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CAREER
ADVISEMENT
MANUAL
2014
1 Web Resources
AMA Residency Fellowship Training Program Database (FREIDA)
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/education-careers/graduate-medical-education/freida-online.page
Careers in Medicine, CiM
https://www.aamc.org/cim/
Charting Outcomes in the Match
http://www.nrmp.org/data/chartingoutcomes
Career Advisement General Schedule
Year 2
Second Semester
-Planning 3rd year schedule
Year 3
Orientation
-Specialty and Match Characteristics
Intersession
-Planning 4rd year schedule
-Away Electives
Second Semester
-Specialty Open Houses
-Post-match forum
Year 4
End of 3rd year/Early 4th year
-ERAS
-MSPE
-The interview
Second Semester
-The ROL
-The match and post-match forum
Career Advisement 3rd and 4th Year in Detail
Year 3 (JanuaryJuly)
-Explore specialty web resources
-Meet with specialty advisors
-Decide on 4th yr schedule
-Schedule Away electives
-Schedule MSPE Appointment
-Begin contacting faculty for LOR
-Sign up for USMLE Step 2 CK & CS Second Semester
-Post-match forum
2 Year 4 (July  September)
-Write and finalize personal statement
-Complete ERAS application (www.aamc.org/eras)
-Register for the NRMP (www.nrmp.org)
-Take USMLE Step 2 CK & CS
Year 4 (September)
-Read and approve your MSPE
-Apply to programs
-Take USMLE Step 2 CK & CS
Year 4 (October  February)
-MSPE is released on Oct 1st
-Interviews
-December is deadline to take USMLE Step 2 CS & February USMLE Step 2 CK (I recommend
sooner)
-ROL opens in mid-January
-ROL closes towards the end of February
Year 4 (March)
-The Match! (Held on Friday of the third week of March)
-Post- match forum
Early Match Specifics
Urology
-Register on AUA website in June (www.auanet.org)
-Apply to programs from July-Sept
-Interview from Sept-Dec
-Submit ROL by early January
-Match in January
Ophthalmology
-Register through SF Matching Service (www.sfmatch.org)
-Apply to programs from July-Sept
-Interview from Sept-Dec
-Submit ROL by early January
-Match in January
Away Rotations
There are several reasons that students might chose to do away rotations. They may be looking to
experience a different practice environment or even check out a specific program. What they should be
warned about is that although they might go to a program with the intent of impressing them, that can also
backfire and they might disappoint the program. For most specialties, it is not necessary to do an away
rotation. The exceptions are dermatology, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, plastic surgery, urology and
vascular surgery. See the specific specialty information for more detail on this topic. The bottom-line, if
students do decide to do away rotations, they should treat it like a month long interview.
3 ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service)
ERAS is the service which transmits applications, letters of recommendation, the MSPE, transcripts, and
USMLE transcripts. It opens July 1st and that is when students can start completing it and uploading their
documents. They receive a password (“token”) from the Dean’s Office ahead of time. It begins
transmitting applications to the programs they designate through the NRMP on Sept 15th (this is before
the MSPE gets sent out, which is on October 1st).
The CV
Once students have opened ERAS, they should begin with their CV and personal statement. The basic
format for the CV includes. . .
-Home and School Address
-Education
-Honors and Awards
-Work Experience
-Research Experience
-Publications and Abstracts
-Teaching Experience
-Institutional Service
-Community Service
-Hobbies and Interests
ERAS has its own format for the CV, so students will cut and paste this information into the ERAS
format. They cannot simply upload their document.
The Personal Statement
The personal statement should express one’s personal attributes and/or experiences that make them an
unique individual. Students should write about why they have chosen a specialty and what their future
goals are. Personal statements should be well written, limited to one page and have no grammatical errors
or spelling mistakes. Most personal statements will not help candidates, but can hurt them. This might
not be true for psychiatry and family medicine who take the personal statement a bit more seriously.
Students should have someone who is good at writing and their advisor review their personal statement.
It is not necessary for students to send a different personal statement to each program. They should just
tailor it to their residency choice. They will need different personal statements for preliminary and
advanced programs and if they are applying to more than one residency.
If a student is really stuck on this, the following advice can be helpful. . .
-1 page, 4 paragraphs
-First, introduce the reader to you
-Second, let the reader know how you arrived at your choice of the specialty
-Third, confirm why you think the choice is right for you (research, extracurricular or clinical
experience)
-Fourth, long-term goals (if not clear okay to state as such)
Letters of Recommendation
Students are required to obtain three letters of recommendation for their residency application. They can
obtain more, but programs can only receive up to four letters. Students might decide to send separate
4 letters to different programs or they might send all letters to all programs. Students will need separate
letters for preliminary and advanced programs. The best letters tend to come from clinical faculty who
know the student well and have worked with them closely. Some fields also highly value letters from
prominent people (ie. Dermatology, Vascular, and General Surgery). Most specialties desire at least 1-2
letters from within the specialty. Many specialties will require a chair’s or departmental letter (ie. Chair’s
letter - Anesthesia, OB/GYN, Ortho, Peds, Plastic and Urology; Departmental letter – EM; IM provides a
departmental letter that some programs will require). To obtain a chair’s letter, students should arrange a
meeting with the chair. To arrange for a departmental letter, students should alert the department and
follow their process. Students should have their letters on ERAS by mid-September and they should give
their writers 4-6 weeks to complete the letters. Students should waive the right to read the letter (get
waivers from ERAS). Finally, the letters get sent directly to Bonnie Chalson, in the Dean’s Office, who
uploads them to ERAS. The student then decides which programs to which they get sent.
The MSPE
The MSPE is a letter of evaluation describing the students’ performance in medical school. It is not a
letter of recommendation. It is intended to be supportive, yet accurate. It includes induction into AOA or
the Gold Humanism Honor Society. It typically does not discuss the student’s specialty choice and it is
meant to be generic. A student might be applying to more than 1 field or they might change their mind
after the letter has been sent. The students are prompted to write the background information before they
meet with the deans. During the months of May through August, the deans will write and review the
letter with the student. Then, in September the students have the opportunity to review the draft of the
letter and make suggestions prior to its final form. It gets uploaded by the Dean’s Office onto ERAS and
it gets sent out to all programs the student applied to on October 1st.
The Application Process
Where should students apply?
This question is quite specialty specific and more detail can be seen under the individual specialty pages.
However, in general, students should apply to a range of programs. They should “shoot for the stars” but
also select “safe” programs and back-up programs. The best candidates may need to apply only to 10-15
programs, while others should have 15-25. Very competitive programs or couple matches need more.
What are the more competitive specialty choices?
-Plastic Surgery
-Neurosurgery
-Orthopaedics
-Otolaryngology
-Dermatology
-Urology
-Ophthalmology
5 Anesthesiology
Residency Program Director: Christopher Gallagher, MD
Preparing Your Application
Recommended Specialty Advisors
Kenneth Rosenfeld, MD (Department Chair)
Christopher Gallagher, MD (Residency Program Director)
Joy Schabel, MD (Director of Medical Student Education)
NRMP Data
Min. Step 1
Mean Step 1
by US Matched Applicants
Does Step 2CK
influence rank?
Min. Step 2CK
by Stony Brook Program
See below*
222
Yes
See below*
Mean Step 2CK
by US Matched Applicants
Mean # of
contiguous ranks
of US Matched Applicants
234
14.3
*There is not necessarily a “minimum” USMLE Step 1 or Step 2 score necessary to match in Anesthesiology. Many high profile academic
programs will not give consideration to candidates with USMLE Step 1 scores less than 220. However, while anesthesiology continues to be a
competitive specialty, there are over 100 programs offered in the Match and there are many programs across the country that vary in how
competitive they are. It is important for a student interested in Anesthesiology to meet with a faculty advisor to review their entire application
(USMLE scores, academic grades, extracurricular activities, etc.) so that they can be guided as to which programs they will be most competitive
candidates for.
Away Rotations
Must applicants do away rotations? No
In most cases it is not necessary for an applicant to do an away rotation, but advisors can counsel each individual student based
on their academic record and where they desire to train. If a student decides to do an away rotation, they should be prepared for
the rotation and treat it like an extended job interview.
Research
Research experience can be helpful. According to data from the NRMP, the mean number of research experiences was 2.4 and
the mean number of publications/presentations/abstracts was 2.1.
Letters of Recommendation
A strong letter of recommendation should come from someone with whom you have worked with closely and have developed a
strong rapport. Your letter writer should be someone who can write about your attributes in a highly favorable fashion.
Letters from medicine and surgery are often well received. Letters from two-week electives are less well received. At least one
letter from an anesthesiologist is recommended. It is more important that the letter conveys to the program the unique and
positive attributes of the applicant than that it comes from a specific specialty. Thus, it is less important what specialty or who
the letter comes from, but that it can provide good perspective as to the candidate’s strengths.
Some programs ask for a Chair’s Letter. If so, schedule a meeting with Dr. Glass early in your 4th year. If during your third year
of medical school you have decided to pursue anesthesiology residency training, and then please make an appointment to meet
with Dr. Schabel in the spring of third year.
Personal Statement
The personal statement should express one’s personal attributes and/or experiences that make them a unique individual. Some
applicants also write about why the candidate has chosen a career in anesthesiology and what the candidate’s future goals are, but
it is most important to make the personal statement “personal”. One’s personal statement should not be able to apply to another
candidate. Personal statements should be well written, limited to one page and have no grammatical errors or spelling mistakes.
Most personal statements will not help candidates, but can hurt them. Have someone who is good at writing and your advisor
review your personal statement.
6 Application Timing & Advice
When do programs begin reviewing applications? As soon as ERAS opens in September
When do programs begin offering interviews? As soon as ERAS opens in September
Many programs begin to review applications as soon as they are made available in September. Some programs will wait until the
MSPE’s are released on October 1st. Having your application completed by the time ERAS opens in mid-September is ideal.
There are over 100 programs in Anesthesia so there is a lot of variety in program types out there. While the competitive
applicant will have many strong attributes beyond just performance on standardized exams, many programs use USMLE scores
to screen applicants for interviews. For example, if an applicant’s Step 2 CK score is far lower than the Step 1 score, or if there is
a failing score, that would preclude most programs from offering an interview to the applicant.
Realize that students have matched with scores that are lower than what is listed above; the key is to apply to and interview at
programs where you will be most competitive. This is where an advisor is invaluable in guiding you in the right direction. Meet
with your advisor early and often.
Number of Programs to Apply To
The recommended number of programs to apply to will vary according to the strength of the candidate’s application and the
competitiveness of the desired program for residency training. The more competitive candidate (250 Step scores, AOA) may
only apply to 10 programs where as the less competitive candidate (210 Step Scores, 3.0 GPA, need to repeat Shelf exam) may
need to apply to 40 or more programs. An applicant will typically match if they have attended 10 interviews and rank 10
programs.
Preliminary Year (Internship)
Categorical (4-year) Programs have incorporated the Clinical Base Year into their program. Approximately 80 % of
anesthesiology programs are categorical. Advanced (3-year) Programs require the applicant to complete an internship year prior
to the start of their program. Acceptable preliminary programs include: medicine, surgery, pediatrics, OB/GYN or transitional
year. A medicine preliminary year is recommended.
There are a limited number of preliminary internship spots. These spots can be very competitive to obtain since the
anesthesiology applicant will be competing with very competitive candidates (dermatology, radiology,… ). It is recommended to
apply to several preliminary spots to avoid not matching for the internship year.
Scheduling Interviews
It is recommended to schedule an interview shortly after receiving the invitation. There are limited interview spots, so the first
applicants to accept interview invitations will have the best choice of dates. It may be beneficial to the applicant to not schedule
their first interview at their top program. This would allow the applicant to “practice” interviewing at other programs and
improve their interviewing skills as needed.
Interview Advice
Be yourself! Be honest and relaxed. If you try to be someone different it won’t reflect well. Our department offers mock
interviews for interested applicants.
Be prepared to answer questions about your application (CV, Personal Statement, etc.) but also be prepared to demonstrate that
you are prepared to ask questions specifically about that program. Look up the program on the internet to find out more about it
prior to your interview to help you prepare.
Are thank you notes necessary? No
Although not required, many candidates send thank you notes. If you decide to send thank you notes, be sure to spell-check the
notes and make certain that the names/institutions are correct. Thank you notes via email allow the recipient to send a brief reply,
but do not be discouraged if this does not occur.
Post-Interview Advice
Is it common practice for applicants to contact their #1 program to let them know they are ranking them first?
There is no expectation that a student communicate to a program that is their #1 choice and it will not affect how a program will
rank the candidate. If you are going to write a thank you note, be honest. Do not tell three different programs that they are your
#1 choice. This could end up reflecting poorly on you.
7 It is a violation of the NRMP rules for a program to ask you how you plan to rank them. However, if you have a strong
preference for a program, you should feel free to communicate that to them.
Ranking the Programs
It is recommended to rank at least 10 anesthesiology programs. The deciding factors when making your list may include:
program reputation, location, ACGME Accreditation Cycle, size of the program, categorical vs advanced, impression from the
interview day, resident satisfaction at the program and which program would be the best fit for the applicant.
Dermatology
Residency Program Director: Tara Kaufmann, MD
Preparing Your Application
Recommended Specialty Advisors
Evan Jones, MD (Department Chair)
Tara Kaufmann, MD (Residency Program Director)
NRMP Data
by matched US Seniors
Does Step 2CK
influence rank?
by Matched US Seniors
243
Yes
251
Mean Step 1
Mean Step 2CK
Mean # of
contiguous ranks
By Matched US Seniors
9.9
Away Rotations
Must applicants do away rotations? Yes
Most applicants arrange to take at least two months of dermatology electives. We recommend going to away rotations in AugustSeptember of your 4th year.
Research
Research is required if you are applying to Dermatology. It does not necessarily have to be in Dermatology, although it helps.
Dermatology is very competitive and having a first-authored publication is ideal. Recent data from the NRMP shows that
matched US seniors had an average of 3.7 research experiences and 6.1 publications. Publishing scholarly work is essential to
matching in this competitive specialty.
Letters of Recommendation
Dermatology programs look for three letters of recommendation, two of which should come from Dermatology faculty. Having a
letter of recommendation from a prominent, nationally recognized Dermatologist will greatly benefit your application. If this is
not possible, the letter of recommendation should come from faculty members who have observed the applicant’s clinical
performance. If you did research with an individual, you also need to have a strong letter from that mentor.
Personal Statement
Statements should reveal the applicant’s personality, and be articulate and engaging. One should avoid eccentric stories that
could create a negative impression.
Application Timing & Advice
When do programs begin reviewing applications? After MSPEs are released
When do programs begin offering interviews? December
Dermatology is one of the most competitive specialties. Applicants should apply to numerous dermatology programs. Do not
limit yourself to a single city or geographic location. Even outstanding applicants typically apply to 40 or more programs.
Interview Advice
Get some notion of who your interviewers are likely to be, and what their program emphasizes. It is a good idea to research the
program beforehand and have thoughtful questions in mind.
8 Are thank you notes necessary? Yes
While thank you notes are not required, they are customary. They have negligible impact on your likelihood of matching in the
program, however. If you do write a thank you note, we suggest hand writing a note that expresses your continued interest in the
program. Make sure that you spell-check the thank you note and that the names are correct.
Post-Interview Advice
Is it common practice for applicants to contact their #1 program to let them know they are ranking them first?
Yes, but it will not affect your rank. While it is customary for applicants to say that they will rank a program highly, most
program directors distrust and discount these statements. It is a violation of the NRMP rules for a program to ask you how you
plan to rank them.
Emergency Medicine
Residency Program Director: Gregory Garra, DO
Preparing Your Application
Recommended Specialty Advisors
David Cohen, MD (Director of Medical Student Education)
Gregory Garra, DO (Residency Program Director)
Scott Johnson, MD (Associate Residency Program Director)
Frederick Schiavone, MD (Dean for Graduate Medical Education)
Andrew Wackett, MD (Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education)
NRMP Data
Min. Step 1
Mean Step 1
Mean Step 2CK
by Stony Brook Program
Does Step 2CK
influence rank?
Min. Step 2CK
by Stony Brook Program
by Stony Brook Program
by Stony Brook Program
Mean # of
contiguous ranks
190*
221
Yes
200*
234
11
of Stony Brook Applicants
*If the student does not do well on Step 1, then s/he must take Step 2 CK early in the fall (July-September 1) and do well. Your advisor can help
you with this decision. It is recommended that all students have a Step 2 CK score prior to the program Rank Order List submission date in midFebruary.
Away Rotations
Must applicants do away rotations? No
All students should plan to do one emergency medicine rotation (the sub-internship) at Stony Brook. Many students may also
find it useful to do one or two (but no more than that) away rotations, ideally from July-November. Students should consult with
their specialty advisor when deciding where to apply for away rotations, as there is a bit of strategy involved depending upon the
applicant’s competitiveness and the region of the country where they would like to train. If students do an away rotation, they
should be prepared for the rotation and treat it like an extended job interview.
Research
Research experience can be helpful, especially at University-based programs, but it is not necessary. According to data from the
NRMP, the mean number of research experiences was 1.8 and the mean number of publications/presentations/abstracts was 2.6.
Letters of Recommendation
All students applying to emergency medicine will obtain a Standardized Letter of Recommendation (SLOR) which will be jointly
written by Drs. Cohen, Garra and Johnson. In addition to the SLOR, students should provide one additional letter from an
emergency physician and another letter from another specialty. Choose someone who can write about your attributes in a highly
favorable fashion.
9 Personal Statement
The personal statement should cover the following topics:
1) What experiences have informed you in your decision to become an emergency physician?
2) The personality characteristics that you possess that will allow you to be a successful emergency physician.
3) What you plan to do with your training.
Application Timing & Advice
When do programs begin reviewing applications? Generally after MSPEs are released
When do programs begin offering interviews? Generally after MSPEs are released
Interview Advice
Be yourself! Be honest and relaxed. If you try to be someone different it won’t reflect well.
Be prepared to answer questions about your application (CV, Personal Statement, etc.) but also be prepared to demonstrate that
you are prepared to ask questions specifically about that program. Look up the program on the internet to find out more about it
prior to your interview to help you prepare. Also, be somewhat familiar with the issues affecting emergency medicine. A quick
perusal of the AAEM or ACEP website will provide such information.
Are thank you notes necessary? Yes
Some programs expect thank you notes and unless otherwise directed by the program, it is generally a good idea to write a thank
you note within a few days after your interview. An email to the program director is adequate.
Post-Interview Advice
Is it common practice for applicants to contact their #1 program to let them know they are ranking them first?
There is no expectation that a student communicate to a program that is their #1 choice and it will not affect how a program will
rank the candidate. Some programs do appreciate feedback and no program expects to be everybody’s #1 choice, so if a program
is your number one choice, you can tell them. If you like several programs (1-3) a great deal, you can say so. Do not tell three
different programs that they are your #1 choice. This could end up reflecting poorly on you.
It is a violation of the NRMP rules for a program to ask you how you plan to rank them. However, if you have a strong
preference for a program, you should feel free to communicate that to them.
Additional Advice
Emergency Medicine residency programs consider your performance and comments in the core clerkship rotations very
seriously. Professionalism, communication, enthusiasm and participation are expectations on every rotation regardless of the
student’s interest. Deans Letters that reflect problems in any of these areas are an issue. Additionally, students are encouraged
and can benefit from participating in EM organizations such as EMRA (Emergency Medicine Residents Association) or AAEM
RSA (American Academy of Emergency Medicine Resident and Student Association.
Family Medicine
Residency Program Director: Donna Meltzer, MD
Preparing Your Application
Recommended Specialty Advisors
Donna Meltzer, MD ((Residency Program Director)
Howard Sussman, MD (Clerkship Director)
Jeffrey Trilling, MD (Department Chair)
Edward Feldman, DSW (Assistant Residency Director)
Judy Fingergut, MD (Assistant Residency Director)
Louis Verardo, MD (Assistant Residency Director)
Katherine Wightman, MD (Associate Professor)
Jedan Phillips, MD (Assistant Professor)
10 NRMP Data
by Stony Brook Program
Does Step 2CK
influence rank?
by Stony Brook Program
197
Somewhat*
216
Mean Step 1
Mean Step 2CK
Mean # of
contiguous ranks
of Stony Brook Applicants
10.2
*Failing either Step 1 or Step 2 is a definite red flag. Many programs want applicants to have taken and passed Step 2 CK and CS by the end of
the interview season and some programs are now requiring it. USMLE scores are just one criteria that programs will look at when deciding
whether to interview and/or rank applicants.
Away Rotations
Must applicants do away rotations? No
Family Medicine programs do not require that you do away rotations, but it could help you secure a spot at a desired location. If
you do a rotation at a place you might like to match, be prepared to work really hard while you are there. The program will know
more about you – both positives and negatives – than the other candidates. It is also a great way to learn about what programs are
looking for in applicants to use when interviewing and to get the inside scoop on a given program. Doing an away rotation in
family medicine can be a good way to help you see how family medicine differs across the country. Family Medicine
experiences can be different in different communities and different practice settings (i.e. academic, community, rural).
Research
Is research required? No
Research is not required, but often adds strength to your application especially when applying to leading FM programs at major
academic hospitals. According to data from the NRMP, the mean number of research experiences was 1.5 and the mean number
of publications/presentations/abstracts was 1.5.
Letters of Recommendation
Students applying to Family Medicine generally require three letters of recommendation. At least one letter should come from
the Department of Family Medicine. A Chair’s Letter is not typically required. The strongest letters are those from faculty who
know the student’s clinical skills and intentions.
Personal Statement
Family Medicine programs are looking for evidence of genuine interest in Family Medicine and a demonstrated commitment to
primary care. The personal statement is one of the important ways programs look at your fit with their residency and your
decision to become a Family Medicine resident. You could also explain any potential “red flags” in your application, and if there
are any, what you learned from the experience.
Application Timing & Advice
When do programs begin reviewing applications? As soon as ERAS opens in September
When do programs begin offering interviews? As soon as ERAS opens in September
Interview Advice
Be on time. Dress appropriately. Spend time reviewing the program website prior to your interview. Do not let the conversation
lag – asking the same questions you have asked to other interviewers is okay. Be prepared for different interviewing styles and
adjust accordingly. Plan your questions ahead of time while reviewing Family Medicine programs and always have some that are
specific to the program where you are interviewing. You may think of questions while at you interview day which will usually
start with an orientation to the residency. Take notes and write down questions then for your interviews. Know which questions
are appropriate for the Program Director and which are better suited for faculty or residents. Remember to be polite and pleasant
to administrative staff. Be honest. The interview is an important time for you to decide if this program is good for you as well as
if you would be good for this program. Identify before you interview the qualities in a residency program that are really
important to you and be sure to ask about them.
Many residency programs are open to applicants coming back for a “second look”. This “second look” should be completed
when you are really interested in a program and want to see more about how the residency functions. If the residency is far away,
they are often happy to schedule this for the day after the interview.
Are thank you notes necessary? No
11 However, having said this, Program Directors can be encouraged that you are interested in a program if you send a Thank You
note or email.
Post-Interview Advice
Is it common practice for applicants to contact their #1 program to let them know they are ranking them first?
It is not expected, but you should feel free to do so if you are really interested. It is a violation of the NRMP rules for a program
to ask you how you plan to rank them. However, if you have a strong preference for a program, you should feel free to
communicate that to them.
General Surgery
Residency Program Director: Richard Scriven, MD
Preparing Your Application
Recommended Specialty Advisors
Richard Scriven, MD (Residency Program Director)
Joseph Sorrento, MD (Clerkship Director)
Daniel Rutigliano, DO (Subinternship and ACE Director)
NRMP Data
Min. Step 1
Mean Step 1
Mean Step 2CK
by Stony Brook Program
Does Step 2CK
influence rank?
Min. Step 2CK
by Stony Brook Program
by Stony Brook Program
by Stony Brook Program
200
233
Yes
213
238
Mean # of
contiguous ranks
of Stony Brook Applicants
10.5
Programs will look at a wide variety of factors to determine which students to interview, so if your Step 1 scores do not fall into the categories
above, it is still possible to match in General Surgery. If your Step 1 score is lower than the national mean, it may be a good idea to take Step 2
CK early to show improvement.
Away Rotations
Must applicants do away rotations? No
General Surgery does not require letters from away rotations; however, students may want to consider doing away rotations at
programs where the candidate knows they would ideally want to match or if they want a surgical experience outside of the Stony
Brook system. Students should talk to their specialty advisor about their options before making this decision. If students decide
to do an away rotation, be prepared for the rotation and treat it like an extended job interview.
Research
While research is not required, recent data from the NRMP shows that matched US seniors had an average of 2.9 research
experiences and 2.4 publications.
Letters of Recommendation
General Surgery programs tend to look for a letter from a prominent, nationally recognized faculty member. While personal
exposure to the candidate helps, this is not a requirement for writing these letters. Generally, three letters of recommendation are
required; two should be from a surgeon.
Personal Statement
The personal statement should demonstrate initiative, passion, and a well-grounded approach. Personal statements should be
concise and limited to one page.
Application Timing & Advice
When do programs begin reviewing applications? After MSPEs are released
When do programs begin offering interviews? After MSPEs are released and usually not until November
12 Interview Advice
Be yourself, demonstrate passion for your life’s work, have a clear understanding of why you are going into the chosen specialty,
have a plan. Dress conservatively, come with questions about the program and research the program ahead of time (ie. Know the
faculty). Be aware that everyone that you talk to may influence the process (including the program coordinators and residents).
Be sure to screen your personal webpages for inappropriate content (ie. Facebook) prior to the interview. Also, avoid critically
discussing programs with other candidates on the “interview circuit”, and be careful about comments/discussion in online forums
that discuss matching in General Surgery and specific programs.
Are thank you notes necessary? No
Thank you notes are not requested or required by all programs; however, certain programs recommend sending thank you notes
and will usually indicate this preference during the interview process
Post-Interview Advice
Is it common practice for applicants to contact their #1 program to let them know they are ranking them first?
While it has been common practice to notify programs if they are your #1 choice, this is not required. Make sure you only tell
one program if they are your #1 choice, the world of surgery is small, and the program directors will often talk to one another. It
is a violation of the NRMP rules for a program to ask you how you plan to rank them.
Internal Medicine
Residency Program Director: Susan Lane, MD
Preparing Your Application
Recommended Specialty Advisors
Mersema Abate, MD (Clerkship Director)
Roderick Go, DO (Assistant Clerkship Director)
Susan Lane, MD (Residency Program Director)
Lisa Strano-Paul, MD (Ambulatory Care Clerkship Director)
NRMP Data
Min. Step 1
Mean Step 1
Mean Step 2CK
by Stony Brook Program
Does Step 2CK
influence rank?
Min. Step 2CK
by Stony Brook Program
by Stony Brook Program
by Stony Brook Program
190
223
No
190
234
Mean # of
contiguous ranks
of Stony Brook Applicants
11.2
*If the student does not do well on Step 1 (less than 210), then s/he should take Step 2 CK early in the fall (July-September 1) and do well. Also,
it is important that the student take and pass Step 2 CS prior to when programs will make their rank lists (usually mid- February). Many
programs will not rank candidates if they have not yet passed this exam.
Away Rotations
Must applicants do away rotations? No
In general, away rotations offer more risk than advantage. There are only a handful of discrete circumstances where away
rotations are advantageous. Away rotations are appropriate if. . .
1) You have received advice that the target program would be a “stretch” (meaning you are unlikely to get an interview at
a program unless you go there and show the program your commitment)
2) You absolutely need to be at a particular institution because of a personal relationship or proximity to family
Otherwise away rotations offer greater risk than they are worth.
Research
Research is not required, but often adds strength to your application especially when applying to academic internal medicine
training programs. Conducting research in medicine is preferred, but conducting research in any specialty is helpful. According
to data from the NRMP, the mean number of research experiences was 2.5 and the mean number of
publications/presentations/abstracts was 2.7.
13 Letters of Recommendation
Students applying to Internal Medicine generally require three letters of recommendation. One letter is typically the
Departmental Letter. This letter is jointly written by Dr. Daroowalla and other faculty in the Department of Medicine. A second
letter should come from another faculty member from Internal Medicine and the third letter can come from any specialty.
Choose someone who can write about your attributes in a highly favorable fashion. The second letter in medicine is best from
someone whom you have worked clinically. The sub-internship experience would be an especially useful time to develop rapport
with a faculty member who could write this letter.
Personal Statement
Medicine programs are looking for thoughtful, sincere personal statements that relay enthusiasm for medicine. The statement
should demonstrate attention to detail and organization. It should be clear that the applicant put effort into the statement. Essays
should contain information about interests and career plans. Finally, the personal statement should be limited to one page.
Program Directors read the personal statement to make sure that the applicants are sane, so avoid taking unusual measures to be
noticed, as it runs the risk of alienating some percentage of the readers. A poorly written personal statement may lower your rank
or prevent you from getting an interview. A good personal statement is unlikely to raise your ranking, but it might help you in
getting an interview; although, many programs will invite you to an interview prior to reading your personal statement (there are
simply too many candidates to read every personal statement prior to the interview). All programs certainly read personal
statements of candidates who were invited to an interview and these statements will often serve as a jumping off point for
questions and general conversations.
Application Timing & Advice
When do programs begin reviewing applications? As soon as ERAS opens in September
When do programs begin offering interviews? As soon as ERAS opens in September
Every program has a different process for reviewing applications. Many programs begin reviewing applications shortly after the
applications become available. While applications submitted after September will be reviewed, one can minimize the risks of
being lost in an incomplete application pile by getting the bulk of the application completed by mid-September. Do not be
alarmed if you do not hear from programs right away as many programs will continue to review applications throughout October.
Providing a cohesive application in which the personal statement, letters of recommendation, the CV and the interview are
concordant regarding interests and career plans is an advantage. Planning the content of these items in this manner provides
programs with a strong sense of candidate professionalism and sophistication regarding career interests.
Interview Advice
The average number of interviews a medicine bound student from Stony Brook schedules and executes during a season is 12.
Try to schedule interviews based upon geography to save money, although this is not always possible. It is okay to try to
reschedule interviews, but do not do this multiple times. Always be polite in discussions with contacts at the programs.
On interview day be on time! Be polite! Display humble behavior and avoid anything that may be interpreted as arrogance.
Prepare for your interviews by learning about the program through the web or other information materials. Ask questions that
reflect you’ve studied the program. Do not talk poorly of your own institution as this is a “red flag” to the interviewer. Such
students come across as not loyal or extremely needy.
Are thank you notes necessary? Recommended
Thank you notes do not impact your place on the rank list. If you are going to send a thank you note, send an email to the
program director. Be sure to spell check the note and make sure that the names/institutions are correct. So many students write
thank you notes that without one, you may be perceived as not interested in the program.
Post-Interview Advice
Is it common practice for applicants to contact their #1 program to let them know they are ranking them first?
It is not expected that you communicate about your intentions. It is unlikely to change your rank, but does make your application
stand out in ranking discussions. If you are going to tell a program it is number one on your rank list, make sure that this is the
only program you are saying this to. It is unprofessional to tell more than one program that you are ranking them first, and
program directors do talk with each other.
It is a violation of the NRMP rules for a program to ask you how you plan to rank them. However, if you have a strong
preference for a program, you should feel free to communicate that to them.
14 Internal Medicine and Pediatrics
Residency Program Directors: Kimberly Fenton, MD and Susan Lane, MD
Preparing Your Application
Recommended Specialty Advisors
Kimberly Fenton, MD (Residency Program Co-Director)
Susan Lane, MD (Residency Program Co-Director)
NRMP Data
by US Matched Applicants
Does Step 2CK
influence rank?
by US Matched Applicants
230
Yes
242
Mean Step 1
Mean Step 2CK
Mean # of
contiguous ranks
of US Matched Applicants
8.6
If the student does not do well on Step 1 (less than 210), then s/he should take Step 2 CK early in the fall (July-September 1) and do well. There
is not necessarily a “minimum” USMLE Step 1 or Step 2 score necessary to match in Medicine/Pediatrics. For high profile academic programs
you will likely need a USMLE Step 1 greater than 220. However, there are many Medicine/Pediatric programs throughout the country that vary
in how competitive they are. It is important for a student interested in Med-Peds to meet with a faculty advisor to review their entire application
(USMLE scores, academic grades, extracurricular activities, etc.) so that they can be guided as to which programs they will be most competitive
candidates for.
Away Rotations
Must applicants do away rotations? Possibly
Whether or not a student should do an away rotation depends upon the student. If you wish to match at a specific program, AND
you make a great first impression, AND you adapt well to new situations, then consider rotating at the institution where you wish
to match. If, however, you are quiet, and take a while to adapt to new situations, then doing an away rotation may not be a good
idea. Away rotations can hurt as well as help your chances.
Research
Scholarship (including research) is not required, but adds strength to the application especially if you are applying to an academic
program. According to data from the NRMP, US seniors who matched in Internal Medicine-Pediatrics had an average of 1.9
research experiences and 2.3 publications/presentations/abstracts.
Letters of Recommendation
Students applying to Internal Medicine-Pediatrics require four letters of recommendation, two of which should come from
Internal Medicine and two from Pediatrics. Chair’s letters are required at many programs and this would include both a letter
from the Chair of Medicine and the Chair of Pediatrics. You should schedule an appointment with Dr. Margaret McGovern and
Dr. Vincent Yang regarding this request.
Personal Statement
The personal statement should demonstrate a strong interest and commitment to Med-Peds as a career as well as clarity in writing
and organization. The personal statement should demonstrate that you are adaptable and flexible.
Application Timing & Advice
When do programs begin reviewing applications? As soon as ERAS opens in September
When do programs begin offering interviews? As soon as ERAS opens in September
Program Directors will be looking for High Pass to Honors grades in the Medicine and Pediatric Core Clerkships.
Interview Advice
During your interview, you will want to demonstrate a strong interest and commitment to Adult and Pediatric Medicine. Be sure
to convey a strong interest in the program, not just the city or town. Ask informed and interesting questions (review website and
written materials). Be prompt, polite and enthusiastic.
Are thank you notes necessary? Recommended
15 Although not required, it is customary to send thank you notes. Email the Program Director. Be sure to spell check the note and
make sure that the names and institutions are correct.
Post-Interview Advice
Is it common practice for applicants to contact their #1 program to let them know they are ranking them first? Yes
It is not necessary that you communicate about your intentions. But, if a candidate is extremely interested in a given program, it
is wise to send an email to the Program Director expressing that interest. It is a violation of the NRMP rules for a program to ask
you how you plan to rank them. However, if you have a strong preference for a program, you should feel free to communicate
that to them.
Neurology
Residency Program Director: Cara Harth, MD
Preparing Your Application
Recommended Specialty Advisors
Cara Harth, MD (Residency Program Director and Clerkship Director)
Rebecca Spiegel, MD
NRMP Data
by Stony Brook Program
Does Step 2CK
influence rank?
by Stony Brook Program
231
Yes
233
Mean Step 1
Mean Step 2CK
Mean # of
contiguous ranks
of Stony Brook Applicants
12.1
*If the student does not do well on Step 1 (less than 210), then s/he should take Step 2 CK early in the fall (July-September 1) and do well.
Away Rotations
Must applicants do away rotations? No
Research
Research is not required, but often adds strength to your application. Conducting research in neurology is preferred, but
conducting research in any specialty is helpful. According to data from the NRMP, the mean number of research experiences
was 2.1 and the mean number of publications/presentations/abstracts was 2.1.
Letters of Recommendation
Students applying to Neurology generally require three letters of recommendation. At least one letter should come from a faculty
member within the Department of Neurology. Neurology programs look for letters from faculty who have worked closely with
the students clinically.
Personal Statement
Be sure to state your reason for entering the specialty. The personal statement is used to identify negative and positive traits. We
read personal statements closely.
Application Timing & Advice
When do programs begin reviewing applications? October
When do programs begin offering interviews? October
Neurology programs look at the entire application when deciding who to select for interviews. This includes medical school
performance, letters, USMLE scores, and the MSPE. An average USMLE performance does not necessarily have a negative
impact if other components of the application are strong.
Interview Advice
Communication is crucial; many students do not check their ERAS email accounts frequently enough and many do not respond
to interview invitations in a timely way. Do not cancel interviews at the last minute.
16 Are thank you notes necessary? No
Post-Interview Advice
Is it common practice for applicants to contact their #1 program to let them know they are ranking them first?
It is common, but it is unlikely to change your rank. It is a violation of the NRMP rules for a program to ask you how you plan to
rank them.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Residency Program Director: Michael Lydic, MD
Preparing Your Application
Recommended Specialty Advisors
Michael Lydic, MD (Residency Program Director)
Lisa Rimpel, MD (Associate Residency Program Director)
Eva Swoboda, MD (Clerkship Director)
NRMP Data
Min. Step 1
Mean Step 1
Mean Step 2CK
by Stony Brook Program
Does Step 2CK
influence rank?
Min. Step 2CK
by Stony Brook Program
by Stony Brook Program
by Stony Brook Program
203
228
No
209
239
Mean # of
contiguous ranks
of Stony Brook Applicants
10.6
Programs will look at a wide variety of factors to determine which students to interview, so if your Step 1 scores do not fall into the categories
above, it is still possible to match in Obstetrics and Gynecology. If your Step 1 score is lower than the national mean, it may be a good idea to
take Step 2 CK early to show improvement.
Away Rotations
Must applicants do away rotations? Yes
Obstetrics and Gynecology does not require an away rotation; however, it can be helpful if a candidate has a poor record or
USMLE scores. If a student chooses to do an away rotation, this usually happens from August-November. Applicants should
usually do no more than one away rotation.
Research
Research that results in publications or presentations is particularly helpful for applicants. The research does not need to be done
in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Recent data from the NRMP shows that matched US seniors had an average of 2.3
research experiences and 2.2 publications.
Letters of Recommendation
Obstetrics and Gynecology programs look for 3 – 4 letters of recommendation. Most programs require a letter from the Chair of
the Department. Make an appointment with Dr. Todd Griffin to initiate this process. There should be at least one additional
letter from another faculty member from Obstetrics and Gynecology. Letters from external institutions are not required, but can
be helpful. The best letters tend to come from faculty who have worked with students clinically. Letters from any long term
mentor or research advisor are also helpful.
Personal Statement
Programs want to see a genuine interest in Obstetrics and Gynecology and to hear you describe at what point you became
passionate about a career in women’s health. Include unique experiences, personal events and qualities that are relevant to the
specialty.
Application Timing & Advice
When do programs begin reviewing applications? October (but submit ERAS in September)
When do programs begin offering interviews? October
17 Interview Advice
Be prepared to explain any inconsistencies in your medical school performance. Be polite and nice to everyone including the
administrative staff and residents. Relax! Do not try to over-impress – be yourself.
Are thank you notes necessary? Yes
Thank you notes are not essential, but they are a polite touch. Email or handwritten notes are fine.
Post-Interview Advice
Is it common practice for applicants to contact their #1 program to let them know they are ranking them first?
No. It is a violation of the NRMP rules for a program to ask you how you plan to rank them.
Ophthalmology
Residency Program Director: Patrick Sibony, MD
Preparing Your Application
Recommended Specialty Advisors
Fadi El Baba, MD (Ophthalmology Course Director)
Nita Mehta, MD (Ophthalmology Course Director)
Patrick Sibony, MD (Chair and Residency Program Director)
NRMP Data
by matched US Seniors
Does Step 2CK
influence rank?
by Matched US Seniors
Mean # of
contiguous ranks
237
Yes*
Not available
11
Mean Step 1
Mean Step 2CK
By Matched US Seniors
*If you have a good Step1 score, 240 or greater, delay taking Step 2 until after the application season.
Away Rotations
Must applicants do away rotations? Yes
Most applicants arrange to take away rotations. Away rotations will increase the chance that you will match and it lets you know
about the program. Do not take more than two away rotations.
Research
Research is important for Ophthalmology. However, this research can be done in any field as long as students are able to discuss
it during their interviews and they can speak to the experience with some authority.
Letters of Recommendation
Ophthalmology programs look for three letters of recommendation. The letters should be from faculty that will write a strong
letter. Only one from an Ophthalmologist is necessary, and it does not need to be the section chief/chair.
Personal Statement
The personal statement should demonstrate that you are a unique individual, but also a team player.
Application Timing & Advice
When do programs begin reviewing applications? The San Francisco Match begins in September
When do programs begin offering interviews? Most interviews are done in November and the first two weeks of December.
Some programs may begin interviewing in October.
Ophthalmology participates in the San Francisco Match (www.sfmatch.org) which has an application deadline of early
September and a rank deadline of early January. You should apply to at least 40 programs. Submit your application by the end
of July or early August.
18 To be successful in the Ophthalmology match, you will want to do away rotations at realistic programs. Your rank list should
have “reach” programs, reasonable programs, and “safety net” programs. You should rank at least 11 programs.
Interview Advice
Applicants should be comfortable discussing their strengths and selling themselves.
Are thank you notes necessary? Yes
Send an email or handwritten note to each interviewer.
Post-Interview Advice
Is it common practice for applicants to contact their #1 program to let them know they are ranking them first?
No. It is a violation of the NRMP rules for a program to ask you how you plan to rank them.
Orthopaedic Surgery
Residency Program Director: James Penna, MD
Preparing Your Application
Recommended Specialty Advisors
James Penna, MD (Residency Program Director and Director of Undergraduate Medical Education)
NRMP Data
Min. Step 1
Mean Step 1
Mean Step 2CK
by Stony Brook Program
Does Step 2CK
influence rank?
Min. Step 2CK
by Stony Brook Program
by Stony Brook Program
by Stony Brook Program
212
229
No
246
245
Mean # of
contiguous ranks
of Stony Brook Applicants
11.2
Away Rotations
Must applicants do away rotations? Yes
How many? 2
You will want to do an away elective and shine. Away rotations should be done at institutions where you really want to match
and have a competitive chance of matching. We recommend doing these in the early summer and fall of your fourth year. Your
Orthopaedics specialty advisor can help you determine these institutions.
Research
While research is not required, it is desirable. In fact, recent data from the NRMP shows that matched US seniors had an average
of 3.3 research experiences and 6.7 publications.
Letters of Recommendation
Orthopaedics programs require three letters of recommendation. Most programs require a letter from the Chair of Orthopaedics.
Set up an appointment with Dr. Lawrence Hurst, the Chairman of the Department of Orthopaedics. Programs look for one
additional letter from within the specialty; this letter can come from an external institution. Letters of recommendation should
come from faculty members who have worked with, know you and can write a personalized letter based on their interactions with
you and supervision of your clinical abilities, personal traits and merit.
Personal Statement
The personal statement is used more as a filter for outliers. Be honest and direct. Avoid poetry and quotations.
Application Timing & Advice
When do programs begin reviewing applications? After MSPEs are released
When do programs begin offering interviews? After MSPEs are released and usually not until November
19 Interview Advice
It is best to find out the strengths and weaknesses of programs. Dress conservatively, come with questions about the program and
research the program ahead of time (ie. Know the faculty). Don’t state that your goal is private practice if the program has a
university teaching hospital affiliation. Be aware that everyone that you talk to may influence the process (including the program
coordinators and residents).
Are thank you notes necessary? No
Do not send thank you notes. They do nothing for your chances.
Post-Interview Advice
Is it common practice for applicants to contact their #1 program to let them know they are ranking them first? No
There is no expectation that a student communicate their preference list.
Otolaryngology
Preparing Your Application
Recommended Specialty Advisors
David Schessel, MD (Division Chief)
NRMP Data
Min. Step 1
Mean Step 1
Mean Step 2CK
by Stony Brook Program
Does Step 2CK
influence rank?
Min. Step 2CK
by Stony Brook Program
by Stony Brook Program
by Stony Brook Program
225
237
No
230
242
Mean # of
contiguous ranks
of Stony Brook Applicants
11.2
Step 2 CK reports can help if a student’s Step 1 score is low.
Away Rotations
Must applicants do away rotations? Yes
It is important to do an away rotation between June and September to be sure you want this specialty. Doing your sub-internship
at Stony Brook first and then doing an away rotation at another institution is optimal. Doing an away rotation gives you a chance
to learn more about the specialty and a chance to get an outside letter. But most important, it is basically an extended interview.
You could do up to 2 away rotations in Otolaryngology. We do not recommend more than this.
Research
While research is not required, it is recommended and recent data from the NRMP shows that matched US seniors had an average
of 3.5 research experiences and 3 publications.
Letters of Recommendation
Otolaryngology programs generally require three letters of recommendation. One of these letters should come from the Division
Chief. You should schedule an appointment with Dr. Schessel to arrange for this. A total of two of the three letters should be
from within the specialty. While not required, letters from outside otolaryngologists are useful. Letters from faculty memebers
in the Department of Surgery or from a research mentor are also appropriate.
Personal Statement
The personal statement should demonstrate initiative, passion, and a well-grounded approach. Personal statements should be
concise and limited to one page. In general, a bad personal statement can hurt an applicant and a good personal statement adds
little.
Application Timing & Advice
When do programs begin reviewing applications? As soon as ERAS becomes available in September
When do programs begin offering interviews? October
20 In order to be competitive in Otolaryngology, applicants generally need Honors in their surgery rotation. The student’s
performance in the sub-internship is another major factor. In the end, the student’s personality should match with the program’s
personality.
Interview Advice
The interview is the most important part of the process. Applicants should be enthusiastic and prepared to ask good questions.
Remember that the interview begins when you arrive and ends when you leave. Be sure to speak to the residents. While you
should be enthusiastic about the program, you really need to be thinking if this is the program where you want to spend the next
five years.
Are thank you notes necessary? No
While a program director does not expect a thank you note, it is the norm.
Post-Interview Advice
Is it common practice for applicants to contact their #1 program to let them know they are ranking them first? Yes
It is a violation of the NRMP rules for a program to ask you how you plan to rank them. However, if you have a strong
preference for a program, you should feel free to communicate that to them. Make sure you only tell one program if they are
your #1 choice, the world of Otolaryngology is small, and the program directors will often talk to one another.
Pathology
Residency Program Director: Sonya Hwang, MD
Preparing Your Application
Recommended Specialty Advisors
Jay Bock, MD (Vice Chair)
Sonya Hwang, MD (Residency Program Director)
Kenneth Shroyer, MD (Department Chair)
Meenakshi Singh, MD (Vice Dean)
NRMP Data
Min. Step 1
Mean Step 1
Mean Step 2CK
by Stony Brook Program
Does Step 2CK
influence rank?
Min. Step 2CK
by Stony Brook Program
by Stony Brook Program
by Stony Brook Program
210
228
No
220
240
Mean # of
contiguous ranks
of Stony Brook Applicants
9.8
Away Rotations
Must applicants do away rotations? Possibly
Away rotations are useful if you are interested in going to a specific institution for your residency. They are not required,
however.
Research
Research experience is desirable, but not a requirement for Pathology. Some Pathology programs with a strong research-oriented
approach might require research. According to data from the NRMP, the mean number of research experiences was 2.3 and the
mean number of publications/presentations/abstracts was 3.6.
Letters of Recommendation
Students applying to Pathology generally require three letters of recommendation. At least one of these letters should come from
within the specialty. If you do an away rotation, you should obtain a letter from that institution. The strongest letters are those
written by faculty who have worked clinically with the student.
Personal Statement
21 We are looking for a statement that really says something about the person, illustrates care and attention to detail, and the depth
of their understanding of and the commitment to a career in pathology. You could include your experience in pathology at Stony
Brook.
Application Timing & Advice
When do programs begin reviewing applications? As soon as ERAS opens in September
When do programs begin offering interviews? October
Make sure you have had some experience in Pathology. Do an elective or two. Try to work on a research project. Make sure
this is the field that you want to go into.
Interview Advice
Interview widely if you can afford the cost of traveling around. You learn a lot from meeting people and seeing how programs
differ. It is a small field. If you make a positive impression, people may remember you when you apply for fellowships or jobs.
Are thank you notes necessary? Recommended
Thank you notes are not required, but they are appreciated and reflect well on the applicant.
Post-Interview Advice
Is it common practice for applicants to contact their #1 program to let them know they are ranking them first?
It is not expected that you communicate about your intentions. It is unlikely to change your rank, but does make your application
stand out in ranking discussions. If you are going to tell a program it is number one on your rank list, make sure that this is the
only program you are saying this to. It is unprofessional to tell more than one program that you are ranking them first, and
program directors do talk with each other.
It is a violation of the NRMP rules for a program to ask you how you plan to rank them. However, if you have a strong
preference for a program, you should feel free to communicate that to them.
Pediatrics
Residency Program Director: Robyn Blair, MD
Preparing Your Application
Recommended Specialty Advisors
Robyn Blair, MD (Residency Program Director)
Maribeth Chitkara, MD (Director of Medical Student Education)
NRMP Data
Min. Step 1
Mean Step 1
Mean Step 2CK
by Stony Brook Program
Does Step 2CK
influence rank?
Min. Step 2CK
by Stony Brook Program
by Stony Brook Program
by Stony Brook Program
206*
223
Yes
227
237
Mean # of
contiguous ranks
of Stony Brook Applicants
10.6
*If the student does not do well on Step 1 (less than 210), then s/he should take Step 2 CK early in the fall (July-September 1) and do well. There
is not necessarily a “minimum” USMLE Step 1 or Step 2 score necessary to match in Pediatrics. For high profile academic programs you will
likely need a USMLE Step 1 greater than 220. However, there are many pediatric programs throughout the country that vary in how competitive
they are. It is important for a student interested in Pediatrics to meet with a faculty advisor to review their entire application (USMLE scores,
academic grades, extracurricular activities, etc.) so that they can be guided as to which programs they will be most competitive candidates for.
Also, it is important that the student take and pass Step 2 CS prior to when programs will make their rank lists (usually mid- February). Many
programs will not rank candidates if they have not yet passed this exam.
Away Rotations
Must applicants do away rotations? No
22 We only recommend rotations where you are strongly interested in a program and will perform exceedingly well. This
experience can be very beneficial, but could potentially hurt you as well if you do not perform at an exceptional level.
Research
Having research experience is not required, but it is very helpful. According to data from the NRMP, US seniors who matched in
pediatrics had an average of 2.2 research experiences and 2.9 publications/presentations/abstracts.
Letters of Recommendation
Students applying to pediatrics require three letters of recommendation, two of which should come from pediatrics. Chair’s
letters are only required at a few select programs, although this is becoming more common. If you need a chair letter, you should
approach Dr. Margaret McGovern regarding this request. If research was completed during training, then students should have a
letter from their research mentor. Generally, students should ask physicians who have a good sense of the applicant’s strengths,
and personal knowledge of the applicant’s interests and performance history. Applicants should make sure that they ask someone
who can write a letter of recommendation that speaks to the individual strengths rather than just a recapitulation of the applicant’s
CV.
Personal Statement
Pediatric programs are looking for a description of the person that cannot be gleaned from the CV. Explain gaps in training, or
an explanation of aspects of the file that could be perceived negatively. Make sure your personal statement is spell-checked and
well written. An exceptional statement can help an average file; a very poorly written statement could negatively impact a good
file, but in general the personal statement has minimal effect.
Application
Outside activities reflective of a commitment to health issues in the community is an important factor for applicants going into
Pediatrics.
Application Timing & Advice
When do programs begin reviewing applications? As soon as ERAS opens in September
When do programs begin offering interviews? As soon as ERAS opens in September
Interview Advice
Being polite and professional to all the staffs that the applicant has contact with cannot be overemphasized in Pediatrics. Other
than that, applicants should learn about the strengths of the program before the visit so that the applicant is well informed and
interested on the interview day.
Are thank you notes necessary? Optional
Thank you notes should only be sent or emailed if the applicant has specific and important things to convey to the program and/or
individuals. A blanket or standard statement of interest devoid of personal engagement should be avoided.
Post-Interview Advice
Is it common practice for applicants to contact their #1 program to let them know they are ranking them first?
There is no expectation that a student communicate to a program that is their #1 choice and it will not affect how a program will
rank the candidate. Some programs do appreciate feedback and no program expects to be everybody’s #1 choice, so if a program
is your number one choice, you can tell them. If you like several programs (1-3) a great deal, you can say so. Do not tell three
different programs that they are your #1 choice. This could end up reflecting poorly on you.
It is a violation of the NRMP rules for a program to ask you how you plan to rank them. However, if you have a strong
preference for a program, you should feel free to communicate that to them.
23 Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Residency Program Director: Susan Stickevers, MD
Preparing Your Application
Recommended Specialty Advisors
Jennifer Gray, MD ([email protected])
Jonathan Ranaan, MD ([email protected])
Maria Boiano, MD ([email protected])
Jennifer Semel, MD (Department Chair) ([email protected])
Susan Stickevers, MD (Residency Program Director) ([email protected])
NRMP Data
by US matched Applicants
Does Step 2CK
influence rank?
by US Matched Applicants
215
No
224
Mean Step 1
Mean Step 2CK
Mean # of
contiguous ranks
of US Matched Applicants
6.8
Step 2 CK reports can help if a student’s Step 1 score is low.
Away Rotations
Should applicants do away rotations? Yes
Away rotations are primarily used if a student wishes to be considered out of state at a competitive program
Research
While research is not required, it is helpful and recent data from the NRMP shows that matched US seniors had an average of 2
research experiences and 1.9 publications.
Letters of Recommendation
In general, programs require three letters. It is highly recommended that a student have 1-2 strong letters from PM&R physicians
from the institution where the student did their PMR rotation.
Personal Statement
PMR programs are looking for students to discuss their specific interest in PMR and what experiences led to their decision to
pursue this particular specialty.
Application Timing & Advice
When do programs begin reviewing applications? October
When do programs begin offering interviews? October
Interview Advice
Know a little bit about each program where you plan to interview. During the interview, you should be truthful, honest, and
know your CV. Be engaging!
Are thank you notes necessary? Yes
A hand-written thank you note is always a nice touch.
Post-Interview Advice
Is it common practice for applicants to contact their #1 program to let them know they are ranking them first? No
It is a violation of the NRMP rules for a program to ask you how you plan to rank them. However, if you have a strong
preference for a program, you should feel free to communicate that to them. Make sure you only tell one program if they are
your #1 choice, the world of PMR is small, and the program directors will often talk to one another. 24 Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Preparing Your Application
Recommended Specialty Advisors
Alexander Dagum, MD (Division Chair)
Mark Gelfand, MD
NRMP Data
Min. Step 1
Mean Step 1
Mean Step 2CK
by US matched Applicants
Does Step 2CK
influence rank?
Min. Step 2CK
by Stony Brook Program
by Stony Brook Program
by US matched Applicants
255
247
No
239
251
Mean # of
contiguous ranks
of US matched Applicants
17
Away Rotations
Must applicants do away rotations? Yes
It is usually recommended that applicants do one or two away rotations to be competitive for Plastic Surgery. More than three is
not recommended.
Research
Plastic Surgery is very competitive and it truly helps to be involved in research early, preferably in a plastic surgery topic.
According to data from the NRMP, US seniors who match in Plastic Surgery have an average of 3.8 research experiences and 6.6
abstracts, presentations and publications.
Letters of Recommendation
Plastic Surgery programs look for three letters of recommendation. Most programs require a Chief Letter. Set up an appointment
to speak with Dr. Alexander Dagum. You should obtain two additional letters from Plastic Surgery as well and up to two of
those letters can come from an external institution.
Personal Statement
Plastic Surgery programs are looking for honesty and a detailed reason why the applicant is choosing Plastic Surgery.
Application Timing & Advice
When do programs begin reviewing applications? November 1st
When do programs begin offering interviews? November 1st
Plastic Surgery is extremely competitive. Students need to be involved in research early, preferably in a plastic surgery topic, do
well in their USLME Step 1, be good citizens and do well in medical school. AOA is an advantage. Students should also do
away rotations in places they would consider and have a chance at doing a residency. They need to have a backup plan which is
usually General Surgery or ENT and then they can enter through the traditional pathway as fellows. Also, Plastic Surgery
programs are looking for excellent achievements outside of medicine. This includes an interest in sports, literature, etc. Finally,
students interested in this specialty need to become active and engaged early in the application season.
Interview Advice
During the interview, you should be truthful, honest, and know your own CV. Be engaging!
Are thank you notes necessary? No
Post-Interview Advice
Is it common practice for applicants to contact their #1 program to let them know they are ranking them first? No
It is a violation of the NRMP rules for a program to ask you how you plan to rank them.
25 Psychiatry
Residency Program Director: Michael Schwartz, MD
Preparing Your Application
Recommended Specialty Advisors
Michael Schwartz, MD (Residency Program Director)
Adeeb Yacoub, MD (Director of Medical Student Education)
NRMP Data
Min. Step 1
Mean Step 1
Mean Step 2CK
by Stony Brook Program
Does Step 2CK
influence rank?
Min. Step 2CK
by Stony Brook Program
by Stony Brook Program
by Stony Brook Program
*195
209
Yes
217
233
Mean # of
contiguous ranks
of Stony Brook Applicants
9.4
*If the student does not do well on Step 1 (less than 210), then s/he should take Step 2 CK early in the fall (July-September 1) and do well. There
is not necessarily a “minimum” USMLE Step 1 or Step 2 score necessary to match in Psychiatry. For high profile academic programs you will
likely need a USMLE Step 1 greater than 220. However, there are many psychiatric programs throughout the country that vary in how
competitive they are. It is important for a student interested in Psychiatry to meet with a faculty advisor to review their entire application
(USMLE scores, academic grades, extracurricular activities, etc.) so that they can be guided as to which programs they will be most competitive
candidates for.
Away Rotations
Must applicants do away rotations? Yes
We only recommend rotations where you are strongly interested in a program and will perform exceedingly well. This
experience can be very beneficial, but could potentially hurt you as well if you do not perform at an exceptional level. We
recommend no more than two away rotations as it is important for an applicant in psychiatry to have as much medicine and
pediatrics as possible prior to residency training.
Research
Having research experience is not required, but it might strengthen your application. According to data from the NRMP, US
seniors who matched in psychiatry had an average of 1.4 research experiences and 2.7 publications/presentations/abstracts.
Letters of Recommendation
Students applying to psychiatry require three letters of recommendation, one of which should come from psychiatry. Letters of
recommendation from faculty members in medicine and pediatrics are relevant to psychiatry. It is best if the student chooses
letter writers who can offer specifics about their clinical performance.
Personal Statement
The personal statement is very important in Psychiatry. Programs would like to know what attracts the applicant to psychiatry
and what are the applicant’s goals in psychiatry. Programs want to know about who the applicant is, what they value, what
interests them and excites them about the field, and what makes the applicant unique.
Application
In general, highly competitive programs do look at scores and grades but also pay a great deal of attention to the personal
statement and extracurricular activities.
Application Timing & Advice
When do programs begin reviewing applications? As soon as ERAS opens in September
When do programs begin offering interviews? October
Interview Advice
Being polite and professional to all the staff that the applicant has contact with cannot be overemphasized in Psychiatry. Also, be
prepared to engage with the interviewers. They will want to know who you are and what you are passionate about in the field.
Students should be prepared to be asked somewhat personal questions by some interviewers. Some more psychodynamic
programs ask about family background and relationships; if you do not want to reveal much, you should not apply to those
26 programs. Use the interviews to find out what the program is “really” like, how the residents feel about the program and if you
will feel comfortable there. Ask questions freely—if you are not happy with the answers, then you probably should go
somewhere else even if it is a prestigious program.
Are thank you notes necessary? Recommended
Post-Interview Advice
Is it common practice for applicants to contact their #1 program to let them know they are ranking them first?
Yes, but it does not affect rank. It is a violation of the NRMP rules for a program to ask you how you plan to rank them.
Radiation Oncology
Preparing Your Application
Recommended Specialty Advisors
Yusuf Hannun, MD (Department Chair)
Edward Valentine, MD (Medical Student Course Director)
NRMP Data
by US Matched Applicants
Does Step 2CK
influence rank?
by US matched Applicants
241
No
244
Mean Step 1
Mean Step 2CK
Mean # of
contiguous ranks
of US Matched Applicants
13.3
Away Rotations
Should applicants do away rotations? Yes
We recommend going on 2 away rotations. Be sure to apply early, because summer spots fill early at competitive departments.
Research
Research is required to match in radiation oncology. In fact, we recommend that at least one of your research projects should
relate specifically to radiation oncology. According to data from the NRMP, the US Seniors who matched in Radiation
Oncology had a mean number of 4 research experiences and 9 publications/presentations/abstracts.
Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are recommended. Two of these letters should come from within the specialty. It is a good idea
to get a mix of letters from nationally prominent faculty members, faculty who know you well, and those who have worked with
you clinically. It is also great if you can get a letter from a well-known Radiation Oncologist from an outside institution.
Personal Statement
The personal statement should be carefully thought out an well written. Be careful not to raise red flags that you may be
unbalanced or difficult for any reason. It’s best to be fairly conservative.
Application Timing & Advice
When do programs begin reviewing applications? October
When do programs begin offering interviews? November-December
Radiation Oncology is highly competitive. You should consider applying to preliminary medicine programs rather than
transitional years. This will provide more flexibility in the event that you do not match in Radiation Oncology.
Interview Advice
Be prepared to have a good explanation of why this is the right program for you. Be prepared to answer questions about your
application (CV, Personal Statement, etc.) but also be prepared to demonstrate that you are prepared to ask questions specifically
about that program.
27 Are thank you notes necessary? Yes
Hand-written thank you notes should be sent to all programs at which you interview.
Post-Interview Advice
Is it common practice for applicants to contact their #1 program to let them know they are ranking them first? No
Candidates should never specifically say that a program is number one, just express strong interest. It is a violation of the NRMP
rules for a program to ask you how you plan to rank them.
Radiology
Program Director: William Moore, MD
Preparing Your Application
Recommended Specialty Advisors
William Moore, MD (Residency Program Director)
NRMP Data
Min. Step 1
Mean Step 1
Mean Step 2CK
by Stony Brook Program
Does Step 2CK
influence rank?
Min. Step 2CK
by Stony Brook Program
by Stony Brook Program
by Stony Brook Program
225
240
Yes
225*
245
Mean # of
contiguous ranks
of Stony Brook Program
13.3
*In most cases this score was not available by the time candidates were invited for interviews. USMLE Step 2 could help the applicant if it is
substantially higher than the Step 1 score.
Away Rotations
Must applicants do away rotations? No
Away rotations can help or hurt, depending on the student. If you are really interested in that particular program, it may be a
good idea. But, remember, you will need to perform at your best.
Research
While research in radiology is not required, it certainly helps. According to data from the NRMP, the mean number of research
experiences was 2.8 and the mean number of publications/presentations/abstracts was 3.9.
Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are recommended. One should come from radiology and at least one should come from a core
specialty such as Internal Medicine, Surgery, OB/GYN or pediatrics. A strong letter of recommendation should come from
someone with whom you have worked with closely and have developed a strong rapport. Your letter writer should be someone
who can write about your attributes in a highly favorable fashion.
Personal Statement
Your personal statement should demonstrate characteristics that show motivation for lifelong learning for radiology.
Application Timing & Advice
When do programs begin reviewing applications? As soon as ERAS opens in September
When do programs begin offering interviews? October
Interview Advice
Be prepared to answer questions about your application (CV, Personal Statement, etc.) but also be prepared to demonstrate that
you are prepared to ask questions specifically about that program. Look up the program on the internet to find out more about it
prior to your interview to help you prepare.
28 Are thank you notes necessary? Yes
Although not required, by all, they are by many and it’s better to be safe than sorry. When you send thank you notes, be sure to
spell-check the notes and make certain that the names/institutions are correct.
Post-Interview Advice
Is it common practice for applicants to contact their #1 program to let them know they are ranking them first?
It is recommended, but it is also unlikely to affect how a program will rank the candidate. It is a violation of the NRMP rules for
a program to ask you how you plan to rank them. However, if you have a strong preference for a program, you should feel free
to communicate that to them.
Urology
Residency Program Director: Wayne Waltzer, MD
Preparing Your Application
Recommended Specialty Advisors
Wayne Waltzer, MD (Chair and Residency Program Director)
David Schulsinger, MD (Urology Elective Director)
Jason Kim, MD (Urology Elective Director)
NRMP Data
Min. Step 1
Mean Step 1
Mean Step 2CK
by Stony Brook Program
Does Step 2CK
influence rank?
Min. Step 2CK
by Stony Brook Program
by Stony Brook Program
by Stony Brook Program
Mean # of
contiguous ranks
239
Not available
Yes
232
Not available
Not available
of Stony Brook Applicants
Away Rotations
Must applicants do away rotations? Yes
Students should do 1 away rotation and they should try to do it in August.
Research
Research is desirable in this specialty, but it does not need to specifically be in Urology.
Letters of Recommendation
Urology programs look for three letters of recommendation. At least two of these letters should be from within the urology
specialty. One of these letters should come from the Chief of the Service, Dr. Waltzer. Also, a letter can come from an external
institution where you did your away rotation.
Personal Statement
Urology programs want to know why you are interested in going into Urology. Keep it short and direct.
Application Timing & Advice
When do programs begin reviewing applications? As soon as ERAS opens in September
When do programs begin offering interviews? As soon as ERAS opens in September
Urology participates in an “Early match” through the AUA (www.auanet.org). Applicants apply to programs through ERAS but
must submit their rank list to Urology programs in early January.
29 Interview Advice
Be yourself, demonstrate passion for your life’s work, have a clear understanding of why you are going into the chosen specialty,
have a plan. Dress conservatively, come with questions about the program and research the program ahead of time (ie. Know the
faculty). Be aware that everyone that you talk to may influence the process (including the program coordinators and residents).
Are thank you notes necessary? No
Thank you notes are not requested or required by all programs; however, certain programs recommend sending thank you notes
and will usually indicate this preference during the interview process
Post-Interview Advice
Is it common practice for applicants to contact their #1 program to let them know they are ranking them first? No
It is a violation of the NRMP rules for a program to ask you how you plan to rank them.
Vascular Surgery
Residency Program Director: Apostolos Tassiopoulos, MD
Preparing Your Application
Recommended Specialty Advisors
Apostolos Tassiopoulos, MD (Chief of Vascular Surgery and Residency Program Director)
NRMP Data
Min. Step 1
Mean Step 1
Mean Step 2CK
by Stony Brook Program
Does Step 2CK
influence rank?
Min. Step 2CK
by Stony Brook Program
by Stony Brook Program
by Stony Brook Program
Mean # of
contiguous ranks
231
240
Yes
249
238
16
of Stony Brook Applicants
Programs will look at a wide variety of factors to determine which students to interview, so if your Step 1 scores do not fall into the categories
above, it is still possible to match in Vascular Surgery. If your Step 1 score is lower than the national mean, it may be a good idea to take Step 2
CK early to show improvement.
Away Rotations
Must applicants do away rotations? Yes
Students should do one away rotation.
Research
Research is desirable in this specialty, but it does not need to specifically be in Vascular Surgery, although it helps. Recent data
from the NRMP shows that matched US seniors had an average of 3.0 research experiences and 4.0 publications.
Letters of Recommendation
Vascular Surgery programs tend to look for a letter from a prominent, nationally recognized faculty member. While personal
exposure to the candidate helps, this is not a requirement for writing these letters. Generally, three letters of recommendation are
required; two should be from a vascular surgeon.
Personal Statement
The personal statement should demonstrate initiative, passion, and a well-grounded approach. Personal statements should be
concise and limited to one page.
Application Timing & Advice
When do programs begin reviewing applications? After MSPEs are released
When do programs begin offering interviews? After MSPEs are released and usually not until November
30 Interview Advice
Be yourself, demonstrate passion for your life’s work, have a clear understanding of why you are going into the chosen specialty,
have a plan. Dress conservatively, come with questions about the program and research the program ahead of time (ie. Know the
faculty). Be aware that everyone that you talk to may influence the process (including the program coordinators and residents).
Are thank you notes necessary? No
Thank you notes are not requested or required by all programs; however, certain programs recommend sending thank you notes
and will usually indicate this preference during the interview process
Post-Interview Advice
Is it common practice for applicants to contact their #1 program to let them know they are ranking them first?
While it has been common practice to notify programs if they are your #1 choice, this is not required. Make sure you only tell
one program if they are your #1 choice, the world of vascular surgery is small, and the program directors will often talk to one
another. It is a violation of the NRMP rules for a program to ask you how you plan to rank them.
31