Member May 2025: Match Made in Medicine: Your Guide to Residency Success (On Demand)-Session Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In a recent online session, PM&R residents shared insights and advice for medical students preparing to apply for residency programs. This session was the final event of a month-long series aimed at engaging with and supporting prospective PM&R applicants. Residents from various programs, like Michigan Medicine and Vanderbilt, discussed the pros and cons of doing away rotations and emphasized the importance of sincerely engaging if you choose to do one. They highlighted the significance of research, suggesting students focus on topics they are passionate about, which should reflect genuinely in interviews.<br /><br />Interview preparation was underscored, advising students to research programs well, articulate their story effectively, and come prepared with thoughtful questions for both residents and faculty. The discussion also covered the evolving application process with an increase in the number of signaling programs to 20, aiming to help programs better gauge true interest from applicants.<br /><br />Participants were encouraged to utilize new standardized letters of evaluation (SLOs) for applications, designed to reduce bias and provide more structured feedback compared to traditional letters of recommendation.<br /><br />The panelists stressed authenticity, advising against overthinking and emphasizing that personal fit and happiness in a program should guide their ranking decisions. Thank-you notes to program coordinators were encouraged, and students were advised to send personalized communications that merit their genuine interest in a program. The conversation concluded with practical tips for managing the entire application timeline and a reminder to stay connected through available PM&R societies and opportunities.

Keywords

PM&R residency

medical students

application advice

away rotations

interview preparation

signaling programs

standardized letters

personal fit

thank-you notes

application timeline

PM&R societies

research topics