See my latest blog entry on Medscape.
Visit: MedEdits
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Chicago Tribune Article
In my other life I practice clinical medicine and was recently quoted in a Chicago Tribune article by Judith Graham.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
Residency Match Success
Read and comment on my new article on the Student Doctor Network: Residency Match Success. This article provides useful tips for anyone who may be applying for residency in the near future.
Visit: MedEdits
Visit: MedEdits
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Facebook and Medicine
Wow. Facebook made it to the New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Sachin H. Jain discusses some issues pertaining to professionalism when a former patient "friended" her on Facebook.
With so much personal information on social networking sites, does accepting people who aren't really your "friends" blur the lines beyond what is appropriate? Is this unprofessional? There are people out there who speculate that employers and admissions officers now scan Facebook and MySpace pages to glean information about their future proteges. Are patients also doing the same? What are the potential legal implications of this?
I advise students to be very careful with their on line personas and identities. While the Facebook generation is open and less formal than some of their more senior educators, your professional reputation starts before you matriculate in medical school and you don't want to do anything that might tarnish your image. Also, once you enter medical school, you represent the medical profession as a whole. So, think before you confirm a "friend" or post an incriminating photo. Or maybe it is time to just take down that profile.
Visit: MedEdits
With so much personal information on social networking sites, does accepting people who aren't really your "friends" blur the lines beyond what is appropriate? Is this unprofessional? There are people out there who speculate that employers and admissions officers now scan Facebook and MySpace pages to glean information about their future proteges. Are patients also doing the same? What are the potential legal implications of this?
I advise students to be very careful with their on line personas and identities. While the Facebook generation is open and less formal than some of their more senior educators, your professional reputation starts before you matriculate in medical school and you don't want to do anything that might tarnish your image. Also, once you enter medical school, you represent the medical profession as a whole. So, think before you confirm a "friend" or post an incriminating photo. Or maybe it is time to just take down that profile.
Visit: MedEdits
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Medscape Blog
I have been invited to start blogging on Medscape. My first entry is for those who are about to start medical school!
Visit my Medscape blog.
Visit my Medscape blog.
Friday, August 7, 2009
ERAS Worksheet and Resources
As residency applicants get ready to submit their residency applications, they should review the materials offered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) that may help. Most important is the ERAS worksheet which outlines what is required for the ERAS application, character limits, experience categories etc.
Find your ERAS resources to download here.
Visit: MedEdits
Find your ERAS resources to download here.
Visit: MedEdits
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Medical School and Residency Interviews: The Importance of Practice
It is essential that medical school and residency applicants practice interviewing. While it is fine to practice with friends and family, it is advisable to practice with someone who has actually served on a medical school admissions committee if you are applying to medical school or a residency admissions committee if you are applying to residency.
It is very important not to memorize your answers or to say things that you "think they want to hear." Being authentic and honest during your interviews is essential.
Members of the MedEdits class of 2010 already have medical school interview invitations. But, do not despair if you are not in this elite group. There are still many interview invitations to come and the season is just beginning.
If you are a residency applicant and need help with your written documents, please contact us soon. ERAS applications can be submitted on September 1st and it is ideal to submit as close to this date as possible.
Visit: MedEdits
It is very important not to memorize your answers or to say things that you "think they want to hear." Being authentic and honest during your interviews is essential.
Members of the MedEdits class of 2010 already have medical school interview invitations. But, do not despair if you are not in this elite group. There are still many interview invitations to come and the season is just beginning.
If you are a residency applicant and need help with your written documents, please contact us soon. ERAS applications can be submitted on September 1st and it is ideal to submit as close to this date as possible.
Visit: MedEdits
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Medical Students Choosing Primary Care
An interesting article from the New England Journal of Medicine discusses the shortage of primary care physicians in the United States. Fewer medical students graduating from United States medical schools choose to specialize in primary care, opting for "lifestyle" specialties to earn higher incomes and to have greater control over their lives. As a result, more primary care residency positions are being filled by US and non-US citizen international medical graduates.
I find that some students base their specialty choice on average salary, perceived status and the possibility of a better work/life balance. This is a common misconception, however, that choosing to specialize in anesthesiology, radiology, emergency medicine or other "lifestyle" fields will afford a better balance.
Many women choose to specialize in pediatrics and work part time. And, while these pediatricians may not make the big bucks, they do enjoy more free time. Some of my friends and colleagues who chose other specialties are not really happier than those who chose primary care. Primary care physicians often feel they have greater control of their lives and work fewer evenings, nights, weekends and holidays. Perhaps seeking out mentors who are good role models would encourage more medical students to practice primary care.
I encourage all of my clients to consider their career choices carefully. Money should be only one part of the equation to make this choice. Hopefully health care reforms will help equalize the pay discrepancies of specialists and primary providers which may increase the number of students who choose primary care.
Visit: MedEdts
I find that some students base their specialty choice on average salary, perceived status and the possibility of a better work/life balance. This is a common misconception, however, that choosing to specialize in anesthesiology, radiology, emergency medicine or other "lifestyle" fields will afford a better balance.
Many women choose to specialize in pediatrics and work part time. And, while these pediatricians may not make the big bucks, they do enjoy more free time. Some of my friends and colleagues who chose other specialties are not really happier than those who chose primary care. Primary care physicians often feel they have greater control of their lives and work fewer evenings, nights, weekends and holidays. Perhaps seeking out mentors who are good role models would encourage more medical students to practice primary care.
I encourage all of my clients to consider their career choices carefully. Money should be only one part of the equation to make this choice. Hopefully health care reforms will help equalize the pay discrepancies of specialists and primary providers which may increase the number of students who choose primary care.
Visit: MedEdts
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