Strolling Through the Match

STROLLING THROUGH THE MATCHSTROLLING THROUGH THE MATCH

The Beginning of the End…or the end of the beginning

Presented by Owen P. Phillips, M.D. and Debbey Hester

THE APPLICATION TEAMTHE APPLICATION TEAMLetter Writers

● Owen Phillips, M.D. ● Gerald Presbury, M.D.● Renate Rosenthal, Ph.D.● David Stockton, M.D. (Knoxville)● Robert C. Fore, M.D. (Chattanooga)● The Faculty (excluding the MSPE)

Application Coordinator● Debbey Hester

910 Madison Avenue, Suite 1043Memphis, TN 38163

Tel: 448-5684 | Fax: 448-7085

http://www.uthsc.edu/medicine/studentaffairs

OUR CONTACT INFORMATION

● Medical Student Performance Evaluation● Letters of Recommendation● Preparing your Curriculum Vitae● Writing your Personal Statement● Applying for Residency

Nat’l Resident Matching Program (NRMP) Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS)

STTM OVERVIEW

Designed Programs● AAMC Careers in Medicine (CiM)

Appraising The Challenge Self Assessment Surveying Alternatives Evaluating Alternatives Achieving Commitment

● Career Day (January)● Strolling Through the Match (STTM)

PREPARING FOR YOUR FUTURE

The Process● experiences prior to medical school● summer preceptorship● research experiences● clerkship experiences● specialty interest groups● senior electives● attending Alumni panel● seeking out private practice experiences● speaking to specialty counselors● remembering family & significant other

PREPARING FOR YOUR FUTURE

Curriculum Vitae & Personal Statement

Strolling Through the Match May 2011

Preparing Your Credentials

Preparation for Success●Be certain about career choice

Narrowed it down - or come see me●Talk with Clerkship Director (and others) to answer

nagging worries about career choice●Once certain about career choice, talk with department

chair competitiveness of specialty, where to apply,

outside rotations, etc.●Get CV together

Getting Ready for the MatchGetting Ready for the Match

Preparation for Success●Write your personal statement●Consider who should write you letters of

recommendation contacting his/her secretary to schedule an

appointment●Debbey Hester schedules ALL MSPE appointments

Scheduling begins July 11, 2011 Instructions for scheduling MSPE appointments will

be sent via email late June

Getting Ready for the MatchGetting Ready for the Match


Curriculum Vitae

A ‘CV’ is…●Your life course●The course of your life●An organized document of how you have spent your

professional life not intended to be a philosophical statement, but

rather a fact sheet with order and content●On paper, it’s who you are professionally

CURRICULUM VITAE

Format ●One page ●Good quality paper●White or near white●Ordered and structured

CURRICULUM VITAE

Do NOT need to put your…

Age Marital status

Names of childrenSS # or NRMP #Place of BirthCourses taken

Career plan

CURRICULUM VITAE

The Header (top of page)●Identifying Information

Full name Address Telephone number E-mail Address

CURRICULUM VITAE (CV)

The Body• Education

college, NOT high school School, years of attendance, major, degree Add GPA, class standing ONLY if it’s

impressive

CURRICULUM VITAE

HonorsAlpha Omega Alpha, 2011Presidential Scholarship, UTK, 2005 – 2009Summer Honors Research Scholar, 2007

ActivitiesVice President of Academic Affairs, 2010-presentPresident of Class Notes, 2009-2010

CURRICULUM VITAE

TIP: Do NOT list all; limit your society memberships unless an officer.

EmploymentElectrocardiogram technician,Methodist Hospital, Summer, 2002Chemistry lab assistant, UT, Knoxville, 2006-2007

ResearchUT, Knoxville 2006-2008Investigated cardiac output of rats under the influence of nitrous oxide. Under supervision of Dr. Thomas Mitras

TIP: List chronologically.

TIP: Be prepared to discuss your research. List reverse chorological order.

CURRICULUM VITAE

Publications & PresentationsPresented National Association of Rat Biologists, 2009. “Effects of Nitrous Oxide on Cardiac Output of Rats”

Personal InterestsPainting, hiking, photography

Special AbilitiesCapable in sign language, fluent in Spanish

CURRICULUM VITAE

Summary• Try to keep to one page

Exception: Research and publications• Ask friends, family, faculty to proofread and

comment• Be prepared to discuss any research documented• Explain any awards

CURRICULUM VITAE

REALLY LONG!

●One page ●Good quality paper●White or near white●Ordered and structured

TIP: Don’t include GPA, Class Rank


Personal Statement

A Personal Statement is…● In contrast to CV, personal statement may be

philosophical● A narrative● About the past that is relevant and as importantly,

what the future dream is● Who you are that is not revealed in your transcript

or your CV● Doesn’t describe your life chronologically● An introductory sentence to capture interest

PERSONAL STATEMENTPERSONAL STATEMENT

A Personal Statement tells…● Why I chose medicine● How I chose this specialty● Where I see myself● Insight into family and very special interests


Format●One page long●Have others proofread: spelling, proper

English, flow & appropriateness of content●Use good paper & a font that is easy to read●Use humor●Talk about fears, poignant events in life if

they are relevant●Be positive about the traits you possess that

will help make you a good resident


• Suggestions This is your own statement; individualize Make an attempt to reveal who you are on paper

• Pitfalls Be careful talking about religion practices Too long or too short One long paragraph Make it reader friendly


• Don’t use it to explain bad grades • Or explain step score failures?• And what about future plans?

Optional

More issues with personal statementsMore issues with personal statements

Summary● CV & PS quality will not make or break you● May induce a great deal of interest and augment ‘the

numbers and grades’● Poor grammar or sloppiness may hurt● Bring a good copy of CV and personal statement with

you when you meet with faculty about writing a reference letter

CV & PERSONAL STATEMENTCV & PERSONAL STATEMENT

Quote from Hillel the Elder, Jewish Philosopher

“If I am not for myself, who will be for me?”

“… And, if not now, when?”

“At this point in time, I see myself pursuing a fellowship in sports medicine…

In the future, I see myself practicing in a medium sized community working with the local high school and college teams while at the same time serving the various members of the community…”

What do you think…Plus or Pitfall?

“From summer camp to teenage youth director, I have always loved being around kids – shy, screaming, laughing, unreserved, honest kids…

The pediatric ward reinforced my feelings in real time…

An equally rewarding aspect of pediatrics is preventive medicine…”


“In his essay on the profession of medicine, Sir William Osler writes that the medical field strives for a time, ‘when there should be no more unnecessary death, when sorrow and crying should be no more, and there should not be any more pain.’…”

“Though I intend to first and foremost become a clinical physician, I also plan to participate in investigation and education throughout my career…

The balance for which I search in my career will unite direct and honest patient care with practical discovery and education. A residency in internal medicine will provide the ideal foundation for this pursuit…

I see myself not only as a future leader in providing health care to my community, but also as a leader outside of medicine as a respected citizen, neighborhood advocate, author, and role model…”


“In my journey through medical school, I have realized that pursuing a career in family medicine will allow me to address several of my special interests while also allowing me to serve me community effectively…

My interest in adolescent populations is one of the main reasons I am opting for a career in family medicine…

I also hope to address the needs of the special populations…”

“I have learned that people with substance abuse issues present a special set of challenges, and I plan to use what I have learned in a prevention effort in my community…

I had some academic difficulties in the basic sciences as a result of my difficulties with test taking. I was able to address these difficulties in a decelerated curriculum that allowed me to spread out the traditional preclinical courses and focus on each course in more depth…

Returning to a full-time curriculum for my clinical clerkships…

Though it was personally difficult for me to accept a change in the course I had planned, I am grateful for the additional enriching opportunities…”


Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE)Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE)


The MSPE is a comprehensive assessment regarding comparative performance.

● It should describe, in sequential manner, the student’s performance, as compared to peers, through 4 full years of school.

● It should be an assessment of both academic performance and professional attributes.

● It should be 2-3 pages in length and appropriately formatted with appendices.

THE MSPE…

Is neither a letter of recommendation nor a prediction of future performance

in residency

THE MSPE…

Format● Identifying Information

Identifies you as a fourth year medical student at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center

● Personal Comments / Noteworthy Achievements demonstrated leadership research abilities community service significant challenges/hardships

THE MSPE…

Format● Academic History

graduation and matriculation dates breaks, gaps, LOA Transfer school and dual degreed program

information explanation of remediated coursework explanation of adverse actions

THE MSPE…

Format● Academic Progress

basic sciences & introduction to clinical medicine (PCC/DRS)

required clinical core clerkships and electives reported thru mid-October

THE MSPE…

Format● Summary

summative assessment of comparative performance relative to peers

reference to unique characteristics / accomplishments

overall performance in basic medical sciences & clinical clerkships with emphasis on professional attributes

THE MSPE…

Format● Overall Medical Student Performance

Rating GPAs taken from GPA/Class Rank

report (available early September)

THE MSPE…

Indicates percentage of class in each category; not an indication of class rank.

OVERALL MEDICAL SCHOOL PERFORMANCE

Outstanding(0.00-0.00)

Excellent(0.00-0.00)

Very Good(0.00-0.00)

Satisfactory(0.00-0.00)

15% 25% 50% 10%

Format● Appendices

A – bar graph of performance relative to peers in each preclinical course

B – bar graph of performance relative to peers in each core clinical clerkship

C – assessment of professional attributes relative to peers **

D – bar graph showing overall performances relative to peers

E – medical school information page

THE MSPE…

** Not currently included in the MSPE

Letters of RecommendationsLetters of Recommendations


Download ERAS LOR Coversheet for US Graduates

from Student Affairs Website

Generally 3 - 4 are required; 4 recommended● ERAS will allow a maximum of 4 letters per program● department chair of your chosen specialty● senior faculty member usually in specialty of choice (i.e.,

faculty with whom you did JI)● other faculty member(s), not necessarily in specialty, who

knows you well● make appointment EARLY to review your professional goals

and answer questions● provide a CV, personal statement, transcript, and list of

programs; attach ERAS LOR Cover Sheet● don’t be shy about discussing your strengths or extenuating

circumstances

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Chair’s letterChair’s letter• Call to set up an appointment- do not email• The chair is expecting you- even if you have never

met• The interview as well as your performance on the

rotation will be enough for him to write you a letter• Bring with you a list of programs you are applying

to• Ask about your competitiveness for programs and

listen to the feedback

The Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS)The Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS)~ the electronic application delivery system

ERASERASWhat is ERAS ?Electronic “application delivery service ” used to transmit applications, letters of recommendation, MSPEs, transcripts, and other supporting credentials from applicants and medical schools to residency program directors using the Internet.• Tokens will be distributed via UT email to applicants in

late June• MyERAS available (but not live) for applicants mid July• ERAS Post Office opens September 1st; available for

transmission of documents to programs• Required for NRMP and some early matching services

ERASERAS· ERAS is comprised of four main components:

· MyERAS is the Web site where applicants complete their ERAS Application· select programs to apply to, and assign documents to be received by

programs.

· DWS is the software used by the designated dean's office. · scan and attach supporting documents to the application, such as

photographs, medical school transcripts, MSPE, and LoRs.

· PDWS is the ERAS software used by program staff to receive, sort, review, evaluate, and rank applications.

· ERAS Post Office is the central bank of computers that transfer the application materials from applicants and their designated dean's office to residency programs.

· Students should NOT wait on a complete file before submitting application

· No supporting documents can be transmitted through ERAS UNTIL THE STUDENT SUBMITS HIS/HER APPLICATION!

ERASERASHow Does ERAS work? • Applicants receive electronic token in late June to register with

MyERAS; begin completing online ERAS application. – Worksheet from ERAS applicant resource page– Copy of AMCAS application from Registrar’s Office

• Applicants certify/submit ERAS application to programs beginning in September. – USMLE receives and process requests to upload USMLE scores

• Transcript includes scores posted at time applicant submits

• School begins uploading support documents in September• Programs begin downloading applications in September; make

interview offers• Applicants & School can track ERAS applications using ADTS!!!

ERASERAS

ERAS is NOT the same as NRMP…• You must register for ERAS separately

from NRMP• ERAS – July• NRMP - August

• ERAS is required for applicants enrolled in the NRMP and the Urology matches as well as for some branches within the military match.

ERASERASHow much does ERAS cost?

● ERAS processing fees are based on the number of programs to which you apply per specialty

● Check ERAS website for pricing

Is there a deadline for submitting ERAS applications to Student Affairs?

● No. However, SA recommends all ERAS applications be completed no later than October 20th

Programs set their own deadlines Some specialties/programs have early deadlines and

therefore, should take priority over our October 20th deadline recommendation

APPLYING FOR RESIDENCYAPPLYING FOR RESIDENCY~ the mechanics of the application process


APPLYING FOR RESIDENCYAPPLYING FOR RESIDENCYPATHS of Residency Application

•Advanced specialties with own Match•US Armed Forces•National Resident Matching Program (NRMP)

APPLYING FOR RESIDENCYAPPLYING FOR RESIDENCYAdvanced specialties with own Match

Early Match | Results faxed to our officeo San Francisco Matching Program

http://www.sfmatch.org Neurology, ophthalmology, and plastic surgery Must register for the NRMP for preliminary year Uses ERAS for prelim year only; does not require

a different set of letters or PSo American Urological Association Residency Matching

Program http://www.auanet.org May or may not require NRMP for prelim year Uses ERAS

APPLYING FOR RESIDENCYAPPLYING FOR RESIDENCYUS Armed Forces (Military Match)

Should also enroll in the NRMP Automatically withdrawn by NRMP if matched

by military Results faxed to our office

The National Resident Matching Program (NRMP)The National Resident Matching Program (NRMP)~ a coordinated matching service


APPLYING FOR RESIDENCYAPPLYING FOR RESIDENCYNational Resident Matching Program (NRMP)

http://www.nrmp.org The Match - service for matching applicants to

programs Provides uniform date of MSPE

o Absolutely NO MSPE will be released prior to 1 November

Registration for NRMP begins August 15th

THE NRMPTHE NRMPCategories/Tracks of Internships

● Preliminary (P) Serves as prerequisite for additional post graduate

medical education in other disciplineso Ex. Prelim medicine, Prelim Surgery

● Transitional Year (P) May/ may not serve as preliminary year Undecided about specialty

● Advanced (A) Begins PGY 2 and requires 1-2 years of preliminary training

o Ex. Radiology (A), Anesthesiology (A), Dermatology (A)

● Categorical (C) Offer positions for PGY1 with no preliminary training required

o Ex. Family Medicine, Surgery, Internal Medicine, Medicine-

Pediatrics, Ob/Gyn, Pediatrics , Psychiatry

THE NRMP - MATCHING AS A COUPLETHE NRMP - MATCHING AS A COUPLEParticipating as a Couple

When two individuals are registered for the same specialties matching service (e.g., NRMP), they may participate in that Match as a couple. • Couple’s match is not a separate match from the NRMP!• Each partner of a couple enrolls individually in the match.• The NRMP allows couples to form pairs of choices on their

rank order lists, which then are considered in rank order in the Match.

• Partners can be matched into positions in the same institution or in different institutions.

• Couples are encouraged to talk to us for assistance with preparing their rank order lists for the Match

MATCHING AS A COUPLEMATCHING AS A COUPLE

IMPORTANT!

Partners listed as a couple are treated by the Match solely as a couple. If one partner does not match, neither partner will matched.

If one partner wishes to withdraw, both partners must uncouple before either can withdraw.

EMAIL EMAIL How important is EMAIL?

● EXTREMELY IMPORTANT! Check daily!● Programs accepting applications via Email communicate

using Email, including announcements, questions about one’s application and interview offers

● Student Affairs uses Email to notify you of important developments and/or alerts as it relates to ERAS or other issues involving the application process or Student Affairs Student Affairs uses UT accounts only! Avoid using HOTMAIL with ERAS due to

incompatibility issues with the ERAS software

Stay on top of your application and pay attention to your programs’ deadlines!

SUMMARY

Avoid waiting until the last minute to ask for letters of support. Submit your application and other required materials on time!

SUMMARY

SUMMARY

Rumors cause problems…

Contact our office when you have questions or have concerns about your application!

We have a lot more information to help you!

Office of Student Affairs910 Plaza, Suite 1043

Tel: 901.448.5684

http://www.utmem.edu/medicine/studentaffairs

CLICK, CALL OR COME BY!Online chat Available!

The Bottom Line…The Bottom Line…Dr. Phillips wraps it up with the latest Match Trends

MATCH TRENDS~ Total positions vs. Total Applicants (includes IMGs, previous grads, osteopathic, etc.)

MATCH TRENDS~ Total positions vs. Total Applicants (includes IMGs, previous grads, osteopathic, etc.)

Over the past several years, the competition for residency positions has heightened.

Unmatched Applicants, Unfilled PositionsUnmatched Applicants, Unfilled Positions~ 2001 – 2010; Includes IMGs, previous grads, osteopathic, etc.)

Unmatched US Seniors, Unfilled Positions Unmatched US Seniors, Unfilled Positions ~ 2001 - 2010

Available Scramble PositionsAvailable Scramble Positions~ 2009 - 2010

Specialty Preferences of 2010 Unmatched Seniors & Available Scramble PositionsSpecialty Preferences of 2010 Unmatched Seniors & Available Scramble Positions

Unfilled Positions: First Two DaysUnfilled Positions: First Two Days

NRMP IMPLEMENTS CHANGE IN 2012NRMP IMPLEMENTS CHANGE IN 2012

S.O.A.P.The NRMP Board of Directors will proceed with changes to Match Week 2012 with a new Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program to be implemented for unmatched applicants and unfilled programs.

S.O.A.P.S.O.A.P. So they say!

S.O.A.P. - Applicant EligibilityS.O.A.P. - Applicant Eligibility

S.O.A.P. - Program ParticipationS.O.A.P. - Program Participation

Previous Match Week SchedulePrevious Match Week Schedule

Revised Match Week ScheduleRevised Match Week Schedule

Begin working on CV/personal statement NOW!

Review your student evaluations (910 Plaza #1043) NOW!

Begin familiarizing yourself with NRMP and ERAS via their websites:

http://www.nrmp.org/

http://www.aamc.org/audienceeras.htm

NOW!

Register and begin entering ERAS application online July 1

Begin scheduling appointment for MSPEAppointments begin July 20th; end October 19th*

July 11

Registration online for the NRMP August 15

Begin transmitting ERAS applications to programs September 1

MSPE released to all programs November 1

NRMP Online notification of “matched” or “unmatched” March 12

Match Day Class of 2012 March 16

* tentative dates; subject to change

REMINDER OF TIMELINE 2011-12

Wrapping it up…

• Everyone should match.• You should take our advice• If you hear a rumor, confirm with us• There are some realities to this process

The Heartburn: Will I match?The Heartburn: Will I match?

• Number of medical school graduates going up• Number of graduates of osteopathy schools

entering match going up• Number of residency spots NOT going up• Where are graduates going?

PRIMARY CARE !

AAMC reported trendsAAMC reported trends

Match Applicants - 2006-2010Match Applicants - 2006-2010

Total Apps

PGY-1 positions

U.S. seniors

D.O. U.S. IMG's

Non-U.S. IMG's

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

30000

35000

40000

20062007200820092010

PGY-1 Matches– 2006-2010PGY-1 Matches– 2006-2010

U.S. Seniors D.O. U.S. IMG's Non-U.S. IMG's

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

14000

16000

20062007200820092010

Percent Matched– 2006-2010Percent Matched– 2006-2010

U.S. Seniors D.O. U.S. IMG's Non-U.S. IMG's

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

20062007200820092010

• Family Medicine: 1169, up 98• Internal Medicine: 2722, up 90• Ob/Gyn: 915, up 36• Pediatrics: 1711, up 29• Total increase in these primary care matches

253 • Total U.S. senior increase 432 (59%)

2010 Match vs. 20092010 Match vs. 2009

• Sent to all 126 student affairs deans on 3/29/10• 111 replied by 4/19/10• how many seniors in match?• how many unmatched on 3/15/10?• how many unmatched on 3/29/10?• of those, how many are ready/qualified to start 7/1/10?• reason for failing to find a position.• how many post-graduates in this year’s match?• number successful.

2010 Match-Scramble Survey2010 Match-Scramble Survey

• 111 (of 126) schools responded• 14,623 seniors represented (NRMP = 16,070)• 871 unmatched on Monday 3/15/10 (6.0%)• 194 without a PGY-1 position on 3/29/10 (1.3%)• 179 “ready to start” according to their student affairs deans (1.2%)


• Of those 179 81 - not competitive for chosen field 49 - USMLE issues 28 - Rank order issues 18 - Difficulty with the process 16 - Geography 13 - Overly Aggressive 11 - Poor interviewing skills 6 - Professionalism issues 2 - Poor Letters of Recommendation 1 - Poor advice


• Post-graduates in the match 921 total 512 matched (56%)


Conclusions:1. The percent of successful matches for U.S. seniors

remains 93-94%2. The number of successful matches this year for

U.S. seniors was greatly helped by 253 more seniors going into the four primary care fields.

3. There are approximately 200 “ready/qualified to start” U.S. seniors without PGY-1 positions at this time for July 2010.


• From 2008-2010• 27 students went unmatched

• 2008 9/149 6%• 2009 5/136 3.7%• 2010 7/143 5.6%• 2011 6/140 5%

THEN UT HEARTBURN EXPERIENCE

THEN UT HEARTBURN EXPERIENCE

Otolaryngology 1 EM 2Ob-Gyn 2 Plast surg 1Anesthesia 1 Peds 1Urology 1 Derm 1

Internal Med 3Radiology 2General Surgery 4Orthopedic surg. 6

Step1 failures: 4

THE UT HEARTBURNTHE UT HEARTBURN

• We don’t want to scramble anyone• Come in early to see me• I believe in a ‘parallel’ plan• Or a decision about ‘what’s the worst thing that

could happen to you’ • We are here to help

Let us helpLet us help

Questions?Questions?• More to follow• Come see me or another advisor

Documents

Strolling Through the Match