gimme a break 6801
OSRR Newbie
Posts: 1
(12/5/01 1:12:51 pm)
Reply
Advice
First year med student here, and was wondering if you guys could take time out of talking about
intervies and rejections for a few minutes and answer a few questions. First, what kinds of grades and
boards does it take to garner attention for ortho residencey ( I have a pretty general idea). Secondly,
besides these factors, what else can I do to better myself so I can increase my chances. I am looking to
do some research in the coming summer, but I would like to exhaust all possibilities. Please, be as
detailed as you like. Thanks!
IamNikolas
OSRR Fellow
Posts: 78
(12/5/01 1:35:11 pm)
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advice to MS 1
If you read this forum, I'm sure you'll get a very good idea of what it takes, but I'll go over it here
again...REmember that your board scores and grades are most important.
Your board scores are probably the most important factor in obtaining interviews...take it seriously and
try to score at least over 230...does that mean that if you don't get 230 you're finished? Absolutely
not...I know people who have matched with scores lower than that...so there are other factors as well.
Point is...do as well as you can...
Being AOA definitely helps...schools have different requirements for AOA selection...find out what yours
is and work towards it...but again, if you don't get AOA, that does not mean you're finished...not by a
long shot...again, just do as well as you can.
Research: since you're a first year, you have plenty of time to start a good project and hopefully publish
it by end of your 3rd yr...you need to be selective as to the project you initiate. You can either get
involved on a project with an ortho attending at your home school...or go to another program. If you
don't have any publications don't sweat it...as long as you get good letters and you show them that you
know HOW to do research...that's all that matters. I have ZERO publications but have worked on 4
projects that are in progress right now. It hasn't hurt me at all so far.
I personally recommend the following: If you have an idea of where you would like to go for residency (or
any region you prefer to stay in)...find an orthopod at that institution who needs help with a
project...you want to find someone who will not only teach you how to do research, but who will also
guide you throughout med school...this may be hard to find...but WORTH LOOKING FOR! This way, not
only do you get to do research, but you also establish connections at that program...and throughout
med school you can get to know the residents and other attendings at that institution..(not to mention
the great rec letters you'll get). Make sure it is a program you would want to go to though... Call the
residency coordinator of the program and ask her if she knows any attendings who would be willing to
meet your interests...make an appointment with one of the attendings there...page one of the
residents...do whatever it takes ...but get your foot in the door somehow. Residents are busy, and they
always could use the help of a med student on a research project they may be working on (it may be
scut but who cares)...at your level...don't bother with chiefs or 4th or 3rd yr residents...they'll be gone
by the time you apply...Find either an intern or a second year who will be chiefs when you're applying!!
But remember...your scores and grades are the most important. Never, ever sacrifice those for research.
I hope that helps...study hard and feel free to ask any more questions!
gimme a break 6801
OSRR Newbie
Posts: 2
(12/5/01 3:42:35 pm)
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Re: advice to MS 1
Thanks, that sounds like a great synopsis
Funny Bones
OSRR Newbie
Posts: 3
(12/8/01 4:05:56 pm)
Reply
advice
IamNikolas gives good advice.
But to add a few points...
1. Board scores and Junior AOA MAY get you the interviews BUT...
2. Your clinical grades (number of Honors esp in core clerkships and ortho electives, bottom line of
dean's letter, senior AOA), letters of recommendations, and other outstanding characteristics
(publications etc) will help you MATCH.
After programs cut people based on numbers and a few basics (it's an easy way to cut down on the
number of people they look at seriously and make their own program stats look better), they look for
folks who they think will make OUTSTANDING housestaff in the short run and colleagues in the long run.
So, work hard to do well on boards I and classes but do this so you can excell in the clinics! And despite
what some folks may tell you, you don't have to be an asskisser or a gunner to do this. ALWAYS know
your patients, know the bread and butter topics, be eager but NOT obnoxious, and be curious (and of
course you have to "get along"). Being a brown-noser or gunner usually (but not always) back fires and
in the absence of the aforementioned makes you look like an ingratiating idiot.
