“What is not started today is never finished tomorrow.”
~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
One of the most common questions from medical students is "what do I need to do to get into orthopaedics?" I listed several things I feel are
important at the infancy of this blog in a post called "Do I have a chance getting into an orthopaedic residency?" I don't think that there was anything earth shattering in this post. It basically said you need to get good grade, score well on your USMLE exams, do some research (if you can), and get good recommendations. Like I said, nothing earth shattering. I think what people want is the secret formula. Folks, there is no magic formula, no special sauce, no secret hand shake. There is nothing that guarantees you will match. There are things that will increase your odds, but no guarantees. So, why am I posting? Today on SDN someone asked people to ranking of all medical specialties. A response referred to data sheet that I thought would be helpful. The first was from WUSTL. I thought this had a lot of good information and it may be helpful. The second was the match outcomes from the NRMP 2005. I have been looking for the 2006-2007 data, but this will do for now. So for those who are interested in numbers and odds, here they are.“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not;
remember that what you now have was once among
the things you only hoped for.”
remember that what you now have was once among
the things you only hoped for.”
~Epicurus
I've been out of town and thought I would catch up on what's been happenin' with your blog. I personally enjoy your entries and can relate to many of your experiences. Your recent need for "thick skin" is a prime example of why I keep the shutters at my house closed (it drives my wife crazy by the way - she likes natural light). Life has convinced me that the most innocent of my activities or comments can and will be misinterpreted by someone for some reason. That complicates my life and I don't like complications, surgical or otherwise. I admire your willingness to express yourself in an open forum so that someone else might benefit. Stay strong.
ReplyDeleteTaylor's dad: thanks for the support. i know you have my back. i say to the octagon we go.
ReplyDeleteBoneDoc23: i think you are right about the grades and USMLE. that is the only thing that is truely objective. as far as the LOR's, in looking at applications from last year, the LOR's gave us the most humor. from the comments on the applicants attractive girlfriend to the LOR's from 2 people in the same department that are identical, we had lots of laughs.
i would definitely agree that there are programs that love the numbers. they also like to tell you how high their OITE scores are. i think what it comes down to is that you are looking for a tom brady. someone who is solid all around. occasionally you may try to get the peyton manning but you may end up with a ryan leaf.
i like the resident who is slightly hungry, good scores, good work ethic, with a tolerable personality. i think that is why so many people rely on the elective rotations. a known is better than an unknown.
I usually don't post in blogs but your blog forced me to, amazing work.. beautiful !
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