Success in Medicine

How do you prepare for the MMI multiple mini interview?  As more medical schools adopt this format, premed students need to be prepared to interview at medical schools that use this format. In this episode, Dr. Rajani Katta, author of The Medical School Interview and the MMI: Strategies From Admissions Faculty, breaks down the process of preparing for your MMI. Although some schools have writ...

What does it take to match into a competitive specialty or program? In Part 2 of this series, join Drs. Samir Desai and Rajani Katta as they discuss important strategies to significantly improve your chances. In this episode, you'll learn about faculty advocates, why it's important to develop relationships with them, and how they can help you reach your goals. You'll also appreciate the power of d...

How do you match into a competitive specialty? In this episode, we discuss specific strategies for matching, even if you have a lower USMLE score or may otherwise be less competitive than other applicants. We review three major strategies, including the importance of contact with a program's faculty, the importance of faculty advocates, and the importance of emphasizing "fit" with a program via yo...

In the 2021-2022 residency application cycle, applicants applying to internal medicine, general surgery, and dermatology will be able to signal programs of their significant interest through the ERAS supplemental application. In this episode, join Dr. Samir Desai as he discusses preference signaling, why it's in your best interests to participate in it, and some factors to consider as you decide w...

This is Part 2 of our series on the supplemental ERAS application which was introduced in 2021 for residency applicants applying to internal medicine (preliminary and categorical), general surgery (categorical), and dermatology. In Part 1, we talked about how to complete the past experiences section of this application. In this episode, our focus is on the geographic information section. Join Dr....

In 2021, the supplemental ERAS application was added as a new component of the residency application for applicants applying to internal medicine (preliminary and categorical), general surgery (categorical), and dermatology residency programs. In this episode, join Dr. Samir Desai as he discusses why the supplemental application came into existence. You will also learn how to complete the past exp...

We know that participation in research, especially work that leads to publication or presentation, can strengthen the residency application. However, a major challenge is finding such opportunities. In this episode, join Drs. Samir Desai and Rajani Katta as they break down the process of finding research projects and mentors. Among the questions they will answer: How important is research? How can...

Over 5,200 U.S. citizen IMGs participated in the 2021 NRMP Match. These students had to answer some difficult questions before they started medical school. Among them: Should I attend medical school outside the U.S.? Will my decision to go abroad affect my specialty choice? What can I do to maximize my chances of success in the residency match?   To help answer these important questions, join Dr....

On Monday of Match Week, the NRMP informs residency applicants if they have matched. Unmatched applicants can take part in the NRMP Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program, also known as SOAP. SOAP offers a process for applicants to secure positions in unfilled residency programs. The process is very competitive with over 12,000 applicants competing for traditionally just over 1,000 positions. ...

Although telemedicine has been available for years, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated its use not only in patient care but also in medical education. Drs. Rajani Katta and Samir Desai discuss telemedicine rotations and how students can make the most of these learning opportunities while working as part of the healthcare team. With a focus on video encounters, you'll learn how to prepare for an...

If you are an international medical graduate (IMG) seeking to complete your residency training in the U.S., you will face unique challenges in your efforts to match successfully. Overcoming these challenges will require a strong understanding of the application process as well as the strength and perseverance to handle the ups and downs that you will experience during this process.    What will be...

Medical schools and residency programs have shifted to virtual interviews in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While virtual interviews offer a safe alternative to in-person interviews, they do present applicants with unique challenges. In this episode, Drs. Rajani Katta and Samir Desai share their perspectives on common mistakes applicants make when doing virtual interviews. You will learn about...

The strongest medical school interview responses are those that are unique to you. Creating these types of responses relies on being able to discuss and highlight your unique interests, strengths, goals, and experiences. That's why it's so important to review and analyze all of the activities that you have been able to take part in. Reviewing your activities, and analyzing what these activities me...

There are some questions that we can confidently say you will be asked at every medical school admissions interview.  "Why are you interested in our medical school" is certainly one of them. Unfortunately, many applicants fail to develop and deliver an answer that resonates with their interviewers.    In this episode, Dr. Rajani Katta and Dr. Samir Desai provide a detailed approach to developing a...

After all those hours spent in class and studying for the MCAT, not to mention poring over your application and personal statement to make sure it's just right, you've received the words you've been waiting to hear. "We would like to invite you for an interview..."     The final hurdle in the medical school admissions process is the interview. But how important is it really? A review of discussion...

Although residency applicants may submit the same personal statement to all programs, ERAS allows applicants to create program-specific personal statements. Should you personalize or customize your personal statement for different programs? Join Drs. Rajani Katta and Samir Desai as they discuss the pros and cons of sending program-specific statements, best practices if you choose to do so, and how...

In response to the suspension of the USMLE Step 2 CS exam due to COVID, the ECFMG has identified new pathways for ECFMG accreditation for international medical graduates (IMGs) who have not yet taken and passed the CS exam. Join Drs. Rajani Katta and Samir Desai as they discuss the five new pathways for certification and what steps you should take next.

The Medical Student Performance Evaluation or MSPE, previously known as the Dean's Letter, is an important part of the residency application. In a recent survey of over 1,200 program directors representing 24 specialties, over 80% of programs cited the MSPE as a factor used to make interview decisions. To put this in context, only two other criteria - the USMLE Step 1 score and letters of recommen...

The USMLE program has suspended the USMLE Step 2 CS (Clinical Skills) exam for the next 12-18 months due to the coronavirus pandemic. What does this mean for residency applicants? Join Drs. Rajani Katta and Samir Desai as they discuss the implications of this decision for medical students and international medical graduates. 

Letters of recommendation are extremely important for success in the residency match. How important are these letters? In a recent survey of program directors in 24 specialties, letters were rated second in importance. The only factor rated more important in making interview decisions was the USMLE Step 1 score.  In this episode, Drs. Rajani Katta and Samir Desai discuss how medical students and a...

The process of applying for a residency position in the Match is challenging under normal circumstances. The coronavirus pandemic has made the process even more complex. In this episode, Drs. Rajani Katta and Samir Desai discuss how U.S. medical students can adapt to this rapidly changing situation. You'll learn what steps to take now, what to do if your rotation or away elective has been canceled...

The coronavirus pandemic has led hospitals to cancel their observership and externship programs for international medical graduates (IMGs). In this episode, Drs. Rajani Katta and Samir Desai discuss how this will impact IMGs in the residency match. You will learn how to find and take part in U.S. clinical experience during these difficult times and maximize your letters of recommendation. You will...

The USMLE Step 1 exam will change from numerical scoring to pass/fail scoring in 2022. This will have a major effect on the way in which residency programs evaluate applicants. What does this mean for international medical students and graduates seeking to apply to residency in the United States?   Join Dr. Rajani Katta and Dr. Samir Desai, authors of the book The Successful Match, as they discuss...

With so many medical school options in the Caribbean, it can be difficult for premedical students to decide which school to attend. In this episode, join Dr. Samir Desai as he interviews Sapana Desai, a graduate of the St. Matthews University School of Medicine located on the island of Grand Cayman.  After learning why she chose to attend the school, you'll hear about her preclinical years, the ba...

Dr. Samir Desai continues his conversation with Showly Nicholson who recently received some great news - he got into Harvard Medical School! In Part 1 of this two-part series, Showly described his journey to medical school with a focus on academics. He introduced some of the strategies he discovered that led him to achieve all As. Now, in part 2, Showly goes into more depth on these strategies.  Y...