Links:
Iserson's Getting Into a Residency: A Guide for Medical Students, 8th Edition
Rèsumès and Personal Statements for Health Professionals, 2nd
Non-Standard Medical Electives in the U.S. and Canada

SPECIALTY SELECTION & RESIDENCY PROGRAM
SELECTION & APPLICATION PROCESS

The following outline, from Iserson's Getting Into a Residency, Fifth Edition, outlines the process from start to finish. The book describes each step in detail. Use this form as a checklist as you move toward your goal of obtaining the perfect specialty and residency match for you!

If you don't know where you are going, you won't know when you get there. -Anonymous

Basic Science Years
[] Find and work with a mentor.
[] Volunteer for clinical experiences.
[] Begin research, if applicable.
[] For specialties that interest you:

Meet with specialists in your local area.
Read journals and "throwaway" magazines.
Write to specialty organizations for information.
Attend local specialty society meetings.

[] Prepare for the USMLE/COMLEX examination.

Clinical Years
[] Do well on clinical rotations:

Identify clerkship expectations in advance.
Read assignments.
Read about your patients' diseases and procedures
Round early; stay late.
Prepare for small-group sessions.
Study for tests.
Request reference letters (written, not sent yet).

[] Reevaluate specialty choice.
[] Gather more information about specialties of interest.
[] Take Glaxo Welcome Pathway Evaluation Program.
[] Do a subinternship that gives you responsibility.
[] Prepare for USMLE/COMLEX examination.

Once You Select a Specialty
[] Set up filing system for information.
[] Gather information about residency programs:

Use FREIDA.
Review the "Green Book" or Osteopathic listings.
Write for individual programs' information.
Work with specialist outside your medical center.
Do elective in the specialty.

[] Complete your master "Must/Want" Analysis form.
[] Join local and national specialty society.
[] Find out if specialty uses special match or special application procedures (Electronic Residency Application Service, Central Application Service).

Application Process
[] Set up system to track each program's application needs.
[] Apply to NRMP or specialty's Matching Program.
[] Have your photograph taken.
[] Arrange your Dean's interview.
[] Review your medical school transcript.
[] Arrange to send transcripts and reference letters to programs.
[] Complete applications and send them to programs. Arrange to have Deans letters sent to programs. Buy interview attire.
[] Do "mock" interview.
[] Update residency program information.
[] Call programs to arrange interview schedule.

Interviewing
[] Know the interview schedule. .
[] Arrive early.
[] Allow extra time at program.
[] Review material about program.
[] Talk with current residents.
[] Know your questions.
[] Smile!

After You Visit Programs
[] Send thank-you letters.
[] Send any additional requested information.
[] Complete "Must/Want" Analysis Form for that program.
[] Rank programs using "Must/Want" Analysis Forms.
[] Submit Rank-Order List to matching program.

If You Don't Match
[] Don't panic!
[] Contact programs with available positions. Send materials by fax or e-mail. Contract them via phone or e-mail.

When You Match
[] Call program director.
[] Send information to program about how to contact you until July 1.
[] Relax! Congratulations!

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