Internal Medicine

Internal Medicine Residency Questions

What advice would you give about getting letters of recommendation in your specialty?

Three letters plus the chair. Majority in the specialty

What is the value of doing audition rotations in your specialty?

Not necessary to match. Help you figure out the program and help the program look at you. Can definitely help, but can also hurt.

To what extent does research, publications, or presentations affect one’s ability to match in your specialty?

Not a requirement, but can attest to how well-rounded an applicant is.

Is a Step 2CK score needed before you will invite someone for an interview?

No.

What does the perfect applicant look like in your specialty?

Academically sound, but doesn’t have to be a superstar. Well-rounded, involved, and a great personality.

Does having a below average Step 1 score doom you in your specialty?

No, but failures hurt significantly.

Would you ever take someone with a Step 2CS failure?

Yes, but I need a proven pass before I will rank them.

Does a student need to Honor in your specialty in order to match?

No, especially since all schools have widely varying criteria for this.

The students have significant elective time during their 2nd and 3rd year for career exploration.

What electives would you recommend to a student who knows they are interested in your specialty?

What electives would you recommend to a student who is undecided but considering your specialty?

Is there anything else I haven’t asked that you feel an applicant to your specialty ought to know?

Come in with an open mind. Don’t anchor on a specific subspecialty. Also, don’t assume people expect you to subspecialize. Some PDs prefer an initial general medicine mindset.