The match is a uniform structure utilised in placing medical students into a US residency program. Every medical student aspires to get matched. Securing a spot seems challenging and highly competitive as you’re up against thousands of doctors contending for top programs.
It’s no news that residency programs consider letters of recommendation, USMLE scores and the personal statement as top factors in selecting residency candidates. Nevertheless, doing one or more of the following could increase your chances of getting matched.
Gain Clinical Experience
This is a crucial element of medical school application. Clinical experience increases your chance of getting matched into a US residency program.
Clinical experience also offers you an opportunity to connect and network with doctors and other people who can possibly help you in getting your residency. Gaining clinical experience is an indispensable part of medical school which enables you get familiarised with hospital technology and US culture.
Be a Medical Volunteer
Volunteering has become a factor in obtaining residency. Residency programs now place utmost importance to it irrespective of the region you underwent your volunteer work.
54% of residency program directors indicate community service as a factor in selecting applicants for interviews. You see why it’s necessary to add medical volunteer work to your resume. With volunteering, you get to work with different people, have an understanding of various cultures and health systems in other parts of the world.
Become a leader in student organization
Having leadership skills will bolster residency match. How about joining a group in the specialty you’re vying for?
A survey carried out by NRMP Program Director revealed that 63% of program directors value leadership qualities. Joining a student group will put you on a pedestal while trying to get your residency.
Obtain research experience
To get residency match for some specialties, you’ll require research experience. The 2014 NRMP Program Director Survey shows that 43% of participants stated interest in research as a yardstick in choosing applicants for interviews. Get your best foot in by doing research work.
Have a back up plan
It’s not advisable to put all your eggs in one basket. It’s essential you have a backup plan just in case things doesn’t play out as planned. Are you interested in the health care sector? You should consider pursuing dual degrees in public health or business administration.
There’s also a need for you to think creatively about your interests and how they conform with different specialties. A dual degree will make you stand out among other applicants when it comes to residency match.
Some residency programs rate students with dual degrees higher than others. The different specialties confers skills that will be beneficial to medical school.