Welcome to " The One Stop To Residency ". If you are looking for a place where you can find everything at one place to get into residency, then you are at the right place. We have slogged enough to create a place where you can find everyting at one place. When we were preparing for the USMLE we could find two kinds of places, one provides excellent education at prices out of reach and the other provides excellent prices with education below standards. Our idea is to make education available and affordable as there was always a need for one such creation. So thats why we are here. You will learn that this site gives every little inforamtion for you to get into residency. Know tips to successful performance from high scorers, learn about ERAS, NRMP, FREIDA, Personal statements, Interviews, Attire, Travel, Thankyou letters, algorithm of match and much more. Time is money. So save both at Goresidency.com. We are constantly working on this project to go on parallel with the requirements for the future residents. So what are you waiting for. Just keep going and learn how easy it is get into residency with GoResidency.com. Please feel free to contact us for any kind of questions. We love to do things for you.
e-mail us at helpme @goresidency.com or support@goresidency.com
Provide a link for ERAS alerts on the front page at http://www.aamc.org/students/eras/support/alerts.htm
Here take USMLE simulated exams, solve Question Zone, watch video lectures of the CSA, learn how to perform better from excellent scorers, know about details of application and much more............
Why should you take the Simulated exam and Question zone?
We have solid reasons to answer all your IF's, BUT's and WHY's. You know that you cannot retake the USMLE exam for 7 years if you have got passing scores. Just passing scores will not take you to a premier institute. Programs prefer candidates who have passed the USMLE in the first attempt. You cannot afford to fail the exam. The situtation is simple. You need to take the exam only once and get best result.
-This simulated test is similar in every aspect to the original USMLE exam including the demonstration session before the exam. This will warm you up for the exam and give you an idea on how to utilise the break time and help you organise your time. Many people can answer any question if given ample time. But it is the fittest who can answer the questions in time. So our idea is to make you ' The Fittest'.
-We are constantly working with the questions and desigining newer questions in an attempt to go parallel with the requirements for succes in USMLE.
-Quality questions at such a low prices.
-You get a percentile estimate and also a graphical analysis on how you performed in each subject comparing you with all the students who take the exam. This will help you analyse the situation and give you the extra edge at the final exam.
This is a comprehensive video lecture of Clinical skills assessment. It is a _ hr video lecture and will walk you through the vital parts of CSA exam. The lecture is divided into
a. Introduction - Its designed to clear all your apprehensions about the day of the examination. You will go to the exam center as though you have been there before.
b. History taking - Detailed video of protocol of doctor patient conversation in the examination . Important steps in history taking made easy here.
c. Physical examination - Videos of cardiac, respiratory, neurological , abdominal and extremity examination.
d. Tips from people who have failed CSA. The mistakes made by them so that u cannot make such mistakes
Provide accomodation details. provide links of the hotels also.
Abbreviations accepted by ECFMG
Patinet note formats accepted by ECFMG
Plain copy of patient note paper
Vital points of the exam
1) The CSA consists of eleven stations, ten of which are scored; in each station you will encounter a Standardized Patient (SP), a lay person trained to realistically and consistently portray a patient
2) Before entering each examination room, you will have an opportunity to review information posted on the examination room door. This information gives you specific instructions and indicates the patient's name, age, gender, and reason for visiting the doctor. It also indicates his or her vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, temperature (Centigrade and Fahrenheit), and respiratory rate. You can accept these as accurate and do not need to repeat them unless you believe the case specifically requires it.
3) There are no children presenting as SPs. However, there may be cases dealing with pediatric issues in which you may encounter a sick child's parent or caretaker. In such cases, physical examination is obviously not possible and will not be expected.
4) Certain parts of the physical examination must not be done: rectal, pelvic, genitourinary, female breast, or corneal reflex examinations. If you think a rectal, pelvic, genitourinary, female breast, or corneal reflex examination would have been indicated in the encounter, then list it as part of your diagnostic workup. Treatment, consultations, or referrals should not be included in your workup plan.
5) You will have fifteen minutes for each patient encounter. The patient encounter begins with your review of the doorway information. An announcement will tell you when to begin the encounter, when there are five minutes remaining, and when the encounter is over. In some cases you may complete the encounter in fewer than fifteen minutes. If so, you may leave the examination room early, but you are not permitted to re-enter. Be certain that you have obtained all of the necessary information before leaving the examination room.
6) Immediately following each encounter, you will have ten minutes to complete a patient note. If you leave the encounter early, you may use the additional time for the patient note
7) Examination rooms are equipped with standard examination tables, commonly-used diagnostic instruments (blood pressure cuffs, otoscopes, and ophthalmoscopes), latex gloves, sinks, and paper towels.
8) An orientation is given immediately before you take the CSA which will include a brief demonstration of the instruments and equipment that you will use in the actual patient encounters.
9) The patients are instructed to ask very specific questions concerning their complaints. These inquiries are intended to challenge you, so you should address each patient's concern as you would do normally in a clinical setting.
behavior of the examinee
your manner of introducing yourself to the patients
the appropriateness of your demeanor
your confidence level and attitude;
your manner while conducting physical examinations, including draping technique
the appropriateness of how you expose and drape the patients.
your ability to correct or clarify your language when needed;
the amount of effort required by patients to understand you.
clarity of your questions;
use of language the patients can understand
verification and summarization of information with the patients
effectiveness of your transitions between different parts of the interview
thoroughness of the encounter closure
attentiveness to the patients;
appropriateness of your body language;
level of empathy and support you show the patients
Doctor patien communicating rating scale is available at http://www.ecfmg.org/csa/com/descrip.html#drpatcom
Info on scoring pattern http://www.ecfmg.org/csa/com/descrip.html#drpatcom
The Clinical Skills Assessment evaluates your ability to gather and interpret clinical patient data and communicate effectively in the English language. The CSA consists of eleven stations, ten of which are scored; in each station you will encounter a Standardized Patient (SP), a lay person trained to realistically and consistently portray a patient. The SPs will respond to your questions with answers appropriate to the patient being portrayed and will react appropriately to physical maneuvers. You will be expected to proceed through each encounter with an SP as you would with a real patient.
The CSA assesses whether you can obtain a relevant medical history, perform a focused physical exam and compose a written record of the patient encounter. The CSA requires that you demonstrate proficiency in spoken English, which will be evaluated by the Standardized Patients you encounter in the test stations. The CSA is administered only in English.
In your CSA administration you will have eleven patient encounters, ten of which will be scored. Non-scored patient encounters are added for research and other purposes, but those encounters are not counted in determining your score. Before entering each examination room, you will have an opportunity to review information posted on the examination room door. This information gives you specific instructions and indicates the patient's name, age, gender, and reason for visiting the doctor. It also indicates his or her vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, temperature (Centigrade and Fahrenheit), and respiratory rate. You can accept these as accurate and do not need to repeat them unless you believe the case specifically requires it.
There are no children presenting as SPs. However, there may be cases dealing with pediatric issues in which you may encounter a sick child's parent or caretaker. In such cases, physical examination is obviously not possible and will not be expected.
Certain parts of the physical examination must not be done: rectal, pelvic, genitourinary, female breast, or corneal reflex examinations. If you think a rectal, pelvic, genitourinary, female breast, or corneal reflex examination would have been indicated in the encounter, then list it as part of your diagnostic workup. Treatment, consultations, or referrals should not be included in your workup plan.
You will have fifteen minutes for each patient encounter. The patient encounter begins with your review of the doorway information. An announcement will tell you when to begin the encounter, when there are five minutes remaining, and when the encounter is over. In some cases you may complete the encounter in fewer than fifteen minutes. If so, you may leave the examination room early, but you are not permitted to re-enter. Be certain that you have obtained all of the necessary information before leaving the examination room.
Immediately following each encounter, you will have ten minutes to complete a patient note. If you leave the encounter early, you may use the additional time for the patient note
The testing area of the CSA Center consists of a series of examination rooms equipped with standard examination tables, commonly-used diagnostic instruments (blood pressure cuffs, otoscopes, and ophthalmoscopes), latex gloves, sinks, and paper towels. The orientation given immediately before you take the CSA will include a brief demonstration of the instruments and equipment that you will use in the actual patient encounters.
Doorway Information (Sample)
1. Opening Scenario
Jolene Brown, a 48 year-old female, comes to the Emergency Department complaining of chest pain.
2. Vital Signs
BP: 160/80
Temp: 99.5˘XF (37.5˘XC)
RR: 16/minute
HR: 95/minute, regular
3. Examinee Tasks
„h Obtain a focused history.
„h Perform a relevant physical examination
(Do not perform rectal, pelvic, genitourinary, female breast, or corneal reflex examinations).
„h Discuss your initial diagnostic impression and your workup plan with the patient.
„h After leaving the room, complete your patient note on the form provided.
For more information click on http://www.ecfmg.org/csa/com/descrip.html#proto
Info on "Day on exam" - http://www.ecfmg.org/csa/com/descrip.html#dayof
How to apply
Details of application of USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 are available for US and canadian medical school graduates at https://external1.nbme.org/ciwc/java/candidate_menu (online application ) http://www.nbme.org/programs/usmle2003.asp( printed application)
Online application for International medical graduates is awailable at http://iwa.ecfmg.org/. Printed application is available at http://www.ecfmg.org/pubshome.html#st1st2
Tips to perform better in USMLE :
Getting into residency is the dream of every medical student. you will here surf through some of the vital information required for the future residents. As you scroll down learn about ERAS, NRMP, FREIDA, FIND A RESIDENT and Interviews.
How to apply
Apply through ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Services). Begin with purchasing a token from www.nbme.org. International medical graduates purchase from www.ecfmg.org ( Token is a number used to register with the ERAS ).
You will then have to register at https://services.aamc.org/eras/myeras. Enter your token number correctly. No mistakes please.
Once you are registered at the ERAS, fill up the profile and common application. Profile should always be updated as the program directors try to contact you looking at the profile. Common Application Form can be submitted only once and cannot be corrected once submitted. It is a one way route. So be careful and check repeatedly before submitting the application. If you have any questions regarding the common application form just e-mail us at helpme @goresidency.com. We are here to help you.
After you submit the common application form select the programs by clicking on the" my programs ". After selection hit on apply for selected programs which will take you to the payment area where you can apply after giving your credit/debit card information. Its the most easy part. You can apply for like 100 programs in just minutes. I think thats cool!
Universal application for residency? Search in google
Any doubts about ERAS find solutions at http://www.aamc.org/students/eras/support/getstartedfaq.htm
Contact info about ERAS is available at http://www.aamc.org/students/eras/contact.htm
Time line for applying to Residency
Time line of ERAS for 2004 is available at http://www.aamc.org/students/eras/support/timeline.htm
Info about billing at http://www.aamc.org/students/eras/feesbilling/start.htm
If wish to send by check the address is
AAMC/ERAS
ATTN Accounting Department
2450 N Street N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20037
Make sure your name and AAMC ID are clearly written on the payment.
For steps in the process of applying for residency http://www.aamc.org/students/eras/steps/step3.htm
If you have problems logging on to MyERAS or completing the payment process online, or if you have a question about the ERAS Program Fees, you need to contact myeras@aamc.org
If you have technical problems online at the NRMP, you need to send your request for help to nrmp@aamc.org
For instructions on obtaining a california letter reach www.medbd.ca.gov. You may also request their application packet by e-mail from webmaster@medbd.ca.gov . Then you must list the letter as one of your Letters of Recommendation and enter "California Letter" instead of the name of the recommender. As a result, you can assign to any program located in California only three Letters of Recommendation plus the "California Letter."
MyERAS and the Program Director's Workstation will create a C.V. from the information you provide in the Common Application Form (CAF). So no need to send a CV
Information about LOR
If you already have the LoR, make a sharp photocopy, discard the Request Letter ( there is a letter in MY documents column of ERAS site next to Letter of Recommendation), affix the Document ID sticker ( the stickers that has been sent to you after you purchased the token. It has stickers for DEANs letter, Recommendation letter, Transcript. Document identification stickers is sent to you with the ERAS 2003 Applicant Manual.) in the upper half of the LoR and mail a copy of the LoR to ECFMG. Keep the original for your files.
If you donot get the stickers in time you may send it to the ERAS wrting What is it ? ( Rcommendation letter, Transcript, LOR, Deans letter) For whom is it ( your Name and USMLE Identification number )
If you still need to request the LoR, send both the Request Letter and the corresponding Document ID sticker to the letter writer. He/she can then mail the LoR with the sticker either to you or to ECFMG, depending on whether you waived your right to see the LoR.
Provide a link of the address to which documents must be sent above also
You may send as many Letters of Recommendation as you need, as long as each letter writer writes only one LoR. ERAS will not handle multiple letters from one writer! Additionally, MyERAS will not let you assign more than four (4) LoRs to any one program.
If the writer agrees, have the LoRs sent to you, so that you can keep the original and send ERAS a sharp photocopy. That way you will also be able to fax the LoR to some programs during the post-Match Scramble
ERAS cannot verify whether the document came from you, the writer or from your medical school directly. It is also assumed that the document is a copy, rather than an original. Once a document has been scanned, it cannot be determined whether we scanned an original or a good copy. So it is better to send a sharp photcopy than the original. But again it is again your decision.
For information on post match scramble go to http://www.ecfmg.org/eras/match.html
What are the fees for applying through ERAS?
The ERAS application process requires a minimum of two fees:
$75 ECFMG Token Fee --- what is this for AMG find out
$60 ERAS Processing Fee
We strongly recommend that you also be prepared pay the following two fees:
$50 USMLE Transcript Fee
$90 NRMP Application Fee
For a detailed explanation of the ERAS Processing Fees, please go to http://www.aamc.org/students/eras/feesbilling/start.htm
Please send your documents to:
IMG..
Regular
ECFMG - ERAS Documents
P.O. Box 11746
Philadelphia, PA 19101-1746
Courier
ECFMG - ERAS Documents
3624 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-2685
Fax number is 215-222-5641
AMG .......
ECFMG-ERAS NEWS
ECFMG-ERAS NEWS is a free e-mail news service designed to provide ERAS applicants with important, updated information as it becomes available. To subscribe, enter your e-mail address and click "Join the list" below. http://www.ecfmg.org/eras/erasnews.html.
International medical graduates can use this link to go find out every small doubt about application www.ecfmg.org/eras/index.html
Information for Canadian medical gradiates is available on the www.carms.ca/main.htm
Information about the unfilled positions after the match is available on https://services.aamc.org/findaresident/
You can sign up for the Match at the https://services.nrmp.org/R3/Home/Login/Login.cfm. Signing for the ERAS does not register you for the Match. You need to sign up seperately with NRMP (National Residency matching program ) to participate in the match
Time line of ERAS for 2004 is available at http://www.aamc.org/students/eras/support/timeline.htm
Complete schedule of Residency Match at http://www.nrmp.org/res_match/yearly.html
In order to register for any of the matches offered by the NRMP, an applicant must go to our website and click on the Match Site section. Beneath the login information will appear "Register for NRMP Matches".
Once you start receiving invitations for the interviews, know you are doing great at this stage and have cleared a major hurdle. Interview is a vital part of the selection process. Interview gives the Program Director a chance to assess the candidate and the candidate a chance to choose the environment he would prefer to work for the next couple of years.
Provide a link of hotels .com, enterprise .com, hotwire.com, priceline.com and orbitz.com
Wanna know about a program ?
Please e- mail us regarding info about any program you are planning to interview. We'll give you the best report on the program, the good and the bad about the program and a rating of the program from people who have interviewed at this place all for free. Please donot hesitate to ask us for this. we love to do things for you.
Typical day of the interview
Typical interview session - Lasts from 8.00 a.m to 3.00 p.m
Morning report
Break fast with other applicants
Brief overview about the program
Tour of the hospital with the residents
Lunch with the house staff
Noon conference
Personal interview with respective attendings
Exit interview
Tips to perform better in the interview:
-Visit the program web site and note down some highlights of the program. The most common reason for failure in the interview is when you are taken by surprise. Try to avoid it.
-Participate in the Morning Report. This has a 90success rate of getting u into the program
-Ask as many questions as possible. Asking questions shows your interest in the program.
-It is good to cultivate the habit of taking the visiting cards of all the gentlemen you meet on the interview day so that you can e-mail them about your interest in the program. Dont think the program director is the only decision maker. It is a group decision.
-Eat nicely and dont feel being noticed.The house staff want you to eat nicely and it is a misconception that u should not stomach full. Whatever you want to --eat should go straight into the mouth and not any other place.
-Try to joke around in between the interview. All the answers need not be straight forward. Everyone of us like to stay with people who are easy going. Apply the same principle.
FAQ' s in intervierw
How did you know about our program?
What distinguishes you from the rest of your class mates?
Questions on your Common application form about your work experience,
What is the most common diesease in your setting
How do you imagine yourself ten years from now?
Are you interested in any fellowships?
Do you have any questions about the program?
Case presentation in some interviews.
What is the most intersting case you ever saw? why is it interesting?
Attire
Men generally get decked up in black/ deep blue suits. This is the standard dress code for an interview. Though any color is accepted people prefer wearing black/blue colors. Again it is totally subjective to individual preference as which color he would prefer to. We were criticised in an interview from the house staff " we should ban black/blue colors for th interview". Somebody asked me if I came to the interview straight from a funeral after he saw me in ablack suit wearing a black tie. But still standard dress code is a BLUE/BLACK SUIT.
Since the interview season is in the fall and spring, people travelling to north of Amercia are advised to carry sweaters, gloves , woolen head caps. It si going to be the tough time of winter.
Women
Travel:
Though Air, Rail and Road are the ways to get moving, plan accordingly as it is convenient with one rather than other.
Rules and conditions to purchase the H1 list. This list of H1 programs is prepared based on the following criteria:
Programs that disclosed that they sponsor H1 visa.
Programs, which say they already have residents with H1 visa and there is a possibility.
Programs, which are willing to sponsor H1 if the candidate financially supports them
Programs that can sponsor H1 to Exceptional candidates. The criteria for exceptional candidates are not clear.
Programs that can sponsor H1 visa on a case-by-case basis. What this exactly means is not clear.
The list is prepared by making phone calls to hundreds of program coordinators and mailing thousands. Still some programs have left the situation ambiguous. But still it is a possibility that the program would sponsor a H1 visa. It is again up to candidate’s interest whether to purchase the list.
IMPORTANT IMMIGRATION UPDATE!!
1/16/03: INS ANNOUNCES STRICT REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT FOR NATIONALS AND
CITIZENS OF BANGLADESH, EGYPT, INDONESIA, JORDAN, AND KUWAIT
INS reiterates registration requirement for nationals and citizens of
Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Eritrea, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco,
North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria,
Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
PLEASE SEE WWW.JEFFRIES-LAW.COM FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND TO SEE
WHETHER THE INS ANNOUNCEMENT APPLIES TO YOU OR YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
Also, see the INS web site at
www.ins.usdoj.gov/graphics/lawenfor/specialreg/index.htm
CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT 212-764-4222 IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS.
Info on border visa for third world country citizens is available at http://www.travel.state.gov/tcn.html
For all kinds of info abotu visa services please go to http://www.travel.state.gov/visa_services.html
Personal statements and Thankyou letters:
Residency Programs have a wide range of requirements for personal statement length and content. You will need to obtain program specific information, such as this, directly from each residency program.
For any kind of doubts on personal statements please go to http://www.aamc.org/students/eras/support/docfaq.htm#statements
The body of the SOP should answer the following questions:
1) Why did you choose this branch of medicine? ( eg: Internal medicine, Pediatrics)
2) Why should we take you? ( describing your credentials briefly)
3) What are you looking for in a program?
4) Conclusion
SOP should be restricted to a maximum of one and half a page. Since the SOP doesnot have information regarding step3 , you can make use of an SOP to feel the PD's about your step 3 scores, NBME scores.
SOP makes important part of the application. SOP boosts ur application status. People with low scoers can get a better interview calls if their SOP' are beeter and people with high scores can loose invitations for the interview calls with a bad SOP. Spend just half hour giving us the vital inforamtion and relax . your SOP will be ready in four working days. SOP should be unique. Now a days the programPlease provide us with the following information:
Name Age
Sex Address
Nationality
Country of medcial education
Name of the med school
Any particular inciden or/and ideas which triggered u to pursue medicine, if u have any.... please give ur ideas in ur own words
Field of interest(eg: Internal medicine, Pediatrics) :
Any particular incident/ or ideas which developed interest in this branch of medicine
Any Important things to note about the staff, education system, hospital facilities, patient load.
Any qualiites which make u feel that u r different from the rest of your class mates
Would u like to have any thing in ur personal statement. every idea adds charm to ur SOP. please write in your own words.
Did u receive any awards in the med school in academic side? Please describe the award and how important it is?
Have u wriiten NBME/ FLEX parts ?. If so when did u write what are your scores
what kind of program are u looking at? in terms of
location............ Infrastructure................ fellowship opportunities............... Research opprtunities.............Primary care program / Tertiary care program....................... Any interst in teaching?
What are your hobbies
Do u have any leadership qualities i.e have u had any chance to lead a group for any cause?
What is your favourite sport?
Any personal things u would like to be on the personal statement?
Information on policies of NRMP
Important dates to remember
Info on registration with NRMP
Info on how to apply for the residency http://www.nrmp.org/res_match/yearly.html
Info on how the match works click at http://www.nrmp.org/res_match/algorithms.html
at kiransamindla@hotmail.com
