Residency Application Process

I apologize for the lapse in updating - the blog has slipped my mind in the seemingly rare moments when I have down time.  I'd like to claim I'll be better at updating, but I'll likely only get worse as residency starts in July.  I'll do my best.

A quick update on the process of applying for residency:

Step 1: Figure out what you want to do with your life.
- As you likely read in May of 2012 and in February of 2011 (among other places), I figured this step out a while ago.

Step 2: Research potential programs.
- As far as I know, there are 199 pediatrics residency programs - including 9 in Ohio.  Not all are possibilities as some cater only to D.O. graduates (the difference between DO and MD is explained here).

Step 3: Narrow down the application list.
- I've decided to apply to 9 programs (in alphabetical order, not preference): Akron Children's, Case Western/Rainbow Babies (Cleveland), Cincinnati Children's, Indianapolis Children's, Louisville Children's, Nationwide Children's (Columbus), Penn St (Hershey, PA), Pittsburgh Children's, and St. Louis Children's.

Step 4: Complete and submit applications.
- These were submitted on September 15 of this year.  The application involves a CV/Resume of sorts as well as a personal statement.

Step 5: Interviews!
- Interview season runs from October to January for most places.  So far, I have 6 interviews scheduled. It's late enough in the season that I don't really anticipate receiving any more invites.  In order of interview date: Indy (11/2), Louisville (11/20), Akron (11/29), Rainbow (11/30), Penn St (12/10), and Nationwide (1/9).  I don't yet have an invite from Cinci, Pitt, or St. Louis.

Step 6: Rank Order List = ROL
- My ROL will be finalized February 20, 2013.  This will be where I enter my preference for order of programs in which I am most interested.  Residency programs also submit their lists of applicants in whom they are most interested.  Some fancy computer program figures out the best combination for all of the applicants all across the country based on these ROLs.  Applicants rankings matter more than programs: If I list program A as my first choice, that matters more than if program B lists me as their first choice.

Step 7: MATCH DAY!
- On March 15, 2013, all of the graduating medical students in the US get to open an envelope that tells them where they will be spending the next few years of their lives. (For peds, residency is 3 years long.)  My entire graduating class will gather in a large auditorium and open our envelopes all at the same time.  Most of us will be happy with what's inside!


I'll try to continue updating as I work my way through the interview process and match day. Please post any questions you may have about the process.