personal statement sample medical residency

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Residency personal statement: the ultimate guide.

Reviewed by:

Jonathan Preminger

Former Admissions Committee Member, Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine

Reviewed: 4/25/24

Are you planning on writing your personal statement for residency? We’ll cover everything you need to know about the process.

The residency application personal statement is an essential part of applying to programs, but it can be intimidating. We get it. It can be challenging to write about yourself and your life experiences within 3,500 characters. We’ll cover everything you need to know about writing a powerful statement!

Get The Ultimate Guide on Writing an Unforgettable Personal Statement

Importance of Your Personal Statement in a Residency Application

The importance of your personal statement in your application cannot be overstated. Yes, you have secured solid letters of recommendation from physicians and crushed your USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) .

However, your personal statement is the one component of your application where you can make a case for yourself and leave a lasting impression on program directors. 

Think about it this way: program directors receive thousands of applications From aspiring medical residents and review thousands of standardized, quantitative factors like grades and test scores across the board. They also read thousands of essays and want to see something that will pique their interest. 

Your personal statement is an opportunity to show program directors specific qualities that make you stand out and shine . Program directors want to know the person behind the stellar numerical achievements. 

They want to know that you will thrive, reach your greatest potential in their program, and continue to have an exceptional career as a leader in healthcare.

Because of how competitive programs can be, your writing may very well be the tiebreaker that leads to your acceptance into a top program over another applicant. 

While a strong personal statement might not compensate for low exam scores, a weak one will definitely hurt an otherwise strong application.

Residency Personal Statement Outline

Knowing what you should include in your personal statement will help you get started. Your statement should include and reflect on a combination of the following:

• What draws you to medicine/your specialty?
• The desirable qualities, attributes, and skill sets make you well-suited to a  program and will help you succeed.
• Your long-term plans as a practicing physician after you complete your program. This can include what you hope to accomplish in your residency and your preferred setting.
• What attracts you to a particular program, and how would it make you a good fit?

Ultimately, program directors are looking for residents who are the best candidates and colleagues to work with and train. Combining the above suggestions will give program directors a good sense of what having you on their team would be like.

3 Tips to Help You Start Writing

Here are three tips to help you get started! 

1. Consider Why You’re Pursuing a Particular Residency

Before you start your application personal statement, you should be clear on why the specialty you’ve chosen is the right one for you . Program directors want to know that you have a realistic idea of what the specialty entails. 

If your writing fails to convey solid, meaningful reasons for pursuing the chosen specialty, you will likely not be invited for an interview. Don’t hurt your chances by sounding disinterested in the field or focusing on superficial aspects of the specialty, like high salaries and benefits.

UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine urges you to “remember that this is your chance to focus on your medical career objectives, i.e., what specialty you'd like to go into and what your ultimate goals might be.” 

2. Brainstorm 

To begin drafting your personal statement, brainstorm. Brainstorming allows you the freedom to be creative and informal. When brainstorming, you do not have to worry about grammar, spelling, or editing. You want to write down your ideas and get your creative juices flowing. 

After you have a body of ideas, you can work on weaving one or several elements into a strong, concise narrative. 

3. Ask Yourself Questions 

The following questions will help you get started brainstorming ideas for your personal statement:

• What first drew you to the specialty? 
• What are your greatest qualities, and how have you demonstrated these qualities? Focus on a few desirable qualities for a medical professional during specialization.
• What is your greatest accomplishment?
• Name an experience, clinical or otherwise, that significantly impacted you. Why was the experience meaningful, and how did it change you?
• What obstacle, challenge, or failure did you overcome, and what did it teach you about adversity?
• When did you know you wanted to pursue your chosen specialty?
• What is your most meaningful extracurricular activity?
• Who are your role models? What qualities do they possess that inspire you to be like them? How does this translate in your chosen field?
• What medical cause do you care about the most, and what led you to care about it?

Remember, brainstorming aims to put down everything you can remember with as much detail as possible without worrying about grammar, sentence structure, spelling, or revisions. 

The more details you explore while brainstorming, the easier it will be to extract and expand upon the stories you want to tell.

How to Write An Amazing Residency Application Personal Statement

Now that you have completed your preliminary brainstorming, let’s review how to write a personal statement. Later in this guide, we will review samples of other applicants’ personal statements and analyze what makes them successful.

Start With A Catchy Introduction 

A captivating introduction pulls the reader in and makes them want to read to the end. Your introduction should lead with detail. Don’t rely on platitudes, clichés, and vague language . 

One way to accomplish this is to have an anecdote or two in mind that will be the central focus of your narrative. Then, introduce that anecdote while being aware of both brevity and detail. 

Focus on Things That Aren’t on Your CV

The personal statement should never regurgitate what’s already on your CV . Instead, focus on important aspects about you, your experiences, and your qualities that do not appear on your CV.

For example, if you have a hobby that demonstrates personal growth over time, tell a story about it and tie it together with your goals.

The Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine suggests that if you want to repeat accomplishments, ensure they’re “relevant to your personal/professional growth. You want the emphasis to encourage the reader to bring this up in the interview.” 

Talk About You and Your Desirable Qualities 

Program directors want to get to know you as an individual and what you would bring to their program. While this might seem like a no-brainer, it is important that your personal statement remains about you. 

Program directors often read narratives that include information about the program they already know and not enough information about the candidate. Shift your tone to reflect on what makes you desirable to the residency. 

When talking about your attributes, remember that quality is more important than quantity . Narrow your focus to one or two qualities, and work on incorporating them as part of your storytelling.

Make Use of Storytelling

Avoid generic and superficial declarative statements when you write about yourself and your desirable qualities. For example, don’t simply say, “I am empathetic and compassionate.” This is forgettable, and you will not stand out from all the other applicants. 

Instead, it is better and more memorable to show how you exhibited empathy and compassion by telling a story about a real event. Show, don’t tell. People will remember your name if you tell a great story.

Include What You Expect From a Residency Program 

Program directors want to know why you are pursuing their program and what you want to gain from the experience. Tie this in with nuanced details about what you have done to pursue your particular interests and how your interests will align with what the program offers. 

How will your interests and goals support their mission? What specific strengths will you add or hope to cultivate? Again, the focus should be on you and your expectations, not on over-explaining a program to its directors. 

Cite Strong Reasons to Choose a Particular Specialty

Clearly outline your interest in a particular specialty. Program directors want to know your understanding of and interest in a specialty. Highlight what you have done in your career to explore a specialty and detail some of your insights and observations. 

Perhaps you’ve researched the length of the residency and were swayed by it. Or you were intrigued by the nature of another one. The more details you can provide, the more persuasive you will be. 

For example, you might like acute care in emergency medicine but try to be more specific than that. What do you enjoy about the diagnoses and pathologies involved in emergency medicine? What do you enjoy about the patients in your care? What do you enjoy about the setting in which you will practice?

Include Your Personal and Professional Achievements 

Your achievements should demonstrate personal and professional growth over time. Your unique personal or professional achievement may not be listed on your CV. The personal statement is where you can delve into those exceptional and distinctive details about yourself that will set you apart from the crowd. 

Always uphold your credibility by being honest and authentic. People will pick up on subtle cues of inauthenticity. Remember, you don’t have to use your personal statement to convince someone of how perfect you are because perfection doesn’t exist. 

For example, if you achieve something with a group of colleagues, give credit where it’s due and don’t take the credit all for yourself. Remain true to who you are and the experiences you’ve had thus far. You don’t need to embellish or dramatize them to impress program directors. 

They’re looking for someone reliable, credible, and genuine.

Address Areas of Improvement on Your Application 

If anomalies are anywhere in your application, such as gap years or leaves of absence, address them with a brief explanation. You don’t need to dwell on areas that need improvement, and you shouldn’t provide long explanations or be defensive. 

It’s more important for your readers to see that you faced hardship but took steps to overcome it.

Deliver a Strong Closure

Lastly, end your statement with a punch. Don’t lose steam. Succinctly and naturally wrap up your story. You don’t want to end with a weak declarative statement like, “And that’s why I would be a great resident.” 

Instead, try to deliver a callback to your introduction and include the imagery and insights that bring everything together.

5 Things to Avoid in Your Personal Statement

There are certain things that you should avoid in your personal statement. As a rule of thumb, avoid topics and language that risk alienating your readers. Be aware of the following:

1. Acronyms and Jargon 

Avoid abbreviations, acronyms, and jargon. Don’t assume that your reader knows everything. Be courteous and spell everything out. According to The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), “If there’s a shorter, simpler, less pretentious way of putting it, use it.” 

2. Poor Writing Mechanics

Avoid informal, casual writing and poor sentence structure. Be professional and ensure your writing is free of grammatical and spelling errors. You don’t want programs to be distracted by errors while they read your story! 

3. Controversial Topics 

Avoid controversial topics like ethical issues, religion, and politics. You don’t want to make polarizing or offensive statements, so don’t cross the line. Even if the statements you make aren’t offensive, there’s no guarantee the person reviewing your application will agree with you. 

4. Rehashing Why You Want to Be a Doctor 

Avoid going into the origin story of why you wanted to become a doctor. You are not applying to medical school, so your personal statement should reflect deeper insights that support your professional and personal experiences. UCSF’s Office of Career & Professional Development offers this advice : 

“Presumably, new things have happened in the past four years that inform your decision to choose your specialty or career path, or that illustrate your dedication, leadership, and teaching skills, ability for empathy, etc.” Use these new experiences in your statement! 

5. Using Vague/Generic Language

Avoid vague and generic language. The most seasoned writers draw readers in with rich detail and nuance. Using descriptive language makes your statement easier to read and is much more likely to keep the reader’s attention. 

With these tips, you should be able to write your personal statement with ease.

Get Professional Help Writing Your Residency Personal Statement

Contrary to popular belief, writers don’t need to hole up in a dark room, slouch over a messy desk, hit a wall with writer’s block, and suffer in solitude. Ask for help! Even the world’s bestselling authors need editors. 

Your storytelling ability and writing skills will only improve when you receive editorial feedback from trusted professionals. Getting professional help on writing your narrative will get you closer to being accepted at your first-choice program.

Inspira Advantage is here for you. We are an admissions consulting firm with extensive experience helping candidates get accepted to their dream programs. An expert residency application consultant can ensure you get the support you need at every step while you write and edit your personal statement.

Residency Personal Statement Examples

​​Reading examples of residency personal essays that program directors consider effective is advantageous. Not only will you gain insight into how to structure your writing, but you will also learn why program directors and career advisors find certain personal statements more successful than others. 

We’ll review two good personal statement examples below. Please note that both have been anonymized to protect the authors’ privacy. 

Residency Personal Statement Example 1

Here is an ERAS sample personal statement: 

One of my most formative memories of medical school was a patient high-fiving me. A seemingly minute detail, that moment came as a culmination of spending hours with a neurologically devastated patient. At the young age of 40, he was unable to speak or even interact with any of the dozens of healthcare workers at his bedside every day. I felt helpless, yet compelled to spend my time talking and reading to him, and urging him to do simple things like turning his head. He suddenly dramatically improved, and it peaked when he gave me a high-five during rounds, after I had playfully asked for one every day for three weeks. In that moment, I felt elation that he was able to lift his arms and regain some ability and autonomy. Pride, in the healthcare system that I had chosen to be a part of. And surprise, that he had been hearing and processing my words all this time when he had given no indication of doing so. On that last day before transfer to a rehabilitation facility, he hung onto my arm and sobbed “thank you” while refusing to let go. I was so impacted by this patient because for such a long time, he was unable to communicate his wants and needs to the outside world. 

I believe medicine is the most fundamental form of equity and equality – ensuring someone’s health is the most elemental way to ensure justice for their being. As physicians, we are inherent agents of change, on both an individual and community level. I want to bring this to people all around the world – those desperately fighting just to survive and whose voices are not being heard. Global health is my calling – a consummation between my interest in humanity and my desire to heal historical traumas. This came as a lifelong dream after growing up on both the East Coast and Midwest, having been surrounded by large immigrant and refugee populations. My vested interest in global health has been reaffirmed through my experiences rotating at a children’s hospital in [city], Ghana, and taking trainings and courses aimed at decolonizing global health. Both in and out of my passion for global health came a natural attraction to med-peds. Both medicine and pediatrics have always drawn me in as they both afford me the opportunity to provide holistic care – fitting the puzzle pieces between physical, mental, and social health. Med-peds will also help me become the best trained and most adaptable physician for anyone, womb-to-tomb, in local and global medicine due to the vast fund of knowledge I will develop. 

One reason I best fit with med-peds is my adaptability and persistence. I have faced setbacks in my academic career, the biggest of which was after I failed a course during my second year and had to retake the semester. During a hiatus, I pursued independent sociology courses to expand my knowledge base. In the new semester, I developed new study techniques to truly learn medicine instead of just memorizing it. This experience helped me form a cycle of analyzing, changing, and re-examining the way I learn in different scenarios; I built on that methodology repeatedly as modes of learning changed, as evidenced by my step exam scores. I learned the value of reaching out, and I strived to become that person to lean on for my peers going through similar hardships. I am also proud that despite flaws in my test-taking acumen that I have worked on during my later years of medical school, I have always been able to readily apply my medical knowledge in the wards and clinics in a way that is reflected by my patient care. 

Furthermore, I see multiple sentiments of the med-peds community reflected in myself. Med-peds folk are mobilizers of change, always creating life-changing and systemic reforms – ideals to which I fiercely relate. I have done my best to embody the amplification of voices that I have seen so vigorously amongst my med-peds mentors both on an individual and community level. To that end, I have always prided myself on being a strong advocate for patients and acting as a loudspeaker for their voices. On a broad level, I started an organization early in my medical training called [organization name] which aims to alleviate food insecurity in [city], which has a complex racial history causing countless food deserts. I have been excited and proud to help [organization] partner up with local organizations and the student-run free clinic to expand access to nutritious foods. I learned to engage with religious and community leaders in [city] to build strong community relationships to sustain change. To address upstream causes, I am starting a voter registration drive for patients in my institution’s safety net med-peds clinic. These experiences taught me the strategy and logistics of organizing systemic changes and enlightened me to people’s powerful stories. 

I picture myself practicing a mix of both hospitalist medicine and primary care to adapt to any low-resource community. I want to establish continuity of care amongst those who need it most while also managing higher acuity situations. After rotating in Ghana, I hope to pursue a fellowship in global health after completing my residency. My first-hand experience exposed me to the unique conditions of disenfranchised nations that are not readily discussed in the US. I hope to utilize fellowship training to gain the critical knowledge and translational skills required to establish the greatest benefit. All in all, I am excited to use my experiences and skills to provide care to every type of patient, especially in low-resource settings. I am committed to amplifying the voices of the disenfranchised and helping navigate the difficult road towards better, more equitable healthcare. If, in the process, those voices come in the form of more high-fives, I would not complain.

Residency Personal Statement Example 2

Here is another example: 

It was not even the end of the first week of medical school, and I was fighting for my life — and the life of others. On September 19th 2017, Hurricane Maria hit and battered the Island of Dominica. I woke up the next day from a concussion after being thrown 20 feet in the air during the storm. This once lush island was reduced to brown sticks, live wires, and broken glass. I survived the storm, but the destructive aftermath was our new reality. 

During the evacuations and rescue missions, I solidified my purpose to become an Emergency Medicine physician. I joined the [EMS name], which was the only organized medical personnel available. One of my most inspiring experiences was the emergency medical evacuation of a six-month-old girl. This patient was an infant with untreated pneumonia. She came in with respiratory distress to our pop-up clinic at 1am. The child was assessed by the only physician on the island and her prognosis was poor, she was unlikely to survive the night. As a student, I realized that in these critical moments I want to be the first responder to aid and to make the best decisions for the patient. She needed to be on a ventilator, and we did not have the facilities or equipment to help the child, only the capacity to provide supplemental oxygen. With limited resources, we had to secure the airway if needed, and I was given the role to disinfect plastic tubing left on the ground. As we provided supportive care, we also organized the logistics of the medical evacuation – from security to cleaning a landing zone for the helicopter. As the helicopter finally arrived at 3am, the sign of relief was clouded by the debris inadvertently thrown towards us during the landing. Despite the difficulties, all team members were safe, and we were finally able to get the patient to a definitive center of care.  

To work in medicine, one must be able to function in a team. This event gave me first-hand experience of coordination of care. I was a part of this team for the little girl and learned the importance of delegating tasks, cooperation among members, and having defined goals. Moreover, I was tested to perform under pressure and think clearly. I have been able to translate these skills as I have moved forward with my education, always considering my responsibilities within a team in order to provide the best care. We found out that the little girl survived, and I could not help but feel relieved that our efforts were successful. At times, there is not always the end result that is hoped for however, it is important to persevere and act for the benefit of the patient. These challenges faced during the hurricane also reaffirmed my desire to address the needs of the population during emergency situations. I was exposed to making quick, yet thoughtful decisions in order to produce the best plan of action. These attributes are integral for patient care in the emergency room and I hope to continue to develop these skills as an emergency medicine physician.  

As my medical school journey continued, I experienced another challenge – completing my studies on a boat. We had no internet and there was limited space. I learned to cohabitate with four students in a 20 square foot living arrangement. We were docked at [country] during the night, but the school was at sea for four months during the days and we as a school were then displaced to various locations to complete our preclinical studies including [multiple cities]. The difficulties unfortunately continued, with the pandemic occurring at the start of my clinical rotations. The adversities of my limited learning environment did affect my academic performance and impeded me from participating in research opportunities. I struggled with trying to reset my foundational knowledge and had to repeat my third semester. Unfortunately, I shared similar setbacks in my USMLE step 1. I knew that my results did not reflect my abilities to become a clinician. I adapted and made appropriate changes in order to better my scores. I worked on expanding my medical knowledge by attending workshops, study groups, and taking extra time after class to talk to my professors in order to better understand the more complicated concepts. As a result, my clinical acumen improved. I strengthened my time management skills allowing me to study more efficiently, which proved successful as I bettered my Step 2 scores. I have learned how to study well despite distractions and this will be of benefit to me as a future physician.  

I did not have the conventional education as others, however the experiences that I encountered molded me into the individual I am today. My desire to help others brought me to the Ukrainian refugee camps as they faced a desperate humanitarian crisis during the war. I was drawn to volunteer this summer in [city] and joined the [organization name] to provide medical services to displaced civilians I wanted to improve people’s well-being through community healthcare services, medical care, and mental support. Having had my own experiences with disaster and crisis, I provided much needed empathy for those people who sensed that they have lost control of their livelihood. Being able to provide support and healthcare to this disenfranchised group of people was extremely gratifying. I continue to expand on my medical knowledge through my involvement in relief efforts and through my clinical education. I have learned to manage the external stressors of my environment, along with my academic deficiencies, by refocusing my efforts into robust translational skills. It is an important facet in my practice to take care of the welfare of the individual. Emergency Medicine would enable me to do so, providing a solid foundation to continue involvement in public health affairs and ability to impactfully respond to relief efforts. 

Medicine is a universal language that transcends borders, cultures, and languages. To know that someone is there to help you in your time of need, you do not have to understand the language they are speaking to feel that impact. Emergency medicine truly has no borders. The “ER” is a centralized area of care. However, as an emergency medicine physician, I will be able to apply my knowledge outside the walls of the hospital to the rest of the world. I want to be that healing hand, to help as many lives as I can – whether it be in global health or in my surrounding community. With Emergency Medicine, I can achieve that and protect those who need help the most. I hope to continue to pursue opportunities for community aid and patient advocacy as an effective first line of care. I want to not only be able to identify life-threatening conditions, but have the capacity to treat patients and provide access to the appropriate avenues for their continued care. I will always strive to be someone who runs towards people in need, never away. 

More Sample Residency Statements

Looking for more personal statement samples that worked? These medical schools also have examples: 

• University of California – San Francisco 
• University of Alabama School of Medicine 
• University of Nevada School of Medicine 

You can view these statements to better understand the tone and format programs look for.

If you still have questions about writing your personal statement, check out these frequently asked questions. 

1. Is It Better to Cover All My Relevant Experiences, or Should I Discuss a Few in Particular?

When in doubt, quality over quantity. You should always aim to focus on one or two themes and include a few experiences in particular. Never sacrifice depth and detail just to accommodate quantity. If you write about all your relevant experiences, their significance will get lost in trying to compete for attention in a limited space. 

It looks better to hone in on key experiences and provide depth, self-reflection, and nuance. Your CV should list all your relevant experiences, not your essay.

2. Do I Have to Write a Personal Statement for Every Residency Program I Apply to?

No, you should not write a different personal statement for every program you apply to, but you should write one for every specialty. For example, prepare one for family medicine and one for emergency medicine. 

You do not have to completely rewrite personal statements for each specialty—you can use elements that will work across the board, like introductory or concluding sentences. Use your best judgment of what will work as a template, then tailor your personal statement for every specialty. 

3. I’m Applying to Multiple Specialties. Is There a Limit on the Number of Personal Statements I Can Upload?

No, there is no limit to the number of personal statements you can upload. Your writing should be tailored for the specific specialty.

4. How Long Should a Residency Personal Statement Be?

The length of your personal statement can vary depending on the specific requirements of the program or institution to which you are applying. However, as a general guideline, most programs recommend that essays be approximately one page long.

Typically, a one-page personal statement consists of around 750 to 850 words. Your writing should be concise, focused, and well-structured to effectively communicate your experiences, motivations, and qualifications.

Final Thoughts

Writing a residency application personal statement is stressful, but our step-by-step guide will make the process much easier as you navigate your application timeline . Now go forth and match into the residency program of your dreams. We believe in you.

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Writing a Personal Statement for Residency Application

Personal statements are an essential, required part of applying to residency. Residency programs screen thousands of applications every cycle and read many hundreds of these statements in the process. You should aim to write an interesting statement that showcases your personality as well as your achievements. Perhaps most importantly, you will need to skillfully articulate the reasons for your interest in family medicine and the particular program you're applying to.

How to Write a Great Personal Statement

A great personal statement sets itself apart from a good personal statement in several ways.

• First, it includes a level of specificity that shows your motivations and interests are authentic. For example, when conveying why you want to match into family medicine, show awareness of the exciting developments in the specialty, or describe your experience with or knowledge of topics like population health management, care coordination, and the social determinants of health.
• Feel free to highlight items in your CV if they help remind your reader of the experiences you’ve had that prepared you for the position. This is your opportunity to expand upon activities that are just listed in the CV but deserve to be described so your reader can appreciate the breadth and depth of your involvement in them. It should not be another comprehensive list of your activities, but rather should refer to activities that are listed in detail on the CV.
• The personal statement is also an appropriate place to address anything that may be ambiguous on your CV. In particular, you should address any nontraditional path you’ve taken through medical school, such as time off or an altered curricular journey. It is better to address these than to leave a program wondering. If you write about academic or personal challenges that you faced during medical school, make a positive impression by focusing on what you've learned from those experiences and how they brought you to where you are now. 

You may choose to relate significant personal experiences, but do so only if they are relevant to your candidacy for the position.

Sharpen Your Writing Skills 

The importance of good writing in a personal statement cannot be overemphasized. Unfortunately, not only are good writing skills allowed to deteriorate during medical school, but in some sense, they also are deliberately undermined in the interest of learning to write concise histories and physicals. For the moment, forget everything you know about writing histories and physicals. While preparing your personal statement:

• Avoid abbreviations.
• Avoid repetitive sentence structure.
• Avoid using jargon. If there is a shorter, simpler, less pretentious way of putting it, use it.
• Don't assume your reader knows the acronyms you use. As a courtesy, spell everything out.
• Use a dictionary and spell check. 
• Use a thesaurus. Variety in the written language can add interest, but don't get carried away.
• Write in complete sentences.

If you need a crash course in good writing, read  The Elements of Style ,  Fourth Edition  by Strunk and White. If you have friends or relatives with writing or editing skills, enlist their help. Student organizations at your school may host personal statement clinics, or your school may offer review services. Many student, medical, and specialty societies, local and national, may offer personal statement reviews or workshops.

Even if you're a great writer and feel confident about your application, you should ask trusted advisors, mentors, and friends to critique your personal statement (and your CV! ). They can help you make your statement as flawless as possible by giving you feedback about areas that might have been unclear or things that should be added.

Don't cross the line

Your personal statement should remain an original composition, even as you seek input and advice. Retain your voice as you refine your writing and don't ever plagiarize. Be aware of other ethical lines you shouldn't cross as well, for example, don't use vague references that would allow for the reader to misinterpret the nature of your experience, and don't take full credit for a project if others worked on it with you.

Copyright © 2024 American Academy of Family Physicians. All Rights Reserved.

Personal Statement

Personal statements may be used to customize the application to a specific program or to different specialties. 

In This Section:

Creating the personal statement, formatting the personal statement, previewing the personal statement, reviewing/editing the personal statement, assigning the personal statement.

You create your own personal statements in the MyERAS portal from the Personal Statements section listed under Documents. 

• Each personal statement must contain a Personal Statement Title and the Personal Statement Content. The title will be visible only to you to help you correctly assign it to programs, and the content will be visible to both you and the programs it is assigned to. 
• The personal statement is limited to 28,000 characters, which include letters, numbers, spaces, and punctuation marks. 
• There is not a limit to how many personal statements applicants can create. 
• Personal statements created outside the MyERAS application should be done in a plain text word processing application such as Notepad (for Windows users) or SimpleText (for Mac users). The statement should reflect your personal perspective and experiences accurately and must be your own work and not the work of another author or the product of artificial intelligence. 
• Personal statements created in word processing applications not using plain text may contain hidden and invalid formatting. 
• Note: A number of websites provide examples of personal statements. Do not copy any information from these sites and use it in your personal statements without giving credit to the author. Such use is considered plagiarism. 
• The ERAS program will investigate any suspected acts of plagiarism. 
• Any substantiated findings of plagiarism may result in the reporting of such findings to the programs to which you apply now and in subsequent ERAS seasons. 

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When creating a personal statement in the MyERAS application, the following formatting options will be available: 

• Bold. 
• Italic. 
• Underline. 
• Strikethrough. 
• Bullets. 
• Numbering. 
• Align left. 
• Center. 
• Align right. 
• Increase indent. 
• Decrease indent. 
• Insert hyperlink. 

After entering the personal statement title and content, you will have the opportunity to preview your personal statement before saving it. This preview allows you to view your personal statement just as the programs will view it, including the number of pages.  

You are responsible for reviewing your personal statements before assigning them to programs. 

The Preview/Print option under the Actions column will allow you to view and/or print your personal statement. 

Personal statements can be edited at any point during the application season — even when assigned to programs that have been applied to. 

Personal statements that have been edited will be reflected on the programs’ side by an updated status containing the date of the updated version, but programs are not guaranteed to view or review updated versions of personal statements. 

You may designate the assignment of one personal statement for each program. 

• Personal statements can be assigned to any saved or applied to programs from the Personal Statements page by selecting “Assign” under the Actions column of the intended personal statement. 
• When assigning by personal statement, programs listed with a disabled checkbox already have the selected personal statement currently assigned. 
• When assigning by personal statement, you should review any personal statements that are listed under the Assigned Personal Statement column before making selections or changes. 
• Personal statements can be assigned by program using the Assign option under the Actions column on both the Saved Programs and Programs Applied To pages. 
• Changes to personal statement assignments can be made throughout the application season, but programs are not guaranteed to view or review newly assigned personal statements. 
• A personal statement cannot be assigned to programs that are closed. 
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Ten Steps for Writing an Exceptional Personal Statement

Danielle jones.

All authors are with Emory University School of Medicine

Danielle Jones, MD, is Associate Professor of Medicine, Associate Section Chief of the Division of General Internal Medicine Grady Section, and Associate Program Director, Internal Medicine Residency

J. Richard Pittman, Jr

J. Richard Pittman Jr, MD, is Associate Professor of Medicine, and Program Director, Fourth Year Internal Medicine Sub-Internship

Kimberly D. Manning

Kimberly D. Manning, MD, FACP, FAAP, is Professor of Medicine, and Associate Vice Chair, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Department of Medicine

The personal statement is an important requirement for residency and fellowship applications that many applicants find daunting. Beyond the cognitive challenge of writing an essay, time limitations for busy senior residents on clinical rotations present added pressure. Objective measures such as scores and evaluations paint only a partial picture of clinical and academic performance, leaving gaps in a candidate's full portrait. 1 , 2 Applicants, seemingly similar on paper, may have striking differences in experiences and distances traveled that would not be captured without a personal narrative. 2 , 3 We recommend, therefore, reframing personal statements as the way to best highlight applicants' greatest strengths and accomplishments. A well-written personal statement may be the tipping point for a residency or fellowship interview invitation, 4 , 5 which is particularly important given the heightened competition for slots due to increased participation on virtual platforms. Data show that 74% to 78% of residency programs use personal statements in their interview selection process, and 48% to 54% use them in the final rank. 6 , 7 With our combined 50 years of experience as clerkship and residency program directors (PDs) we value the personal statement and strongly encourage our trainees to seize the opportunity to feature themselves in their words.

Our residency and medical school leadership roles position us to edit and review numerous resident and student personal statements annually. This collective experience has helped us identify patterns of struggle for trainees: trouble starting, difficulty organizing a cogent narrative, losing the “personal” in the statement, and failing to display unique or notable attributes. While a bland personal statement may not hurt an applicant, it is a missed opportunity. 4 , 8 We also have distinguished helpful personal statement elements that allow PDs to establish candidates' “fit” with their desired residency or fellowship. A recent study supports that PDs find unique applicant information from personal statements helpful to determine fit. 4 Personal statement information also helps programs curate individualized interview days (eg, pair interviewers, guide conversations, highlight desirable curricula). Through our work with learners, we developed the structured approach presented here ( Figure 1 ). Applicants can use our approach to minimize typical struggles and efficiently craft personal statements that help them stand out. Busy residents, particularly, have minimal time to complete fellowship applications. We acknowledge there is no gold standard or objective measures for effective personal statement preparation. 9 Our approach, however, combined with a practical tool ( Figure 2 ), has streamlined the process for many of our mentees. Moreover, faculty advisors and program leaders, already challenged by time constraints, can use this tool to enhance their coaching and save time, effort, and cognitive energy.

Structured Approach to Writing a Personal Statement

Ten Steps for Writing an Exceptional Personal Statement: Digital Tool

Note: Use the QR code to download the digital tool and follow the 10 steps highlighted in Figure 1.

Given word count and space limitations, deciding what to include in a personal statement can be challenging. An initial brainstorm helps applicants recall personal attributes and experiences that best underscore key strengths (Step 1). 10 Writing explicit self-affirmations is challenging, so we recommend pairing with a near peer who may offer insight. Useful prompts include:

• ▪ What 3 words best encapsulate me?
• ▪ What accomplishments make me proud?
• ▪ What should every program know about me?

Reflecting on these questions (Step 2) helps elucidate the foundations of the narrative, 10 including strengths, accomplishments, and unique elements to be included. Additionally, the preparation steps help uncover the “thread” that connects the story sequentially. While not all agree that personal or patient stories are necessary, they are commonly included. 5 One genre analysis showed that 97% of applicants to residency programs in internal medicine, family medicine, and surgery used an opening that included either a personal narrative (66%) and/or a decision to enter medicine (54%) or the specialty of choice (72%). 9 Radiology PDs ranked personal attributes as the second most important component in personal statements behind choice of specialty. 9 Further, a descriptive study of anesthesia applicants' personal statements ranked those that included elements such as discussion of a family's or friend's illness or a patient case as more original. 3 We feel that personal and patient stories often provide an interesting hook to engage readers, as well as a mechanism to highlight (1) personal characteristics, (2) journey to and/or enthusiasm for desired discipline, and (3) professional growth, all without giving the impression of being boastful. Sketching these Step 2 fundamentals prepares applicants to begin writing with intention.

Writing and Structuring

Once key elements are identified, the next steps assist with the actual writing. Utilizing information gleaned from the “Preparing” steps, start with a freewriting exercise (Step 3), an unrestricted association of ideas aimed at answering, “What experiences have cultivated my strong interest in pursuing [______]?” At this stage, ignore spelling and grammar. Just write, even if the product is the roughest, rough draft imaginable. 10 Setting a timer for 10 to 15 minutes establishes a less intimidating window to start. Freewriting generates the essential initial content that typically will require multiple revisions. 10

Next, we recommend structuring the freewriting content into suggested paragraphs (Step 4), using the following framework to configure the first draft:

• ▪ Introductory paragraph: A compelling story, experience, or something that introduces the applicant and makes the reader want to know more (the hook). If related to a patient or other person, it should underscore the writer's qualities.
• ▪ Paragraph 2: Essential details that a program must know about the applicant and their proudest accomplishments.
• ▪ Paragraph(s) 3-4: Specific strengths related to the specialty of choice and leadership experiences.
• ▪ Closing paragraph: What the applicant values in a training program and what they believe they can contribute.

Evaluate what has been written and ensure that, after the engaging hook, the body incorporates the best pieces identified during the preparation steps (Step 5). A final paragraph affords ample space for a solid conclusion to the thread. Occasionally the narrative flows better with separate strengths and leadership paragraphs for a total of 5, but we strongly recommend the final statement not exceed 1 single-spaced page to reduce cognitive load on the reader.

This part of the process involves revising the piece into a final polished personal statement. Before an early draft is shared with others, it should be evaluated for several important factors by returning to the initial questions and then asking (Step 6):

“Does this personal statement…”

• Amplify my strengths, highlight my proudest accomplishments, and emphasize what a program must know about me?
• Have a logical flow?
• Accurately attribute content and avoid plagiarism?
• Use proper grammar and avoid slang or profanity?

While not as challenging as the other steps, optimization takes time. 10 At this stage, “resting” the draft for 1 week minimum (Step 7) puts a helpful distance between the writer and their work before returning, reading, and editing. 10 Writers can edit their own work to a point, but they often benefit by enlisting a trusted peer or advisor for critiques. Hearing their draft read aloud by a peer or advisor allows the applicant to evaluate the work from another perspective while noting how well it meets the criteria from the tool (provided as online supplementary data).

A virtual or in-person meeting between applicant and mentor ultimately saves time and advances the writer to a final product more quickly than an email exchange. Sending the personal statement in advance helps facilitate the meeting. Invite the advisor to candidly comment on the tool's criteria to yield the most useful feedback (Step 8). When done effectively, edits can be made in real time with the mentor's input.

We bring closure to the process by focusing on spelling and grammar checks (Step 9). Clarity, conciseness, and the use of proper English were rated as extremely important by PDs. 3 , 9 Grammatical errors distract readers, highlight inattention to detail, and detract from the personal statement. 3 , 9 Once more, we recommend resting the draft before calling it final (Step 10). If the piece required starting over or significant rewriting based on feedback received, we also suggest seeking additional feedback on this draft, ideally from someone in the desired residency or fellowship discipline. If only minor edits (eg, flow, language) were incorporated, the personal statement can be considered complete at this time.

Writing a personal statement represents a unique opportunity for residency and fellowship applicants to amplify their ERAS application beyond the confines of its objective components. 3 Using this stepwise approach encourages each personal statement to be truly personal and streamlines the process for applicants and reviewers alike. All stakeholders benefit: applicants, regardless of their scores and academic metrics, can arm themselves with powerful means for self-advocacy; PDs gain a clearer idea of individual applicants, allowing them to augment the selection process and curate the individual interview day; and faculty mentors can offer concrete direction to every mentee seeking their help.

• Prepare for Residency

Writing a Winning Personal Statement

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You're probably experiencing a mixture of excitement and anxiety as you begin the application process. That's normal. Once you've applied and been selected by a residency program,…

Great Medical School Personal Statement Examples (2024-2025) Insider’s Guide

A physician and former medical school admissions officer teaches you how to write your medical school personal statement, step by step. Read several full-length medical school personal statement examples for inspiration.

In this article, a former medical school admissions officer explains exactly how to write a stand-out medical school personal statement!

Our goal is to empower you to write a medical school personal statement that reflects your individuality, truest aspirations and genuine motivations.

This guide also includes:

• Real life medical school personal statement examples
• Medical school personal statement inventory template and outline exercise
• AMCAS, TMDSAS, and AACOMAS personal statement prompts
• Advanced strategies to ensure you address everything admissions committees want to know
• The secret to writing a great medical school personal statement

So, if you want your medical school personal statement to earn more more medical school interviews, you will love this informative guide.

Let’s dive right in.

Table of Contents

Medical School Personal Statement Fundamentals

If you are getting ready to write your medical school personal statement for the 2024-2025 application year, you may already know that almost 60% of medical school applicants are not accepted every year . You have most likely also completed all of your medical school requirements and have scoured the internet for worthy medical school personal statement examples and guidance.

You know the medical school personal statement offers a crucial opportunity to show medical schools who you are beyond your GPA and MCAT score .

It provides an opportunity to express who you are as an individual, the major influences and background that have shaped your interests and values, what inspired you to pursue medicine, and what kind of a physician you envision yourself becoming.

However, with so much information online, you are not sure who to trust. We are happy you have found us!

Because the vast majority of people offering guidance are not former admissions officers or doctors , you must be careful when searching online.

We are real medical school admissions insiders and know what goes on behind closed doors and how to ensure your medical school personal statement has broad appeal while highlighting your most crucial accomplishments, perspectives, and insights.

With tight limits on space, it can be tough trying to decide what to include in your medical school personal statement to make sure you stand out. You must think strategically about how you want to present your personal “big picture” while showing you possess the preprofessional competencies med schools are seeking.

When a medical school admissions reviewer finishes reading your medical school personal statement, ask yourself:

• What are the most important things you want that person to remember about you?
• Does your medical school personal statement sum up your personality, interests, and talents?
• Does your medical school personal statement sound as if it’s written from the heart?

It’s pretty obvious to most admissions reviewers when applicants are trying too hard to impress them. Being authentic and upfront about who you are is the best way to be a memorable applicant.

The Biggest Medical School Personal Statement Mistakes

The most common medical school personal statement mistake we see students make is that they write about:

• What they have accomplished
• How they have accomplished it

By including details on what you have accomplished and how, you will make yourself sound like every other medical school applicant. 

Most medical school applicants are involved in similar activities: research, clinical work, service, and social justice work. 

To stand out, you must write from the heart making it clear you haven’t marched through your premedical years and checking boxes.

We also strongly discourage applicants from using ChatGPT or any AI bot to write their medical school personal statement. Writing in your own voice is essential and using anything automated will undermine success.

The Medical School Personal Statement Secret

MedEdits students stand out in the medical school personal statement because in their personal statements they address:

WHY they have accomplished what they have.

In other words, they write in more detail about their passions, interests, and what is genuinely important to them. 

It sounds simple, we know, but by writing in a natural way, really zeroing in on WHY YOU DO WHAT YOU DO, you will appeal to a wide variety of people in a humanistic way. 

MedEdits students have done extremely well in the most recent medical school admissions cycle. Many of these applicants have below average “stats” for the medical schools from which they are receiving interviews and acceptances.

Why? How is that possible? They all have a few things in common:

• They write a narrative that is authentic and distinctive to them.
• They write a medical school personal statement with broad appeal (many different types of people will be evaluating your application; most are not physicians).
• They don’t try too hard to impress; instead they write about the most impactful experiences they have had on their path to medical school.
• They demonstrate they are humble, intellectual, compassionate, and committed to a career in medicine all at the same time.

Keep reading for a step by step approach to write your medical school personal statement.

“After sitting on a medical school admissions committee for many years, I can tell you, think strategically about how you want to present your personal “big picture.” We want to know who you are as a human being.”

As physicians, former medical school faculty, and medical school admissions committee members, this article will offer a step by step guide to simplify the medical school personal statement brainstorming and writing process.

By following the proven strategies outlined in this article, you will be and to write a personal statement that will earn you more medical school interviews . This proven approach has helped hundreds of medical school applicants get in to medical school the first time they apply!

Learn the 2024-2025 Medical School Personal Statement Prompts ( AMCAS , TMDSAS , AACOMAS )

The personal statement is the major essay portion of your primary application process. In it, you should describe yourself and your background, as well as any important early exposures to medicine, how and why medicine first piqued your interest, what you have done as a pre med, your personal experiences, and how you became increasingly fascinated with it. It’s also key to explain why medicine is the right career for you, in terms of both personal and intellectual fulfillment, and to show your commitment has continued to deepen as you learned more about the field.

The personal statement also offers you the opportunity to express who you are outside of medicine. What are your other interests? Where did you grow up? What did you enjoy about college? Figuring out what aspects of your background to highlight is important since this is one of your only chances to express to the med school admissions committee before your interview what is important to you and why.

However, it is important to consider the actual personal statement prompt for each system through which you will apply, AMCAS, AACOMAS, and TMDSAS, since each is slightly different.

Getting into a medical school has never been more competitive. Let the experts at MedEdits help you with your medical school application materials. We’ve worked with more than 5,000 students and 94% have been admitted to medical school.

Need help with your Personal Statement?

Schedule a free 15 Minute Consultation with a MedEdits expert.

2024 AMCAS Personal Statement Prompt

The AMCAS personal statement instructions are as follows:

Use the Personal Comments Essay as an opportunity to distinguish yourself from other applicants. Consider and write your Personal Comments Essay carefully; many admissions committees place significant weight on the essay. Here are some questions that you may want to consider while writing the essay:

• Why have you selected the field of medicine?
• What motivates you to learn more about medicine?
• What do you want medical schools to know about you that hasn’t been disclosed in other sections of the application?

In addition, you may wish to include information such as:

• Unique hardships, challenges, or obstacles that may have influenced your educational pursuits
• Comments on significant fluctuations in your academic record that are not explained elsewhere in your application

As you can see, these prompts are not vague; there are fundamental questions that admissions committees want you to answer when writing your personal statement. While the content of your statement should be focused on medicine, answering the open ended third question is a bit trickier.

The AMCAS personal statement length is 5,300 characters with spaces maximum.

2024 TMDSAS Personal Statement Prompt

The TMDSAS personal statement is one of the most important pieces of your medical school application.

The TMDSAS personal statement prompt is as follows:

Explain your motivation to seek a career in medicine. Be sure to include the value of your experiences that prepare you to be a physician.

This TMDSAS prompt is very similar to the AMCAS personal statement prompt. The TMDSAS personal statement length is 5,000 characters with spaces whereas the AMCAS personal statement length is 5,300 characters with spaces. Most students use the same essay (with very minor modifications, if necessary) for both application systems.

You’ve been working hard on your med school application, reading medical school personal statement examples, editing, revising, editing and revising.  Make sure you know where you’re sending your personal statement and application.  Watch this important medical school admissions statistics video.

2024 AACOMAS Personal Statement Prompt

The AACOMAS personal statement is for osteopathic medical schools specifically. As with the AMCAS statement, you need to lay out your journey to medicine as chronologically as possible in 5,300 characters with spaces or less. So you essentially have the same story map as for an AMCAS statement. Most important, you must show you are interested in osteopathy specifically. Therefore, when trying to decide what to include or leave out, prioritize any osteopathy experiences you have had, or those that are in line with the osteopathic philosophy of the mind-body connection, the body as self-healing, and other tenets.

Medical School Application Timeline and When to Write your Personal Statement

If you’re applying to both allopathic and osteopathic schools, you can most likely use the same medical school personal statement for both AMCAS and AACOMAS. In fact, this is why AACOMAS changed the personal statement length to match the AMCAS length several years ago.

Most medical school personal statements can be used for AMCAS and AACOMAS.

Know the Required Medical School Personal Statement Length

Below are the medical schools personal statement length limits for each application system. As you can see, they are all very similar. When you start brainstorming and writing your personal statement, keep these limits in mind.

AMCAS Personal Statement Length : 5,300 characters with spaces.

As per the AAMC website :   “The available space for this essay is 5,300 characters (spaces are counted as characters), or approximately one page. You will receive an error message if you exceed the available space.”

AACOMAS Personal Statement Length : 5,300 characters with spaces

TMDSAS Personal Statement Length : 5,000 characters with spaces

As per the TMDSAS Website (Page 36): “The personal essay asks you to explain your motivation to seek a career in medicine. You are asked to include the value of your experiences that prepare you to be a physician. The essay is limited to 5000 characters, including spaces.”

Demonstrate Required Preprofessional Competencies

Next, your want to be aware of the nine preprofessional core competencies as outlined by the Association of American Medical Colleges . Medical school admissions committees want to see, as evidenced by your medical school personal statement and application, that you possess these qualities and characteristics. Now, don’t worry, medical school admissions committees don’t expect you to demonstrate all of them, but, you should demonstrate some.

• Service Orientation
• Social Skills
• Cultural Competence
• Oral Communication
• Ethical Responsibility to Self and Others
• Reliability and Dependability
• Resilience and Adaptability
• Capacity for Improvement

In your personal statement, you might be able to also demonstrate the four thinking and reasoning competencies:

• Critical Thinking
• Quantitative Reasoning
• Written Communication
• Scientific Inquiry

So, let’s think about how to address the personal statement prompts in a slightly different way while ensuring you demonstrate the preprofessional competencies. When writing your personal statement, be sure it answers the four questions that follow and you will “hit” most of the core competencies listed above.

1. What have you done that supports your interest in becoming a doctor?

I always advise applicants to practice “evidence based admissions.” The reader of your essay wants to see the “evidence” that you have done what is necessary to understand the practice of medicine. This includes clinical exposure, research, and community service, among other activities.

2. Why do you want to be a doctor?

This may seem pretty basic – and it is – but admissions officers need to know WHY you want to practice medicine. Many applicants make the mistake of simply listing what they have done without offering insights about those experiences that answer the question, “Why medicine?” Your reasons for wanting to be a doctor may overlap with those of other applicants. This is okay because the experiences in which you participated, the stories you can tell about those experiences, and the wisdom you gained are completely distinct—because they are only yours. 

“In admissions committee meetings we were always interested in WHY you wanted to earn a medical degree and how you would contribute to the medical school community.”

Medical school admissions committees want to know that you have explored your interest deeply and that you can reflect on the significance of these clinical experiences and volunteer work. But writing only that you “want to help people” does not support a sincere desire to become a physician; you must indicate why the medical profession in particular—rather than social work, teaching, or another “helping” profession—is your goal. 

3. How have your experiences influenced you?

It is important to show how your experiences are linked and how they have influenced you. How did your experiences motivate you? How did they affect what else you did in your life? How did your experiences shape your future goals? Medical school admissions committees like to see a sensible progression of involvements. While not every activity needs to be logically “connected” with another, the evolution of your interests and how your experiences have nurtured your future goals and ambitions show that you are motivated and committed.

4. Who are you as a person? What are your values and ideals?

Medical school admissions committees want to know about you as an individual beyond your interests in medicine, too. This is where answering that third open ended question in the prompt becomes so important. What was interesting about your background, youth, and home life? What did you enjoy most about college? Do you have any distinctive passions or interests? They want to be convinced that you are a good person beyond your experiences. Write about those topics that are unlikely to appear elsewhere in your statement that will offer depth and interest to your work and illustrate the qualities and characteristics you possess.

Related Articles:

• How to Get into Stanford Medical School
• How to Get into NYU Medical School
• How To Get Into Columbia Medical School
• How To Get Into UT Southwestern Medical School
• How To Get Into Harvard Medical School

Complete Your Personal Inventory and Outline (Example Below)

The bulk of your essay should be about your most valuable experiences, personal, academic, scholarly, clinical, academic and extracurricular activities that have impacted your path to medical school and through which you have learned about the practice of medicine. The best personal statements cover several topics and are not narrow in scope. Why is this important? Many different people with a variety of backgrounds, interests, and ideas of what makes a great medical student will be reading your essay. You want to make sure you essay has broad appeal.

The following exercise will help you to determine what experiences you should highlight in your personal statement. 

When composing your personal statement, keep in mind that you are writing, in effect, a “story” of how you arrived at this point in your life. But, unlike a “story” in the creative sense, yours must also offer convincing evidence for your decision to apply to medical school. Before starting your personal statement, create an experience- based personal inventory:

• Write down a list of the most important experiences in your life and your development. The list should be all inclusive and comprise those experiences that had the most impact on you. Put the list, which should consist of personal, extracurricular, and academic events, in chronological order.
• From this list, determine which experiences you consider the most important in helping you decide to pursue a career in medicine. This “experience oriented” approach will allow you to determine which experiences best illustrate the personal competencies admissions committees look for in your written documents. Remember that you must provide evidence for your interest in medicine and for most of the personal qualities and characteristics that medical school admissions committees want to see.
• After making your list, think about why each “most important” experience was influential and write that down. What did you observe? What did you learn? What insights did you gain? How  did the experience influence your path and choices?
• Then think of a story or illustration for why each experience was important.
• After doing this exercise, evaluate each experience for its significance and influence and for its “story” value. Choose to write about those experiences that not only were influential but that also will provide interesting reading, keeping in mind that  your goal is to weave the pertinent experiences together into a compelling story. In making your choices, think about how you will link each experience and transition from one topic to the next.
• Decide which of your listed experiences you will use for your introduction first (see below for more about your introduction). Then decide which experiences you will include in the body of your personal statement, create a general outline, and get writing!

Remember, you will also have your work and activities entries and your secondary applications to write in more detail about your experiences. Therefore, don’t feel you must pack everything in to your statement!

Craft a Compelling Personal Statement Introduction and Body

You hear conflicting advice about application essays. Some tell you not to open with a story. Others tell you to always begin with a story. Regardless of the advice you receive, be sure to do three things:

• Be true to yourself. Everyone will have an opinion regarding what you should and should not write. Follow your own instincts. Your personal statement should be a reflection of you, and only you.
• Start your personal statement with something catchy.  Think about the list of potential topics above.
• Don’t rush your work. Composing thoughtful documents takes time and you don’t want your writing and ideas to be sloppy and underdeveloped.

Most important is to begin with something that engages your reader. A narrative, a “story,” an anecdote written in the first or third person, is ideal. Whatever your approach, your first paragraph must grab your reader’s attention and motivate him to want to continue reading. I encourage applicants to start their personal statement by describing an experience that was especially influential in setting them on their path to medical school. This can be a personal or scholarly experience or an extracurricular one. Remember to avoid clichés and quotes and to be honest and authentic in your writing. Don’t try to be someone who you are not by trying to imitate personal statement examples you have read online or “tell them what you think they want to hear”; consistency is key and your interviewer is going to make sure that you are who you say you are!

When deciding what experiences to include in the body of your personal statement, go back to your personal inventory and identify those experiences that have been the most influential in your personal path and your path to medical school. Keep in mind that the reader wants to have an idea of who you are as a human being so don’t write your personal statement as a glorified resume. Include some information about your background and personal experiences that can give a picture of who you are as a person outside of the classroom or laboratory.

Ideally, you should choose two or three experiences to highlight in the body of your personal statement. You don’t want to write about all of your accomplishments; that is what your application entries are for!

Write Your Personal Statement Conclusion

In your conclusion, it is customary to “go full circle” by coming back to the topic—or anecdote—you introduced in the introduction, but this is not a must. Summarize why you want to be a doctor and address what you hope to achieve and your goals for medical school. Write a conclusion that is compelling and will leave the reader wanting to meet you.

Complete Personal Statement Checklist

When reading your medical school personal statement be sure it:

Shows insight and introspection

The best medical school personal statements tell a great deal about what you have learned through your experiences and the insights you have gained.

You want to tell your story by highlighting those experiences that have been the most influential on your path to medical school and to give a clear sense of chronology. You want your statement always to be logical and never to confuse your reader.

Is interesting and engaging

The best personal statements engage the reader. This doesn’t mean you must use big words or be a literary prize winner. Write in your own language and voice, but really think about your journey to medical school and the most intriguing experiences you have had.

Gives the reader a mental image of who you are

You want the reader to be able to envision you as a caregiver and a medical professional. You want to convey that you would be a compassionate provider at the bedside – someone who could cope well with crisis and adversity.

Illustrates your passion for, and commitment to, medicine

Your reader must be convinced that you are excited about and committed to a career in medicine!

Above all, your personal statement should be about you. Explain to your reader what you have done and why you want to be a doctor with insight, compassion, and understanding.

Medical School Personal Statement Myths

Also keep in mind some common myths about personal statements that I hear quite often:

My personal statement must have a theme.

Not true. The vast majority of personal statements do not have themes. In fact, most are somewhat autobiographical and are just as interesting as those statements that are woven around a “theme.” It is only the very talented writer who can creatively write a personal statement around a theme, and this approach often backfires since the applicant fails to answer the three questions above.

My personal statement must be no longer than one page.

Not true. This advice is antiquated and dates back to the days of the written application when admissions committees flipped through pages. If your personal statement is interesting and compelling, it is fine to use the entire allotted space. The application systems have incorporated limits for exactly this reason! Many students, depending on their unique circumstances, can actually undermine their success by limiting their personal statement to a page. That said, never max out a space just for the sake of doing so. Quality writing and perspectives are preferable to quantity.

My personal statement should not describe patient encounters or my personal medical experiences.

Not true. Again, the actual topics on which you focus in your personal statement are less important than the understanding you gained from those experiences. I have successful clients who have written extremely powerful and compelling personal statements that included information about clinical encounters – both personal and professional. Write about whichever experiences were the most important on your path to medicine. It’s always best, however, to avoid spending too much space on childhood and high school activities. Focus instead on those that are more current.

In my personal statement I need to sell myself.

Not exactly true. You never want to boast in your personal statement. Let your experiences, insights, and observations speak for themselves. You want your reader to draw the conclusion – on his or her own – that you have the qualities and characteristics the medical school seeks. Never tell what qualities and characteristics you possess; let readers draw these conclusions on their own based on what you write.

Medical School Personal Statement Examples and Analysis for Inspiration

Below are examples of actual medical school personal statements. You can also likely find medical school personal statements on Reddit.

AMCAS Medical School Personal Statement Example and Analysis #1 with Personal Inventory  

We will use Amy to illustrate the general process of writing an application to medical school, along with providing the resulting documents. Amy will first list those experiences, personal, extracurricular, and scholarly, that have been most influential in two areas: her life in general and her path to medical school. She will put this personal inventory in chronologic order for use in composing her personal statement.

She will then select those experiences that were the most significant to her and will reflect and think about why they were important. For her application entries, Amy will write about each experience, including those that she considers influential in her life but not in her choice of medicine, in her application entries. Experiences that Amy will not write about in her activity entries or her personal statement are those that she does not consider most influential in either her life or in her choice of medicine.

Amy’s personal inventory (from oldest to most recent)

• Going with my mom to work. She is a surgeon — I was very curious about what she did. I was intrigued by the relationships she had with patients and how much they valued her efforts. I also loved seeing her as “a doctor” since, to me, she was just “mom.”
• I loved biology in high school. I started to think seriously about medicine then. It was during high school that I became fascinated with biology and how the human body worked. I would say that was when I thought, “Hmm, maybe I should be a doctor.”
• Grandmother’s death, senior year of high school. My grandmother’s death was tragic. It was the first time I had ever seen someone close to me suffer. It was one of the most devastating experiences in my life.
• Global Health Trip to Guatemala my freshman year of college. I realized after going to Guatemala that I had always taken my access to health care for granted. Here I saw children who didn’t have basic health care. This made me want to become a physician so I could give more to people like those I met in Guatemala.
• Sorority involvement. Even though sorority life might seem trivial, I loved it. I learned to work with different types of people and gained some really valuable leadership experience.
• Poor grades in college science classes. I still regret that I did badly in my science classes. I think I was immature and was also too involved in other activities and didn’t have the focus I needed to do well. I had a 3.4 undergraduate GPA.
• Teaching and tutoring Jose, a child from Honduras. In a way, meeting Jose in a college tutoring program brought my Guatemala experience to my home. Jose struggled academically, and his parents were immigrants and spoke only Spanish, so they had their own challenges. I tried to help Jose as much as I could. I saw that because he lacked resources, he was at a tremendous disadvantage.
• Volunteering at Excellent Medical Center. Shadowing physicians at the medical center gave me a really broad view of medicine. I learned about different specialties, met many different patients, and saw both great and not-so-great physician role models. Counselor at Ronald McDonald House. Working with sick kids made me appreciate my health. I tried to make them happy and was so impressed with their resilience. It made me realize that good health is everything.
• Oncology research. Understanding what happens behind the scenes in research was fascinating. Not only did I gain some valuable research experience, but I learned how research is done.
• Peer health counselor. Communicating with my peers about really important medical tests gave me an idea of the tremendous responsibility that doctors have. I also learned that it is important to be sensitive, to listen, and to be open-minded when working with others.
• Clinical Summer Program. This gave me an entirely new view of medicine. I worked with the forensics department, and visiting scenes of deaths was entirely new to me. This experience added a completely new dimension to my understanding of medicine and how illness and death affect loved ones.
• Emergency department internship. Here I learned so much about how things worked in the hospital. I realized how important it was that people who worked in the clinical department were involved in creating hospital policies. This made me understand, in practical terms, how an MPH would give me the foundation to make even more change in the future.
• Master’s in public health. I decided to get an MPH for two reasons. First of all, I knew my undergraduate science GPA was an issue so I figured that graduate level courses in which I performed well would boost my record. I don’t think I will write this on my application, but I also thought the degree would give me other skills if I didn’t get into medical school, and I knew it would also give me something on which I could build during medical school and in my career since I was interested in policy work.

As you can see from Amy’s personal inventory list, she has many accomplishments that are important to her and influenced her path. The most influential personal experience that motivated her to practice medicine was her mother’s career as a practicing physician, but Amy was also motivated by watching her mother’s career evolve. Even though the death of her grandmother was devastating for Amy, she did not consider this experience especially influential in her choice to attend medical school so she didn’t write about it in her personal statement.

Amy wrote an experience-based personal statement, rich with anecdotes and detailed descriptions, to illustrate the evolution of her interest in medicine and how this motivated her to also earn a master’s in public health.

Amy’s Medical School Personal Statement Example:

She was sprawled across the floor of her apartment. Scattered trash, decaying food, alcohol bottles, medication vials, and cigarette butts covered the floor. I had just graduated from college, and this was my first day on rotation with the forensic pathology department as a Summer Scholar, one of my most valuable activities on the path to medical school. As the coroner deputy scanned the scene for clues to what caused this woman’s death, I saw her distraught husband. I did not know what to say other than “I am so sorry.” I listened intently as he repeated the same stories about his wife and his dismay that he never got to say goodbye. The next day, alongside the coroner as he performed the autopsy, I could not stop thinking about the grieving man.

Discerning a cause of death was not something I had previously associated with the practice of medicine. As a child, I often spent Saturday mornings with my mother, a surgeon, as she rounded on patients. I witnessed the results of her actions, as she provided her patients a renewed chance at life. I grew to honor and respect my mother’s profession. Witnessing the immense gratitude of her patients and their families, I quickly came to admire the impact she was able to make in the lives of her patients and their loved ones.

I knew I wanted to pursue a career in medicine as my mother had, and throughout high school and college I sought out clinical, research, and volunteer opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of medicine. After volunteering with cancer survivors at Camp Ronald McDonald, I was inspired to further understand this disease. Through my oncology research, I learned about therapeutic processes for treatment development. Further, following my experience administering HIV tests, I completed research on point-of-care HIV testing, to be instituted throughout 26 hospitals and clinics. I realized that research often served as a basis for change in policy and medical practice and sought out opportunities to learn more about both.

All of my medically related experiences demonstrated that people who were ‘behind the scenes’ and had limited or no clinical background made many of the decisions in health care. Witnessing the evolution of my mother’s career further underscored the impact of policy change on the practice of medicine. In particular, the limits legislation imposed on the care she could provide influenced my perspective and future goals. Patients whom my mother had successfully treated for more than a decade, and with whom she had long-standing, trusting relationships, were no longer able to see her, because of policy coverage changes. Some patients, frustrated by these limitations, simply stopped seeking the care they needed. As a senior in college, I wanted to understand how policy transformations came about and gain the tools I would need to help effect administrative and policy changes in the future as a physician. It was with this goal in mind that I decided to complete a master’s in public health program before applying to medical school.

As an MPH candidate, I am gaining insight into the theories and practices behind the complex interconnections of the healthcare system; I am learning about economics, operations, management, ethics, policy, finance, and technology and how these entities converge to impact delivery of care. A holistic understanding of this diverse, highly competitive, market-driven system will allow me, as a clinician, to find solutions to policy, public health, and administration issues. I believe that change can be more effective if those who actually practice medicine also decide where improvements need to be made.

For example, as the sole intern for the emergency department at County Medical Center, I worked to increase efficiency in the ED by evaluating and mapping patient flow. I tracked patients from point of entry to point of discharge and found that the discharge process took up nearly 35% of patients’ time. By analyzing the reasons for this situation, in collaboration with nurses and physicians who worked in the ED and had an intimate understanding of what took place in the clinical area, I was able to make practical recommendations to decrease throughput time. The medical center has already implemented these suggestions, resulting in decreased length of stays. This example illustrates the benefit of having clinicians who work ‘behind the scenes’ establish policies and procedures, impacting operational change and improving patient care. I will also apply what I have learned through this project as the business development intern at Another Local Medical Center this summer, where I will assist in strategic planning, financial analysis, and program reviews for various clinical departments.

Through my mother’s career and my own medical experiences, I have become aware of the need for clinician administrators and policymakers. My primary goal as a physician will be to care for patients, but with the knowledge and experience I have gained through my MPH, I also hope to effect positive public policy and administrative changes.

What’s Good About Amy’s Medical School Personal Statement:  

Paragraphs 1 and 2: Amy started her personal statement by illustrating a powerful experience she had when she realized that medical caregivers often feel impotent, and how this contrasted with her understanding of medicine as a little girl going with her mother to work. Recognition of this intense contrast also highlights Amy’s maturity.

Paragraph 3: Amy then “lists” a few experiences that were important to her.

Paragraph 4: Amy describes the commonality in some of her experiences and how her observations were substantiated by watching the evolution of her mother’s practice. She then explains how this motivated her to earn an MPH so she could create change more effectively as a physician than as a layman.

Paragraph 5: Amy then explains how her graduate degree is helping her to better understand the “issues in medicine” that she observed.

Paragraph 6: Amy then describes one exceptional accomplishment she had that highlights what she has learned and how she has applied it.

Paragraph 7: Finally, Amy effectively concludes her personal statement and summarizes the major topics addressed in her essay.

As you can see, Amy’s statement has excellent flow, is captivating and unusual, and illustrates her understanding of, and commitment to, medicine. She also exhibits, throughout her application entries and statement, the personal competencies, characteristics, and qualities that medical school admissions officers are seeking. Her application also has broad appeal; reviewers who are focused on research, cultural awareness, working with the underserved, health administration and policy, teaching, or clinical medicine would all find it of interest.

med school personal statement examples

Osteopathic Medical School Personal Statement Example and Analysis #2

Medical School Personal Statement Example Background: This is a nontraditional applicant who applied to osteopathic medical schools. With a 500 and a 504 on the MCAT , he needed to showcase how his former career and what he learned through his work made him an asset. He also needed to convey why osteopathic medicine was an ideal fit for him. The student does an excellent job illustrating his commitment to medicine and explaining why and how he made the well-informed decision to leave his former career to pursue a career in osteopathic medicine.

What’s Good About It: A nontraditional student with a former career, this applicant does a great job outlining how and why he decided to pursue a career in medicine. Clearly dedicated to service, he also does a great job making it clear he is a good fit for osteopathic medical school and understands this distinctions of osteopathic practice.. 

Working as a police officer, one comes to expect the unexpected, but sometimes, when the unexpected happens, one can’t help but be surprised. In November 20XX, I had been a police officer for two years when my partner and I happened to be nearby when a man had a cardiac emergency in Einstein Bagels. Entering the restaurant, I was caught off guard by the lifeless figure on the floor, surrounded by spilled food. Time paused as my partner and I began performing CPR, and my heart raced as I watched color return to the man’s pale face.

Luckily, paramedics arrived within minutes to transport him to a local hospital. Later, I watched as the family thanked the doctors who gave their loved one a renewed chance at life. That day, in the “unexpected,” I confirmed that I wanted to become a physician, something that had attracted me since childhood.

I have always been enthralled by the science of medicine and eager to help those in need but, due to life events, my path to achieving this dream has been long. My journey began following high school when I joined the U.S. Army. I was immature and needed structure, and I knew the military was an opportunity to pursue my medical ambitions. I trained as a combat medic and requested work in an emergency room of an army hospital. At the hospital, I started IVs, ran EKGs, collected vital signs, and assisted with codes. I loved every minute as I was directly involved in patient care and observed physicians methodically investigating their patients’ signs and symptoms until they reached a diagnosis. Even when dealing with difficult patients, the physicians I worked with maintained composure, showing patience and understanding while educating patients about their diseases. I observed physicians not only as clinicians but also as teachers. As a medic, I learned that I loved working with patients and being part of the healthcare team, and I gained an understanding of acute care and hospital operations.

Following my discharge in 20XX, I transferred to an army reserve hospital and continued as a combat medic until 20XX. Working as a medic at several hospitals and clinics in the area, I was exposed to osteopathic medicine and the whole body approach to patient care. I was influenced by the D.O.s’ hands-on treatment and their use of manipulative medicine as a form of therapy. I learned that the body cannot function properly if there is dysfunction in the musculoskeletal system.

In 20XX, I became a police officer to support myself as I finished my undergraduate degree and premed courses. While working the streets, I continued my patient care experiences by being the first to care for victims of gunshot wounds, stab wounds, car accidents, and other medical emergencies. In addition, I investigated many unknown causes of death with the medical examiner’s office. I often found signs of drug and alcohol abuse and learned the dangers and power of addiction. In 20XX, I finished my undergraduate degree in education and in 20XX, I completed my premed courses.

Wanting to learn more about primary care medicine, in 20XX I volunteered at a community health clinic that treats underserved populations. Shadowing a family physician, I learned about the physical exam as I looked into ears and listened to the hearts and lungs of patients with her guidance. I paid close attention as she expressed the need for more PCPs and the important roles they play in preventing disease and reducing ER visits by treating and educating patients early in the disease process. This was evident as numerous patients were treated for high cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, and diabetes, all conditions that can be resolved or improved by lifestyle changes. I learned that these changes are not always easy for many in underserved populations as healthier food is often more expensive and sometimes money for prescriptions is not available. This experience opened my eyes to the challenges of being a physician in an underserved area.

The idea of disease prevention stayed with me as I thought about the man who needed CPR. Could early detection and education about heart disease have prevented his “unexpected” cardiac event? My experiences in health care and law enforcement have confirmed my desire to be an osteopathic physician and to treat the patients of the local area. I want to eliminate as many medical surprises as I can.

Texas Medical School Personal Statement Example and Analysis #3

Medical School Personal Statement Example Background: This applicant, who grew up with modest means, should be an inspiration to us all. Rather than allowing limited resources to stand in his way, he took advantage of everything that was available to him. He commuted to college from home and had a part-time job so he was stretched thin, and his initial college performance suffered. However, he worked hard and his grades improved. Most medical school admissions committees seek out applicants like this because, by overcoming adversity and succeeding with limited resources, they demonstrate exceptional perseverance, maturity, and dedication. His accomplishments are, by themselves, impressive and he does an outstanding job of detailing his path, challenges, and commitment to medicine. He received multiple acceptances to top medical schools and was offered scholarships.

What’s Good About It: This student does a great job opening his personal statement with a beautifully written introduction that immediately takes the reader to Central America. He then explains his path, why he did poorly early in college, and goes on to discuss his academic interests and pursuits. He is also clearly invested in research and articulates that he is intellectually curious, motivated, hard working, compassionate and committed to a career in medicine by explaining his experiences using interesting language and details. This is an intriguing statement that makes clear the applicant is worthy of an interview invitation. Finally, the student expresses his interest in attending medical school in Texas.

They were learning the basics of carpentry and agriculture. The air was muggy and hot, but these young boys seemed unaffected, though I and my fellow college students sweated and often complained. As time passed, I started to have a greater appreciation for the challenges these boys faced. These orphans, whom I met and trained in rural Central America as a member of The Project, had little. They dreamed of using these basic skills to earn a living wage. Abandoned by their families, they knew this was their only opportunity to re-enter society as self- sufficient individuals. I stood by them in the fields and tutored them after class. And while I tried my best to instill in them a strong work ethic, it was the boys who instilled in me a desire to help those in need. They gave me a new perspective on my decision to become a doctor.

I don’t know exactly when I decided to become a physician; I have had this goal for a long time. I grew up in the inner city of A City, in Texas and attended magnet schools. My family knew little about higher education, and I learned to seek out my own opportunities and advice. I attended The University with the goal of gaining admission to medical school. When I started college, I lacked the maturity to focus on academics and performed poorly. Then I traveled to Central America. Since I was one of the few students who spoke Spanish, many of the boys felt comfortable talking with me. They saw me as a role model.

The boys worked hard so that they could learn trades that would help them to be productive members of society. It was then I realized that my grandparents, who immigrated to the US so I would have access to greater opportunities, had done the same. I felt like I was wasting what they had sacrificed for me. When I returned to University in the fall, I made academics my priority and committed myself to learn more about medicine .

Through my major in neuroscience, I strengthened my understanding of how we perceive and experience life. In systems neurobiology, I learned the physiology of the nervous system. Teaching everything from basic neural circuits to complex sensory pathways, Professor X provided me with the knowledge necessary to conduct research in Parkinson’s disease. My research focused on the ability of antioxidants to prevent the onset of Parkinson’s, and while my project was only a pilot study at the time, Professor X encouraged me to present it at the National Research Conference. During my senior year, I developed the study into a formal research project, recruiting the help of professors of statistics and biochemistry.

Working at the School of Medicine reinforced my analytical skills. I spent my summer in the department of emergency medicine, working with the department chair, Dr. Excellent. Through Dr. Excellent’s mentorship, I participated in a retrospective study analyzing patient charts to determine the efficacy of D-dimer assays in predicting blood clots. The direct clinical relevance of my research strengthened my commitment and motivated my decision to seek out more clinical research opportunities.

A growing awareness of the role of human compassion in healing has also influenced my choice to pursue a career in medicine. It is something no animal model or cell culture can ever duplicate or rival. Working in clinical research has allowed me to see the selflessness of many physicians and patients and their mutual desire to help others. As a research study assistant in the department of surgery, I educate and enroll patients in clinical trials. One such study examines the role of pre-operative substance administration in tumor progression. Patients enrolled in this study underwent six weeks of therapy before having the affected organ surgically excised. Observing how patients were willing to participate in this research to benefit others helped me understand the resiliency of the human spirit.

Working in clinical trials has enabled me to further explore my passion for science, while helping others. Through my undergraduate coursework and participation in volunteer groups I have had many opportunities to solidify my goal to become a physician. As I am working, I sometimes think about my second summer in Central America. I recall how one day, after I had turned countless rows of soil in scorching heat, one of the boys told me that I was a trabajador verdadero—a true worker. I paused as I realized the significance of this comment. While the boy may not have been able to articulate it, he knew I could identify with him. What the boy didn’t know, however, was that had my grandparents not decided to immigrate to the US, I would not have the great privilege of seizing opportunities in this country and writing this essay today. I look forward to the next step of my education and hope to return home to Texas where I look forward to serving the communities I call home.

Final Thoughts

Above all, and as stated in this article numerous times, your personal statement should be authentic and genuine. Write about your path and and journey to this point in your life using anecdotes and observations to intrigue the reader and illustrate what is and was important to you. Good luck!

Medical School Personal Statement Help & Consulting

If all this information has you staring at your screen like a deer in the headlights, you’re not alone. Writing a superb medical school personal statement can be a daunting task, and many applicants find it difficult to get started writing, or to express everything they want to say succinctly. That’s where MedEdits can help. You don’t have to have the best writing skills to compose a stand-out statement. From personal-statement editing alone to comprehensive packages for all your medical school application needs, we offer extensive support and expertise developed from working with thousands of successful medical school applicants. We can’t promise applying to medical school will be stress-free, but most clients tell us it’s a huge relief not to have to go it alone.

MedEdits offers personal statement consulting and editing. Our goal when working with students is to draw out what makes each student distinctive. How do we do this? We will explore your background and upbringing, interests and ideals as well as your accomplishments and activities. By helping you identify the most distinguishing aspects of who you are, you will then be able to compose an authentic and genuine personal statement in your own voice to capture the admissions committee’s attention so you are invited for a medical school interview. Our unique brainstorming methodology has helped hundreds of aspiring premeds gain acceptance to medical school.

Sample Medical School Personal Statement

Example Medical School Personal Statement

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Surgery Residency Personal Statement Examples

To learn how to write a great surgery personal statement in 2024 start by reviewingsurgery personal statement examples. Along with taking time to review possible surgery residency interview questions that may come your way, and practicing your answers, you should learn what makes a strong personal statement and write one that reflects your suitability for this specialty. A great personal statement will increase your chance of being offered an interview, and being considered for residency.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

Article Contents 11 min read

Surgery is a moderately competitive field, and is a common specialty choice for many future MDs. Throughout a surgery residency, you will learn to master the basics of patient interaction and care, tend to patients’ needs (especially when the attending physician isn’t on duty), and most importantly, learn all of the essentials about general surgery and hone a wide set of skills that will ultimately lead you down a path to becoming a skilled and talented surgeon yourself.

Whether you’re Canadian and applying through CaRMS , or American/International and using ERAS , your personal statement is a very important portion of your surgery residency application. Your personal statement should highlight several aspects of your experiences, including your personal ties to the field, academic career, goals, values, and professional experience in this speciality that, when all considered in combination, will ultimately make you stand out in the field.

While your personal statement is a personal piece of writing, it must still adhere to any word limits (normally this is 750-800 words) and should maintain a concise and organized structure.

Consider including the following details in your surgery personal statement:

Optional: a brief explanation of any gaps or unfavorable grades "}]">

No matter what field you’re applying for residency, your residency personal statement must only be a few concise paragraphs that clearly communicate why you are interested in pursuing a particular residency/field.

Here are some things that your surgery personal statement should not include:

Any negative remarks. This is especially crucial if you do choose to address gaps in your timeline or poor grades. Always utilize the opportunity to address how you made improvements and grew from negative experiences instead! "}]">

Example One

Looking down at my little sister’s wound on her head after she’d plummeted from the top of the slide was the first time I knew I had to act fast in order to tend to her injury, as well as her emotional well-being. When somebody would fall and become injured, most children would freeze or watch the situation unfold from afar…but not me. I would often be found consoling injured classmates on the playground. I’d utter words of inspiration and keep their spirits high—not because anybody taught me to—but because I reacted calmly to humans in distress. I’d watch curiously as their wounds were bandaged, but that action quickly morphed into me having the urge to be the one to dress the wound and offer insight and opinions about the injury. Of course, many people don’t take the word of a 10-year-old seriously, but it never discouraged me. Rather, it fueled my desire to be in a position where I would be taken seriously when I tried to help.

Through my surgical clerkship in year 3 of my MD program, I was able to make the confident decision that surgery was the field I was meant to train in, and I feel I’ll make an outstanding surgeon.

Throughout my various rotations, clerkships and volunteer opportunities over the past five years, I’ve met many patients whose lives had been altered and improved—and many saved—by their surgeons. I learned that while some surgeries are certainly more ‘general’, others are lifesaving, and all require quick thinking and organized action. Accident victims, victims of a ruptured appendix or inflamed gallbladder, and those suffering from a fracture (and more)! Every time I interacted with them, or heard of their case, patients of all ages inspired me in their own unique ways to continue to learn how to best correct and fix such problems through surgery. In my general surgery clerkship, I was often asked to address pre-op questions that patients had, comfort them and put their mind at ease before wheeling them into the OR, and report to the patient in recovery with the attending physician. During surgery, I would observe and have the opportunity to ask questions afterward about specific tools and approaches used in the OR to better understand what was being done, and why. Through this experience, I gained a broad knowledge of general surgery terminology an practices, and grew to understand the importance of communication between patients, doctors, nurses, residents, and even shadowing students, collaboration, and focus during the entire surgical process.

In the tenth grade, my class entered the Body Words exhibition at X City Science Centre. Most of my classmates joked uncomfortably and cringed throughout the exhibit, but I remember being utterly captivated and intrigued—I wanted to know more. That was the first time I remember being stunned by the intricacy of the human body and the world that exists within the CNS and every bone, muscle and vein within us all. From the tenth grade onward, I knew I wanted to study medicine, but I now wholeheartedly believe that the surgical field is where my skills and interests lie, and where I can best utilize my passion. I have been continually fascinated by the human body and have been a strong observer of its functions and dysfunctions throughout my past four years in medical school, as well as throughout my undergraduate and adolescent years. I am eager to learn as much as I can about how the body works, how it fails, and how surgical interventions can help people achieve optimal function and health.

I also believe that surgical residency is where I can best utilize my communication skills and interpersonal abilities, whether communicating with colleagues or patients. During my clerkships, in general surgery, emergency medicine, and my rotations and volunteer experience in pediatrics, I learned to communicate thoroughly, calmly, and clearly with various patients, even in tough situations in the ER trauma unit; my ability to remain collected and communicative is innate, and I feel this would be an asset as a future surgeon. I have always felt a strong sense of empathy for others, which has helped me connect with patients and their families. I also believe that my years as an athlete and team captain have given me incredible discipline, leadership skills, and a competitive edge in the operating room, where every second counts and no one wants to lose. Just like on the hockey rink during AAA finals, everybody has a job to do, and communication and teamwork is key, especially when quick decisions must be made.

I have a personal connection to surgery, and this experience further drove my passion to become an expert in the field and pursue medicine. My father had a heart attack when he was 41 years old. The doctors told him that he needed open-heart surgery, but they could not perform the procedure due to his poor condition. They said that if they were able to operate on him, he would have only a 25% chance of survival. However, his skilled surgeon assured us that he would take a risk do everything he could to help my father...and he did just that. During my undergraduate years, I volunteered at the same hospital that saved my father’s life, and I attribute the volunteer experience to my ability to remain calm and level-headed in traumatic, upsetting and intense situations. In particular, I volunteered in the pediatric oncology unit for six months, met dozens of inspiring patients and had the pleasure of reading to them, assisting them with meals, as well as shadowing physician’s during scheduled appointments and post-op visits, and tense conversations with patient’s families.

I remember the first time I won a mathematics competition; people congratulated me and often spoke of my future as being one in academia. While it didn’t seem far-fetched, I, even as a teen, had visualized myself working in a hands-on field and helping people directly, despite my talent for solving complex equations.

I have loved science and math since I was in elementary school and won various awards and scholarships throughout my life, including seven state math competitions in high school, and being awarded the X University Grant (for ‘Mathematic Excellence’) in my third year of undergraduate study. But, ultimately, I knew I wanted to work hands-on, and in the medical field. I first became interested in science when my father began to take me outside to show me plants in our yard and explain their biology to me, as he is an accomplished, passionate Botanist. The knowledge he imparted on me about these plants inspired me to learn more about all kinds of organisms—not just plants— but humans. I was about ten years old when I figured that because I loved biology, anatomy, science and math, a career in medicine was the clear choice for me. And, I was in high school when I realized that working hands-on in surgery was my calling.

This interest in biology led me to pursue a combined degree in Mathematics and Biology at X University, where I began to take more speciality- focused courses to explore all of my areas of interest, like immunology. From there, I went on to medical school at XYZ College of Medicine. During my recent years in medical school I took advanced courses and completed rotations in neurosurgery, orthopedics, sports medicine, general surgery, and emergency medicine—all while working toward earning my MD degree and trying to learn as much as I could, across various fields of medicine. At the end of each day, though, surgery was always at the forefront of my mind. I am an analytic thinker, an accomplished mathematician, a science-minded MD student, with the ability to act quickly and think of several ways to approach a scenario, which I feel is a vital quality for a surgeon to have. Sometimes, the solution to a problem is black-and-white, and other times, the solution can only be found if one thinks ‘outside-the-box’; I have proven, through my academic and professional experiences, that I understand how to do both.

Your personal statement is a vital component of your residency application! It is an opportunity for you to express your interest in a particular field, in this case, surgery, and explain why you are a great fit for residency in your respective field! Remember, ERAS and CaRMS do not include prompts, and this is why it’s important that you review samples of personal statements in order to understand how to write your own and make it as strong as possible to increase your chances of admission.

Surgery is considered to be ‘medium’ or ‘average’ in terms of competitiveness, as it is in demand, a fairly popular choice, and moderately easy to match in. Remember, whether it’s the most competitive residency or the least competitive residency, your application must be stellar in order to match.

In order for any personal statement to stand out, you have to highlight what skills, experiences and accomplishments you’ve had that are relevant to the field of which you’re applying! For surgery, be sure to detail any volunteer, paid, and especially clinical clerkship experiences you’ve had that are related to surgery. You must also outline what steps you’ve taken to familiarize yourself with the field, for example, courses and clerkships, patient/rotation experiences, research, or even personal experiences that enhanced your passion for surgery.

Your CV exists to list and highlight your academic and professional achievements, and your personal statement is a story, so they are quite different. While you can certainly mention any relevant points included on your CV, such as an award or publication, in your surgery personal statement, you should ensure that it ties into the overall story you are trying to tell with your personal statement.

Your personal statement should include a very strong opening sentence/paragraph that captivates the reader (the admissions team!) and brief details that highlight why you’re a perfect fit for surgery, what specific accomplishments and experiences you’ve had that make you a strong candidate, and examples of skills you’ve acquired/experiences that taught you these vital skills.

Generally speaking, aim for 750-800 words, unless otherwise specified by the program! Personal statements are meant to be a brief, personal piece of writing that highlights your relevant skills and experiences that would make you an exceptional surgery resident.

First of all, you don’t have to address these things if you feel you shouldn’t! However, a personal statement can serve as a way for you to clarify any details and share information about what you’ve learned/how you’ve recovered from a bad grade or experience in your program. If you choose to do so, you should describe the scenario briefly and explain what you’ve learned, or, how you’ve changed as a result. Avoid any negative statements and excuses and stick to the facts!

Your personal statement is an independent story! So, we would advise against directly referring to components of your application, and encourage you to focus on creating a brief narrative that highlights the skills, experiences and qualities you possess that make you a great candidate for surgery residency.

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Tips from the AAMC: Top Resources for Getting into Medical School

Posted in: Applying to Medical School

Webinar Recap: Top AAMC Resources for Getting Into Medical School

Navigating the medical school application process can be daunting. To help you succeed, MedSchoolCoach recently hosted a webinar with an expert from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). This session covered essential resources provided by the AAMC to help applicants navigate the MCAT exam, the AMCAS application, financial assistance, and more.

Below is a video recording of the webinar. Plus, we’ve summarized key AAMC resources covered in the webinar and provided answers to questions asked by aspiring medical students who attended.

Understanding the AAMC’s Role in Medical Education

The AAMC is a pivotal organization in medical education, overseeing the MCAT exam and the AMCAS application process. Their resources and tools are designed to support pre-medical students, medical students, and residents, ensuring a smooth journey to becoming a physician.

Planning for the MCAT Exam as a Pre-Med

Strategic planning for the MCAT exam is crucial. The AAMC advises students to:

• Take the MCAT when you are ready, considering your familiarity with the content and comfort with the material.
• Develop effective study plans using resources like the AAMC’s six-step MCAT guide .
• Explore free and low-cost preparation materials such as the Khan Academy MCAT collection and the AAMC’s free MCAT practice test.

Navigating the AMCAS Application to Medical School

The AMCAS application is a comprehensive process requiring attention to detail. The AAMC advises aspiring physicians to:

• Complete the nine AMCAS sections , including coursework, work and activities, and the personal statement.
• Highlight experiences and competencies, making sure you meet the criteria outlined in the AAMC’s Anatomy of an Applicant resource .
• Utilize all the tools provided by the AAMC (see below) in order to best showcase your preparedness for medical school.

AAMC Financial Assistance for Med School Applicants

Applying to medical school can be expensive, but the AAMC offers several programs to ease the financial burden:

• Check out the Fee Assistance Program (FAP) , which offers reduced MCAT fees, free prep materials, and application fee waivers.
• Explore the AAMC FIRST service (Financial Information, Resources, Services, and Tools), which provides valuable information for managing finances, borrowing wisely, and understanding loan repayment options.

Exclusive AAMC Pre-Med Resources

The AAMC provides a wealth of resources to guide students through their pre-med journey:

• Sign up for the Pre-Med Navigator Newsletter to get monthly updates on key topics, resources, and dates.
• Peruse the Aspiring Docs Resource , containing Fact sheets, inspiring stories, and diaries from medical students and residents.
• Read the Anatomy of an Applicant PDF , which details the 15 core pre-med competencies and offers tools to develop them.
• Consider joining the Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) , a free program to explore health careers and prepare for successful application to health profession schools

Questions & Answers

Application process.

Q1: When should I submit my primary application?

A1: Submit as early as possible, ideally by June, to maximize your chances.

Q2: How do I write a strong personal statement?

A2: Highlight your motivations, experiences, and how you have grown from challenges; be concise and personal.

Q3: What should be included in the activities section of the application?

A3: Include a mix of non-medical, clinical, and research activities, focusing on achievements and what you learned.

Q4: How do I handle letters of recommendation for my application?

A4: Request letters early, provide ample information to your recommenders, and ensure they are submitted by the deadline.

Q5: What should I consider when choosing medical schools to apply to?

A5: Research each school’s requirements, focus areas, and support for your specific needs (e.g., non-traditional students).

Q6: How do I stand out in my medical school application?

A6: Have strong clinical and volunteer experiences, a compelling personal statement, and excellent letters of recommendation.

Q7: Can I apply to medical schools with a low GPA?

A7: Yes, but focus on other strengths like a high MCAT score, relevant experiences, and strong personal statements.

Q8: How do I prepare for secondary applications?

A8: Respond promptly and thoughtfully to each prompt, highlighting your fit with the school’s mission and values.

Q9: What is the timeline for submitting secondary applications?

A9: Aim to submit within 2 weeks of receiving them, and ideally by mid-August to be considered early.

Q10: What do I do if I need to retake the MCAT after submitting my primary application?

A10: Indicate the retake on your application and update schools with your new score once available.

Non-Traditional Applicants and Gap Years

Q1: Advice for non-traditional applicants?

A1: Highlight unique experiences and transferable skills, and focus on relevant clinical and volunteer experiences.

Q2: Should I take a gap year?

A2: A gap year can be beneficial if used to gain additional experiences, improve your application, or prepare for the MCAT.

Q3: How do I gain clinical experience as a non-traditional applicant?

A3: Volunteer at hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare settings, and consider shadowing physicians.

Q4: What should I do during a gap year?

A4: Focus on gaining clinical experience, volunteering, research, or any other activities that strengthen your application.

Q5: Can I apply to medical school with a career change background?

A5: Yes, highlight how your previous career has prepared you for a career in medicine and demonstrate your commitment.

Q6: How do I handle letters of recommendation if I’92m taking a gap year?

A6: Reach out to previous professors or supervisors early and maintain contact to ensure timely submission.

Q7: What is the best way to use gap years effectively?

A7: Gain meaningful experiences, improve your academic record if needed, and prepare thoroughly for the MCAT.

Q8: How do I address a lower GPA as a non-traditional student?

A8: Consider post-baccalaureate programs to improve your academic record and focus on excelling in recent coursework.

Q9: How do I navigate the application process if I’ve been out of school for several years?

A9: Seek advice from pre-med advisors, highlight relevant experiences, and ensure strong letters of recommendation.

Q10: How do I apply for medical school as a non-traditional student?

A10: Follow the same process but emphasize your unique journey and how it has prepared you for a career in medicine.

Letters of Recommendation

Q1: How should I request letters of recommendation?

A1: Ask early, provide your recommenders with ample information about your goals and experiences, and follow up to ensure timely submission.

Q2: Who should write my letters of recommendation?

A2: Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your academic abilities, character, and suitability for medical school.

Q3: Can I submit my application before my letters of recommendation are ready?

A3: Yes, you can submit your application and add letters of recommendation as they become available, but ensure they are submitted before deadlines.

Q4: How many letters of recommendation are needed?

A4: Typically, 3-5 letters are required; check each school’s specific requirements for the exact number and types of letters.

Q5: Do letters of recommendation expire?

A5: Most letters remain valid for one application cycle; if applying in subsequent cycles, request updated letters.

Q6: How do I handle letters of recommendation if taking a gap year?

A6: Maintain relationships with potential recommenders and request letters early, even if you plan to apply later.

Q7: Are non-academic recommendation letters acceptable?

A7: Yes, non-academic letters can be valuable, especially if they provide insight into your character and experiences relevant to medicine.

Q8: How should I submit letters of recommendation?

A8: Use the application service’s designated system, like AMCAS, to ensure proper submission and tracking of your letters.

Q9: What should be included in a letter of recommendation?

A9: The letter should discuss your academic abilities, character, work ethic, and suitability for medical school, with specific examples.

Q10: How important are letters of recommendation in the application process?

A10: They are very important as they provide a personal perspective on your qualifications and readiness for medical school.

Academic Preparation and MCAT Preparation

Q1: How best to prepare for the MCAT if you have 3 months?

A1: Create a focused study plan, take practice exams, and review key concepts using study resources.

Q2: What GPA is needed to get into medical school?

A2: There is no specific GPA, but maintaining a competitive GPA and balancing it with strong extracurriculars and a good MCAT score is crucial.

Q3: What MCAT score is needed to get into med school?

A3: Aim for a score above the average; competitive scores vary, but generally a 510+ is considered strong.

Q4: Can I submit my application before receiving my MCAT score?

A4: Yes, you can submit your application if you are confident in your practice exam performance and update schools later.

Q5: How important is research experience during undergrad?

A5: Research experience is valued, but clinical experience and other relevant activities are also important.

Q6: How can I overcome a poor GPA/MCAT?

A6: Focus on excelling in other areas of your application, such as gaining relevant experiences and writing strong essays.

Q7: What study tips are most effective for the MCAT?

A7: Use reputable study resources, create a structured study plan, and take practice exams regularly.

Q8: What is the best timeline for MCAT prep?

A8: Start studying several months in advance, ideally 3-6 months, and create a detailed study schedule.

Q9: How do I prepare for the CASPer exam?

A9: Practice with sample questions and understand the test format; check each school’s requirements for taking it.

Q10: When is the best time to take the MCAT?

A10: Ideally, take the MCAT when you feel fully prepared, usually by the end of your junior year or early in the application cycle.

MCAT Timing

Q1: How should I prepare for the MCAT if I have 3 months?

A1: Create a study schedule, focus on high-yield content, take practice exams, and review your weak areas consistently.

Q2: What is the best way to study for the MCAT with limited time?

A2: Prioritize high-yield topics, use practice questions and exams, and focus on improving your weakest subjects.

Q3: When is the best time to take the MCAT if applying to medical school this cycle?

A3: Ideally, take the MCAT by June to ensure your scores are available early in the application process.

Q4: How can I study for the MCAT if I have been out of school for several years?

A4: Use comprehensive review books, online resources, and consider taking a prep course to refresh your knowledge.

Q5: Are two months of MCAT prep too short?

A5: It can be enough if you study intensively, focus on high-yield topics, and take multiple practice exams.

Q6: How should I plan my MCAT study schedule?

A6: Create a detailed study plan that covers all MCAT sections, includes regular practice exams, and allows for review of weak areas.

Q7: What are some effective MCAT study tips?

A7: Use practice questions, review high-yield content, take full-length practice exams, and analyze your mistakes thoroughly.

Q8: How important are MCAT scores in medical school admissions?

A8: MCAT scores are a critical component of your application and should be as high as possible to enhance your competitiveness.

Q9: What are some affordable MCAT prep resources?

A9: Utilize free online resources, such as Khan Academy, and affordable prep books from reputable publishers.

Q10: How can I balance MCAT prep with a part-time job?

A10: Create a flexible study schedule, use evenings and weekends for intensive study sessions, and prioritize high-yield materials.

Extracurricular Activities and Experiences

Q1: How should I pick my extracurriculars to strengthen Med school interests without coming across as simply “checking boxes”?

A1: Participate in activities you are passionate about that develop skills like leadership, communication, and empathy.

Q2: Other than the academic aspect needed, what are some ways I can exhibit my excitement/passion towards medicine?

A2: Engage in clinical and volunteer experiences that demonstrate your commitment to the field.

Q3: What experiences do the committee of admission think are important experiences? for example: clinical and volunteer experiences

A3: Committees value clinical experience, volunteer work, research, and leadership roles that show a commitment to medicine.

Q4: Do you need recommendation letters to submit your primary application?

A4: Yes, recommendation letters are required for your primary application.

Q5: How can pre-meds maximize their chances of getting accepted into med school?

A5: Gain clinical experience, participate in meaningful extracurriculars, maintain a strong GPA, and score well on the MCAT.

Q6: Is hospice volunteering clinical experience?

A6: Yes, hospice volunteering is considered clinical experience.

Q7: What extracurriculars should a student participate in high school?

A7: Focus on activities that develop relevant skills, such as volunteering at hospitals and participating in health-related clubs.

Q8: Can you provide examples of strong responses to questions like “Why do you want to be a doctor?”

A8: Responses should be personal, reflecting genuine motivations and specific experiences that influenced your decision.

Q9: Is it okay to have meaningful experiences that are primarily research-based?

A9: Yes, as long as they provide insights into your motivation for pursuing an MD.

Q10: How many clinical hours are needed for medical school?

A10: Aim for 100-150 hours of diverse and meaningful clinical experience.

Application Timeline and Deadlines

Q1: When should I start working on my application?

A1: Start several months before the application cycle opens to gather materials, write essays, and request letters of recommendation.

Q2: When should I submit my primary application?

A2: Submit as early as possible, ideally in June, to maximize your chances in the rolling admissions process.

Q3: What is the deadline for submitting secondary applications?

A3: Aim to submit secondary applications within two weeks of receiving them, and by mid-August to be considered early.

Q4: When is the latest I can take the MCAT to apply for this cycle?

A4: Ideally, take the MCAT by June; taking it later can delay your application and reduce your chances.

Q5: How do I plan my timeline if I intend to take a gap year?

A5: Use your gap year to gain meaningful experiences, improve your application, and prepare for the MCAT if needed.

Q6: What is the Early Decision Program?

A6: The Early Decision Program allows you to apply to one school early and receive a decision by October 1; if accepted, you must attend that school.

Q7: How do I handle application deadlines for different schools?

A7: Keep a detailed calendar of each school’s deadlines and ensure all materials are submitted well before each deadline.

Q8: When should I take the CASPer and PREview exams?

A8: Take them early in the application cycle, ideally by June, to ensure your scores are available for schools that require them.

Q9: How do I submit my transcripts to medical schools?

A9: Request official transcripts from all institutions attended and have them sent directly to the application service, like AMCAS or AACOMAS.

Q10: What are the key dates in the medical school application cycle?

A10: Key dates include the opening of the application cycle (typically in May), primary application submission (June), secondary application deadlines (varies by school), and interview season (fall through winter).

Personal Statement and Essays

Q1: How should I start my personal statement?

A1: Begin with a compelling story or experience that demonstrates your passion for medicine and highlights your unique qualities.

Q2: What are the key elements of a strong personal statement?

A2: A strong personal statement includes a clear motivation for pursuing medicine, specific experiences, and reflection on what you’ve learned.

Q3: How do I address weaknesses in my application in my personal statement?

A3: Acknowledge the weaknesses, explain the context, and highlight the steps you’ve taken to overcome them and improve.

Q4: Should I use anecdotes in my personal statement?

A4: Yes, using personal anecdotes can make your statement more engaging and illustrate your experiences effectively.

Q5: How can I make my personal statement stand out?

A5: Be authentic, focus on unique experiences, and clearly articulate your passion and readiness for medical school.

Q6: How do I handle writer’s block when writing my personal statement?

A6: Break the task into smaller parts, start with an outline, and write freely without worrying about perfection initially.

Q7: Can I include experiences from high school in my personal statement?

A7: Only include high school experiences if they are particularly relevant and have had a lasting impact on your decision to pursue medicine.

Q8: How long should my personal statement be?

A8: Follow the application service’s guidelines, typically around 5,300 characters, including spaces, for AMCAS.

Q9: What should I avoid in my personal statement?

A9: Avoid clich’e9s, repetition, and irrelevant details; focus on your unique journey and what makes you a strong candidate.

Q10: How do I conclude my personal statement effectively?

A10: Summarize your key points, reiterate your passion for medicine, and express your excitement about the journey ahead.

Clinical Experience

Q1: What are some valuable extracurricular activities for pre-med students?

A1: Clinical volunteering, research, shadowing physicians, and leadership roles in student organizations are highly valued.

Q2: How important are clinical hours in medical school applications?

A2: Clinical hours are crucial as they demonstrate your commitment to and understanding of the medical field.

Q3: What counts as clinical experience?

A3: Clinical experience includes activities where you interact with patients, such as volunteering in hospitals, shadowing doctors, or working as a medical scribe.

Q4: How many clinical hours are recommended for a competitive application?

A4: Aim for at least 100-150 hours of clinical experience to be competitive, though more hours can strengthen your application.

Q5: How can I gain clinical experience if opportunities are limited?

A5: Explore volunteer positions at local hospitals, clinics, and community health centers, or consider virtual shadowing opportunities.

Q6: Is research experience important for medical school applications?

A6: Yes, research experience is important, especially for applicants interested in academic medicine or MD/PhD programs.

Q7: How should I describe my extracurricular activities on my application?

A7: Use clear, concise descriptions, highlight your roles and responsibilities, and emphasize the impact and skills gained.

Q8: Can non-medical extracurricular activities be included in my application?

A8: Yes, non-medical activities that demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and commitment to service are valuable additions.

Q9: How do I choose which experiences to include in the “most meaningful experiences” section?

A9: Select experiences that had a significant impact on your personal and professional development and clearly explain their relevance.

Q10: How can I effectively balance extracurricular activities with academic responsibilities?

A10: Prioritize time management, set realistic goals, and choose activities that align with your interests and career goals.

Canadian and International Applicants

Q1: What special considerations should Canadian applicants keep in mind?

A1: Understand specific Canadian medical school requirements and timelines, and focus on gaining relevant clinical experience in Canada.

Q2: How do I apply to medical schools as an international student?

A2: Research schools that accept international students, meet their specific requirements, and highlight your unique experiences.

Q3: Can international students apply for the Fee Assistance Program?

A3: Yes, if they meet residency requirements; check the AAMC website for details.

Q4: What are the acceptance rates and requirements for international students?

A4: Acceptance rates are lower, but focus on strong academics, clinical experience, and meeting specific school requirements.

Q5: How can international students increase their chances of acceptance?

A5: Gain relevant clinical experience, ensure strong academic records, and highlight any unique qualifications or experiences.

Q6: Are there any funding opportunities for international students?

A6: Some schools offer scholarships, but international students should also explore external funding options and scholarships.

Q7: Can Canadian applicants get scholarships and loans from US schools?

A7: Yes, some US schools offer financial aid to Canadian applicants; research each school’s policies and available aid options.

Q8: How can international students navigate visa requirements for medical school?

A8: Contact the schools’ admissions offices for specific visa advice and start the application process early to ensure timely visa processing.

Q9: Are there specific resources for international students applying to US medical schools?

A9: Utilize resources like the AAMC website, international student offices at prospective schools, and consult with advisors familiar with international applications.

Q10: How do international students demonstrate English proficiency?

A10: Provide TOEFL or IELTS scores if required, and ensure all application materials are clear and well-written.

Ready for the ultimate application resource?

The resources discussed in our AAMC webinar are invaluable for anyone on the path to medical school. By leveraging the info provided, you can enhance your application and increase your chances of success.

That said, if you’d like more personalized advice for your medical school applications, MedSchoolCoach can pair you up with a physician and former admissions committee member to help guide you through the process.

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Happy April Fool’s Day from MedSchoolCoach!

While mastering sleep-learning is still a dream, mcat go helps you study for the mcat while you are awake. listen to mcat go for free (a $99 value) by entering your email below to receive an exclusive discount code. this ain’t no joke..

Access to Abortion Training Important to Ob/Gyn Residency Applicants Post-Roe

— survey reveals preferences among ob/gyn applicants.

by Rachael Robertson , Enterprise & Investigative Writer, MedPage Today May 21, 2024

SAN FRANCISCO -- Access to abortion training was an important consideration among those applying to ob/gyn residency in the match cycle after the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization Supreme Court decision -- which overturned Roe v. Wade and led to a patchwork of abortion access -- according to results from a survey of 178 medical students.

For students applying in the 2022-2023 cycle, 72.7% said the Dobbs decision influenced which programs they applied to, and within that group, 96.9% said they applied to programs in states that had fewer abortion restrictions, reported Brianna Frame, MD, of the University of North Carolina Hospitals in Durham, during an oral presentation at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) annual meeting .

"These applicants were forced to weigh the current laws and potential restrictions in providing abortion care in each state," Frame said.

Two-thirds (66.5%) of respondents said that the Dobbs decision influenced how they ranked programs, and of those, 98.3% said they ranked programs in states that are less restrictive higher.

Other findings of note:

• 80.3% agreed that it was important to them to train at a Ryan Residency program
• 89.6% agreed that they intended to be involved with providing abortion care during residency

In addition, 84% said the program they matched to aligned with their goals of either providing or not providing abortion care. Of the 16% who said their program did not align with their goals, most said they would like to provide abortion care but their program does not offer it.

"I think the first thing that's important to know is that the Dobbs decision itself is impacting the residency application process," Frame told MedPage Today . "We have seen that from the other lens, from the data of where people are applying to in terms of numbers, but it was really helpful to hear from the perspectives of students."

Frame said she aimed to assess the impact of Dobbs on medical students applying to ob/gyn residencies. In the years after Dobbs , ob/gyn has remained competitive in the Match with all slots being filled, though Frame noted there was a dip in applications to restrictive states. Abortion laws don't just impact training, but residents' experience of living in those states, she said.

For this study, fourth-year medical students who applied to ob/gyn residency for the 2023 Match were surveyed with an electronic questionnaire, which was distributed to ob/gyn clerkship directors, residency program coordinators, and on social media. Respondents were asked about their experiences in medical school and applying to ob/gyn residency programs after the Dobbs decision.

Respondents represented 39 states and 10 respondents were international applicants. The average age was 27.8, 89% were women, 71% were white, 11% Black, and 59.6% were from suburban areas. Most (92%) attended an MD program and 90% of those medical schools did not have a religious affiliation. There was an equal split between students who went to public versus private medical schools and most had an ob/gyn residency at their medical school.

Frame noted a few limitations, including a small sample size of about 10% of ob/gyn resident applicants and possible selection bias, though the respondents' demographics were representative of the national pool of ob/gyn applicants. In the future, Frame wants to analyze the data and see if there are trends between an applicant's geographic location and residency considerations and preferences.

Rachael Robertson is a writer on the MedPage Today enterprise and investigative team, also covering OB/GYN news. Her print, data, and audio stories have appeared in Everyday Health, Gizmodo, the Bronx Times, and multiple podcasts. Follow

Disclosures

The authors had no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Primary Source

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Source Reference: Frame B, et al "Effect of Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health on obstetrics and gynecology residency applicants" ACOG 2024.

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Impressing: Personal Statement

The best personal statements are memorable. They paint a picture in the mind of the reader and tell a story about who you are, how you got here, and where you want to go. The personal statement is vitally important because it is frequently used to help determine who gets interviewed and ranked. Overarching theme: Look over your CV and think about the experiences before and during medical school that inform what kind of family physicians you will become. Often there is a common thread that holds together even the most disparate of experiences – this common thread is usually one of your core values as a person. Identify this theme and write your personal statement so the reader could easily verbalize this theme in one sentence after reading your statement. Experiences to highlight: Use your experiences to give programs an idea of who you are. Be specific – talking about the aspects of care that you like in Family Medicine is good, but it’s even better when programs can see how your personal experiences reinforce aspects of family medicine that resonate with you as a person. It’s okay to include patient vignettes and talk about your accomplishments, but be sure to relate it back to yourself. How did the experience impact you? What did you learn about yourself? How will the experience make you a better family physician? What about the experience demonstrates your commitment to the discipline of family medicine, your ability to work with others, your ability to work with patients? Choose one experience and tell a story. This is a good way to open your statement, to develop your theme and make it memorable. Commitment to specialty: Talk about why you are choosing family medicine. Programs want to know why your’e attracted to a career in family medicine. What experiences convince you that this is the right field for you? Strengths that you bring: What do you bring to a program? What are you naturally good at? What specific skills do you have that will serve you well in residency? Future plans/what you are looking for in a residency program: At the end of this long road of school and training, what kind of work do you see yourself doing? What types of training do you want during residency to be able to accomplish this goal? Organize your statement: There are many ways to organize your statement to get these points across. One common way of organizing the personal statement is a three paragraph form reminiscent of those essays you had to write in high school. To use this approach the first paragraph tells a story to open the theme, the second paragraph fleshes out other experiences that highlight the them and discuss your commitment to family medicine, and the third paragraph reviews your strengths and future plans/training desires. However, this is a personal statement and you are free to write and organize it as you desire. Do:

• Write in complete sentences.
• Use the active voice.
• Make your writing interesting – use a thesaurus and vary sentence length and structure.
• Have other people read your personal statement and give feedback.
• Give yourself plenty of time to work on your statement and revise it based on feedback.

Don’t:

• Rehash your CV or write an autobiography.
• Use abbreviations – spell things out.
• Violate HIPPA.
• Start every sentence with an “I.”
• Make it longer than one page, single spaced, 12 point font.
• Have spelling or grammatical errors.
• Write a statement that could be used for several different specialties (i.e. one that talks about wanting a primary care career but not specifically family medicine). If you are still deciding on a specialty and applying to different fields, write two different statements.

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Mastering the Emergency Medicine Residency Interview: Expert Tips and Sample Questions

Find out how to prepare for your residency interview and how to answer common questions like “Tell me about yourself.” In this blog, we’ll go over some of the most common emergency medicine residency interview questions and give you examples of how to answer them.

Interviewing for an emergency medicine residency program can be an intense and nerve-wracking experience. With so much competition for the limited number of spots, you need to be fully prepared to impress the faculty and stand out from the crowd. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll provide expert tips and sample questions to help you ace your emergency medicine residency interview.

As an aspiring emergency medicine physician myself, I know how high-stakes these interviews can be. That’s why I’ve done extensive research and asked current residents for their best advice. Read on to learn how to tackle common prompts, highlight your qualifications, and convey your passion for this dynamic specialty.

Understanding the Interview Format

Emergency medicine residency interviews typically last 20-30 minutes and involve a panel of 3-4 interviewers. This group often includes the program director, assistant or associate program directors, core faculty, and current residents.

You can expect the interview to start with casual introductions and icebreaker questions about your background. It will then transition into more pointed questions aimed at evaluating your suitability for an emergency medicine residency.

Some programs utilize a traditional interview format with set questions, Others prefer a conversational flow or combined approach, Come prepared for both styles,

Key Emergency Medicine Residency Interview Questions and Answers

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions during emergency medicine residency interviews:

1. Why are you interested in emergency medicine?

This is your chance to convey genuine enthusiasm for the specialty. Discuss 1-2 specific experiences that sparked your interest. Highlight skills like the ability to thrive in chaotic environments, make critical decisions under pressure, and manage patients across demographics and backgrounds.

2. What do you consider your strengths and weaknesses?

Focus on strengths directly relevant to emergency medicine, like remaining calm under pressure, strong teamwork, and clinical reasoning skills When noting weaknesses, choose universal challenges like struggles with work-life balance Then emphasize what you’re doing to improve.

3. How do you handle conflict or disagreement?

Highlight your conflict resolution skills. Describe your approach to respectfully hearing different viewpoints and finding compromise. If relevant, provide an example of successfully resolving intra-team conflicts.

4. How do you respond to constructive criticism?

Emphasize openness to feedback and viewing criticism as an opportunity for growth. Provide an example of implementing constructive feedback to improve your patient care or teamwork capabilities.

5. What lessons did you learn from your emergency medicine rotations?

Pick 1-2 key takeaways that align with the program’s focus and show your development, like learning how to effectively manage patients throughout an entire ED shift or overcoming initial struggles with advanced procedural skills.

6. How do you approach delivering bad news to patients and families?

Demonstrate empathy and sensitivity. Discuss strategies like finding privacy, using clear language, allowing time for questions, and offering grief resources or counseling referrals.

7. How do you respond when working under pressure or facing setbacks?

Highlight calmness under stress and perseverance. Provide examples of overcoming challenges while maintaining professionalism and high-quality care, like handling overcrowding or lapses in communication.

8. What are your career goals in emergency medicine?

Articulate clear aspirations aligned with program strengths, like gaining expertise in pediatric emergency medicine or pursuing leadership as an ED medical director. This shows fit.

9. Do you have any questions for us?

Ask thoughtful questions that show your genuine interest in the program, like inquiring about teaching styles, new initiatives underway, or how resident feedback is incorporated.

10. Tell me about yourself.

Concisely summarize your background and interest in medicine. Emphasize experiences that cultivated skills for emergency medicine like task prioritization, team collaboration, and compassionate patient care.

How to Prepare for Emergency Medicine Interview Questions

With rigorous preparation, you can enter each residency interview ready to impress program faculty:

Conduct extensive research on the program’s mission, training structure, facilities, and patient populations. Understand how their strengths align with your background, skills, and interests.

Practice your responses to likely questions until you can articulate concise yet compelling answers. Time yourself to keep responses under 2 minutes.

Reflect on your experiences through emergency medicine rotations, research, or volunteering to derive key anecdotes.

Prepare questions to ask at the end to show your engagement – but avoid anything easily found on the program website.

Mock interviews with other applicants, medical school advisors, or mentors to gain feedback on your interview proficiency.

Review your application thoroughly so details remain fresh when asked about your experience and qualifications.

Rest up in the days preceding your interview to reduce fatigue and stress. Being well-rested will help you make the best impression.

What Emergency Medicine Residency Interviews Assess

During your interactions with the interview panel, remember they are evaluating more than just your responses. They are also observing:

Communication skills – How clearly and effectively you articulate your thoughts and field questions

Critical thinking – How logically and thoroughly you analyze prompts and scenarios

Maturity – How you conduct yourself professionally and handle challenges or criticism

Enthusiasm – Your passion for emergency medicine and genuine interest in their program

Collegiality – Your ability to engage respectfully and contribute positively to a healthcare team

Patient care orientation – Your commitment to compassion, safety, and excellent bedside manner

Bringing these qualities to the interview will go a long way in convincing programs you have what it takes to thrive in emergency medicine training and beyond.

Handling Stress and Anxiety During Interviews

It’s completely normal to feel some nerves leading up to a pivotal residency interview. Here are some tips to manage the stress:

Arrive early to get settled and review your notes without rushing.

Take a few deep breaths before entering to calm nerves.

Remind yourself that the panel wants you to succeed and is rooting for you.

If you mishear or don’t follow a question, ask for clarification – no need to fake an answer.

Regroup and refocus if thrown off by one difficult question; don’t let it rattle you.

Trust in your preparation and qualifications. You deserve to be there!

Following Up After Interviews

Once your interview is complete, send prompt thank you notes to the program director and any other faculty you met one-on-one like during a pre-interview dinner. Reiterate your strong interest in their program and highlight specific positives like their simulation curriculum or toxicology rotation.

Then, try to relax as you await Match Day! Avoid fixating on whether you answered each question perfectly. Know you prepared thoroughly and presented yourself in the best way possible.

I wish everyone the best of luck in securing an emergency medicine residency position! Remember – programs are looking for passionate team players committed to providing exceptional patient care. Keep those qualities at the forefront and you will impress on interview day.

Article Contents 13 minread

Emergency medicine is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of acute illnesses and injuries. Emergency medicine physicians provide immediate care for patients in need, often in an emergency department or trauma unit. They are also called upon when there is no doctor available at the time of urgent care. This is because emergency medicine is one of the most competitive residency programs, and it can be hard to get into one. The number of applicants far exceeds the number of available residency positions, and many applicants are well qualified. Thus, it’s important to understand how the matching process works before applying. And you should be very well prepared for your emergency medicine residency interview, which could be your only chance to impress the director of the residency program and the other residents. You can read this guide to learn everything you need to know about matching into an emergency medicine residency program if you want to become a doctor.

How Competitive is Emergency Medicine in the United States and Canada?

Lots of MD and DO graduates want to specialize in emergency medicine, so there is a lot of competition for residencies in that field. In the United States and Canada, there are only a certain number of jobs available, and there are a lot of people who want them.

The application process is rigorous, and the competition is fierce. Candidates must not only have good grades and strong application materials like their emergency medicine personal statement and letter of recommendation, but they must also show a passion for emergency medicine by working in a variety of clinical settings.

Taking the USMLE exams before applying to residency programs can be hard for International Medical Graduates (IMGs). They may also only be able to apply to residency programs that are friendly to IMGs. However, a lot of international medical graduates have gone on to do well as emergency medicine doctors in the US and Canada. While the training is tough and time-consuming, it can also be very rewarding for people who really want to work in an emergency room.

Now, let’s look at some of the most common questions you might be asked in an interview and see how experts would answer them to help you get into the program you want.

Still working on your EM personal statement? Check this out:

Interview Tips Episode 1

How many emergency medicine residency interviews?

How do I prepare for an emergency medicine residency interview?

The best way to prepare for your emergency medicine residency interview is by doing a lot of research about the program where you are interviewing. Make sure you understand what their mission is, what their research goals and values are, and what their patient population is like. Knowing as much as you can about a program is highly recommended.

When do you need an emergency medicine residency?

They are also called upon when there is no doctor available at the time of urgent care. Matching to an emergency medicine residency is often a strenuous process, as emergency medicine is one of the most competitive residencies.

How do I prepare for a residency interview?

Another vital thing you can do to prepare is to research common residency interview questions and answers online, so that you can reflect on your own experiences well in advance and prepare your answers ahead of time. There may be interview questions that surprise you —you cannot be overprepared! This interview is personal.

What questions do you ask a student in a residency program?

81. What can you add to our program? 82. What computer experience do you have? 83. Describe your ideal residency program? 84. What is your energy level like? 85. How many hours of sleep do you require each night? 86. How well do you function under pressure? 87. How do you handle stress? 88.

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Celebrating the Yale MD Class of 2024

Md class of 2024 commencement, commencement speaker francis collins, md, phd.

“You’re a bulldog doc who hails from Yale.” Commencement speaker — and surprise singer — Francis Collins, MD, PhD, National Institutes of Health (NIH) distinguished investigator in the Center for Precision Health Research, and former director of NIH, sang these words at the end of his address to the 103 MD graduates of the Yale School of Medicine (YSM) Class of 2024.

Borrowing a guitar from a student performer and singing to the tune of Simon & Garfunkel’s "The Sound of Silence," Collins drew loud applause and a standing ovation for his creative song, which began with the 2020 COVID-centric world — “Hello Fauci my old friend, I see you’re on the news again,” — and ended with a verse focused on 2024, which he told the graduates “is all about you.”

The song was a highlight of the celebratory, yet reflective, ceremony, for a class whose medical school experience was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and polarizing societal issues —some affecting patient care. The responsibility of physicians, and addressing polarization more generally, were themes throughout the ceremony.

Therefore, let us rejoice

In their invocation, Class Presidents John Lyon Havlik, MD, MBA, and Ragini Luthra Vaidya, MD, MBA, recited and reflected on several passages from a poem the class had read during first-year orientation and again in the fourth-year capstone course: John Stone’s Gaudeamus Igatur , which means “Therefore, let us rejoice.” (Stone was a poet and cardiologist at Emory University.)

“For this is the day you know too little against the day when you will know too much For you will be invincible and vulnerable in the same breath which is the breath of your patients”

After reading this verse, Havlik and Vaidya noted the knowledge gained during medical school as evidenced through qualifiers, clerkships, and taking the United States Medical Licensing Exam, “and yet,” they said, “we each can admit we know a fraction of what we would want to, in order to become the physicians we aspire to be. There are the further unknowns of what medicine itself will look like, with the basic practice of medicine under attack in many states.” The co-presidents continued, “But this lifetime of learning, adapting, and questioning are what the Yale System , with all its freedoms and challenges, has been preparing us for. We have faith that each of you will continue to pursue endless knowledge, with compassion and humility, in the service of your patients’ well-being.”

"You give us hope in the future"

In her welcome and reflections, Nancy J. Brown, MD, Jean and David W. Wallace Dean and C.N.H. Long Professor of Internal Medicine, noted how many members of the class began in August 2020, when most classes were virtual and university COVID guidelines limited gatherings to no more than 10 people. “Over the last four years,” she said, “you have overcome the constraints imposed by COVID to become physicians. You have also wrestled with the role of physicians in society, in combatting racism of all forms, considering the rights of women and the medical ethics of abortion, creating a community that is inclusive and fair, and struggling with the tension between deeply held personal beliefs and your professional responsibility to care for all.”

Praising the graduates, she said, “You have taught us how to listen, and to hear what is behind the words. You have also learned to think critically and to probe deeply, to ask tough questions, understanding that the simplest answers are not always the correct answers. Only through an agnostic approach, open to all possibilities, will we solve the problems of medicine and humanity. This is the rationale behind the Yale System.”

Looking ahead, she continued, “You have demonstrated time and time again that it is possible to disagree passionately while caring for the individuals with whom you disagree. In so doing, you have set an example, and you give us hope in the future.”

In introducing Collins as Commencement speaker, Brown stated that “his visionary guidance and unwavering commitment to collaboration were instrumental” in the historic achievement of the Human Genome Project — an international endeavor to map and sequence the entirety of the human genome. Brown also noted that Collins’s 12 years as director of NIH — spanning three presidencies — made him its longest-serving director.

Commitment to objective truth

In his remarks, Collins recounted a research project he worked on during his fellowship at Yale. After months of hard work, he conducted the definitive experiment and “it was a complete and utter disaster.” Collins was “utterly devastated” and thought he should leave the program. However, to his surprise, neither his mentor nor the department chair “seemed at all rattled by this.” In fact, his chair told him how his own first research project “totally bombed out, how he learned a lot from that, and how it made him a better scientist for the rest of his career.” Collins’s advice to the graduates: "Failure is an inescapable part of being a physician and a scientist. Don’t fear it. Learn from it.”

Turning to his unexpected path leading the Human Genome Project and directing NIH, he advised the graduates, “Your life trajectory is likely to be very different than you expect today. Watch for those doors that open that you didn’t expect. Don’t be shocked when others close. Stay flexible.”

After describing the intense work and expansive collaboration that led to the remarkable scientific achievement of quickly developing highly effective vaccines for COVID-19, Collins said it initially “seemed like science had triumphed.” However, by the summer of 2021, large numbers of Americans were not getting vaccinated because of rumors and conspiracy theories about the vaccine. It is estimated that between June 2021 and April 2022, when vaccines were free and widely available, 234,000 unvaccinated Americans lost their lives. “These were deaths from science misinformation. I know of no other way to say it: our culture wars killed hundreds of thousands of Americans,” said Collins.

A wake-up call

Calling this “a wake-up call of the loudest sort,” Collins said, “These were good, honorable people who for a multitude of reasons lost trust in the scientific process.” Collins cautioned, “The consequences of this growing distrust of all institutions, including science and medicine, are truly serious for our nation, and for our world” — pointing, for example, to its impact on preparing for the next pandemic and addressing climate change.

Collins doubts the solution to the divisions and distrust will come from political leaders, since politics are so polarized. Rather, he said, “it is actually up to each one of us.” Collins challenged everyone “to a commitment to re-anchor ourselves to objective truth,” adding “there really is objective truth and there really are no alternative facts.” He urged the graduates to “have the courage to reach out to friends and family with different views to listen, really listen, and understand.”

More optimistically, Collins told the graduates that while we must address the inequities that riddle our health care system, “medical research, whether in development of vaccines, cures for rare diseases, neuroscience, or implementation of precision medicine for prevention and treatment of common disease, is at an exponential phase of rapid progress. Breakthroughs are all around us. For those of you with an interest in research, being part of this will be a fantastic adventure.”

Joint degrees & teaching awards

Thirty-five percent of the graduates received joint degrees, including twenty receiving MD-PhD degrees, nine MD-MHS degrees, and seven MD-MBA degrees, as well as four receiving a Certificate in Global Medicine that accompanies their MD degree. The Commencement ceremony also included the traditional bestowal of teaching awards. See the awardees and statements of praise from those who nominated them here .

Featured in this article

• Nancy J. Brown, MD Jean and David W. Wallace Dean of the Yale School of Medicine and C.N.H. Long Professor of Internal Medicine
• John Havlik
• Ragini Luthra

Related Links

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How to Apply to Dermatology Residency: Step-by-Step Guide

• By Austin Johnson
• May 20, 2024
• Medical Student
• Residency Application

Deciding what specialty is right for you and preparing for residency applications is the most important step of your career in medicine. Whether you are an aspiring premed or deep in the trenches of medical school, it is never too early (or too late) to begin considering what your post-graduate years will encompass and how to set yourself up for application success.

This article will provide a comprehensive step-by-step process to applying to one of the most competitive specialties out there: Dermatology! We will systematically explore how to showcase yourself to admission committees through essays, interviews, and, now featuring, the enigma that is signaling and ranking for the Match.

If you are still unsure if dermatology is right for you, we will also briefly cover the major components of ruling the skin stuff in or out, including how to assess your fit and competitiveness. However, if your discipline decision tree remains rife with branches, it is essential to leverage your mentors, official residency resources , and series such as “So You Want To Be…” ( blog version ) to begin paring down before taking the full dive into this guide.

Dermatology Application Guide Introduction

Here’s what to expect from this guide:

Step 1: Decide if Dermatology Is Right for You

How does the specialty bread and butter align, what fellowship opportunities are there, does the lifestyle speak to you, step 2: assess your competitiveness, research portfolio, grades and activities, hard scores, step 3: make yourself a strong candidate, clinical performance, distinguishing extracurriculars, research endeavors, step/comlex scores, rave reviews (letters of recommendation), to away or not away, step 4: create a mentor network, clinical advocates, research home base(s), step 5: prepare your application, why dermatology the personal statement (ps), don’t forget about your intern year, cornerstone experiences, so, what do you do for fun the hobbies section, abstracts, presentations, publications, and more.

• You Must Be PROACTIVE

Step 6: Program Selection

Special tracks (research), acronym soup: prelims and tys, how many programs are enough, geographic and setting preferences, what’s up with signaling, step 7: rock your interviews, patience is a virtue, perfect practice makes perfect, no really—it’s a marathon, step 8: create your rank order list, home field advantage, permutation preparedness, prepare for the worst…, dermatology residency application resources.

• Doximity Residency Navigator
• Program Websites
• Word of Mouth
• The Spreadsheet

Finally, before we begin, this how-to article has been written from the perspective of a medical student who had the privilege and honor of attending the Stanford University School of Medicine.

To that end, Austin recognizes the inherent advantage of applying into dermatology with a strong home program at his back. Combined with taking a research year, excelling in rotations, and earning 95th percentile plus USMLE scores, he matched at his first choice of remaining at Stanford for dermatology residency.

Sharing this information is not meant to be a source of discouragement, as the beauty of medicine is in its diversity of future clinicians. Rather, it is a disclosure that, despite these accomplishments, the author was once a paralyzed, undifferentiated first-generation medical student coming from a small Colorado university and even smaller hometown.

You have every right to consider the full gamut of specialties regardless of your self- or other-perceived competitiveness. With that, let’s demystify the path to becoming an expert on the skin!

Choosing your specialty requires patient, iterative soul-searching through deep analysis of personal and near-peer experiences, engagement with resources such as Careers in Medicine , and an honest review of your overall competitiveness as an applicant. Beyond that, it’s about applying a standardized approach to either spark, further fuel, or determine your passion for a discipline. Below is our abbreviated take on that approach.

Begin with how the specialty resonates with you and your goals. Consider these big categories first, then add more sections as needed to further delineate your fit.

Rare diseases, cutting-edge procedures, and novel pharmacotherapies are often the headlines that initially draw medical students to a specialty. However, making your career decision solely on the shiniest, most exciting clinical and surgical moments is both necessary and sufficient for trajectorial disaster.

When objectively considering the cohort of physicians you are joining, ask and observe averages. What are most visits or procedures like? What’s the most so-called mundane element of the specialty?

For dermatology, the answer to both is far and above skin exams.

If you like pattern analysis, finding the “ugly duckling,” and comprehensive sun protection counseling interspersed with compassionate reassurance, this specialty may be right for you!

While dermatology was born out of internal medicine, your procedural capabilities will be employed nearly every day through biopsies and excisions, activities that are complemented by astutely detecting and treating external manifestations of internal disease while parsing out primary dermatologic issues, many of which are lifelong.

From climbing the acne therapy ladder to managing side effects of the latest psoriasis biologic, every visit is an exciting visual investigation of the organ that both you and the patient know best.

Of course, if skin exams aren’t your thing, you can still find fulfillment in dermatology through subspecialty and research niches, but know that you will not be able to escape the three years of near-daily nevus analysis during residency.

Compared to other specialties, dermatology ranks on the lower end of subspecialty avenues, though such fellowships are supremely diverse from one to the other.

Pediatrics, Mohs Micrographic Surgery, Dermatopathology, and Cosmetic Dermatology are the most popular accredited forks a dermatologist can take on the post-residency road, representing the full breadth of microscopic and surgical opportunities across a patient’s lifespan.

Unlike a specialty such as internal medicine, in which you decide your organ system passion after a couple years of generalized training, dermatology fellowships will always center on the skin. For that reason, ensuring you are epidermally inclined is all the more integral to your career success and happiness.

Ah, The ROAD to Happiness. If you haven’t heard this phrase, it is a historical acronym arguing the four specialties with the best lifestyle are radiology, ophthalmology, anesthesiology, and dermatology.

While you can often achieve your optimal work-life integration regardless of the specialty, much of the competitiveness of dermatology residency stems from the alluring lifestyle. With hit shows like Dr. Pimple Popper , the public and medical students alike both imagine dermatologists driving their Porsche into the office, seeing high-end patients for a few hours a day, and returning to their families without breaking a sweat.

Well, just like Grey’s Anatomy is far from an anatomical view of medicine, such lifestyles are often the exception to the norm.

Of course, when considering work hours, dermatologists are some of the highest compensated specialists out there. They also have minimal inpatient and on-call duties, unless they choose to have more, and there are very few truly life-threatening skin disorders (think diagnoses such as toxic epidermal necrolysis and the like).

To that end, if you prefer high-intensity environments riddled with time-sensitive, life-altering clinical decisions, dermatology may not be the best fit. Everyone is different, but for those who prefer a life independent of medicine with regular hours, dermatology should be on the list. Lifestyle SHOULD NOT serve as the foundation of your career decision, but that said, it is a significant factor that will color every day of your professional life.

Now that you’ve reflected on three major factors that should comprise a litmus test of every specialty you are considering, let’s move on to the less fun part of assessing your dermatology fit: Competitiveness.

It is no secret that dermatology is one of the most competitive specialties out there. While this fact should by no means dissuade you from the path, I would be remiss if I didn’t clearly state that strong performing medical students are more of a fit for dermatology as it pertains to a successful ERAS season. What does “strong performing” really mean? Let’s dive into it!

Now that Step and COMLEX Level 1 are pass/fail, the balance has naturally shifted away from standardized exams to other measures of performance, including the need for research output. Depending on the resource, successful dermatology applicants rank among the highest in terms of publication numbers . Oftentimes, these numbers are some of the scariest within the competitiveness comparison game.

However, while it is essential to engage in and showcase your scholarly endeavors, you do not need to publish in Nature to match into dermatology. Whether you enjoy basic science, clinical trials, or community engagement projects, the most important element of your research portfolio is how your work aligns with your values and passions. Yes, having publications is a requisite for feeling secure throughout the application process, but, speaking from experience, quality trumps quantity.

The “pure numbers game” of research has recently given way to more holistic reviews of an applicant’s academic output, and, depending on the institution, having a ton of second author case reports as opposed to one or two intensive first author projects can actually hurt you. Given the resources necessary to engage in research, this metric is inherently biased in favor of students attending medical schools with heavy NIH funding.

However, so long as you identify, develop, and follow through with a scholarly passion, big or small, the results will speak for themselves.

As more medical schools transition to varying flavors of pass/fail grading systems, covering the spectrum of pre-clinical and clinical performance schemes becomes increasingly difficult.

Suffice to say, clinical rotation performance is regarded as one of the most crucial factors adcoms evaluate while weighing your application. Arguably, “high passing” those domains of professionalism and patient care hold more weight than shelf scores, especially when you include the summative comments.

Some face a pure pass/fail system, which has its pros and cons. In such cases, you must go the extra mile for both your patients and team matters that much more, as adcoms will be solely considering what residents and attendings said about you to assess your candidacy. For that reason, do not sacrifice your clinical evaluations for one or two more research papers.

What about what you do outside of the curriculum? As in medical school applications, your activities comprise the bulk of your ERAS portfolio, meaning you should consider where your extracurricular passions lie and seek out opportunities to improve and lead student organizations and novel initiatives.

While free clinics provide solid volunteering opportunities, this is not the time to create a checkoff list. Moreover, this part of the application is not one to neglect, as it showcases your selflessness and engagement with things that are bigger than test scores and authorships. Consider who you are, what you love, and above all else, don’t copy others just because they seem like they have it all together.

While the first level of Step and COMLEX is now pass/fail, that does not mean standardized exam scores are not a significant factor in your application.

Dermatology has often led the way when it comes to holistic review and minimization of the weight of biased test scores, going so far as to blind reviewers to items like Step 2 scores when considering interview offers; however, they still stand as a “clean” metric to assess your potential for succeeding in residency.

Do not take this marathon exam lightly, but know that a low score won’t sink the ship. Think of everything else you’ve done or are doing, and you will see why dermatology adcoms really value everything you bring to the table.

Now that you’ve walked across the mental tightrope of determining if dermatology is the right fit for your preference and competitiveness, it’s time to set yourself up for success.

Ideally, you would map your path to dermatology residency as far in advance as possible, but so long as you remain competitive in the following areas, matching into the specialty after deciding late (even the middle to end of third year) is possible. All to say, take heed to this advice from year one, and you will be able to pivot towards whatever specialty you find as your professional home.

This may seem like déjà vu, but I cannot stress enough how much your clinical grades and summative performance matter to adcoms nowadays, especially in dermatology. Obviously, there are going to be rough rotations and residents and attendings who you don’t jive with, but if you put your best foot forward every day, it pays dividends during ERAS season.

Be early, be proactive, be engaged, and be a good person. It’s as simple as that. Do not try to edge out your peers, answer every pimp question, or sacrifice patient care time for a UWorld or AMBOSS block.

The detailed strategy for success again depends on the grading system your school has in place, but if it is strictly pass/fail, there is no need to go for a 90+% on the shelf. Your medical school performance evaluation (MSPE), AKA the Dean’s Letter, is often composed of direct quotes from resident, fellow, and attending reviews of your performance across the disciplines.

Don’t like the OR? It’s still your job to give it a shot while on the surgery rotation. If anything, rotations are designed to give you a test run of each major specialty such that you can make an informed career decision, so it would behoove you to imagine becoming whatever physician you are working alongside.

Don’t be afraid to ask near-peers and residents for advice on how to succeed on the rotation. This aspect of your candidacy may seem like the most subjective one, and it can be stressful since you are depending on so many others to volunteer their precious time and energy to write more than a generic review, but if you fully immerse yourself in your clinical years (that means minimizing research, side hustles, etc.), your clerkship relationships will bear the fruits of support and advocacy.

There is no magic formula to devising the perfect list of 10 activities for your dermatology ERAS application. However, it is essential to showcase your altruism, collaboration, and leadership in clinical and non-clinical settings.

With regard to clinical settings, seek out those opportunities in which you can practice at the peak of your education level. This often means volunteering at free clinics, which provide the dual benefit of sharpening your clinical skills. Even better, engage in the dermatology specialty free clinic if your institution has one (if not, it’s time to make one!).

Other unique clinical activities could be volunteering to help with student athlete physicals, skin exams, or partnering with local organizations to provide similar preventive medicine to the ones who need it the most. Living in an urban environment? Street medicine, as it is often called, is an amazingly rewarding endeavor.

Don’t feel the need to stretch yourself too thin though. It is just as important to find meaningful non-clinical activities to enhance your medical school experience and dermatology ERAS application, such as clubs, student body leadership, seminars, and teaching assistantships.

There are plenty of opportunities to showcase who you are as a mentor, advocate, and future physician leader on and off campus. If you see something your fellow students need, make it! However, don’t force things. If there are already two orthopedic surgery seminars, don’t make a third. You DO NOT have to create a new club or initiative to stand out.

Rather, focus on the impact you have in each of your roles, and latch onto those opportunities that are sustainable. Longitudinal engagement with all of your activities is more important than their name, size, or relative influence, as showing commitment is vital to dermatologists assessing whether or not you would be a solid future colleague.

If you don’t already know, recent ERAS changes have shrunk the activities section of the application, presumably to promote quality over quantity. To that end, do not favor one-off experiences.

Whether you are teaching, advising, leading, or advocating, achieving interval growth in your role is key. Not part of the executive board of the local dermatology interest group? Neither was I. The activities you are most passionate about will be the ones that make your application stand out.

It is always nice to have a dermatology spin, but there is no secret list of non-clinical opportunities to pursue to maximize your chances of matching. In other words, you do you well, and well will come to you!

Matching at a top tier dermatology residency does not mean all your research needs to land in dermatology journals.

However, if you are even slightly considering a competitive specialty like dermatology, orthopedics, ophthalmology, or plastic surgery, it is essential to dive into scholarly work in at least one such field during your pre-clinical years. Not only will doing so maximize your chances of having a high-quality publication come ERAS season, but you will also develop longitudinal relationships with mentors who will go to bat for you through superb letters of recommendation (LOR).

That said, don’t let that dissuade you from dabbling in other disciplines, so long as you don’t overcommit and underperform. Leading projects and finishing what you started will result in the highest quality research portfolio and strongest LOR, so do not repeatedly jump on random retrospective chart reviews if you can help it.

Of course, this aspect of your application is heavily influenced by the opportunities at your institution, so if case reports and such are all that’s available, that’s okay! You’ve heard me say it before: Quality over quantity is becoming more the name of the game than ever.

First authorship is an achievement well worth the labor, and you can often reflect on such projects even better in your descriptions of your research activities—which count as one of the 10 ERAS activities mentioned above. Add to that the ability to better speak about your work in interviews, and there is a huge impetus to be the project lead.

Strategically, pushing three first author projects forward while balancing pre-clinical work is likely not sustainable, so it is okay to join those in-progress endeavors requiring multiple medical students to analyze and report data. Middle authorship is not necessarily a bad thing, but holistic adcoms will notice those students who repeatedly lead projects to completion. If you can get to the point of having one project in the data gathering phase, another in analysis, and another in manuscript preparation, especially during your pre-clinical years, the hurry up and wait nature of research will give way to smoother progress.

Notably, while I mentioned avoiding research during your clinical years, that does not mean don’t finish what you started. Rather, once you get past your second year, become very selective about the projects you take on, as it is quite possible even the smallest research question can balloon into something that not only takes time away from the clinic or the hospital, but also doesn’t result in a publication in time.

Another question students often wrestle with is whether they should take a research year. Such a decision should be informed by a close academic advisor or experienced dermatology mentor who knows you and your residency competitiveness the best.

However, it is often not possible to step out for financial reasons (remember, just because your school doesn’t offer support doesn’t mean you can’t find a grant or two), and that is okay! It is completely possible to match into dermatology without a research year. Though, speaking from experience, it is much less stressful to take the longer route.

Even if you can do so, don’t step out without knowing exactly how you will achieve peak productivity over the year, lest you end up with nothing at the end of the day. Such an outcome should not be considered lightly, as adcoms will likely be comparing similar applicants to one another. In other words, they would expect those who take an extra year to apply to have more deliverables.

In the end, even if research is not your forte, you can always find a way to produce academic work regardless of your skill or interest background. If you don’t like the wet lab, see if you can get involved in a translational pilot study or clinical trial. Still too hardcore? Assess the needs of local populations or your free clinic and publish some interesting data or improvements.

Just like your activities, your research endeavors should come from a place of passion, and while achieving results is not always sunshine and rainbows, remaining committed to your work is a strong marker of grit and adaptability.

Now that round 1 has become pass/fail, this section gets a little bit simpler.

While the latest ERAS cycle was filled with conflicting advice and limbo states regarding the importance (or even need for) Step 2 /COMLEX LEVEL 2 scores, now that the dust has settled, I can say from experience that these exams should not be taken lightly, pun intended.

Yes, dermatology adcoms are moving away from standardized test scores as competitiveness metrics, but your preliminary (prelim) and transitional year (TY) programs still use those numbers. Applying to intern year programs separately from dermatology is definitely a tough thing to wrap your head around. Up until this point, making such a distinction wasn’t relevant, as what was good for dermatology was good for prelim/TYs.

That’s not to say that dermatology adcoms don’t look at scores; they just weigh them differently, and those weights can change throughout the application season. For example, initial reviewers may be blinded to your scores, but come ranking time, they reemerge as a factor.

In previous years, average matched Step 2 scores have ranged in the 240s-250s, but expect that number to climb as you and your peers place more emphasis on it compared to previous generations, who often could get away with applying with only a Step 1 score if it was good enough .

You do not need a 270+ to match into dermatology. In fact, having another publication or two with an above average Step 2 score is arguably more of a winning proposition than a single publication with a 275. This makes strategizing more nuanced, but overall, try to shift your dedicated study time towards the second round as much as your school allows, and don’t be afraid to take more than a month to prepare.

We touched on this in the rotations section, but shelf exam scores are important only to the point of distinguishing your overall clerkship grade, if applicable.

While a high pass is better than a pass, and such a grade often relies on a strong shelf score, the summative comments from your care and professionalism reviews have the double impact of influencing your grade and MSPE.

That said, this all is a moot point if your school is solely pass/fail without internal ranking, which is on the rarer side. In this case, the comments count for nearly everything. If your school is not the case, it’s more important to score higher on the medicine disciplines.

Obviously, there is medicine in each specialty, but dermatology adcoms will likely weigh your performance in more closely related disciplines, meaning that if you have lingering commitments, such as research projects, shift them away from the time you would devote to shelf studying as much as possible.

Overall, seek out your near-peers, especially those who matched, to contextualize your school-specific strategy for grades and shelf scores.

It is impossible to max out your performance in all domains, but it is essential you direct your precious time and energy to that which provides the most return on investment.

Hopefully, you will have already identified a couple of letter of recommendation writers through your research projects over the years, preferably from a diverse cohort of younger faculty who often have more time to get to know you, as well as heavy hitting professors whose names hold weight in the dermatology community, but your other letter writers will emerge in your clinical years.

We will get to numbers in the preparing your application section, but suffice to say dermatology LOR writers are necessary but not entirely sufficient for your ERAS application.

Many dermatology programs also want to hear from a medicine colleague through a sub-I and/or medicine committee LOR, and most, if not all, prelim and TYs will require at least one medicine LOR, so ensure you learn from your advisors and peers how to acquire these.

Also, don’t limit yourself to LORs from dermatology research projects. If your school has a dermatology sub-I or continuity clerkship, give such rotations your all to round out your application with a clinical dermatology LOR.

When taken together, the letters should comprehensively and cohesively speak to your clinical and academic strengths in dermatology and medicine, and while names matter, letter content matters more. If you are remaining wholly committed to each of your endeavors, no matter how small, these LOR opportunities should take care of themselves.

Don’t compete against three classmates to get the same LOR, as each letter will likely be more diluted because of such infighting.

Furthermore, it is critical to ask near-peers and trusted advisors who to avoid when it comes to letters of recommendation.

When you ask someone to advocate on your behalf, make sure they can guarantee a high quality LOR by asking them directly whether they feel comfortable strongly supporting you.

Learn more: How to Get Strong Medical School Letters of Recommendation .

Like so many of the items on this list, recommendations to do away rotations vary by person and school.

For those lucky enough to have strong home dermatology programs, it is possible your adcoms will actually recommend against an away rotation. On the flip side, aways are likely a necessity for those who are without a home dermatology residency, though absolute numbers of rotations are often hotly debated.

If you do find yourself doing an away, remember that faculty are always watching. Try to earn positions at the programs you either are most interested in or have no family or regional ties to. As long as you perform at the sub-I level, your presence will put you on their radar.

Scheduling aways can get hairy quickly, so prepare well in advance, and lean on your near-peers and advisors. If your advisors suggest you don’t need to do an away, only do so if you absolutely want to have a slight leg up at a particular program you have no ties to. Since you are there for a month, you have just as much of a chance to mess up and leave a bad impression as you do a good one, so choose wisely.

This section is an extension of the points regarding LOR, rotations, and your extracurricular work.

Regardless of the residency you choose, I firmly believe a strong mentor network is a gamechanger, and having senior, junior, and near-peer advocates matters even more when striving to break into a competitive field like dermatology.

Beyond objective and subjective measures of performance in your pre-clinical and clinical years, adcoms will be weighing the words, written and otherwise, of your mentors heavily. In dermatology, it is safe to say everyone knows everyone, so be careful and deliberate in choosing your network.

Continuity clinics and rotations don’t start day one of medical school, but begin thinking about how you will collate a balanced mentor network, including those who can speak to your clinical aptitude.

Oftentimes, these mentors are the most difficult to develop longitudinal relationships with, owing to the fact that you are constantly switching rotations. This makes the opportunities to be with your mentor weekly or so over the course of a year that much more valuable.

Admittedly, we are often advised to seek out the “heavy hitters,” AKA the most successful/prolific mentors, but I argue that their success takes them away from the clinic, thereby decreasing their ability to effectively convey your potential as a clinician in an LOR.

Moreover, younger faculty are often more bright-eyed and bushy-tailed when it comes to LORs, which makes for a less generic letter regarding how effective and efficient your skin checks are. Thus, do not fret if your clinical mentor is only a few years your senior. It’s more important that they are invested in you as a future colleague.

Research mentor networks are more formulaic. The common advice is to cultivate and sustain a partnership with a professor and associate or equivalent professor to provide balance in your commitments and LORs.

Such a choice offers the dual benefit of providing a “heavy hitter” complemented by someone who remembers the residency application process better, leading the resultant mentor cross-talk to fill in gaps rather than produce redundant advice and LORs.

It can be tricky to figure out who should be your home base(s) for research, which is where your near-peers come in. Don’t be afraid to ask who has the best track record; after all, this is your future career on the line!

Also, if you dabble in collaborative or team research, expect to feel a bit uncomfortable when asking certain mentors for LORs and not from those whom you have worked with less. Do not ask for six LORs and only use two; that looks far worse. If you picked the right PIs, they will understand.

It’s rare to procure an LOR from a resident, and it’s singularly bad if you get one from a fellow student. However, both cohorts’ advice is often worth its weight in gold.

While it may be uncomfortable to ask pointed questions about how to maximize your chances of matching, your near-peers shouldn’t fault you for it. Sage advice gets passed down generationally, and even if you are more introverted, you must be vulnerable and ask what’s on your mind.

Who are the best people to work with on campus? What’s the best way to structure my schedule to match derm? These answers won’t be in the student handbook, but rather in your colleagues’ brains. Avoiding the mistakes that previous cohorts made will make you a great candidate even as applications get more competitive year after year.

You have put in the hours, gone the extra two miles, and created a network of strong advocates through your conscientious extracurricular and research endeavors. As ERAS season approaches, so too does the precipice of putting yourself out there for all adcoms to see (again).

How do you match into dermatology? Well, just like the aforementioned advice, the methodology is nuanced. Nonetheless, there are key points every residency applicant should consider when preparing their application.

Ah, the dreaded question: why the skin? After nearly half a decade or more, you return to where it all began, except this time, your anecdotes and experiences need to show (not tell!) why dermatology is the best fit.

Given you are a senior medical student, adcoms often expect the residency PS to be more professional than your medical school one. You must clearly explain how you have developed into a budding dermatology resident by engaging in clinical and scholarly work that portends potential for moving the field forward.

However, this observation shouldn’t stifle your creative writing skills. Poignant patient encounters and extracurricular activities are still fair game, so long as you paint the picture of confidence in dedicating the rest of your life to the epidermis. To that end, it doesn’t matter whether you portray yourself as inventing the next blockbuster dermatologic therapy or becoming a melanoma expert.

Whatever flavor you make the PS, you need to be clear about the why of what you are saying, and that is accomplished through expounding upon your actions. No more shadowing or observation anecdotes. What about those patients you took an active role in caring for? The PS is often the most difficult component of the ERAS application, but it can also make the most difference if it reflects the unique soon-to-be resident version of you.

When it comes to personalizing your dermatology PS to each program, the jury is out, especially now that signaling is embedded in the application process. For now, a happy medium is to pick your top 5-8 programs (10 max) and tweak the last paragraph to explain why their curriculum and opportunities offer the best fit. For your generalizable version, stick to extolling the virtues of collaboration, diversity, and specialty clinics that make X program attractive.

Learn more: Residency Application Personal Statement Guide .

Wait, you need a medicine PS too? Unfortunately, yes. Given that there are only a handful of categorical dermatology residencies, you will be crafting a PS explaining why your TY or prelim year is important in your professional development as well.

The good thing is, you don’t need to completely rewrite your PS. In fact, since dermatology is closely adjacent to medicine, you often only need to tweak a paragraph or two to make it work.

These adcoms are still interested in why you are pursuing dermatology, but they would be irked if you didn’t explain how you would leverage your intern year to become a better skin doctor.

Don’t fret too much over the reasons. As mentioned above, prelim and TY programs heavily value standardized scores. Explaining that a year of medicine is foundational in understanding manifestations of internal disease and the like is easier than meditating on why you chose dermatology over every other specialty out there.

Technically, you can also iterate out your intern PS, but doing so for more than 5 intern or TY programs is arguably overkill. Just like with the personalized derm PS, identify the aspects of your top programs that are unique or highly valued at the institution, and explain how engaging in such an environment would contribute to your development as an excellent physician. Most of all, don’t overthink this aspect!

As of last cycle, your ERAS activities and experiences have been pared down to 10 maximum, including research endeavors, volunteering, student leadership, side hustles, and teaching/mentoring, which makes striking a balance all the more important.

Thankfully, you are still able to select your three most meaningful activities, though you will only have 700 characters instead of the usual 1325 on AMCAS to do so. To aid with the pre-ordained brevity of your descriptions, the common advice is to use bullet points rather than prose, which also makes it easier on adcoms to effectively skim without losing out on the details.

Focus on numbers, outcomes, and anecdotes that set even a common activity apart from your peers. What did you specifically do to improve the organization? How did your leadership enhance the student body? What were the methods you honed while a part of X lab? Balance the birds-eye view with detailed descriptions of your contributions, and adcoms will remember you better.

New for the 2024-2025 ERAS cycle, you will have 300 characters to expound upon your hobbies and interests. This change frees up an activity in your experiences section while providing space to share what keeps you going outside of medicine.

There is no magic answer to this section, but it’s important to go beyond “enjoying the outdoors and watching movies.” You don’t need to be a competitive knitter, but think of specific experiences that go beyond the generic genres.

Is there a type of baking you prefer? How about particular podcasts or blogs? What about your pets? Yes, plants count. Don’t be afraid to use adjectives to spice up your description. Just like with the experiences section, bullet pointing here can make it easier on you and the adcoms.

This section of the ERAS application seems to change every year, as does the advice regarding how to maximize your numbers without being flagged as a double-dipper.

You will have the opportunity to cite every poster, abstract, and paper you have been a part of, and you certainly should, regardless of where you are in the author order. For those cases in which your project produced all three, a rule of thumb is to avoid citing a poster presentation or abstract alongside an oral presentation with the same title, even if they were at different conferences.

In other words, aside from published manuscripts, oral presentation trumps poster, which trumps abstract.

The special case would be one in which your abstract is published as part of a special edition of a peer-reviewed journal, which is not uncommon. Whether you include it separately from your poster or oral presentation is hotly debated, but I’d argue it counts as a separate publication. I also received no negative feedback from doing so in my application.

Overall, use your best judgment, and be sure to ask your successful near-peers and mentors for advice. Unfortunately, the fluidity of ERAS doesn’t make for a clear-cut answer.

You Must be PROACTIVE

While residency applications aren’t technically rolling admissions, it is essential to submit ERAS on day 1, no exceptions! Why? Dermatology program administrators often pick a certain day early in the cycle to download all the residency applications, and, after that, aren’t coming back.

That means if you submit more than a couple days late, your application may not even hit an adcom reviewer’s desk.

Do not let all your hard work go to such waste!. Have everything filled out a couple days before the first day of ERAS submissions in September, including those sometimes hard to track down LORs, such that all you have to do is press the button. If you don’t, none of what you toiled for may matter. DO NOT BE LATE!

If you have read anything about applying to dermatology residency, you will have likely noticed that people apply to double or more the number of programs than they did for medical school, and that speaks to the massive competitiveness of the process.

Personally, I know of people who have succeeded on both sides of the extremes. Some with higher risk tolerance will only apply to 20 or 30 programs, while those who prioritize maximizing their chances over saving money apply to all 100+.

Based on the annual dermatology program director’s letter last year, there is a concerted effort to incentivize applicants to apply to under 50, but that may not be possible depending on your perceived competitiveness or home program presence. Just like your PS, your program selection is a personal choice, but there are a few key considerations to guide your decision.

If you are an MD/PhD candidate or see yourself having a career as a lab PI, you may be looking into programs that offer special research tracks. These often entail less overall clinic time in favor of scholarly work, and they may even come with an extra year in residency.

Every program does it a bit differently, but expect those with large amounts of NIH funding to offer one or two spots to candidates with a future in major basic science, translational, or clinical research.

More rarely, there are special tracks for those interested in an academic physician educator career. These program alterations are more akin to adding a minor rather than a whole research year. If you want the opportunity to educate and mentor the next generation of dermatologists, you may be a shoe-in for this track.

If you don’t already know, applying to dermatology is weird. Most programs don’t have an affiliated first-year (intern) program, and because of that, you will be applying separately to these.

Adding another layer of complexity, the intern year can take the form of a prelim experience, which could be akin to what first year medicine residents go through but with a little bit more elective time thrown in, or an oftentimes “cushier” transitional year (TY), which can take many forms, including resembling that of third and fourth year rotations. (Up for another month of ED shifts or OR time?)

One is not necessarily better than the other, though if you want to maximize elective time, TYs in general are the way to go. Because of this, TYs are also more competitive, but given you are applying into dermatology, this shouldn’t deter you.

Expect to take some time getting to know the various curriculums of each program, and keep track of what you find. Otherwise, ranking prelims and TYs will be a blurred guessing game, and you have worked too hard for that to happen.

As I alluded to in the beginning of this section, recommendations regarding how many dermatology programs you should apply to are in flux. The PDs have jointly recommended applying to no more than you can signal (28), whereas traditional advice is to apply to at least 50, even if you are an above average candidate.

Depending on your risk tolerance and finances, 50-80 programs is a solid number. However, I only received a single interview from a program I didn’t signal, so do with that what you may. With signaling now firmly in place, and assuming your advisors have no concerns about your competitiveness, between 30-50 will likely be safer in this new world of signaling (more on that later).

As for the intern year, don’t push yourself above 30 programs unless it is for a good reason. Many only send an application to 10-20 programs, though I would caution against going under double digits. As a dermatology applicant, you are often one of the best qualified prelim or TY prospects out there, but don’t cut corners this late in your journey. As a rough estimate, keep it to anywhere from a third to no more than a half of the number of dermatology programs you sent an application to.

Another relatively new addition to ERAS is the selection and 300-character explanation of your preferences for up to three geographic regions and practice settings.

People made a big deal out of these indicators over the last couple of cycles, but less is known about their overall importance when it comes to adcoms offering interviews. If you want to go wherever the wind blows, don’t worry about this application section. On the flip side, if you need to stay close to family or chosen loved ones, indicate where you would like to stay or be.

As for practice setting, your preference should line up with the rest of your application. Planning on staying in academics? Then a purely rural lean would only make sense if you are training at a high power program to then return home to your small town. With only 300 characters to explain why you chose the way you did, don’t sweat this section too much, but don’t let it be disjointed from your narrative or signals.

Since adopting signaling, the last two dermatology ERAS cycles have been a mess in terms of signal strategies.

Given last year’s outcomes, expect signals to be a significant factor in your program interview potential. What’s the best way to use 3 gold and 25 silver signals? Beats me. Based on last year’s APD statement, it is important to use one to signal your home program if you wish to stay, but when it comes to others, it seems like the common decision is to use a signal for every top-tier program, which may or may not result in an interview.

Interestingly, that means the “top” programs are receiving many more signals than they have interview spots, which, in turn, dilutes the signal’s power to only serve as a prerequisite for interview consideration.

If you want to maximize your interview opportunities, shift your signals towards those mid-tier programs you are interested in who may not receive as many. Doing so may not give you a shot at every “reach” program, but it will help you stand out from the masses, assuming they don’t catch on to this trend as well.

There are also a few signals to send the prelim and TY programs. Use them to indicate your top choice, but don’t place too much emphasis on making the “right” decision here. Go with your gut, and know that the prelim/TY signal will give you a boost at most programs, especially if you are a good fit.

Okay, you’ve submitted ERAS and are finishing up your last few medical school rotations. Interviews are on the horizon, but how do you approach the coming winter?

Depending on your preferences, the dermatology interviewing process is either lamentable or laudable.

In an effort to create equitable opportunities for applicants to maximize their interview schedules, the vast majority of dermatology programs (but not exactly all) work to publish a calendar of three synchronized, or so-called coordinated, interview release dates in November and December alongside anywhere from 1-3 or so interview dates following when invitations are extended.

These dates are usually staggered, and most programs will offer interviews on the second coordinated date, so if you don’t have an interview in early November, don’t fret quite yet. Expect to interview anytime from mid-to-late-October (for those programs who offer interviews earlier) all the way into January.

The dates can seem agonizingly far off from when you submit ERAS, but don’t forget, you survived an even longer process when applying to medical school.

Just like with medical school interviews, you can absolutely prepare for what dermatology programs will throw at you. Practice questions and example responses abound on the internet and within your mentor/near-peer networks, and because of that, teamwork really does make the dream work.

Enlist your fellow applicants and helpful residents to run mock interviews. If that is not a thing at your school, make it one! By reaching out to your local DIG chapter or specialty advisors, you may well further distinguish yourself as a future physician leader.

Most of all, do not practice just to practice. Hammer those most commonly asked questions (Why dermatology? Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?) until you are free of nerves but not necessarily operating as a robot. How do you know your answers are good enough? Run them by anyone who will listen, whether it is a family member, significant other, or peer. If your school has an affiliated career center, see if there are people who have experience with preparing students for residency interviews .

In the end, the best way to combat nervous idleness is to take action through as many mock interview opportunities as possible.

Now, you will likely have plenty of experience by the time you get to dermatology residency interviews, as intern year programs often begin interviewing in early October and finish by the end of November. As such, your first and last interviews could be spread apart by as many as 4 months, which lends the advantage to those who can pace themselves.

While prelim and TY interviews are fantastic practice, they are often much shorter than dermatology interviews. It’s possible to get used to the one to three 15-20 minute 1-on-1 interviews of the former and then, not knowing better, be completely blindsided by hours of questions by dermatologists.

Expect anywhere from 5-11 interviews that last about 10-20 minutes each, and adjust your mindset to handle this potential overload. Given the size of these programs, as well as that of the discipline as a whole, it is no wonder they put you through the ringer.

No matter how intense it gets, don’t forget that you deserve to find the right fit as much as the adcoms do!

Phew, you made it through! Whether you had one interview or more than ten, you deserve a round of applause for completing one of the most arduous periods of your professional journey. However, there is one last hurdle to overcome, and that is creating a rank order list, or ROL.

It’s a common misconception that the Match is a completely unbiased system. If you have watched any videos on or taken classes that investigate the math behind it, you will realize that, for once in your career, this step of the process is biased toward you.

Basically, what that means is instead of falling prey to ranking programs based on how competitive of an applicant you think you are, you should purely create your ROL based on your preferences—end of story.

The algorithm takes your choices into account more than that of the dermatology or intern year programs, so throw that imposter syndrome to the side one last time and make this part of the residency application cycle completely yours.

Now, just like with the ERAS application, the ROL situation can get a bit wonky given you are applying separately to dermatology and prelim/TY programs.

For each non-categorical dermatology program you interviewed at, you can create what is called a supplemental ROL that allows you to rank the prelim and TY programs you interviewed at in whatever order makes sense to you.

There is no penalty for having the same supplemental ROL for multiple dermatology programs, just as the only problem with having a unique one for each is the minor headache of recreating the lists, though that’s probably a good problem to have.

Finally, given how competitive and seemingly random the dermatology residency application process is, there is still a chance you won’t match, no matter how many interviews you have.

For that reason, you have the option of ranking prelim and/or TY programs on the bottom of your primary ROL such that if you don’t match into dermatology, you can still proceed with the intern year. There are pros and cons to this strategy, and I will spare you from the associated detailed discussion, as it needs to be personalized closely with your advisors.

All to say, it doesn’t cost more to put some contingencies in place so long as your primary ROL doesn’t go over 20 programs (supplemental ROLs are counted separately).

Unfortunately, there is no MSAR equivalent for applying to dermatology residency, which is why we created a detailed Guide of Residency Application Resources . Check that out early on in your application process.

Below is an intro to those resources, as well as a couple additional points specific to dermatology. Familiarize yourself with this stuff early on; it’ll help in demystifying the process more than you think.

FREIDA is the official AMA-sponsored list of all accredited residency programs. Depending on your subscription level (yes, more money to spend), you can create program lists within the site, compare program characteristics, and even gain insights into how many interview offers are extended.

Combined with the Doximity Residency Navigator below, make FREIDA your core resource for getting the lay of dermatology land.

2 | Doximity Residency Navigator

Doximity took more of a crowd-sourced approach for their navigator, allowing residents and faculty to freely review programs, though don’t expect to see 100s of ratings for each. It also provides novel information on Step/COMLEX score comparisons and metrics that may not be found on FREIDA.

Best of all, it’s free! You can use either FREIDA or Doximity to procure a program list through their website, but try to use both to their relative strengths. More on that in the link to the guide above.

3 | Program Websites

Individual dermatology and intern year program websites range from labyrinthine to lacking, leading prospective applicants either down rabbit holes or yearning for more.

Nonetheless, they are important to review, as every year around April-June, the program leadership updates their policies and requirements, most importantly about how they treat signaling. This is where you will find a relative gold mine, as you will learn some programs consider signaling only to the point of offering interviews, while others won’t comment on how they use them at all.

I’d suggest diving into these websites after generating a rough school list through FREIDA and Doximity, then paring down from there.

4 | Word of Mouth

Assuming most of what you hear is immune to the telephone game, word of mouth regarding what dermatology programs are the best (or tend to accept your school’s applicants year after year) is worth more than any spreadsheet.

Again, this is where your mentor and near-peer networks come into play, as many will have seen a dozen generations of dermatology applicants come through and identified unique trends that can be leveraged as a competitive advantage.

Of course, take everything with a grain of salt, especially if the opinion has an N-of-1, but don’t avoid such conversations for the sake of not being a “gunner.”

5 | The Spreadsheet

This resource has an ominous name for one reason, and that’s because you should be careful about engaging with it.

Every year, someone fires up a Reddit-linked Google Sheet that has detailed (and often biased) past, present, and future information about dermatology application cycles, ranging from crowd-sourced rankings of individual program tiers to live commentary on how people are taking the waves of hope and despair.

Arguably, the most valuable information comes from updates to the interview release tab(s), which use crowdsourcing to figure out what programs release interviews when (and sometimes to which cohorts).

Overall, it can be helpful to stay up-to-date in the winter months, but beyond that, tread carefully, as last cycle showed how quickly a simple spreadsheet can become a toxic wasteland. (For those who weren’t aware like me, the 2023-2024 sheet had to be deleted due to the animosity that developed between users in the wake of the dermatology diversity initiative defunding letter proposal).

Application Mistakes to Avoid

Given you’ve been essentially working your entire life to get to this point, a list of every dermatology application mistake and how to avoid it would be endless. For that reason, we’ve limited it to the top five most important considerations when navigating around the potholes of the residency journey.

Is There Such a Thing as Deciding Dermatology Too Late?

Yes and no. It is always better to know sooner, as starting early makes for a more cohesive application, but if you were leaning towards another specialty and suddenly change halfway or later through third year, there is still hope!

The most important thing, regardless of the initial path you choose, is to act like you are applying to the most competitive specialty possible. This way, all the doors stay open, even up to the very last second.

If you do find yourself in the late decision cohort, light a fire and enlist help from trusted advisors and near-peers. Oftentimes, they can provide the missing pieces that allow you to present yourself as a future dermatologist regardless of your background.

Balance Applying Too Broadly and Not Broadly Enough

When it comes to the numbers, there remains no hard and fast rule for choosing between applying to 30 dermatology programs and 80+.

Recent trends have made it more evident that there is significant depreciating returns when applying to over 50 programs in light of the latest APD statement (next one to come May-June 2024) and having only 28 signals to go around, but it always feels more safe to ride the wave once you know how tall it actually is.

To that end, for the average to above-average dermatology applicant (let’s say a 250+ Step 2 with strong clinical grades and ~5 publications, give or take), a safe number would probably range between 30-60 programs, depending on your risk tolerance.

If your list is on the lower numbers range, it would behoove you to assess your competitiveness and balance out top-tier programs with those who may value your signals more.

Don’t Play the Comparison Game

As if medical school gunners weren’t enough to require a social detox from time to time, tensions can rise quickly and to extremely toxic levels during the ERAS season.

Hopefully, such negative energy doesn’t emanate from your local applicant cohort, but if it does, be careful about keeping your guard up and not letting their thoughts or interview numbers get to you.

The same goes for The Spreadsheet. Get the information you need and get out. It does you no good to hear that some people supposedly have 12+ dermatology interviews after the first coordinated interview release date, and it would be a mistake to devote a single neuron to ruminating on your ranking among anonymous others.

Applying to one of the most competitive residencies is stressful enough. Do yourself a favor and keep those emotional drawbridges up.

Confident Humility Over All

As an extension to #3, do not feign arrogance and assume that brazen confidence will be attractive to dermatology adcoms.

If you don’t already know, dermatologists are some of the most laid back, down to earth, compassionate physicians out there, and they can often detect a bad apple from miles away. That’s not to say you won’t see pretentious individuals along the interview trail, but it would be a huge mistake to get caught up in ruffling your own feathers.

On the other hand, don’t sell yourself short, especially if self-deprecating humility is your default state. If that’s the case, consciously work to exude more confidence.

However, if you must choose between one extreme or the other, be humble. Use “we” where it was a team effort, but don’t be afraid of saying “I” when you accomplished something. Your aura on paper and in interviews will serve as significant factors in adcoms’ ultimate decisions. Be your accomplished, unpuffed-up self, and good things will come.

Trust Your Viscera

Even more than medical school applications, you will be relying on your intuition and feel for each program to properly rank them according to your unique preferences. The mistake arises when you ignore these visceral feelings in favor of following the herd, blindly pursuing the most prestigious option, or succumbing to contradicting viewpoints.

At this point in your life, if you have been paying attention to your physical and mental wellbeing, you will know what program is the best fit, both inside and outside of the clinic. Don’t let numbers, tiers, or the like override the feel you get from the residents and faculty.

Similarly, if you were super excited about a program based on their website videos but are faced with a completely different feeling at the end of your interview day, it might be time to reconsider where they will go on your ROL.

If you are having trouble uncovering these visceral experiences, talk to those who are closest to you. When were you the most and least excited before and/or after the interview day? Accounting for any bias, these conversations should light the path to the best match.

The Match Favors the Bold

Remember how you have an advantage in the ROL system? Well, these programs want the best candidates, and believe it or not, you are likely one of them.

In the same way, you should remain confidently humble about your prospects, and your application should be bolder than you typically act, both in terms of how you speak about yourself in the ERAS sections and the so-called long shots you may be considering taking on your school list.

Failing to match is significantly worse than not receiving a medical school acceptance for many reasons, so I don’t mean throw caution to the wind, but if you have a non-zero probability of becoming a dermatologist at the program you’ve always dreamed of, there is no better time to take a leap of faith.

In this way, do not undercut yourself by minimizing what you earned, whether that be a lucrative grant or single handedly creating a record-breaking seminar series. There is no place for lying or exaggerating in the process, especially in dermatology, but there is every reason for showcasing yourself as the amazing future skin expert you are.

Success in Dermatology and Beyond

Dermatology is one of the most competitive specialties out there, but by following the advice outlined in this guide, the odds of matching are certainly in your favor.

Approaching your dermatology residency application—or any residency application—thoughtfully and tactfully is vital to your success. Our team of doctors has years of experience helping medical students get matched with their ideal program.

Med School Insiders can help you prepare a stand out residency application. We offer a number of Residency Admissions Consulting Services tailored to your needs, including personal statement editing , USMLE tutoring , interview prep and mock interviews , and overall application editing .

Austin Johnson

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