Assistant Medical Director Hospitalist Program, Former Chief Resident at UB, Former President IFMSA-Pakistan, AΩA Member, Chairman Student Advisory Board KMC
Tip 26: For Unmatched Applicants
There are 11 things that you can do to increase your chances to get matched in 2024
1: Improve Communication Skills
2: Improve Communication Skills
3: Improve Communication Skills
(1/3)
Tips for new PGY1:
Tips for case presentation in USCE:
During morning rounds it is very common to get confused about how much information is needed in order to facilitate efficient rounds. Let me simplify it: (1/9)
5 yrs ago, I was an observer with tonn of uncertainity in the match process.
Feel blessed to provide the opportunity to upcoming physicians in training as an attending now.
Its a long winding journey, but its all worth it in the End.
#IMwithArslan
#Match2024
#IMresidency
#USCE
Do not focus too much on Clinical medicine during your USCE. Medical knowledge is only one of the 6 core competencies of ACGME. If you are able to carry difficult conversations with patients and families, You are ready for residency.
We have reinstated our observership program !
Tip 40: CV tips and format:
This is the CV that you will use to secure interviews, USCE, research position or networking. Do not send ERAS CV out of the Match as it seem to me that you dont want to do effort and just checking box by sending already made ERAS CV ( 1/11)
Tip to excel in your USCE:
Tip for new interns:
Good case presentation is the key to good treament plan. Always present case systematically in chronologic manner. An example of a case presentation plot is below: (1/4)
Tip 72: NEVER and I mean it, NEVER use unfair means to pass USMLE or board exams. You can always balance your low score by extra work and exceptional qualities but you can never gain your integrity back.
#IMresidency
#Match2024
#USMLE
#IMwithArslan
USCE: United States Clinical Experience
The main purpose of USCE is to expose IMGs/FMGs to American Health care system. You can do USCE in 10 settings in descending order. (mentioned in my previous Tweet) (1/6)
Tip 61: Interview cont.
Program directors usually observe you from 4 perspectives:
1: Patient (Confident, reliable, responsible, good communicator,empathtic)
2: Colleagues/Residents ( Friendly, team player, dependable, share workload, conflict resolver) (1/3)
If you have questions regarding Internal Medicine Residency Match pertinent to your specific situation, my DMs are always open. Dont hesitate to ask
My main aim is, No applicant should go unmatched for preventable reasons.
#Match2024
#IMresidency
#IMG
#FMG
#USMLE
#IMwithArslan
Tip 56: You have the highest chance to get matched in the program that you like the most. If you have signalled or had geographic preference & got an interview, consider it a match unless you mess it up. You like it , make them like you. Thats the reason its called "Match"
Tip 58: Interview cont.
Why US for residency training?
Instead of mentioning research (unless you have a ton of research done already) or cutting edge technology or ability to prescribe all the latest medications, focus on quality of residency training (1/2)
There are 10 types/settings of USCE in descending order:
1: IVY league hospital
2: University hospital with a residency program
3: Community hospital with university affiliation with residency program
4: Community hospital with residency program (1/3)
Tip 54: Approach to Interview
"You need 1 interview to match" Whenever a program sent an invite, it means they want to take you by default. It does not matter if the interview is pulled or spontaneous. Consider it as an opportununity and give your 100%
#Match2024
#IMresidency
Tip 38: Research Experience in ERAS CV
Publication and research experience are 2 different things. It is not necessary that all research experiences end up into publications. Your Med school community medicine project (if any) is also a research experience (1/2)
Congratulations Match Applicants !!!
17 applicants from Khyber Medical College my alma mater matched in different specialities in the US today.
Those who do not match, do not lose hope. Persistence and hard work is key to success.
Tips for New PGY1s:
Tips for Applicants:
Patient notes:
The most most time consuming part of the PGY1 day is note writing. Let me explain few basics (1/6)
My next few tweets will cover USCE and LORs. I receive so many questions on USCE and I realized that there are many minconceptions about it.
If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask me. Together we all learn.
#IMwithArslan
#USCE
#Match2024
#IMresidency
#MedTwitter
Tip 37: USCE
As I mentioned before 2- 3 months of meaningful United States Clinical Experience is enough for match.
If you are planning to apply widely and have no state preference,
It is better to do each month of USCE in different state than spending 3 months in one hospital.
Tip 6:
When you write your experience in your CV , Do not use your local terms. Use terms that are understandable to American Physicians . For example
House Job = Intern year
Ward = Floor
Medical College = Medical School
TMOship= Residency Training
#Match2024
#IMresidency
Remote Research: This is easier and self-motivated research. There are multiple research platforms and individuals who offer this kind of research. Anyone can make a small team of 5-10 people and can start any project (1/12)
Tip 27: Explanation of point 5 on pinned tweet (Research)
There are 3 kind of research positions
1: Research Fellowship
2: Remote Research
3: Research Assistant
(1/12)
USCE: continued
The number of your USCE does not matter. 1-2 meaningful experiences are enough to match. It does not matter if you have 6 months or 1 yr of USCE. What matter is that have you developed on 6 core competencies of ACGME. Have you served the purpose of USCE (1/2)
Tip 68: Match dynamics has significantly changed over last couple of years. Major changes that should be kept in mind now for the upcoming Medical Students opting for USMLE, (1/7)
I will be writing Tips for Internal medicine Applicants
Tip 1:
If you do not know what to write in personal statement. Try answering these two questions
1: Why do you want to Join Residency in the US ( or particular program)
2: Why should the program hire you as resident
IMGs with financial difficulties in applying match, please do not fall into any loan schemes that ask you to serve them post-residency for X no. of yrs. Post-residency dynamics are very different & it can make or break your career. Dont sign anything until you understand it fully
This year, I had the opportunity to collaborate with over 500 Match applicants. Throughout the journey, I closely observed 40-50 individuals and was significantly engaged in the progress of 20-30 applicants (1/4)
IM tip to excel in your USCE:
If you are presenting a patient with Atrial Fibrillation as a presenting or past history, mention what Rate vs Rythym control therapy patient is on, CHADsVASC Score and Anticoagulation.
USCE: continued
All residents are trained and gauged according to ACGME 6 core competencies.
1: Medical Knowledge
2: Communication and Interpersonal Skills
3: Practice based learning
4: System based practise
5: Patient care
6: Professionalism (1/2)
Good luck 2024 applicants. I hope that the tip series has helped you in your match process. The match 2025 starts today. Start building your network. Get engaged in healthy discussions, Avoid controversial topics.
#IMwithArslan
#Match2024
#IMresidency
#ERAS
#ECFMG
Tip 43: For USMLE step 2 CK takers
If you are scoring 240s in your assessments before exam expect your score to be in 225-230. Do not go by the word that real score will 15+/-. You are intentionally going to exam to score low by that strategy. (1/2)
USCE: continued
There are multiple ways of securing USCE. If you ask 100 people, you will get 100 different answers and everyone is correct. I will write few common ways to begin with or consider it a road map. (1/6)
Research Assistant :
Least favorable position. The publication is not your intellectual property. It is mostly secretarial work like data collection, filling questionnire or patient interviews, etc. (1/5)
Tip 57: Interview
"Tell me about yourself" is the most important question of the interview that will lay the ground and direction of your interview. Mention things that are important to you. Events that shaped your life. Share Experiences that made you who you are today. (1/2)
I have appointed as a chairperson for Students Advisory board for Mentorship at my alma mater
@KMC_pesh
, Khyber Medical College ! Looking forward to work with all of you.
Share it with your KMC friends. Share your ideas & guidance. Do not hesitate to reach out to me
Tip to excel in USCE:
During your rotation, take an interesting case and prepare powerpoint case presentation that includes 2 part
1: Case
2: Litreture/Guideline related to that case
Use the previous tweet guidelines to prepare powerpoint (1/2)
Tip 53: Do's and Dont's of LOI
Do not send LOIs to PCs on weekend.
Do not send template emails
Be mindful of the busy schedule of PDs and PCs and do not send multiple emails/reminder in a short span.
No same email to multiple people.
Always address it to specific person (1/3)
1-2 month USCE in General Surgery doesn't mean anything. Do not expect you will get an interview if you have done 1 month electives in Gen surgery. It can give you taste of how Gen surgery is but in no way a gaurantee to get matched.
@FaisalShahJehan
#Gensurgery
#IMG
#ERAS
Tip 70: Rank order (Personal opinion)
Do not rank a program based on the cheap or expensive city. You will probably wont be able to save during your residency no matter where you live. (1/3)
Tip 41: Old graduates
With old gradutes programs have few fears/concerns and if you are able to overcome those, you can match. You have to go an extra mile to prove that you are worthy enough for the program. (1/7)
Those who have not received any interviews, do not lose hope. There is light at the end of the tunnel. There are programs who just initiated interviews. The process goes till february. Keep working hard. Network/communicate/Improve
#Eras
#IMresidency
#Match2024
#IMwithArslan
Tips for new PGY1:
The most imp advice that I have for the new interns is that " Dont complain " for atleast first 3 months. Intern yr is overwhelming and hard. You have to settle in new town, new hospital and new people. For IMGs, new country and new system as well (1/2)
Tip 76: Applying to FM and IM together
IM and FM are 2 different worlds here in the US. They are only interchangeable at a certain level but both need 2 different personalities. Both are competitive. Both require tailored approach (1/4)
At some point during this match journey it feels like this is the end of the world. Actually, It is not. Your mental and physical health is more important than any career development. If you are overwhelmed take a break. Be easy on yourself
Tip 59: Interview cont.
Prepare for interview ASAP. Take following steps:
1: Watch general Interview videos on Youtube
2: Watch Residency Interview videos on Youtube
3: Write down your answers/Content of commonly asked questions
4: Practise in front of mirror
Tip 16:
Ask your supervisor/Attending with whom you did electives or observership to call for you to the local programs. This is the highest level of " LOR " that someone can give you. Physcians do regard other physcians word even if they dont know them.
#Match2024
#IMresidency
Tip 3
No interview is a good interview unless it ends up in landing you Residency.
If the interviewer asking casual questions dont think that it is good. Keep your Main aim in mind. You are here to match and this is your one shot. (1/2)
USCE : continued
If opting for USCE, keep your immunizations up to date for:
Varicella
Measles
Mumps
Rubella
Hepatitis B
Tetanus
Diphtheria
Pertussis
PPD for Tuberculosis
You need to have the immunization records/proof for the above. (1/2)
Tip 75: Self Analysis
If you are unmatched despite having even 1 interview, the reason is unlikely to be low step 1/Step 2 Score/Old YOG/ no research experience/no step 3/no Hospital based USCE. (1/2)
Tip 34 for IM residents 2024:
Let me tell you a different perspective for match. You can make your strategy according to it
Every year most "Good" programs receive 3000-4000 applications. Interview slots are 150-300 depending on size of the program (1/4)
Tip 69: During match season, do not ponder or think or worry about things that you cannot change, decisions that you have already made, and situations that are unpreventable. Focus on what you can improve or change. (1/2)
Tips for new IM PGY1s:
In the initial days, you will get the urge to leave the hospital and go home early. If you have work pending, try to suppress it. Just remind yourself how hard it was for you to get in to the residency. These initial days will not last forever (1/2)
4: USCE
5: Research
6: Networking/Making contacts
7: Improving your application (PS,ERAS CV)
8: Good Program search/Making lists of eligible programs
9: Step 3 if not taken yet
10: Any meaningful Volunteer/Leadership work
11: Any additional Degree (MBA/MPH)
(2/3)
Tip 2:
Prepare Examples of the following for your Interviews as they are the necessary skills for residency & in life generally
1: Leadership
2: Team building/dynamics/work
3: Strategic planning
4: Decision making
5: Burn Out
6: Conflict Management
7: Communication
#Match2024
Tip 71: During your USMLE journey you are judged on 2 aspects broadly.
Experience and Motivation. If you are lacking in one, complement it by excelling in the other.
#IMwithArslan
#Match2024
#IMresidency
#ERAS
Tip 40:
The most imp question that will lay the ground for further communication & stands you out from others is " Tell me about yourself ". You should have rehearsed this question 100 times in your head and everytime try to improve it with interesting info about yourself (1/2)
Finally got back my connectivity to X: Thank you Pakistan ;)
USMLE Aspirants, start working on your personal Statements and ERAS CV. Start gathering your LORs. Do not wait till the last minute.
#IMwithArslan
#Match2025
#IMresidency
#ERAS
USCE continued:
Many universities/Hospitals does not offer observership directly but accepts observers if you have an accepting Physician/Sponsor.
You would know about such hospitals by asking around or the most famous way " Email to random faculty members " (1/3)
Tip 51: Certify your application 1-2 days earlier then the deadline. You have done alot of hard work in order to reach upto this point. Congratulate yourself. You are among the very few. You are entering the next phase. Good luck !
#IMwithArslan
#Match2024
#ERAS
#IMresidency
Tip 62: Mental Health
During this residency application season do take care of yourself and your friends who are in the process. This is stressful and some people become hopeless. Speak to them. Cheer them up. Hang out with friends and speak the stress out (1/2)
Tip 65: Post Interview
Always debrief yourself immediately after interview. Sit and think what can be improved. What can be changed. What answers need more practise. Run your answers by a mentor. Give your 100% expect 100%
#ERAS
#Match2024
#IMresidency
#IMwithArslan
Tips for new PGY1s:
Tips to excel in USCE:
While presenting your clinical case be mindful of time. Use this reference:
New patient/ICU patient (complex) 10 mins
New patient (simple) 5- 7 mins
Old patient 3- 5 mins
Signing out 1 min/patient
MDR 0.5-1 min /patient
Tip 60: Interview
Do you have any question for me?
Always prepare genuine questions for the program. I know that as an IMG, nothing matters except getting matched but do not leave this opportunity blank. Express your motivation (1/2)
Tip 28: If you are approaching any mentor, start with introducing yourself followed by an open ended question.
When you ask "can you get me an interview/Can you help me in arranging observership, it may be a deal breaker if the mentor is unable to help you in that specific area
Restarting Residency Tips Sequence after a refershing Euro trip.
One thing that I learned through travelling is that you develop a different appreciation of your already existing life. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Its greener where you water it !
This includes its standardization across the board, using ACGME devised core values to assess progress during residency and strong mentorship with opportunities to excel in multiple directions.
Thank you for this kind advice
@AsadurRahman87
#IMresidency
#Match2024
#Interviews
Tip 67: Post Interview communication
Send a thank you note to everyone who gave you time during interview. Show your motivation & feeling about the program. If someone has recommended you, ask them to send an email on your behalf in your support (1/2)
Tip 23:
If you say on March 15th, " I dont know anyone in the US " It is acceptable
But if you say the same on September 15th. Thats not acceptable. (1/2)
Tip 46: Attend Program's open houses, twitter spaces or any webinars done for applicants. Give some of your time. That is one way of networking. You will be recognized & opportunities do come once efforts are made. Communicate your interests
#Match2024
#IMwithArslan
#IMresidency
Tip 63: Interview question:
Tell me your weakness and what are you doing to improve it?
This question is basically asked to know how do you self analyze yourself and most importantly what are you doing to work on it. How organized/motivated are you to improve yourself. (1/2)
Tip 32:
Persistence/Perseverance is valued and respected.
I applied to an opportunity, sent an interest email and did a phone call but did not receive any response. I setup a meeting with the institute and received the opportunity right away.
Q: Why not the first time? (1/2)
Tip 7: Start making your program list.
Spend time in researching programs by browsing their website. Start making list according to your priorities/credentials. Use atleast 3 - 4 reseources to counter check info (AAMC, Frieda, Program Website and any old credible list) (1/3)
USCE: continued
How to secure USCE
10: There are few Outpatient clinics in different states who seek money from applicants to allow them to shadow/observe. They charge around 500-3000$. Highly discourage it. You can easily find outpatient clinic experience for free (1/2)
Tip 35: Contacting Mentors/Seniors
If you contact anyone for help and the person does not respond,it does not automatically means he/she is ignoring. People have busy schedules and Text messages/Emails do get lost. It is completely OK to send a reminder message
Tip 76:
Seeking help or mentorship is an art. If, despite reaching out to multiple people, you are unable to get the required support, instead of blaming the world, sit back and review your approach. Reflect on your words and attitude, and see what you can improve.
In continuation of tip 28: Who to send Letter of interest/Email and what to write in it.
View 1: Write it to Program Director (PD)
View 2: Write it to Program Coordinator (PC)
View 3: Write it to program director and CC to Program coordinator
(1/5)
Congratulations Khyber Medical College !
New era of mentorship with KMC Advisory Board.
Do not hesitate to connect any Khyber Medical College Student to KMC Advisory Board for support.
Arslan Inayat MD
Chairman KMC advisory Board
#Match2024
#KhyberMedicalCollege
#USMLE
IM tip to excel in your USCE:
If you are presenting a case of Acute Kidney Injury/Acute Renal Failure, know baseline creatinine and current urine output.
If no previous labs available, the lowest Cr during this hospitalization will be considered baseline (1/2)
IM tip to excel in your USCE
If you are presenting a patient with Congestive heart failure as a presenting complain or past history, mention Type ( Systolic vs Diastolic) Also mention Last ECHO date and atleast Ejection Fraction.
#IMresidency
#Match2024
#USCE
#IMwithArslan
USCE: continued
Ways to secure USCE
8: If you have secured your first USCE and you are already in a hospital, keep looking for more opportunities for the upcoming months. It may just be a single phone call from your attending to get you a meaningful USCE in another place.
Tips for New PGY1s:
Dont be too hard on yourself. Specifically if you are an IMG, give yourself 3-6 months to adjust. During this time stay humble, friendly and show good attitude towards everyone. Stay focussed on your goal which is to learn medicine.
Physician burn out is real. We deal with pain, illness and misery. Everyone in the world try to stay away from it but we physician walk into it everyday. It does effect us. Talk to friends & family. If you feel that way, My DMs are open
#PGY1
#IMresidency
#burnout
#mentalhealth
USCE: continued
If you are a medical student, look for Student electives instead of Observership. Also called visiting student electives, elective rotation, Away rotation etc. It is hands on with full access to EMR and you get the best learning (1/3)
Good luck to everyone applying for the match. After certifying sleep peacefully & regain/renew your energies for the interviews.
I know it is difficult but after going through this drill, I can confidently say " Its all worth it in the end"
#ImwithArslan
#Match2024
#IMresidency
Tip 74: Social Media Ethics
Use your real IDs, real names and real pictures when communicating/networking with mentors and programs. You will be remembered and able to create a positive impact with whom you communicate. (1/2)