Transcript A Guide To The Perplexed: Residency Advice Residency Advice First And Second Year.

A Guide To The Perplexed:
Residency Advice
Residency Advice
First And Second Year
You’ve Been Screened,
Interviewed….
And Admitted To Medical School
WOW!
Now You Start To Worry Already About
Residency?
Obsessive-compulsives!
Planning Is Different From
Anything You’ve Done Before
Each residency will want to hire the best doctors
they can get for their specialty. You’ll 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 that’s important (as it was for med
school admission). From now on , you will be
judged by your proven track record as a
student-doctor.
The Basic Sciences
The Essential Thing
1) Pre-clinical academic performance is
important, not just as 'grades and
scores', but because…
2) Excellence in your clinical years will
depend on how well you’ve 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.
M1 and M2 Years
Your performance on examinations (‘numbers’)
is more emphasized by some specialties than
others…but no specialty wants to take a person
who has trouble passing exams, if only because
such a person can’t 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).
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 section’s program director slides.
Keep in mind that these are our school’s 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 committee’s experience,
competition between programs, prestige, geographic appeal,
nature of the program’s patient population and perceived mission
(clinical, research, e.g.), etc.
Comments From The Deans
USMLE 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.
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.
How Do You Choose?
Some of the preclinical students
know already what they want to do.
Most don’t.
Many who ‘know’ will change their
minds.
To choose a specialty without having
real experience in it is like marrying
a mail-order spouse.
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.
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 preclinical 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.
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 you’ll be ‘more experienced’ when
you take it just has you evaluated relative to others who
now also are experienced…see?
“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.
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.
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!
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.
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
match…before November of your senior
year. This gives time for evaluators to
write letters for you.
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).
What About The Dean’s
Letter?
This will contain information about both your preclinical and clinical achievements. It will be
honest, and cannot be selectively expurgated of
unfavorable comments if it is to remain credible.
Generally, the dean’s 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.
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!
How About AOA? Isn’t 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’.
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
AOA And Residency
AOA election is not intended by the
society to be a device to enhance
one’s candidacy for residency.
A candidate’s ‘motive’ for desired
election to AOA is immaterial.
It is the totality of a candidate’s
accomplishments in scholarship,
leadership, service, and character
which is determinative.
“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
ΆΏΆ) STAND
GREEK (
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.
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
Radiation Oncology
Radiology
Surgery
Urology
BUT WHAT
IF YOU DON’T
KNOW YET?
So You Don’t 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 don’t 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 you’re considering.
*You are not in the minority here: many medical
Students don’t know by their senior year!
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
Radiation Oncology
Radiology
Surgery
Urology
EXPLORE THE
POSSIBILITIES!
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# 916.734.5048
E-MAIL: [email protected]
So You Want To Be A
Dermatologist?
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# 916.734.6876
E-MAIL: [email protected]
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:
– Academic–strong performance in medical school overall, especially ED rotations
– Personal–outstanding 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# (916) 734-8571
E-MAIL: [email protected]
So You Want To Be An
ENT (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# 916.734.8157
E-MAIL: [email protected]
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 it’s 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 dean’s 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
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 916.734.3615; e-mail
[email protected].
Other mentors: Kay Nelsen MD, Assoc.Program Director:
[email protected]
Geriatrics: [email protected].
Sports:[email protected]
Womens’ health, OB: Suzanne Eidson-Ton;
[email protected].
So You Want To Be An
Internist?
Advice From Program Director: (M3-4 also see next page)
We don’t pay much attention to Step I USMLE unless it’s 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 # 916.734.7080
E-MAIL:[email protected]
WEBSITE:http://internalmedicine.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/residency.
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)
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.
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# 916.734.3514
E-MAIL: [email protected]
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# 916.734.3658
E-MAIL: [email protected]
So You Want To Do
Nuclear 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# 916.703-2273
E-MAIL: [email protected]
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 Dean’s 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 dean’s letter
is considered ‘opinions’.
More on next slide
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 women’s 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 Paik:916.734.6753 :[email protected]
Mary Ciotti:[email protected].
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# 916.734-6957
E-MAIL: [email protected]
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 # 916.734.6294
E-MAIL:[email protected]
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 applicant’s
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, wellrecommended and a team player.
CONTACT : Rajen Ramsamooj or Kim Janatpour
Phone # : 916.734.2525
E-MAIL: [email protected].
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 can’t 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 # : 916.734.2782
E-MAIL: [email protected].
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 PM&R and why you choose it. You should do
electives in PM&R and related specialties. You must pass USMLE
on 1st try.
CONTACTS: Carol Vandenakker MD; Pat Settje, res.coordinator
Phone #: 916.734.5292
E-MAIL:[email protected]
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 #: 916.734.2568
E-MAIL: [email protected]
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 don’t 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 #: 916.734.2614
E-MAIL:[email protected]
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 #: 530-752-8051
Email: [email protected]
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: 916.734.8251 or 916.734.7888
E-Mail: [email protected]
[email protected].
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 #: 916-734-6533
Email: [email protected]
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 we’re 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)dean’s 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 #: 916.734.7982
E-MAIL: [email protected] or
[email protected]
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
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.
[email protected]
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, [email protected], 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
Program Directors
Anesthesiology
(916) 734-5169
Dermatology
6373
Emergency Medicine
(916) 734-8570
Family & Community Med
(916) 734-3432
Internal Med.
(916) 734-7080
Moore, Peter
[email protected]
Lynch, Peter
[email protected](916) 734-
Sokolove, Peter
[email protected]
Balsbaugh, Thomas
[email protected]
Henderson, Mark
[email protected]
Neurological Surgery
(916) 734-3071
Neurology
(916) 734-3514
Nuclear Medicine
(916) 734-2754
OB/GYN
(916) 734-6938
Ophthalmology
(916) 734-6060
Muizelaar, J. Paul
[email protected]
Richman, David
[email protected]
Shelton, David
[email protected]
Ciotti, Mary
[email protected]
Caspar, Jeffrey
[email protected]
more on
next slide
Program Directors (continued)
Orthopaedics
Hak, David [email protected]
(916) 734-2700
Pathology Ramsamooj, Raj [email protected]
(916) 734-3331
Pediatrics
West, Dan [email protected]
(916) 734-3665
PM & R
Vandenakker, Carol [email protected]
(916) 734-5292
Psychiatry
Servis, Mark
[email protected]
(916) 734-5514
Radiology
McGahan, John
[email protected]
(916) 734-5195
Surgery
Scherer, Lynette [email protected]
(916) 734-2724
Plastic Surgery Stevenson, Thomas [email protected]
Urology
Low, Roger
(916) 734-8135
[email protected]
ASK FOR ADVICE FROM THE
FACULTY…THEY’RE EAGER TO
HELP!
BECAUSE MEDICAL
SCHOOL IS ONLY THE
BEGINNING OF YOUR
MEDICAL EDUCATION.