Month: December 2023
Applying to Surgery as an International Medical Student or Graduate: Tips and Advice
By Maria Vashchenko Navigating the competitive nature of applying to a specialty like Surgery as an International Medical Student or Graduate (IMG) is undoubtedly challenging. With obstacles such as the absence of a home-based institution in the United States and limited access to faculty, the journey requires meticulous planning and dedication. Drawing from personal experience, here are some valuable tips for IMGs aspiring to apply for Surgery Residency: Early Preparation is Key: Initiating your preparation as early as pre-med or the initial years of medical school is instrumental. Identifying Surgery as your passion early on allows sufficient time for preparation for the application process. Mentorship Matters: Forming a relationship with a practicing attending Surgeon can provide invaluable guidance. If you don’t already have someone in mind, seek a mentor during surgical clerkships, as their advice and expertise can deepen your understanding of the field and pave the way for your...
Navigating Medical School, Residency and the Wild World of Medical Networking.
By Charoo Piplani Remember the days when the medical journey seemed like a straightforward path of applications and interviews? Ha! In retrospect, however, it was never nearly as straightforward as it appeared. We have always needed our networks or people with whom we built connections on our journey. Remember the high school teacher who wrote you that letter of recommendation, or the attending who made that phone call, or even your peers who were kind enough to introduce you to another superior at a new institution? They were all very much a part of networking. Networking in healthcare has traditionally revolved around in-person collaborations, mentorship, and shared research interests—amidst those awkward elevator rides with experts in the field. However, in the era of virtual connections, platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter have emerged as powerful gateways. Who knew that these platforms weren't just for memes and job postings? And thankfully so,...
Cultivating Hobbies Throughout Training: How our Passions Keep us Human
By Hannah Soltani Throughout training as a medical student, resident, fellow, or attending, we are all faced withincreasing responsibilities that make us feel as though there just aren’t enough hours in a day.The demanding journey often leads us to neglect our passions and interests outside of themedical field. In reality, our hobbies not only serve us as a means to manage stress but alsohelp us build better relationships and connect with patients and colleagues. After speaking withothers on this journey, here are a few tips that stuck with me: 1) Free time is your most valuable possession. Therefore, you must be stubborn with it.Just as you prioritize studying, rotations, and clinical practice, it is helpful to allocatededicated time toward your hobbies. Whether it is writing an extra page in your journal,playing an instrument you love, or playing sports with some friends, you can indulge inyour favorite activities by being disciplined...