By Vamsi K. Kancherla
The last several months spent figuring out what you want to do when you graduate from medical school have undoubtedly been difficult. In a few weeks, you will be just one button away from making your application to residency official.
September 1st marks the beginning of the application season, i.e., the first day you can register for the NRMP. Starting September 15th, you can submit your application to ACGME accredited residency programs and the administrators of these programs can find out who you are by downloading your application from the ERAS Post Office.
As this date approaches, you need to intensely scrutinize the structure of your application: personal statement, C.V., photo, etc. Don’t forget that spelling and grammar are just as paramount now as they were in high school and college. Be certain that all of your documents (most importantly, your letters of recommendation) are received by your dean’s office. Equally important, remember to think about how your social networks (facebook, twitter, etc) portray you. If your grandmother would be embarrassed by something you’ve posted, it is safe to say that it is not appropriate for residency program directors to see.
Beyond just your application, you need to start thinking about where you want to go for residency. This effectively requires you to consider the various geographic locations, preferences of family and friends, and the credentials of each program. In the very end, the “right choice” will be a personal one that will dictate your next chapter in medical training.
IMPORTANT DATES:
NRMP Registrations Opens: September 1st 2012
Applicants may begin applying through ERAS: September 15th 2012
Deadline to register for the NRMP: November 30th 2012
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
https://www.aamc.org/students/medstudents/eras/residency/251896/september.html
http://www.nrmp.org/res_match/yearly.html
