1. Look Before You Leap: Hints for Applying to Residency Programs Brian Gable, MD FACP Internal Medicine Program Director

2. Requisite Steps to Ensure a Successful Match ① Prior to the Application Process: Getting your affairs in order ② Deciding which programs to apply to ③ Preparing for the interview ④ Interview day: the do’s and don’ts ⑤ Post-Interview period ⑥ Preparing the rank order list (ROL)

3. Step 1: Getting your Affairs in Order Update your curriculum vitae (CV) and be prepared to speak about any activity, research, or hobby. Letter of Recommendations: Who should write them? Where should they come from (specialties/institutions)? When should you ask for them? When should they be submitted by? How should you ask for one? Personal Statement Away Rotations: Are they necessary?

4. Step 2: Deciding Which Programs to Apply To Use all available credible resources: ①Student Affairs Deans ②Previous match day statistics ③Selecting the right advisor ④Unfortunately, there is no objective third-party resource “Physician know thyself”: this process is all about compatibility http://www.nrmp.org/data/chartingoutcomes2011.pdf Beware of the “name game” There is no “best” program Focus on the “Big 3”: ①Location ②Education ③Opportunity 3

5. Step 3: Preparing for the Interview Know your CV inside and out Prepare for the most commonly encountered interview questions Consider participating in a mock interview Know what personal attributes you want to promote and construct your responsibilities accordingly Be prepared to speak honestly and candidly about any academic deficiencies or transgressions https://www.aamc.org/download/77936/data/residencyquestions.pdf Do your homework on each program 4

6. Step 4: The Do’s and Don’ts of the Interview Day Do: Come prepared Appear interested and engaged Act confident, but not arrogant Treat everyone with respect Dress professionally Ask questions Keep an open mind Don’t: No show Show up late Discuss other programs Set up a wireless connection Come across as a three-year preliminary candidate 5

7. Step 5: The Post-Interview Period Correspondence: Thank you notes and emails Expressing your interest Programs expressing their interest Other individuals calling or emailing on your behalf “Second look” visits: Are they necessary? 6

8. Step 6: Preparing the Rank Order List (ROL) Focus on the “Big 3”: ①Location ②Education ③Opportunity “Follow your heart” “Shoot for the Stars” 7

9. Additional Considerations What if a program that you are interested in has not yet offered you an interview? Couples matching 8