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) Reply 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) Reply 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.