INVISTA NO SEU SUCESSO:
The subreddit posts provide rich insights into the medical school experience, from navigating difficult exams to building a strong residency application. The Ambulatory Medicine Shelf exam, as discussed in one post, is particularly challenging. Students are advised to use resources like UWorld and NBME practice exams to prepare effectively. Engaging in clerkships and observerships can also provide practical experience, which is crucial for understanding the nuances of clinical practice and improving exam performance.
Another post highlights the importance of carefully selecting programs for a General Surgery residency, especially for those interested in specialties like oncology, cardiac, and hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgery. Programs such as Georgetown and Cleveland Clinic are recommended due to their balance of clinical training and research opportunities. Students should also prioritize programs that do not require additional research years if they wish to avoid extended training periods. Networking and mentorship are crucial for gaining personalized advice and making informed decisions.
Participating in electives, such as the POCUS Elective Track, can significantly enhance a medical student’s residency application. Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) experience is valuable for many specialties, including emergency medicine, anesthesia, and internal medicine. Despite the financial burden of purchasing a personal ultrasound probe, the skill set acquired is highly beneficial in clinical practice and can make an applicant more competitive. Additionally, engaging in research opportunities and securing strong letters of recommendation are essential for building a robust CV and improving residency prospects.
The posts also offer practical advice for succeeding during the third year of medical school, often referred to as M3. Establishing good habits, such as regular study times, healthy eating, and exercise, is key to maintaining balance and performance. Effective time management, using small breaks to study, and actively participating in clinical activities can enhance both academic and clinical skills. Students are encouraged to stay adaptable, seek feedback, and learn from every rotation, recognizing that each experience contributes to their development as future physicians.
Ambulatory Medicine Shelf Exam Struggles (Link)
A user expressed frustration with the ambulatory medicine shelf exam, describing it as significantly more challenging compared to other exams. The user was puzzled by the difficulty of this particular exam, despite their efforts.
Feedback from other users highlighted that ambulatory medicine is often integrated into the internal medicine shelf exam, making the standalone exam surprising to some. This integration could lead to varied preparation strategies, potentially contributing to the perceived difficulty.
Building a General Surgery Application List for Mid-Atlantic/East Coast (Link)
A medical student seeking advice on which general surgery programs to apply to in the Mid-Atlantic/East Coast region mentioned a strong academic record, including a high Step 2 score, solid research, and good letters of recommendation. They are particularly interested in oncology, cardiac, and hepatopancreatobiliary surgery and are not keen on programs with mandatory research years.
Respondents emphasized the competitive nature of fellowship programs in those specialties, recommending university programs with strong research support. Suggestions included looking for programs with cardiac exposure and established research pathways, such as Georgetown and Cleveland Clinic. The discussion also touched on the importance of balancing clinical competence with academic aspirations.
POCUS Elective Track Considerations (Link)
A student discussed their school's new POCUS elective, which requires purchasing a personal probe, and sought opinions on its impact on residency applications. The student was interested in whether this elective would enhance their competitiveness, especially in specialties like gastroenterology or neurology.
Replies affirmed that early POCUS experience is beneficial, especially for fields like emergency medicine, anesthesia, and internal medicine. Anecdotes from users highlighted positive feedback from residency interviews where POCUS experience was noted. However, opinions varied on the necessity of purchasing a personal probe, with suggestions to seek discounts or institutional support.
Unsolicited Career Advice from Family (Link)
A medical student humorously recounted various unsolicited career suggestions from family members, ranging from psychiatry misconceptions to recommendations for radiology and pediatric specialties. The post highlighted the often ill-informed but well-meaning nature of such advice.
Comments echoed the amusement and provided additional anecdotes of misguided family advice. Some respondents pointed out the practical benefits of considering radiology or pathology, mentioning lifestyle and patient interaction levels. The discussion also noted the generational and professional differences in understanding modern medical careers.
Ten Bits of M3 Advice (Link)
A comprehensive list of ten practical tips for third-year medical students emphasized the importance of developing good habits, maintaining flexibility, and focusing on different aspects of clinical rotations. Key advice included establishing study routines, prioritizing certain tasks, mimicking note styles, and always showing eagerness to learn.
Comments reinforced the value of tailoring one’s approach based on individual strengths and the grading system of their medical school. Users shared personal experiences, highlighting the necessity of understanding specific institutional priorities, whether it be clinical evaluations or shelf exams, to achieve success during the third year.
Feeling Lost in Clinical Training (Link)
A first-year clinical student expressed feelings of confusion and underutilization in their current hospital setting, mainly taking patient histories without much feedback or hands-on experience. They were seeking advice on how to become a more well-rounded physician and gain a better understanding of a general practitioner's role.
Responses suggested setting specific learning goals, seeking feedback from attendings, and shadowing different specialties to gain broader perspectives. Commenters emphasized the importance of taking initiative in learning opportunities and reassured that feeling lost is common, with competence growing over time through consistent effort and engagement in varied clinical experiences.
Competitiveness of T20-40 Internal Medicine Programs (Link)
A user inquired about the competitiveness of top 20-40 internal medicine programs, seeking clarity on the qualifications needed to match into these programs. The post discussed whether top-tier applicants, characterized by high Step scores, AOA membership, and significant extracurriculars, are required to match into these programs.
Respondents clarified that while top-tier programs are highly competitive, there is variability based on program location and individual applicant profiles. Those in desirable locations tend to be more competitive. Users also highlighted the importance of the applicant’s medical school reputation and geographic ties, suggesting that solid board scores, some honors, and a compelling application can secure a match, especially in less sought-after locations.
Finding a Sense of Urgency in Studying (Link)
A student struggling with procrastination sought advice on developing a sense of urgency and improving study habits. The user acknowledged the negative impact of last-minute cramming and expressed a desire for more consistent study routines.
The top advice included shaping one’s environment to minimize distractions, using productivity tools like the Freedom app to block time-wasting sites, and creating a structured study schedule. Commenters emphasized the importance of discipline, suggesting methods such as the Pomodoro technique, setting realistic goals, and rewarding oneself for completing tasks. The discussion also touched on seeking evaluation for potential ADHD if procrastination is a long-standing issue. Watch this video: Why you procrastinate even when it feels bad.