Do programs consider race when interviewing applicants? I know almost all the guys in my class applying ortho(Grades, board scores, research) and they are getting many more interviews than me, when my credentials are better than all of them...LOR are great also, nothing wierd on my apps except my race.
Just a quick question for you (noting that I'm not an attending...), but what race are you? I can't imagine programs being racist. I'm not the typical big white guy and I feel like I got the proper amount of interviews for what my application was. And more than that, at no interiew did I feel left out because I am a minority. I don't think you can say that your application doesn't have any "weird" stuff on it; the only people that can say that are the PD's that choose the interviewees. You may have just a little thing on personal statement that's a red flag. I don't know. But I don't think you can say that your app is flawless.
That's a good question MDortho. I'm in the same boat as you. I've been wondering what in the world is wrong with my app. I've only received 1 interview out of 65 apps so far. The programs I rotated at haven't given out interviews yet. I have the average board score for those that match, ortho research, publication, poster presentation, great letters of rec (I've seen 3/5 even though I've waived the right), even won an orthopaedic award for my performance on the rotation and faculty recommendation. I honored half of pre-clinical and half of 3rd year. Honored all of 4th year including 2 ortho sub-I's, ortho research, and ICU months, all on ERAS transcript by deadline. I had two academic ortho docs review my personal statement, nothing obviously weird to them. I thought I was a great candidate.
Only weird thing on my app is my RACE also. With all that's going on in the world, it won't surprise me if that's the case. I've certainly experienced racist comments while in the OR, but you can't say anything as a med-student trying to get into Ortho, you don't want to ruin your chances. I've been denied by 12 places, what in the world is going on????
"Racism" is a strong word, but "average" candidates like myself are a dime a dozen. Would PD's choose a caucasian over me? Maybe, I'm not sure. I don't think they are racist, that's a strong word, but rather "biased." Who knows, I'm going nuts trying to figure out why I'm not getting interviews and race is at the top of my list for the reasons why.
the race issue is always a sticky subject and one that alot of people have a difficult time acknowledging. Is there intrinisic racism in medicine/ortho, I think it is niave to think otherwise. As a black man and medical student you would not believe how many times I walked into a room and was dismissed as being a nurse, one patient asked me if I was a food tech. Ultimately thought I believe being a minority is an advantage for numerous reason. I have experiences and have been through things that most in medicine have not, and thus I believe I can relate to my patients on a more personal level alot of the time. Second as a minority in ortho you will stand out just based on race. If you stand out in a positive or negative light is more a product of your work ethic, character, ect..
Bottom line does being black/minority still matter, I think it does, and considering how hard you work in residency being around people you are comfortable with is important. And the reality is that some people/ possibly programs are more comfortable with people like them. However ultimately being a minority is an advantage as we bring different experiences, perspectives, ideas to the table. And it strengthens programs to have a diverse house staff as not only is it good for patient care but also the people you are in the trenches with as we all learn from each other. I feel I have a tremendous responsibility to succeed and I view my race as an asset not a crutch. However in America the unfortunate reality is race still matters.
Programs do consider race. They attempt ot increase the number of minority and female applicants. It is a goal specifically set forth by the Orthopaedic RRc and comes up at every programs review. Any program would be foolish not to reach out to minorities and women. I know at our program, we typically interview 25% or more females and minorities, while they represent less than 10% of all applicants applying.
