much attention to Step I USMLE
  unless its very low (below 200 or so). Step II
  may be slightly more predictive of clinical
  knowledge, so I might pay more attention to it.
  The most competitive programs may use Step I
  scores because they can, having many excellent
  applicants.
• There are over 400 IM programs and about
  4700 categorical IM positions across the country.
  West Coast tends to be more competitive than the
  rest of the country.
• There is no early match.
• There is no PGYII match, but transfers top
  PGYII positions may occur if the applicant is
  released from their contractual obligation to
  their original program.
• Demonstrated excellence in research may
  enhance competitiveness, but is not absolutely
  required.
• Students should seek advice from our faculty
  at any time, even from the M1 year on.
• UCD IM program considers a variety of
  criteria in evaluating candidates, including but
  not limited to basic science and clinical
  performance (particularly in IM rotations),
  commitment to IM, USMLE scores, volunteer and
  leadership activities, scholarshp, and personal
  characteristics as determined by letters,
  personal statement, and interview. No single
  criterion is weighted automatically more than
  others we seek people with demonstrated
  excellence in one or more of the areas listed
  above.
• CONTACTS Drs. Mark Henderson, Frederick Meyers
  (Chairman), Faith Fitzgerald, Craig Keenan, Tonya
  Fancher, Jorge Garcia.
• PHONE [phone]
• E-MAILimres_at_ucdavis.edu
• WEBSITEhttp//internalmedicine.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/
  residency.

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So You Want To Be An Internist ? (cont.)

• Advice From Program Director For Your 4th Year
• Internal Medicine Recommendations for Fourth Year
  Students
• Internal Medicine programs train physicians who
  will be able to work in either the inpatient or
  outpatient setting. During the course of
  training, residents may choose to emphasize a
  particular area within internal medicine such as
  inpatient medicine (hospitalist), outpatient
  medicine (ambulatory or primary care internal
  medicine), or subspecialty internal medicine
  (cardiology, pulmonology, gastroenterology,
  infectious diseases, nephrology, endocrinology,
  rheumatology, hematology/oncology).
• Many programs, including our own, have a separate
  Primary Care Track that emphasizes the
  outpatient experience, in addition to the
  categorical track, which emphasizes inpatient
  or subspecialty internal medicine experiences.
  Graduates of internal medicine programs may elect
  to pursue careers in the following areas
  academic medicine, basic science or clinical
  research, primary care practice, or subspecialty
  practice.
• 
  (cont.next page)

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So You Want To Be An Internist ? (cont.)

• Advice From Program Director For Your 4th Year
  (cont)
• Suggested Rotations. There is no strict formula
  except to choose rotations that interest you.
  However, we would suggest your consider the
  following rotations
• At least one acting internship in internal
  medicine (e.g., MICU or general medicine wards).
  Such rotations may be used to build your basic
  internal medicine skills and may also be an
  opportunity to obtain a valuable letter of
  recommendation.
• Away rotations. Consider doing an away IM
  rotation either to find our more about a
  particular residency program or to make a good
  impression on a program of interest. Away
  rotations are by no means required.
• One or two IM subspecialty rotations. There are
  numerous rotations but the most popular ones
  include infectious diseases, nephrology,
  cardiology, pulmonary, endocrinology (a good
  outpatient subspecialty experience), or EKG
  interpretation.
• Non-IM rotations. Choose one or two broad based
  experiences such as emergency medicine,
  neurology, dermatology, gynecology, or radiology
  (especially chest film or body CT scan
  interpretation).
• Consider a two-week ophthalmology elective to
  develop basic eye examination skills.

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So You Want To Be A Neurologist?

• ADVICE FROM PROGRAM DIRECTOR
• High grades and exam scores highly influence your
  match in Neurology
• There are not limited positions nationwide.
• Neurology is not in NRMP match. SF match only
  has one match which is early. There is no late
  match for SF match.
• There is a PG1 match and a PG2 match. Two
  positions in each match with a total of four.
• Research is not required.
• Students should seek advice from faculty
  beginning in their M3 year.
• Our program is seeking, ideally, hard working,
  conscientious, and compassionate residents.
• CONTACT David Richman, M.D.
• PHONE [phone]
• E-MAIL dprichman_at_ucdavis.edu

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So You Want To Be A Neurosurgeon?
ADVICE FROM PROGRAM DIRECTOR Grades and numbers
must be high. If below 90th on USMLEs there will
be little chance of an interview. There are
limited (140) positions nationwide. There is
no early match, but we take candidates outside
the match. There is no PGY2 match. Research
in medical school is highly desirable, especially
in basic or clinical sciences related to
neurosurgery. Seek advice from the faculty
beginning in the M1 year. Candidates should be
highly motivated (successful in another career
helps), creative (showing original artwork
impresses!), academically inclined.
CONTACT J.Paul Muizelaar PHONE [phone]
E-MAIL j.paul.muizelaar_at_ucdmc.ucdavis.edu
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So You Want To DoNuclear Medicine?

• ADVICE FROM PROGRAM DIRECTOR
• Grades/numbers are of medium importance.
  Clinical clerkship rotations with good
  impressions are very important.
• There are only about 50 Nuclear Medicine programs
  in the nation.
• There is no early match.
• There is a PGY II national match approximately
  two years ahead of time.
• Research experience is desirable.
• Students should seek advice from faculty
  beginning in their M2 or early M3 year.
• Our goal is to chose students who are bright,
  interested and motivated. Good interpersonal
  skills are important.
• CONTACT David K. Shelton, M.D.
• PHONE [phone]
• E-MAIL david.shelton_at_ucdmc.ucdavis.edu

41
So You Want To Be An Ob-gyn?

• Advice From Program Director
• Step I is more important than Step II, which is
  considered easier than Step I. Success on first
  try at Step I is predictive of future success on
  similar tests, and so on licensing.
• Step I scores of 200 or higher generally get
  interviews before other candidates. However, all
  things are considered, including Deans letter,
  personal statement, etc. A low USMLE score does
  not preclude someone from going into OB-GYN.
• In OB-GYN here, USMLE scores and clerkship
  grades (especially in OB-GYN, surgery and
  internal medicine) are considered factual data
  and ranked high. The deans letter is considered
  opinions.

More on next slide
42
So You Want To Be An Ob-gyn?(continued)

• Advice From Program Director
• There is no early match.
• There is no PGY2 match.
• Research is highly desirable and can start about
  your M2 year.
• The program seeks people interested in womens
  heath care and who like to work with their hands,
  be fast-paced, team-players who like being busy,
  and who like variety in their days-i.e. in
  clinics, O.R., Labor Delivery, etc.
• Begin seeking advice on Ob-Gyn from faculty in
  your M2 year.
• CONTACTS. Clara Paik916.734.6753
  CKPaik_at_ucdavis.edu
• Mary Ciottimary.ciotti_at_ucdmc.uc
  davis.edu.

43
So You Want To Be An Ophthalmologist?

• ADVICE FROM PROGRAM DIRECTOR
• Grades and board scores are important but do not
  either exclude an applicant or assure an
  interview. We do receive numerous applications
  in the 90 range on USMLE.
• There are limited positions nationwide and match
  is very competitive.
• There is an early SF match.
• There is a PGY2 match.
• Research experience is not required but very
  desirable.
• Students should seek advice from faculty
  beginning in their M1 or M2 or M3 year.
• Our program is looking for well-rounded,
  talented, very smart, independent, hard-working
  people who like delicate surgery and a variety of
  clinical situations, including working with young
  and old patients with acute through chronic
  diseases. Students who like learning and want to
  make it a life long process.
• CONTACT Jeffrey J. Caspar, M.D.
• PHONE [phone]
• E-MAIL jjcaspar_at_ucdavis.edu

44
So You Want To Be An Orthopaedist?

• ADVICE FROM PROGRAM DIRECTOR
• High USMLE scores and honor level grades are
  essential for interview selection.
• There are limited positions nationwide.
• There is no early match.
• Rarely there are PGYII positions available.
• Research is highly desirable.
• We are looking for intelligent, hard working,
  self-motivated individuals who work well with
  others.
• CONTACT David Hak
• Phone [phone]
• E-MAILdavid.hak_at_ucdmc.ucdavis.edu

45
So You Want To Be A Pathologist?

• ADVICE FROM PROGRAM DIRECTOR
• Grades are of importance in our choices, but
  of lesser significance than the totality of the
  applicants accomplishments, character and
  dedication.
• There is no limitation on positions
  nationwide.
• There is no early match.
• There is no PGY II match.
• Research during medical school is desirable,
  but not required.
• A student should seek advice from our faculty
  in the M3 year.
• Candidates should be motivated, well rounded,
  well-recommended and a team player.
• CONTACT Rajen Ramsamooj or Kim Janatpour
• Phone [phone]
• E-MAIL rajendra.ramsamooj_at_ucdmc.ucdavis.edu.

46
So You Want To Be A Pediatrician?

• ADVICE FROM PROGRAM DIRECTOR
• We are interested in students who pass tests
  without difficulty, and students who barely pass
  may have difficulty with Step III, which means
  they cant get a California license (which is
  required to do their third year of residency).
  Failure to pass the pediatric boards,
  furthermore, reflects poorly on our program and
  may cause problems with our residency review
  committee.
• We realize the boards are a multiple choice exam
  predictive of only how one will do on the next
  such exam, not on clinical performance per
  se.While a board score less than 200 is not an
  automatic disqualifier, low scores coupled with
  low grades in preclinical years and clerkships is
  a problem.
• I advise students not to worry too much about
  boards, but to work very hard during the
  clerkships (we do note these grades and
  comments).
• I think most pediatric programs take a similar
  approach.
• CONTACT Dan West
• Phone [phone]
• E-MAIL daniel.west_at_ucdmc.ucdavis.edu.

47
So You Want To Be A PMR Doctor?

• ADVICE FROM PROGRAM DIRECTOR
• Good grades and test scores will allow you to
  pick your program.With average numbers, positions
  are available, but probably not in the best
  programs. The West Coast is more competitive than
  the East.
• There are 79 programs with about 360 total
  positions in the US.
• There is no early match.
• We match a year ahead (typically med school
  seniors) for PGYII positions.
• Research as a med student is highly
  desirable.
• You should begin seeking advice from PMR
  faculty in your M2 year
• Our programs seek students with good
  numbers and excellent clinical evaluations. Your
  personal statement should reflect knowledge of
  PMR and why you choose it. You should do
  electives in PMR and related specialties. You
  must pass USMLE on 1st try.
• CONTACTS Carol Vandenakker MD Pat Settje,
  res.coordinator
• Phone [phone]
• E-MAILpatricia.settje_at_ucdmc.ucdavis.edu

48
So You Want To Be A Plastic Surgeon?

• ADVICE FROM PROGRAM DIRECTOR
• Grades and USMLE scores are very important in
  ranking candidates, as are personal interviews.
  An acting internship in our specialty is also of
  some importance.
• There are a limited number of positions
  nationwide.
• There is an early match.
• There is a PGY II match.
• Research during medical school is not
  necessary for our specialty.
• Students should seek advice from our
  faculty beginning in their M3 year.
• We seek residents interested in a surgical
  specialty that requires creativity, an interest
  in operating all over the body in young and old
  patients, and a personality that deals well with
  people.
• CONTACTS Thomas Stevenson, M.D.
• Phone [phone]
• E-MAIL trstevenson_at_ucdavis.edu

49
So You Want To Be A Psychiatrist?

• ADVICE FROM PROGRAM DIRECTOR
• Clerkship grades are most important, pre-clinical
  grades and Steps 1 2 USMLE less important
  unless there is a failing grade.
• We dont talk about Step I scores in selection
  committee unless the students either have an
  unusually high score or failed their first time.
  If they failed first try, they may not be invited
  to interview. A 2nd failed attempt is fatal in
  our program.
• We see USMLE Steps I II as a predictor of
  passing Step III and future written exams not
  much else.
• There are not limited positions nationwide
• There is no early match
• There is no PGY2 match.
• Research is desirable but not necessary
• Students should seek advice in their M3 year.
• Ideally, the psychiatry program is looking for a
  skilled clinician with capacity for introspection
  and psychological-mindedness, strong
  interpersonal skills, and fascination with human
  behavior.
• CONTACTS Mark Servis, M.D.
• Phone [phone]
• E-MAILmeservis_at_ucdavis.edu

50
So You Want To Be A Public Health Doctor?

• ADVICE FROM AN EXPERT
• UC Davis Master in Public Health
  Program
• Applicants must be in good standing. Although
  high grades are helpful, we consider other
  factors as well.
• Interested and qualified students are likely to
  find a position somewhere.
• There is no match for MPH programs. Students
  apply individually and directly to the program.
• Research experience is looked upon favorably, but
  is not essential. We consider other factors as
  well.
• Students should seek advice from our faculty at
  whatever point in their education they begin to
  consider public health.
• We are looking for dedicated, enthusiastic
  physicians who hope to make a difference in the
  health of populations.
• CONTACT Stephen McCurdy, MD MPH (UCD MPH
  Program Director)
• Phone [phone]
• Email samccurdy_at_ucdavis.edu

51
So You Want to be a Radiation Oncologist?

• Advice from Program Director

Radiation oncology has become extremely
competitive in recent years. Grades and USMLE
scores are important and used to compare
applicants initially. An elective rotation at the
program of choice and a superb performance during
that rotation is of foremost importance. There
are limited positions nationwide. There is no
early match. There is a PGY II match. Research is
highly desirable showing research interest and
initiative adds to competitiveness. Begin to seek
advice from faculty in the M3 and early M4
years. We seek academically oriented and highly
motivated individuals. CONTACT Janice Ryu, M.D.
or Lisa Reevesman Phone [phone] or
916.734.7888 E-Mail janice.ryu_at_ucdmc.ucdavis.edu
lisa.reevesman_at_ucdmc.ucdavis.edu.
52
So You Want To Be A Radiologist?

• ADVICE FROM PROGRAM DIRECTOR
• In reviewing applications for Diagnostic
  Radiology residency, we try to be objective in
  terms of past performance. Academic performance
  is one of the factors we utilize in selecting our
  potential applications for interviews. Important
  also is whether the applicant has done a
  Radiology elective and shown great interest in
  the UC Davis Radiology Program.
• There are a limited number of positions in
  Radiology nationwide. Diagnostic Radiology has
  become very competitive in the past few years.
• There are few programs that match for the PGY1
  position. The majority of programs require a
  preliminary year followed by a match at the PGY2
  position.
• There is a PGY2 match, including those selected
  at UC Davis.
• Research is not required during medical school,
  but it is highly desirable.
• The earlier the student seeks advice, the better,
  in the M1-2 year. This can then allow him or her
  to focus attention more specifically in
  radiology, start a dialogue with a faculty in
  radiology or start research or a project that
  would take some time to complete. Still, many
  resident applicants have not sought advice until
  their early fourth year and have been a
  successful applicant.
• Our program is seeking well-qualified students
  who are highly motivated and show a track record
  of success in graduate and medical school.
  Research that is focused towards radiology is a
  bonus but not required for a successful match
  into Radiology.
• CONTACT John P. McGahan, M.D.
• Phone [phone]
• Email john.mcgahan_at_ucdmc.ucdavis.edu

53
So You Want To Be A Surgeon?

• Advice From Program Director
• We put significant value on Step I scores, and
  very little on Step II only a small number of
  students have Step II scores at the time were
  making decisions about resident selection.
• The important information in an application to us
  is, in rank order 1) performance on 3rd year
  clerkships 2) performance on USMLE Step I 3)
  performance in the first two years of med school
  4) recommendation letters 5)deans letter 6)
  extracurricular activities, and 7) personal
  statement.
• There are limited positions nationwide.
• There is no early match.
• There is no PGY2 match.
• Research is not required.
• Students should seek advice from faculty in their
  M2- M3 year.
• We are anxious to attract diverse, outstanding
  candidates who will thrive at UC Davis. Our aim
  is to recruit a group of superbly qualified
  physicians who will enjoy our rigorous training
  program. We invite you to examine our residency
  program by visiting our web page at
  ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/surgery.
• CONTACTS Lynnette Scherer, M.D.
• Phone [phone]
• E-MAIL lynnette.scherer_at_ucdmc.ucdavis.edu or
• gensurgery.residency_at_ucdmc.ucdavis.edu

54
So You Want To Be A Urologist?

• ADVICE FROM PROGRAM DIRECTOR
• Grades and test scores need to be high to
  match in Urology. Most that are invited to
  interview have board scores in 90th, 50 honors
  grades, and 50 are AOA.
• There are limited positions nationally, and
  only about 15 go unfilled in the match.
• There is an early match in urology.
• There is no PGY2 match.
• Research is highly desirable most invited
  for interview are involved in past research.

more on next slide
55
So You Want To Be A Urologist?(continued)

• Students should seek advice on residency from our
  faculty beginning in their M2 year.
• The program seeks candidates who are committed to
  their education and training, and have
  personality traits that fit with existing staff
  and residents.
• CONTACT Roger Low MD 916.734.2893.
  roger.low_at_ucdmc.ucdavis.edu

56
There Will Always Be More Questions

• Feel free to call or e-mail
• College Directors and Deans
• Amerish Bera, M.D., 530-754-6953, College
  Director and Assistant Dean, Admissions and
  Outreach
• Constance Bowe, M.D., 530-758-9349,
  cmbowe_at_ucdavis.edu, College Director
• John T. Owings, M.D., 916-734-7131, Assistant
  Dean, Student Affairs
• Michael Wilkes, M.D., Ph.D. 530-752-3170, Vice
  Dean Medical Education
• Dan West, M.D., 916-734-3665, College Director
  and Pediatrics Program Director
• Jorge Garcia, M.D., 916-734-7005, College
  Director and Internal Medicine Gastroenterology
  Program Director
• Tonya Fancher, M.D., 916-734-4091, College
  Director and Assistant Program Director, Internal
  Medicine

57
Program Directors

• Anesthesiology Moore, Peter pgmoore_at_ucdavis.edu
  [phone]
• Dermatology Lynch, Peter peter.lynch_at_ucdmc.ucdav
  is.edu [phone]
• Emergency Medicine Sokolove, Peter pesokolove_at_ucd
  avis.edu [phone]
• Family Community Med Balsbaugh,
  Thomas thomas.balsbaugh_at_ucdmc.ucdavis.edu (916)
  734-3432
• Internal Med. Henderson, Mark mark.henderson_at_ucdm
  c.ucdavis.edu [phone]
• Neurological Surgery Muizelaar, J.
  Paul j.paul.muizelaar_at_ucdmc.ucdavis.edu (916)
  734-3071
• Neurology Richman, David dprichman_at_ucdavis.edu (
  916) 734-3514
• Nuclear Medicine Shelton, David david.shelton_at_net
  rad.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu [phone]
• OB/GYN Ciotti, Mary mary.ciotti_at_ucdmc.ucdavis.ed
  u
• [phone]
• Ophthalmology Caspar, Jeffrey jjcaspar_at_ucdavis.e
  du [phone]

more on next slide
58
Program Directors (continued)

• Orthopaedics Hak, David david.hak_at_ucdmc.ucdavis.
  edu [phone]
• Pathology Ramsamooj, Raj rajendra.ramsamooj_at_ucdm
  c.ucdavis.edu [phone]
• Pediatrics West, Dan daniel.west_at_ucdmc.ucdavis.ed
  u [phone]
• PM R Vandenakker, Carol carol.vandenakker_at_ucdmc
  .ucdavis.edu [phone]
• Psychiatry Servis, Mark meservis_at_ucdavis.edu (91
  6) 734-5514
• Radiology McGahan, John john.mcgahan_at_netrad.ucdmc.
  ucdavis.edu [phone]
• Surgery Scherer, Lynette lynette.scherer_at_ucdmc.ucd
  avis.edu
• [phone]
• Plastic Surgery Stevenson, Thomas
  trstevenson_at_ucdavis.edu
• Urology Low, Roger roger.low_at_ucdmc.ucdavis.edu (9
  16) 734-8135

59
ASK FOR ADVICE FROM THE FACULTYTHEYRE EAGER TO
HELP!
BECAUSE MEDICAL SCHOOL IS ONLY THE BEGINNING OF
YOUR MEDICAL EDUCATION.