Your blog category
The residency match is the culmination of almost a decade of education and effort – and we know – it is criminal that you can go through all of that and still even face the possibility of going unmatched. The complicated nexus of politics which is responsible for that is a topic for another time. […]
Blog Post #16: What If I Have to SOAP? Read More »
As a medical student, the journey through applications, interviews, and ultimately securing your desired residency or fellowship can feel overwhelming. One critical component of this process is the Letter of Intent (LOI)—a document that can significantly influence program directors’ decisions. Whether you’re hoping to secure a position in a competitive specialty or solidify your place
Blog Post #15: The Ultimate Letter of Intent Template Read More »
Choosing between a surgical and non-surgical specialty is a pivotal decision in a medical career, influencing daily responsibilities, work-life balance, and long-term satisfaction. This post explores key factors to consider when making this choice. Understanding Surgical Specialties Surgical specialties involve operative procedures to diagnose or treat medical conditions. They require manual dexterity, precision, and the
Blog Post #14: So You Want to be a Surgeon? Read More »
Medical school generally selects for Type-A neurotic overachievers who truly wish to excel on every single academic front possible. Sound familiar? We get it, we were all there at some point. However, after going through the process of medical school and residency, we’ve reflected on a few things and wanted to put together this post
Blog Post #13: Things That Actually Matter In Medical School Read More »
Importance of Research for Medical Students It is no secret that research is an unspoken component of the medical school experience. Regardless if you see it as a time consuming burden or an exciting opportunity, it is a critical way to expand your own knowledge about an interesting topic area within medicine while simultaneously bolstering
Blog Post #11: Research 101 for Medical Students Read More »
What Are Signal Tokens? Signal tokens are a relatively new component of the residency application process, first introduced in 2022 for some specialties and adopted to more specialties in the years since. Think of the signal token as a “super-like”- it is a finite number of signals that you can send to the programs you
Blog Post #10: Signal Tokens for Match 2025 Explained Read More »
We’ve worked with hundreds of medical students, many of whom come from DO schools, and we’ve learned of the many different ways in-house advising leads students down the wrong path away from reaching their maximum potential. Here are the red flag pieces of advice to watch out for from your medical school: 1. “USMLE is
Blog Post 009: Where DO Schools Get It Wrong Read More »
The USMLE exam is a right of passage for all medical students, including MD, DO, and IMGs seeking residency placement in the United States. Recently, the USMLE posted the following message, alluding to a brewing cheating scandal that had been unveiled after months of investigation involving a test center in Nepal, where hundreds of test-takers
Blog Post 008: The USMLE Cheating Scandal Read More »
Away rotations are one the most exciting times of a medical students career. It is an opportunity to explore your dream specialty/subspecialty in a new environment and see how it is practiced in different settings. It also allows you to demonstrate your candidacy to a program that you may find highly desirable to match into
Blog Post 007: Considerations When Applying for Away Rotations Read More »
Navigating the Medical Maze: A Guide to Choosing Your Specialty One of the pivotal decisions you’ll face as a medical student is choosing a specialty that aligns with your passion, skills, and desired lifestyle. This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive guide, complete with an algorithm, to help you navigate the labyrinth of medical
Blog Post 006: Choosing A Specialty Read More »
