Research scholarly activity is probably most important if done in EM, if it has been already published or presented at a national meeting. We don’t really care if you studied fruit fly mitochondria in med school

Writing your CV early not only helps to prepare you, but it gives you a chance to review it in time to strengthen your weaknesses.

Don’t just pick someone who you think will write you a good letter, PD expects that. Faculty from other departments less desirable unless chairman, nationally known across specialties, etc. Physician you worked on a special project with is OK -rotation abroad -research mentor, etc. A letter means far more to a PD when it comes from someone they know and trust or someone in a similar position evaluating medical students

72 programs replied of 113 surveys sent (62%); 1-5 scale, 5= critical, 1= unimportant

It is NOT true you cannot cross coasts (west vs. east coast thing…) Rule of thirds: Most programs on a coast/region will receive 2/3 applications from same coast and 1/3 from other coast/region. Candidates will rank 2/3 of same coast/region at the top, 1/3 from other coast or region and end up matching that way. Have a few programs that you shoot the moon for, then the majority should be realistic choices any of which you should be fully prepared/happy to go to, then several “safe programs” that you would rather go to than not match at all. Better candidates may need only 10-15, others should have 20-25. No one should need more than that if you follow the above guidelines.

A lot of PD’s will make an issue of this on behalf of patients. Imagine the impression you will make on that 73 y/o lady lying in the gurney with chest pain. Patients expect a certain degree of professionalism from their physicians and they will look at your appearance.

The making of a good EM applicant Gregory Garra, DO FACEP Residency Director Stony Brook University Medical Center an outstanding

The answer is quite simple Top board scores Honors in every clinical clerkship Outstanding letters of recommendation Clinical research publications in EM Recipient of humanitarian awards

Objectives Outline priorities for each year of medical school that will make you a more competitive candidate. Provide a perspective on the traits that selection committees seek.

MS-1 and 2 Be productive Study hard Learn the material for Step I Get to know your local EM faculty Get involved EMIG Student organizations Research??

Emergency Medicine Interest Groups Provided at most institutions Typically organized by MS-2 Resource Mentorship Academic advising Interaction with other students with similar interests

USMLE Step 1 or COMLEX Level 1 Objective means of assessing basic science knowledge Do the best you can. A great score will help you, but a poor score won’t kill you.

MS-3 The most important year to excel Know the criteria for honor performance in clinical clerkships Maximize your exposure to the ED Ask for LOR’s as early as possible. Be a polite pest!! Identify an EM advisor Consider SAEM virtual mentor Maintain involvement EMIG, research, EM organizations, student organizations

MS-4 Sub-I’s Doesn’t matter what field Maximize ICU exposure Electives EM and other Obtain LOR’s. Make sure you get the chance to work with the key players.

“Audition electives” Double edge sword. PREPARE, PREPARE, PREPARE Plan carefully. 2-3 at most. Make a point to work a shift with the PD or APD (preferably both)

Mahadevan S, Garmel G. Acad Emerg Med 2001;8:402.

USMLE Step 2 CK or COMLEX Level 2 CE Increased emphasis Ranked higher in importance than step 1 among EM PD’s USMLE step 1 score ranked #8!!! Several studies demonstrating correlation with residency performance Green M, et al. Acad Med 2009;84:362.

Bonus material: the above and beyond Research National or regional presentations Leadership positions National student organizations Emergency Medicine Interest Groups Humanitarian activities Use your free time productively

Research Beneficial and rewarding Provides an understanding of the specialty Fosters critical-thinking skills Provides opportunity to interact with faculty Demonstrates dedication and interest Ideal: prospective longitudinal research project Goal: presentation at regional or national meeting

Opportunities for involvement EM organizations EMRA medical student committee AAEM RSA medical student council American Medical Student Association Attend regional meetings and, if possible, a national meeting

Volunteerism/ activism Always a positive Personally rewarding Starting a project/ mission de novo speaks volumes

Preparing your application Write your CV early. Brief explanations about previous work experience Account for all time from start of college to residency application Do not misrepresent research or volunteer activities Proofread your CV and personal statements **Paste the disclaimer from the common application form**

Letters of recommendation Detailed picture of students: Clinical skills Work ethic motivation Two types Standardized (SLOR) Narrative (NLOR) Most programs require 3 LORs No right or wrong combo

SLOR EM specific High rate of interrater reliability Forces description of specific traits Algorithmic interpretation

NLOR Traditional No reference criterion standard for interpretation Frequently lacks information on EM specific traits Vaguely worded

Letters of Recommendation Target key faculty Program Director Chairman / Dept. Letter Clerkship Director or Medical Student Physician Coordinator Other nationally known academic faculty (well published) Solicit immediately upon completion of the rotation Should not be from fellows or residents

MSPE (Medical Student Performance Evaluation) An account of your Medical School record AAMC standard Academic history Account for all time Account for all remediation Academic progress Narrative description of overall clerkship performance Details professional attributes Summary

Personal statement Opportunity to convey your personality/ values Should describe how the specialty suits you 11-point, single spaced Longer is not better

Be proactive, not reactive!! Personal Statement. V1 Em

Green M, et al. Acad Med 2009;84:362

Which Programs to Apply Suggestions: Apply to a range of programs Number will depend upon your attributes and accolades. Be careful of geographic limits

NRMP Match Data: EM

NRMP Match Data: EM USMLE Step 1 scores USMLE Step 2CK scores

Interviews Be ON TIME!! Research programs before you visit. GME-FRIEDA, SAEM residency catalog, Dress for success Take notes Talk to the residents Be polite to the program coordinators

References Crane JT, Ferraro CM. Selection criteria for emergency medicine applicants. Acad Emerg Med 2000:7:54-60. Green M, Jones P, Thomas JX. Selection criteria for residency: results of a national program directors survey. Acad Med 2009;84:362-367. Lotfipour S, Luu R, Hayden SR, et al. Becoming an emergency medicine resident: a practical guide for student. J Emerg Med 2008;35:339-344. Mahadevan S, Garmel GM. The outstanding medical student in emergency medicine. Acad Emerg Med 2001;8:402-403