Monday, August 22, 2016

Photo for ERAS

Should I upload a photo for my residency application?

YES!

What are the requirements?

  • Front view of head and shoulders only
  • Professionally dressed
  • JPEG format
  • < 100 KB file size
  • < 2.5" x 3.5" in size 
Where do I get it done?
Any photographer can do a head shot. Ask around. I had a friend that was a photographer and was willing to do it for me. 

How do I upload it?
It's actually found in the 'supporting documents" section of the application but you have to upload it on ECFMG's OASIS site. After logging in, on the left side it says "ERAS Support Services" click on that. Then click "Upload" then "Upload Photograph". 

It will let you know if your sizing is over the maximum and won't let you upload it. You can change the sizing of the picture on a Mac by opening it in Preview, Go to "Tools" then "Adjust size" As you decrease the size make sure to increase the resolution as much as you can without going over the 100KB so it doesn't look pixelated. 

Here's mine:


Have any more questions? Let me know!

Saturday, August 20, 2016

Studying for Step 2 CK

I just finished Step 2 CK on Wednesday! It's so nice to have that completed which means now only 4 elective rotations stand between me and graduation.

There has recently been changes made to Step 2 CK. There are a total of 8 blocks, 1 hour each and having a maximum of 40 questions in each block, possibly less. Just like Step 1, you have an hour to split up throughout the day for breaks.

Unlike Step 1, there is not a all encompassing book for Step 2 CK. I started with DIT and didn't enjoy it (I've never been one to like videos much), I then mainly focused on Step Up to Medicine for the Medicine topics and supplemented the other non medicine topics with Kaplan. UWorld is a must for a qbank and the more times you are able to get through the questions, the better you will be. I didn't believe UWorld was similar to my Step 1 questions but I felt they were very similar to Step 2. Some people really like Masters the Boards Step 2 CK, I think it's a great book too! Just find a source you like the best and stick with it.

One thing I learned while I was studying is don't get bogged down in reading. If it's taking way too long to read sections in a book and you feel like you aren't accomplishing as much, then switch to questions. If you really read all the explanations in UWorld, you will learn a lot!

*Another little note about UWorld, I never knew there was a notes section in UWorld! Up at the top right, it says "notes" in each question, you can then type whatever part you are having difficulty with and then UWorld combines them all and you can organize your notes by Peds, Medicine, Psych etc or even by subspecialty: GI, Endo, Repro etc. You then can save it as a pdf and print off. I found this much more convenient than hand writing notes on UWorld. Can't believe I didn't know this was a feature for Step 1!

Lastly, I did take a couple of NBMEs. I didn't think they were accurate at all. For Step 1, the NBMEs were right on target, for Step 2, my NBME score was not even close to my day of score (in a good way!) I also took the UWorld Self-Assessment but it was early in my studying so can't really say if it was super accurate or not.

Biggest recommendation for those still in your 3rd year, study hard during each core rotation and make great notes so you can revisit those when it comes time to start studying for Step 2 CK!

You will do great! Stay calm! Be confident in your knowledge and answer each question with certainty!

If you have any additional questions, don't hesitate to contact me via the "Contact Me" tab! Happy studying!

Letters of Recommendation

This is the beginning of posts related to applying to residency! First up: Letters of Recommendation

When should I ask for letters?
Ask for letters right after you complete your rotation because your experience will be fresh in the preceptors mind then! Don't wait until a year later to ask them to write one. Be sure to recommend that they write the letter and hold onto it until you are able log into ERAS which is the July before your match year! Tell them you will contact them with the required instructions at that time to upload them.

Who should I ask to write the letters?
Anyone that you believe got to know you as an individual. Make an effort in the specialties you are interested in to really make yourself known to the program director! A program director's letter goes a long way but sometimes you mostly interact with the residents. Contact the program director early stating that you are interested in this specialty and would love to work with them (even if you're not scheduled to work with them). This initiative will be looked upon highly. Also don't underestimate the power the residents have. They are the ones working with you day in and day out so if an attending has any questions about you while writing the letter, he/she will most likely ask the residents what they thought of you!

You should ask a letter from the clerkship in the speciality you are applying. If it's Family then obtain a letter from your Clerkship in Family Medicine!

How many letters can I have?
You can upload an unlimited amount to ERAS! Each program has specific requirements on the amount of letters they require (usually 3) but then you can pick and choose which letters go where. If you happen to be apply to two different specialities such as Surgery and IM. You can have your surgical LoRs and IM LoRs and assign them accordingly.

What should I give to a potential letter writer?
If you already have access to ERAS, give them a copy of how to upload the letter. Give them your CV and a copy of your personal statement if available. I found it helpful to give them a list of key memories or specific patient interactions throughout the rotation. This will jog their memory of that specific encounter and how you addressed an issue, spoke to the patient etc. Some letter writers may request other information too.

When should I have my letters submitted?
Ideally, all letters should be uploaded by the time you submit your application by September 15th. Letters even once submitted to ERAS may take a few weeks to be uploaded so I would say beginning of September.

Can I submit letters after I have already submitted my application?
Yes! Your application will be automatically updated and the programs can view the letters as soon as they are available. However, programs can not see that you're waiting on a letter when they initially look at your application. They see you only have 2 letters instead of 3 which may or may not be viewed poorly.

Moral of the story, don't wait until last minute to ask your letter writers for letters because then you will be scrambling. If you have any other questions regarding letters of recommendation, let me know!