Clinical Advising Guidebook
MD Program
May 2011
Academic Advising at TCMC
In accordance with the TCMC mission, advising services for medical students at The Commonwealth Medical
College are based on a model that is developmental and proactive in nature. This model includes providing
differential assistance and support to students from year to year as they build on their science/research base
and develop clinical and professional skills. It also includes regular, student-centered advising contacts that
focus on asking students clarifying, reflective questions to assess their progress and assist them in making
proactive decisions regarding specialty selection, research opportunities and leadership initiatives.
Students in the first two years of medical school will be assigned an Academic Advisor and a Continuity Mentor
at orientation. The Continuity Mentor will be a primary care physician from the student’s regional campus
community. This mentor will oversee the student’s Family Experience. In addition to these resources,
advising for the third and fourth year students will be provided by several additional sources including the
clerkship directors, clinical advisors and the clinical faculty. The Associate Dean for Student Affairs, the Senior
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and the Student Affairs staff will be involved in advising all students who
have encountered academic difficulties or who might be at risk of failing.
Role of 3rd and 4th Year Clinical Advisors
Towards the end of the second year, students will be asked to submit to the Office of Student Affairs a list of
specialty fields that they are considering. The Student Affairs office will then match each student with a
Clinical Advisor in their Regional Community who will provide ongoing advising services through the 3rd and
4th years. The Clinical Advisor will be responsible for:
o Providing in- depth education about specialty fields;
o Arranging for shadowing experiences with clinical preceptors in all specialty fields under consideration;
o Assisting students in choosing electives for Year 4;
o Assisting students with residency preparation;
o Mentoring the continued development of professional skills.
Career Development
Careers in Medicine (CiM) is a career development program sponsored by the Association of American Medical
Colleges. This program is designed to assist medical students with specialty selection and career planning
utilizing a well-established decision making process. There are four components to the program which
include: personal assessment; career exploration; guidance for choice of specialty; and residency selection.
Students will be introduced to CiM at orientation and will then utilize the program through a series of
web-based exercises to create a confidential personal career profile. This profile is used in conjunction with
academic advising and mentoring. The Careers in Medicine program can be accessed at:
www.aamc.org/careersinmedicine.org. Students register using their AAMC Login. This is the same user
name and password used to access MCAT, AMCAS, and other AAMC sites.
The Advising Relationship
Both students and advisors share responsibility in building a strong advising relationship. It is suggested that
students and advisors meet at least quarterly during the 3rd and 4th years to develop and maintain the
relationship and to keep each other abreast of the student’s progress, interests and needs. The first advising
contact for clinical advisors will occur at third year orientation, and students and advisors are requested to
establish future meetings at the close of those initial session.
Each student has different advising needs and faculty all have different advising styles. Some students will use
advisors readily, taking full advantage of all the resources the advisor recommends and the services offered by
TCMC. Other students may not engage as readily. A primary goal of TCMC’s academic advising program is to
create a safe learning environment for its students. Students should feel that they can approach their advisor
with any concerns or questions they may have. They should also expect that advisors will be prepared to offer
them a variety of resources and referrals to meet their learning and professional needs. Some suggested topics
that advisors and students can use to develop and sustain the advising relationship include: academic progress;
study skills and habits; adjustment issues; involvement in extracurricular activities designed to bring balance to
the student’s medical school experience; involvement in professional development and leadership activities;
career development issues and any personal or social issues that may be a concern.
Overview of Year Three and Year Four Curriculum
Year Three (40 credit hours)
MD 800 Family Medicine Clerkship (8 credits)
MD 801 Internal Medicine Clerkship (8 credit hours)
MD 803
Obstetrics & Gynecology Clerkship (8 credit hours)
MD 804 Surgery Clerkship (8 credit hours)
MD 805
Psychiatry Clerkship (8 credit hours)
Year Four
MD 900
Medicine Sub-internship
MD 901 Pediatrics Sub-internship
MD 902
Family Medicine Sub-internship
MD 903
Critical Care Sub-internship MD 904 Ambulatory Internal Medicine Sub-internship MD 905
Neonatal ICU Sub-Internship MD 906 Surgery Sub-internship MD 911 Acute Care Clerkship (two weeks
ER; two weeks Critical Care) MD 912 Medicine Specialties (two weeks; two different specialties of choice)
MD 920-950 (Choose six electives)
The majority of pre-clinical or ―basic science‖ instruction (first two years) will occur on the Scranton campus.
The Commonwealth Medical College will initially utilize three Regional Campuses – Scranton, Wilkes-Barre
and Williamsport. The required third and fourth year clerkships will occur on all three Regional Campuses.
Year 3 Clerkship Descriptions
MD 800
Family Medicine Clerkship
Course Coordinator: Jennifer Joyce, MD
Credit Hours: 8
Clerkship Description: The Family Medicine clerkship, MD 800 is one of the six core components of the third
year longitudinal integrated curriculum.
Students will spend one half day weekly with a Family Doctor in his/her office and will care for a group of
patients over the course of the year, in conjunction with the supervising attending. Students will follow the
patients through various settings including outpatient consultations, Emergency Room visits, and inpatient
hospitalizations. Students will be available to patients via pager, and will discuss all emerging issues with the
supervising attending. Students are expected to possess the ability to take an accurate history and physical and
formulate an initial differential diagnosis from their clinical experiences in the first and second year courses
―Profession of Medicine‖ and ―Art and Practice of Medicine.‖ They are also expected to already possess
professional attitudes and deportment in a clinical setting, appropriate to the third year student level.
MD 801 Internal Medicine Clerkship
Course Coordinator: Christian Adonizio, MD
Credit Hours: 8
Clerkship Description: The Medicine third year clerkship, MD 801 is one of the six core components of the
third year longitudinal integrated curriculum.
Students will spend one half day weekly with an Internal Medicine clinician in his/her office and will care for a
group of patients over the course of the year, in conjunction with the supervising attending. Students will follow
the patients through various settings including outpatient consultations, Emergency Room visits, and inpatient
hospitalizations. Students will be available to patients via pager, and will discuss all emerging issues with the
supervising attending. Students are expected to possess the ability to take an accurate history and physical and
formulate an initial differential diagnosis from their clinical experiences in the first and second year courses
―Profession of Medicine‖ and ―Art and Practice of Medicine.‖ They are also expected to already possess
professional attitudes and deportment in a clinical setting, appropriate to the third year student level.
MD 802
Pediatrics Clerkship
Course Coordinator: Thomas Martin, MD
Credit Hours: 8
Clerkship Description: The Pediatrics third year clerkship, MD 802 is one of the six core components of the
third year longitudinal integrated curriculum.
Students will spend one half day weekly with a Pediatrics clinician in his/her office and will care for a group of
patients over the course of the year, in conjunction with the supervising attending. Students will follow the
patients through various settings including outpatient consultations, Emergency Room visits, and inpatient
hospitalizations. Students will be available to patients via pager, and will discuss all emerging issues with the
supervising attending. Students are expected to possess the ability to take an accurate history and physical and
formulate an initial differential diagnosis from their clinical experiences in the first and second year courses
―Profession of Medicine‖ and ―Art and Practice of Medicine.‖ They are also expected to already possess
professional attitudes and deportment in a clinical setting, appropriate to the third year student level.
MD 803 Obstetrics and Gynecology Clerkship
Course Coordinator: Brian Wilcox, MD
Credit Hours: 8
Clerkship Description: The Obstetrics and Gynecology 200 clerkship is one of the six core components of the
third year longitudinal integrated curriculum.
Students will spend one half day weekly with an OB/GYN clinician in his/her office and will care for a group of
patients over the course of the year, in conjunction with the supervising attending. This will include obstetric
patients and gynecologic patients. Students will follow obstetric patients through various settings including
outpatient prenatal care visits, outpatient consultations, labor, birth, and postpartum care. Gynecologic
patients will be followed through well-woman visits, gynecologic problem visits, emergency room visits,
inpatients hospitalizations, preoperative care, surgery, postoperative care and outpatient consultations.
Students will be available to patients via pager, and will discuss all emerging issues with the supervising
attending. Students are expected to possess the ability to take an accurate history and physical and formulate
an initial differential diagnosis from their clinical experiences in the first and second year courses ―Profession
of Medicine‖ and ―Art and Practice of Medicine.‖ They are also expected to already possess professional
attitudes and deportment in a clinical setting, appropriate to the third year student level.
MD 804 Surgery Clerkship
Course Coordinator: Mark Frattali, MD
Credit Hours: 8
Clerkship Description: The Surgery 200 clerkship is one of the six core components of the third year
longitudinal integrated curriculum.
Students will spend one half day weekly with a Surgical clinician in his/her office and will care for a group of
patients over the course of the year, in conjunction with the supervising attending. Students will follow the
patients through various settings including outpatient consultations, Emergency Room visits, Surgical
procedures and inpatient hospitalizations. Students will be available to patients via pager, and will discuss all
emerging issues with the supervising attending. Students are expected to possess the ability to take an
accurate history and physical and formulate an initial differential diagnosis from their clinical experiences in
the first and second year courses ―Profession of Medicine‖ and ―Art and Practice of Medicine.‖ They are also
expected to already possess professional attitudes and deportment in a clinical setting, appropriate to the third
year student level.
MD 805 Psychiatry Clerkship
Course Coordinator: Ashokkumar Patel, MD
Credit Hours: 8
Clerkship Description: The Psychiatry third year clerkship, MD 805 is one of the six core components of the
third year longitudinal integrated curriculum.
Students will spend one half day weekly with a Psychiatry clinician in his/her office and will care for a group of
patients over the course of the year, in conjunction with the supervising attending. Students will follow the
patients through various settings including outpatient consultations, Emergency Room visits, and whenever
possible inpatient hospitalizations. Students will be available to patients via pager, and will discuss all emerging
issues with the supervising attending. Students are expected to possess the ability to take a medical bio
psychosocial history and a mental status exam to formulate an initial differential diagnosis from their clinical
experiences in the first and second year courses ―Profession of Medicine‖ and ―Mind.‖ They are also expected
to already possess professional attitudes and deportment in a clinical setting, appropriate to the third year
student level.
TCMC Advising System
Year
MS1 & MS2
MS3 & MS4
Academic Advising
1⁰ - Student Affairs
-Academic Advisors
-CLE (academic
support)
-Registrar (Progress
Monitoring)
2⁰ - Academic Affairs
-OA&E grade
monitoring
-OA&E referral to CLE
1⁰ - Academic Affairs
-CP feedback on
student logs
-EC, ED, RES, ADRC
oversight through
CP feedback and
Shelf Exams
2⁰ - Student Affairs
-RSAAD
-CLE
Personal Advising
Office of Student Affairs
Outside MH Providers
Student Health
Career Advising
1⁰ - Student Affairs
-CiM
-Workshops
-Specialty Interest Groups
2⁰ - Academic Affairs
-Lectures on residency
process and MSPE
-Clinical lectures and
patient presentations
Office of Student Affairs
Outside MH Providers
Student Health
1⁰ - Academic Affairs
-CD Workshops
-Choosing a Specialty
-ERAS
-NRMP
-CD Student Meetings
-CA Student Meetings
2⁰ - Student Affairs
-RSAAD
-Support for CAs on CiM
-Support for CD on
Workshops/ CiM
-Student support
CLE – Center for Learning Excellence
OA&E – Office of Assessment and Evaluation
CP – Clinical Preceptor
EC – Educational Coordinator
ED – Educational Director
ADRC – Associate Dean for Regional Campus Development
RSAAD – Regional Student Affairs assistant Director
RES – Regional Educational Specialist
CiM – Careers in Medicine
CD – Clerkship Director
CA – Clinical Advisor
Academic Advising – Clinical Years
Primary source is Academic Affairs through:
Students following their log books, feedback from CPs (forms at 30, 90, 180 days)
Oversight by EC/EDs and RESs and Academic Affairs at the central level
Following formative shelf exams centrally
―Backup‖ is through Student Affairs
Regional Student Affairs Assistant Director
Continuity with Center for Learning Excellence
Career Advising – Clinical Years
Primary source is Academic Affairs through:
Career Advising workshops provided by Clerkship Directors
o Choosing a specialty
o Overview of Process
o ERAS
o NRMP
Individual student meetings with CDs to ensure students are making progress
Clinical advisors (CAs) chosen by students (could be continuity mentors) assigned to each student to facilitate
specialty-specific information
Review of student application materials such as CV and personal statement by RCDs and/or CAs
―Backup‖ is through Student Affairs
Regional Assistant Directors of Student Affairs
Support for CAs with Careers in Medicine
Assisting with workshops on ERAS, NRMP, CVs, Personal Statements, etc. as well as individual student help
with process
Career Planning Timeline:
Year 3
July – September
Meet with advisor on a monthly basis to review adjustment to clinical curriculum and to evaluate interest in
specialty areas.
Use Careers in Medicine Specialty Pages to further research areas of
o
https://www.aamc.org/services/first/first_factsheets/112388/choosing_a_specialty_a_critical_career_decisi
on.html
Complete assessments at Careers in Medicine if further clarification of interests, skills, values is needed.
o https://www.aamc.org/download/150540/data/studentguide.pdf.pdf
October – December
Review Charting Outcomes in the Match to assess qualifications and competitiveness of specialties under
consideration.
o https://www.aamc.org/download/150540/data/studentguide.pdf.pdf
Conduct informational interviews with preceptors, attending and residents in specialty areas under
consideration. Evaluate your level of competitiveness in each area based on your grades and USMLE Step 1
score. Using these contacts, begin to develop a network of support people that may be available to assist you as
you make application to residency programs or to write LoRs for you.
o https://www.aamc.org/download/62370/data/successfulnetworking.pdf
Contact professional associations and specialty organizations in your interest areas. Look into the possibility
of attending association conferences for information and networking.
Meet with your advisor monthly to process clinical experiences and specialty research outcomes.
January-March
Meet with advisor to identify a 1st and 2nd choice for specialty selection.
Research residency training programs through AMA Freida and the AMA Graduate Medical Education
Directory (Green Book) and make comparisons among programs.
o https://catalog.ama-assn.org/Catalog/product/product_detail.jsp?productId=prod1630004 (Green Book)
o
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/education-careers/graduate-medical/education/freida-online/about-frei
da-online.shtml (Freida)
Identify 20-25 (or 25-30 for competitive specialties) residency programs to apply to.
Plan 4th year electives and away rotations.
April-June
Write to identified residency programs and request information, application and application deadline date.
Rank order residency programs.
Access VSAS to make application for away rotations.
o https://www.aamc.org/students/medstudents/vsas/
Write personal statement and draft CV for workshop in April and proofreading can be completed.
Meet with advisor or faculty mentor to plan for support and assistance with the application process.
Career Planning Timeline: Year 4
July – September
ERAS opens July 1 – Begin application!
o https://www.aamc.org/services/eras/
Schedule a meeting for the MSPE.
o A Guide to the Preparation of the Medical Student Performance Evaluation
Review MSPE when complete – this needs to occur before 10/15.
Complete away rotations.
Identify sources for Letters of Recommendations (need 3-4) – ask them to submit to TCMC Registrar.
Apply for USMLE Exam Step 2.
Complete all residency applications by 9/15 or required deadline – all must be in by 10/1 or earlier.
Take Step 2.
Register for NRMP (August-December).
o http://www.nrmp.org
October-January
Interviews.
TCMC submits MSPE to ERAS on 11/1 for NRMP.
January – Mid February
Rank order residency program list to NRMP.
o http://www.nrmp.org/about_nrmp/how.html
March
Third Thursday is Match Day
o http://www.nrmp.org/about_nrmp/how.html
o https://www.aamc.org/download/150540/data/studentguide.pdf.pdf
Guide to Residency Application and the Match
Dwight Davis, M.D.
Specialty Decision
Final consideration of specialty choice
Review: motivation, interests, skills, competitiveness, early career goals, Plan B.
 Careers in Medicine Components
1. Self assessment
2. Career exploration
3. Decision-making
4. Residency application guide
Specialty and Residency Resources
1. Clinical Advisors
2. Careers in Medicine Program and specialty web sites
https://www.aamc.org/students/medstudents/cim/
3. Roadmap to Residency (30 pages, a must read first)
http://pritzker.uchicago.edu/current/students/advising/road/roadmaptoresidency.pdf
4. Charting Outcomes of the Match:
https://www.aamc.org/students/download/62400/data/chartingoutcomes.pdf
5. Iserson’s Getting Into A Residency, 7th
6. NRMP Results and Data Book:
http://www.nrmp.org/res_match/special_part/inst_officials/match_results.html
7. Fellowship & Residency Electronic Interactive Database:
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/education-careers/graduate-medical-education/freida-online.shtml
8. Penn State specialty match list for last three years:
http://pennstatehershey.org/c/document_library/get_file?folderId=189169&name=DLFE-3256.pdf
9. Student Clubs and Organizations
10. Clerkship Attendings
11. Residents
12. Individual program information (internet)
Support
All students should establish a relationship with the Assistant Director of Student Affairs in their Region, the
Regional Clerkship Director and their Clinical Advisor to assist with the application process.
Procedure
1. Meet early to review specialty decision, your background information, and career goals.
2. Copy of transcript.
3. USMLE results.
4. Curriculum vitae (leadership, awards, unique experiences, research, publications, etc.).
5. Candid discussion about competitiveness for specialty selected, backup plan if appropriate.
6. Critique of personal statement when prepared.
7. Help with program selection.
Applications to Highly Competitive Specialties
 Critical review of your background credentials.
 Review profiles of successful applicants.
o Charting Outcomes in the Match 2010
 Frank discussion with Regional Clerkship Director and Clinical Advisor about what you might do to be
competitive>
 Work closely with Clinical Advisor throughout process.
 Take Step 2 early.
 Attention to details.
 Meet all deadlines.
 Early submission of application (specialty specific).
 Apply to large number of programs (wide geographic distribution).
 ―Reach‖ programs on list, but adjust number so it is appropriate.
 Apply broadly to a good number of preliminary programs.
 Commit yourself to large number of interviews if offered.
 If few invitations by mid-October, extend list of applications.
 Discuss if you should apply to second specialty.
o Additional faculty mentor, second set of letters.
 Prepare two application packets.
 Meet with Regional Clerkship Director early November if no interviews.
 If few interviews by mid-November, meet with Dr. Clifton.
Residency Program Considerations
Program evaluation examples
 NRMP Applicant Survey – 2010
o Educational structure / clinical responsibilities
o Inpatient, outpatient, procedures, OR time
o Patient diversity and disease categories
o IT infrastructure / electronic charts
o Program size / type (acad, comm, clin setting)
o Opportunities for teaching and research
o Call schedule, rotations at affiliate hospitals
o Reputation of program
o Placement of graduates (practice / fellowships)
o Breath of subspecialty offerings
o Assessment of program ―quality‖
Curriculum Vitae
Succinct and accurate chronicle of past experiences (include skills and attributes separated into themes)
 The CV will go to some away rotations but is mostly for the letter writers
 Typical sections
o Personal data.
o Education.
o Pertinent organizations (indicate leadership).
o Pertinent employment.
o Significant extracurricular experiences.
o Honors and awards.
o Research, publications, and formal presentations.
Personal Statement
 Motivation for specialty.
 Process of specialty decision.
 Relevant background experiences.
 How you fit the specialty (interests, skills, etc.).
 Unique qualities or talents (modestly).
 Career goals if formulated.
 Avoid quotes.
 Good grammar and spelling.
 Critique by Assistant Director of Student Affairs, Regional Clerkship Director and Clinical Advisor
Letters of Recommendation
 Usually three letters (four in file if manageable).
 Faculty in specialty area, clinical faculty who know you well, strong rotations, Chair’s letter.
 Ask early if faculty can support your application. (Ask specifically if they can write a STRONG letter of
recommendation for you?)
 Work closely with their administrative assistant.
Provide the following:
o Transcript, USMLE scores
o Curriculum vitae
o Personal statement
 Waive your right to see letters.
o Programs reassured about candid comments.
Medical Student Performance Evaluation
 AAMC Structured evaluation of medical school performance
o Not a document of recommendation
Unique Characteristics
1. Brief academic background, leadership, service, research, and special honors.
2. Significant challenges or hardships.
Academic history
1. Matriculation date, LOA breaks.
2. Repeat or remediated coursework.
3. Adverse institutional action.
Medical Student Performance Evaluation
1. Transcript and narrative summary of overall performance in basic science curriculum.
2. Grades and verbatim comments from all third year clerkships and electives
Planning for the 4th Year
 USMLE Step 2 CK and CS designed to be taken early in the 4th year (plan dates soon b/of space).
 Many programs want the results in making rank order.
o Helpful for programs if low or modest Step 1 score.
 Must complete CK and CS exams by Jan. 1st.
o Time for score and repeat if necessary.
 Decide on away specialty/hospital rotations now for July, August, or September.
 Review vacation time.
 Anticipate most travel mid Nov. to late Jan.
 Avoid high intensity rotations during travel months.
Average Number of Programs to Consider
 Should be based on your application and competitiveness of specialty.
 Don’t count on the SCRAMBLE for a spot
The Interview
PREPARE!!
 Arrive early.
 Business attire.
o Professional.
o Dress comfortably, including shoes.
 Know all aspects of your background.
 Know the program well.
o Mission, unique features.
 Have appropriate answer for why you selected the program for interview
 Interviewer evaluations
o Level of maturity
o Thoughtfulness of answers
o Interpersonal skills
o Commitment to specialty
o Enthusiasm
 Understand the specialty and training process.
 Think about your future plans.
 Know your research (short abstract and detailed discussion if asked).
 Always have thoughtful questions about program.
 Understand the rules about offers.
 Leave impression that your decision about specialty was based on a thoughtful process.
 Be accountable for blemishes in your record.
 Be Honest.
Interview and Follow-up
 Positive attitude and professional demeanor with all contacts during visits.
 If plans change or travel delayed, contact program immediately.
 Brief follow-up thank you note.
 Complete your program assessment and rank after each visit.
 Match results are binding.
 Remember, you are a representative of TCMC.
Rotations During 4th Year
 Limit time away from rotations.
 Discuss and request travel time well in advance (attending and senior residents).
 Work hard to master medical knowledge and improve clinical skills.
 Choose senior rotations wisely to prepare for residency.
Preparing for Residency Application
Documents You Will Need for Residency Application
 Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE)
 Transcript
 USMLE Transcripts
 Letters of Recommendation
 Personal Statement
 Curriculum Vitae
 Application
Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE)
 Turn in your biography form.
 Schedule an appointment in YEAR 3 (January- March) with Dr. Clifton and Dr. Axler
What you need to bring to your MSPE meeting
 C.V. (two copies) - one copy goes into your file in the Student Affairs Office.
 Personal Statement (two copies) - one copy to be placed in your file in the Student Affairs Office.
 Name of Clinical Advisor Advisor
Reviewing the MSPE
 Proof read your Dean’s Letter YEAR 4 (September – October)
 You may review your letter once.
 Changes may not be made to clerkship and/or elective summary comments.
What happens with the MSPE?
 The MSPE is transmitted via ERAS on November 1st .
Transcripts
 Review your transcript
 Contact Edward Lahart (elahart@tcmedc.org) with questions regarding your transcript.
o Your transcript will be scanned twice (early September and early November).
Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS)
 My ERAS opens to applicants July 1, 2010.
 You will receive a ―token‖ password and your AAMC ID via email from the Registrar’s Office in late June.
ERAS Letters of Recommendation (LoR)
 You are permitted to assign FOUR (4) LoR per program.
 All LoR should be mailed to the Assistant Director of Student Affairs in your Region.
 LoR should be addressed ―Dear Program Director‖
 Your name and AAMC ID should be included in the letter.
 A statement whether or not you have waived your right to read the letter.
ERAS: LoR – Guide
 The Office of Student Affairs will email you when we receive a LoR.
 If you have not received an email . . . We have not received any letters.
 We cannot recommend which letters you should use.
 You will have to assign your letters to each program that you are applying to.
Processing your ERAS application materials
 Your application can be sent progressively.
 Do not wait until you have all your materials together to submit.
 Residency Programs can start reviewing applications September 1st.
 Don’t procrastinate!
What is the deadline for ERAS?
 Individual programs set deadlines.
 Contact the programs directly for more information about their requirements, facilities, and deadlines.
 The Student Affairs Office does not set a deadline. We process your documents as we receive them.
How much does ERAS cost?
 Up to 10 programs - $65.00
 11-20 programs - $8.00 each.
 21-30 programs - $15.00 each.
 31 or more - $25.00 each.
What will the Office of Student Affairs do for you?
 Collect letters of recommendation.
 Email you when we receive a LoR.
 Process your medical school transcript (you do not need to order an official transcript for ERAS).
 Scan your LoR, MSPE and transcript.
 Assist with Personal Statement and C.V.
Specialties for 2010/2011
-Anesthesiology
-Otolaryngology
-Child Neurology (Neurology) *
-Pathology-Anatomic & Clinical
-Dermatology
-Pediatrics
-Emergency Medicine
-Pediatrics Dermatology
-Emergency Medicine/Family Medicine -Pediatrics/Emergency Medicine
-Family Medicine
-Pediatrics/Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
-Internal Medicine -Pediatrics/Psychiatry/Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
-Internal Medicine/Dermatology -Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
-Internal Medicine/Emergency Medicine -Plastic Surgery
-Internal Medicine/Family Practice
-Plastic Surgery- Integrated
-Internal Medicine/Neurology
-Preventive Medicine (Public Health, General, Occupational
and Aerospace)
-Internal Medicine/Pediatrics
-Psychiatry
-Internal Medicine/Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation -Psychiatry/Family Practice
-Internal Medicine/Preventive Medicine -Psychiatry/Neurology
-Internal Medicine/Psychiatry
-Radiation Oncology
-Neurological Surgery
-Radiology-Diagnostic
-Neurology
-Surgery-General
-Nuclear Medicine
-Thoracic Surgery- Integrated
-Obstetrics and Gynecology
-Transitional Year
-Orthopedic Surgery
-Urology *
-Vascular Surgery (Integrated)
National Residency Matching Program (NRMP)
 Applicant Registration August – December.
o http://www.nrmp.org/
 Click on Register/Login.
 Click on Applicant Registration.
 Registration Fee: $50.00.
 After November 30th: $50.00 late fee.
Planning on matching as a couple?
 You will be able to notify programs via ERAS if you are participating in the NRMP or another match as part of
a couple.
 You may also include couples match information in your personal statement, or provide it at an interview.
 Each partner of a couple may rank up to 30 different programs on the primary rank order list and up to 30
programs on all supplemental lists combined at no additional charge. Each partner of a couple also must pay an
additional $15 registration fee.
Couples Match Recommendations
 Good Communication Is the Key for Surviving the Couples Match Intact.
 When Deciding Where to Apply, Geographic Location Is the First and Most Important Consideration.
 Apply Early to as Many Programs as You Can.
 Always Inform Your Interviewers and the Program Director That You Are Matching as a Couple.
 Be Assertive and Aggressive as a Couple.
 The Perfect Couples Rank-Order List Involves Both Compromise and Strategy.
Planning on matching through the Military?
 You should be contacted by the military in April/May – if not, contact them.
 Army and Navy participate in ERAS – Air Force does not .
 Applications are due in October.
 Rank Lists are due in November.
 Match results are announced in December.
Planning on matching through the Military?
 You are required to take USMLE Step II by the end of August.
 It is imperative to submit a detailed C.V. including all research projects and extracurricular activities.
 You must still go through the military match even if you plan to apply for a civilian deferment.
Helpful Websites
1. Student Affairs 2. Careers in Medicine - http://www.aamc.org/students/cim
3. Specialty Program Search and Information - http://www.ama-assn.org/vapp/freida/srch
4. Military Match (Navy) http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/navmedmpte/gme/Pages/navmedgme.aspx
5. Military Match (Army) - http://www.mods.army.mil/MedicalEducation/
6. Military Match (Air
Force)-http://airforcemedicine.afms.mil/idc/groups/public/documents/webcontent/knowledgejunction.hcst?
functionalarea=AFPhysicianEducation&doctype=subpage&docname=CTB_047647
7. Emergency Medicine LoR - http://www.cordem.org
Words of advice . . .
 Check your TCMC email daily!
 Do Not Procrastinate!
Residency Application Timeline
YEAR 1
September
Class Meeting- What Makes a Good Application
January
Class Meeting- Summer Options
YEAR 2
October
YEAR 3
October-November
December – January
Class Meeting- Specialty Talk, Selection of Advisors and Overview of the
Third Year
Class Meeting-Mapping your Future Presentation (Half Day)
Turn in your Biography Form. This will be the basis for your application,
CV and Personal Statement
Class Meeting- How to Study for CK, Sign up for CS and Sign
up for Competitive Third Year Electives
January – March
Meet with Clerkship Director to begin the Process of Specialty Selection
Meet with Dr. Clifton & Dr. Axler to start the Dean's Letter process
March
Class Meeting-Scheduling the 4th year (During Core Week)
May- July
Meet with Clerkship Director for 2nd Meeting
Meet with Clinical Advisor all of 3rd year and first half of 4th year
Review residency programs through the Careers in Medicine Specialty
Pages and AMA's FREIDA
Meet with Assistant Director of Student Affairs to draft CV Organize Letters
of Recommendation
Early match application deadlines
YEAR 4
June or July
Class meeting - Residency Application
Personal Statement and CV complete
July
Class meeting - ERAS workshop
Obtain your ERAS token (a special code) from Ed Lahart
Complete the ERAS application using the web Site
September 1
Submit ERAS application to programs
September- October
"Proof read" your Dean's Letter
Prepare for Interviews
October-January
Residency Interviews
November
Deadline to take USMLE Step 2CK
Deadline to take USMLE Step 2CS
January-February
Enter your Rank Order List online for the NRMP Match
Graduation Questionnaire
Residency Preparation Resources
Glossary of Resources
Careers in Medicine (CiM)
Choosing a medical specialty is one of the most significant decisions a medical student will make. So the AAMC
created Careers in Medicine® (CiM), a career-planning program to help medical students:
Identify career goals
Explore specialty and practice options
Choose a specialty
Select and apply to residency programs
Make good career decisions
o https://www.aamc.org/students/medstudents/52126/cim/
Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS)
Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) is a service that transmits applications, letters of
recommendation (LoRs), Medical Student Performance Evaluations (MSPEs), medical school transcripts,
USMLE transcripts, COMLEX transcripts and other supporting credentials from applicants and their
designated dean's office to program directors. ERAS consists of My ERAS, Dean’s Office Workstation (DWS),
Program Director's Workstation (PDWS), and ERAS PostOffice.
o https://www.aamc.org/students/medstudents/eras/
Match Day
Results will be posted on Match Day at 1:00 p.m. eastern time on the NRMP Web site or can be obtained by
contacting the NRMP office. Information includes:
Applicants — Where they matched
Programs — Who matched to the program
o http://www.nrmp.org/about_nrmp/how.html
Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE)
The name of the dean’s letter has been changed, effective immediately, to Medical Student Performance
Evaluation (MSPE) in order to reflect its purpose as an evaluation of a medical student’s performance (rather
than a recommendation or prediction of future performance). The MSPE describes, in a sequential manner, a
student’s performance, as compared to that of his/her peers, through three full years of medical school and, as
much as possible, the fourth year. The MSPE includes an assessment of both the student’s academic
performance and professional attributes.
o A Guide to the Preparation of the Medical Student Performance Evaluation
Visiting Student Application Service VSAS
The Visiting Student Application Service (VSAS) is an AAMC application designed to streamline the application
process for senior " away" electives at other U.S. LCME medical schools and independent academic medical
centers that are members of the Council of Teaching Hospitals and Health Systems (COTH). This service
requires students to submit just one application for all institutions, effectively reducing paperwork,
miscommunication, and time. VSAS also provides a centralized location for managing offers and tracking
decisions. It was created at the request of two GSA committees: Committee on Student Records (COSR) and
Committee on Student Affairs (COSA).
o https://www.aamc.org/students/medstudents/vsas/
Match Programs
National Resident Matching Program (NRMP)
The National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) is a private, not-for-profit corporation established in 1952 to
provide a uniform date of appointment to positions in graduate medical education (GME). It is governed by its
Board of Directors. Five medical/medical education organizations, one program director organization, and
three medical student organizations nominate candidates for election to the Board: the American Board of
Medical Specialties (ABMS), the American Medical Association (AMA), the Association of American Medical
Colleges (AAMC), the American Hospital Association (AHA), the Council of Medical Specialty Societies (CMSS),
the Organization of Program Director Associations (OPDA), the AAMC Organization of Student
Representatives, the American Medical Student Association (AMSA), and the AMA Medical Student Section.
The Board also selects one program director, three resident physicians, and one public member from at-large
nominations. Each year, the NRMP conducts a Main Residency Match that is designed to optimize the
rank-ordered choices of applicants and program directors. In the third week of March, the results of the Match
are announced.
o http://www.nrmp.org
San Francisco Match (Early Match)
Since 1977, The San Francisco matching program has coordinated the processing, distribution and review of
applicants for post graduate medical education training programs. The service currently administers applicant
review and ranking processes for positions in both residency and fellowship specialties as well as several
subspecialties. Services are sponsored by professional associations affiliated with the medical specialty or
sub-specialty for which services are provided. Since its inception the San Francisco Matching program has
processed over 50,000 registered applicants worldwide. Please select the specialty or sub-specialty of interest
from the left-hand side
menu for more information regarding your area of interest and view the general timetable on this page to see
current deadlines.
o http://www.sfmatch.org
Urology Match
o http://www.auanet.org/residents
Military Match (Navy)
o http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/navmedmpte/gme/Pages/navmedgme.aspx
Military Match (Army)
o http://www.mods.army.mil/MedicalEducation/
Military Match (Air Force)
o
http://airforcemedicine.afms.mil/idc/groups/public/documents/webcontent/knowledgejunction.hcst?functio
nalarea=AFPhysicianEducation&doctype=subpage&docname=CTB_047647
Medical Specialty Information: American Medical Association (AMA)
Individual medical specialty societies are an excellent resource for specialty specific information. You should
directly contact specialty societies of interest to you to make sure you are aware of the resources they offer.
Many specialty societies have specific publications or portions of their Web pages targeted to medical students.
In addition, many specialties have patient information that gives general information about the particular
specialty, and when specialist care should be sought. This information may also be useful for students beginning
to explore specialty options. The AMA's website has links to numerous medical specialty society websites. Most
specialty websites have information about workforce issues and trends relevant to the particular specialty.
Contact information for medical specialty societies that are part of the AMA House of Delegates is also available
on the AMA website (Members Only).
o http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/home/index.shtml
Key Resources for Advisors and Students
CiM Student Guide
https://www.aamc.org/download/150540/data/studentguide.pdf.pdf
CiM Timeline
https://www.aamc.org/students/medstudents/cim/cim_timeline/
CiM Website Navigation
https://www.aamc.org/students/medstudents/cim/
CiM Successful Networking & Informational Interviewing
https://www.aamc.org/download/62370/data/successfulnetworking.pdf
Council of Emergency Medical Residency Directors
http://www.cordem.org
TCMC Student Guide to Residency
(TCMC Portal Sign-In Required)
A Guide to Residency
TCMC Student Guide to Residency: Additional Resources
(TCMC Portal Sign-In Required)
A Guide to Residency- Additional Resources
Clinical Advising/Medical Specialty Survey
Name: ________________________________________
1. You are located within this regional campus:
o Scranton
o Wilkes-Barre
o Williamsport
2. Please indicate the top three doctors that would like to have as your advisor for year 3 and
year 4. (1 First choice, 2 Next choice, 3 Last choice)
1. _________________________
2. _________________________
3. _________________________
3. Which specialties are you considering at this time?
First choice, 2 Next choice, 3 Last choice)
_ Anesthesiology
_ Dermatology
_ Emergency Medicine
_ Family Medicine
_ Internal Medicine
_ OB-GYN
_ Ophthalmology
_ Orthopedics
_ Otolaryngology
_ Pediatrics
_ Physical Medicine/Rehabilitation
_ Radiology
_ Surgery
_ Urology
_ Other (Please Specify) ____________________
Please rank your top 3 choices.
(1