ACMedical's FutureDocs: Recent Episodes
Pedram Mizani
Since 2007, our team at ACMedical has helped over 1,000 FutureDocs become licensed U.S. physicians, treating 20,000 patients daily. These success stories are our success stories, and we will use this podcast to share them with you.
Tune in weekly for new episodes, where we interview physicians and other subject matter experts, asking them for tips and secrets that will save you time, and help you avoid mistakes as you compete to be the next FutureDoc in the United States.
- Any names, marks, emblems and images are registered trademarks of their trademark holders & owners, and not ACMedical.
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This FutureDocs Podcast is part 2 of our 2 part interview with Dr. Rumana Khan, an ACMedical member who worked as an Medical Assistant (MA) prior to matching into PGY-1 Internal Medicine in the 2022 Match.
In our previous episode, we discussed her journey as an MA, how her experience made her a more competitive Match Candidate and all that led up to her Match into Internal Medicine.
In this episode, we focus on her residency interview: what questions the residency program director and residency selection committee asked her and how she prepared for her interview. Tune in as Dr. Khan, a Kasturba Medical College - Manipal alumna, shares her inspiring success story on how she secured a PGY-1 spot at a US Medical Residency Program.
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Our esteemed guest in this FutureDocs Podcast episode is Dr. Rumana Khan, an ACMedical member who worked as an Medical Assistant prior to matching into PGY-1 Internal Medicine in the 2022 Match. She graduated in 2017 from Kasturba Medical College, Manipal.
This is part one of a 2 part interview with her and for this episode, we will discuss her journey as an MA and all that led up to her Match into Internal Medicine. In part 2 of this 2 part interview, we will focus on her residency interview, what they asked her and how she prepared for them.
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In this episode, Dr. Mizani inteviews our inaugural group of five leadership interns who have successfully completed their one year internship. Drs. Parisi, Rosas, Fan, Eskander, and Sykes share their inspiring journey, invaluable lessons they've learned and how this experience changed their lives. If you interested in our Leadership Program, please visit https://www.acmedical.org/
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This is the final part of our 3-part interview with Dr. Mario Mekhail, an ACMedical (Americlerkships) Member and IMG from Ain Shams University Faculty of Medicine in 2009 who recently secured a PGY-1 Categorical Internal Medicine position during the 2022 Match into a non-NRMP participating program, formerly referred to as a ‘Pre-Match’ program.
In this episode Dr. Mekhail discusses how International Medical Graduates should recognize their unfamiliarity with US culture, how to overcome them, all while building an effective network.
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This is part 2 of 3 of Drs. Mizani and Eskander's interview with Dr. Mario Mekhail, an ACMedical (Americlerkships) Member and IMG from Ain Shams University Faculty of Medicine in 2009. After 13 years since receiving his MD, he secured a PGY-1 Categorical Internal Medicine position during the 2022 Match into a non-NRMP participating program, formerly referred to as a ‘Pre-Match’ program.
In last month's episode #65, Part 1, we discuss 2 types of US clinical experiences which Dr. Mekhail completed and recommends, and why Personal Statement matters.
This episode #66, part 2 of 3, Dr. Mekhail discusses why combining mentorship and constructive criticism is of key importance to becoming the most competitive version of oneself.
Please join us again next month for our final episode with Dr. Mekhail #67, part 3 of 3 we discuss how IMGs should recognize their unfamiliarity with US culture, how to overcome them, all while building an effective network.
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In the next 3 FutureDocs Podcast Episodes, Drs. Mizani and Eskander interview ACMedical (Americlerkships Medical Society) Member, Dr. Mario Mekhail, an IMG who graduated from Ain Shams University Faculty of Medicine in 2009 who recently secured a PGY-1 Categorical Internal Medicine position during the 2022 Match into a non-NRMP participating program, formerly referred to as a ‘Pre-Match’ program.
This is FutureDocs Episode #65, Part 1 of a 3-part interview where we discuss 2 types of US clinical experiences which Dr. Mekhail completed and recommends, and why Personal Statement matters.
In #66, part 2 of 3, Dr. Mekhail discusses why combining mentorship and constructive criticism is of key importance to becoming the most competitive version of oneself.
Finally in #67, part 3 of 3 we discuss how IMGs should recognize their unfamiliarity with US culture, how to overcome them, all while building an effective network.
Have questions? Contact us at podcast@acmedical.org
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FutureDocs Podcast Episode #63 is the second half of our 2-part interview with special guest, Dr. Feruza Abraamyan, an ACMedical (Americlerkships Medical Society) member and International Medical Graduate (IMG) from Taskent Medical Institute in Uzbekistan who recently secured a PGY-1 Internal Medicine - Categorical position during the 2022 NRMP Match.
Previously in part 1, we uncovered all that led up to Dr. Abraamyan's Match into Internal Medicine including how she effectively changed her approach as well as her live online US Clinical Rotations which was frequently asked about during her interviews and how this all played a significant role in her successful Match!
In this episode, part 2 of our interview with Dr. Abraamyan, she discusses how she managed all of the 13 interviews offers that she received amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. She also reveals to us what the residency committee programs asked regarding USMLE Step 3, her research experience, and her live online US Clinical Rotations. Lastly, she shares with us how she organized her 2022 NRMP Rank Order List (ROL). If you’re applying to an Internal Medicine US medical residency program, then episodes #63 and #64 are especially for you!
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In this FutureDocs Episode #63 is another ACMedical success story and part 1 of a 2 part interview with special guest, Dr. Feruza Abraamyan. She is an ACMedical (Americlerkships Medical Society) member and International Medical Graduate (IMG) from Taskent Medical Institute in Uzbekistan who recently secured a PGY-1 Internal Medicine Categorical position in the 2022 NRMP Match.
Tune in as we cover all that led up to Dr. Feruza's Match into Internal Medicine including how she changed her approach as well as her live online US Clinical Rotations which was frequently asked about during her interviews.
Join us again for part 2, episode #64 where Dr. Abraamyan will discuss how she managed to get through all the interviews she secured during the COVID-19 pandemic, and some great tips for those who are just getting started with the Match process. So if you’re applying to internal medicine, then episodes #63 and #64 are for you!
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This is part 2 of our 2-part interview with ACMedical's most recent success story, special guest Dr. Travis Satnarine. He is a practicing physician in Trinidad and a graduate of the University of the West Indies, now focusing on NICU before the start of his U.S. medical residency and of course a lifetime ACMedical member.
After finding ACMedical through YouTube, Dr. Satnarine sought mentorship from Dr. Mizani and listened to his advice which was: apply to only one specialty (Pediatrics) and to have recent relevant U.S. Clinical Experience. Not only did this slight but significant move help him secure 16 interviews but he Matched into his #1 residency program on his 2022 NRMP Rank Order List - all without setting foot in the United States!
In our previous episode, he shares his overall Match experience and his 5 online clinical rotations while simultaneously working as House Officer in a NICU Department in Trinidad. In this episode we discuss how he navigated his 16 interviews, what he was asked and how her prepared. If you are also an IMG looking for a Pediatrics US Medical Residency, you won't want to miss this truly inspiring success story!
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In this episode, our special guest is ACMedical's most recent success story, Dr. Travis Satnarine who Matched into PGY-1 Pediatrics during the 2022 Main Match! Dr. Satnarine is a practicing physician in Trinidad and a graduate of the University of the West Indies, now focusing on NICU before the start of his U.S. medical residency and of course a lifetime ACMedical member.
After finding ACMedical through YouTube, Dr. Satnarine sought mentorship from Dr. Mizani and listened to his advice which was apply to only one specialty (Pediatrics) and to have recent relevant U.S. Clinical Experience. Not only did this move help him secure 16 interviews but he Matched into his number 1 residency program.
He did a total of 5 online clinical rotations while simultaneously working as House Officer in a NICU Department in Trinidad and shares how he managed to attend his LOCE while working. He also tells us his overall LOCE experience including his role as an online clinical rotator, tips on making a good impression with the attending physicians, what it was like observing and the patient interaction involved. He also shares how he prepared for the telerotations, and how he utilized this experience in the Match process.
This part 1 of a two part interview where we will discuss all the led up to the Match season, and in the next episode, part 2, we will discuss how Dr. Satnarine navigated through the enormous number of interviews he secured.
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In our previous FutureDocs Episode (#59), Dr. Chiou shared his inspiring story of his 9 year journey that let up to his FM match. In this episode (#60), we continue on with part 2 of Dr. Chiou's 2 part interview with Dr. Mizani and Dr. Rosas, where we discuss his post-match life as a FM PGY1 resident.
Dr. Chiou is an ACMedical member who matched into FM PGY1 in the 2021 Main Match during the COVID pandemic. He graduated from Universidad Iberoamericana School of Medicine (UNIBE), then worked as an Assistant Physician in St. Louis, Missouri for 2 years prior to matching, and when the pandemic first hit, he was also part of a Disaster Medical Assistance Team.
Highlights in this episode:
1) How did you know you want to be a Family Physician?
2) What’s a day like as a PGY-1 FM?
3) The most challenging part of your FM residency
4) Skills that FM candidates should all possess before they start their PGY1 residency
5) How to quickly adapt to and learn to communicate with difficult personality traits
6) As a PGY1 resident in FM, how to avoid getting in trouble, being placed on probation, and not being promoted to PGY2
Tune in as we unveil what life is like for a PGY-1 family medicine resident transitioning on to PGY-2.
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In this episode, we are privileged to have another inspiring ACMedical success story with our guest speaker, Dr. James Chiou, lifetime member of ACMedical, who after his 9-year journey and 5 Match attempts, Matched into Family Medicine Residency in the 2021 NRMP Match during the COVID pandemic. He graduated from Universidad Iberoamericana School of Medicine (UNIBE), then worked as an Assistant Physician in St. Louis, Missouri for 2 years prior to matching, and when the pandemic first hit, he was also part of a Disaster Medical Assistance Team. This is part 1 of this 2-part interview where we’ll learn more about all that led up to his Family Medicine match. Tune in again next week for Episode #60, we will discuss his life as a FM PGY1, and transition into PGY2.
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Continuing on from last week's episode, we have part 2 of this 2-part interview with our esteemed guest, Dr. Tania Platero, an ACMedical member, who matched into pathology PGY1 categorical position in the 2021’s Main Match. She graduated from the University of El Salvador Faculty of Medicine and is now a PGY-1 in Pathology.
Last week in episode 57, she enlightened our FutureDocs podcast followers about all that led up to your pathology match, and in this episode, will be focusing on Dr. Platero's post-match life as a pathology PGY1 resident.
Some important topics discussed, just to name a few: how she prepped for her ERAS and interviews, what a day in the life of a PGY-1 resident in pathology is like, the most challenging part of pathology residency, and tips to overcome it?
If you are a U.S. residency candidate, especially for Pathology PGY-1, you will want to tune in on this episode.
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Come join us as we continue our IMatched series, interviewing various former ACMedical members on their journey to matching!
This episode is part 1 of a 2-part interview with honored guest, Dr. Tania Platero, a prior member of ACMedical who matched into pathology PGY1 categorical position in the 2021’s Main Match. She graduated from the University of El Salvador Faculty of Medicine and is a co-author in 9 publications.
The 2021 Match was quite memorable and filled with uncertainties since it was the 1st full match cycle which was conducted during the COVID-19 Pandemic, Dr. Platero shares her journey that led up to her pathology match, and then next week, we’ll discuss her experience as a pathology PGY1.
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In the NRMP Main Match interview season, applicants are often ecstatic to hear back from residency programs. However, not all post-interview calls are the same, though it may be considered a surprise program directors may reach out for a multitude of reasons or follow-up concerns.
We have been discussing the importance of how to navigate a post-interview call with residency programs and program directors, but in this episode, we take it in another direction.
What happens if the state medical boards for the residency program that you're applying to do not recognize your medical school? A concern you may have to have on your mind while tackling the many other 1000s of tasks necessary typical of the Main Match cycle
Will that be an issue for getting your training license, therefore residency program rank?
The requirements to practice medicine and the list of recognized schools may vary within each state. It is important to do your own research prior to application for each residency program, henceforth ensuring your qualifications and avoiding problems along the way, such as the case scenario in this episode.
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Here at ACMedical, we provide assistance starting from pre-medicine, residency application (most commonly), mentorship throughout residency, and furthermore. In today's episode, we discuss some heavy topics and the challenges of residency.
Trigger warning: These may be sensitive topics for some but necessary. We need to address these topics and face the reality that this has happened and is currently happening in residency programs across the country. Be prepared for the possibility that you may encounter these situations and learn how to overcome them.
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Bullying: Unfortunately, bullying is number one on the list and is not uncommon in residency. It's very sad because you’re there just trying to learn and become a good doctor so you can help others but there are challenges along the way that can interfere with your growth.
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Wrongful termination: What should I do? Would it be worth it to file a lawsuit if I was dismissed for reasons deemed unjust or should I just find move on and another residency program?
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Probation: Sometimes residents are put under probation, usually for reasons such as lack of professionalism or mistakes made in patient care, just to name a few. Once on probation, is it even possible to go about getting off probation? Are you always on thin ice thereafter if you do get off? Get more insight on navigating residency probation.
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Depression and Suicide: Residency is tough and can be very stressful. Do not take this lightly. If you begin to have thoughts of hurting yourself or others, please seek help immediately.
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Resolution: Get proper mentorship and learn how to avoid burnout, overcome obstacles and persevere throughout the residency. As future licensed physicians and leaders, how can we prevent these unfortunate events like this from happening?
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Non-US IMGs, those who require visa sponsorship, are a major contributor to the US workforce, but as we’ve seen during the pandemic, their entry into the US can be delayed, or even stopped altogether. Even before visa sponsorship for US residency, they need to gain US clinical experiences, which also requires a visa. In today’s podcast, we will focus on those students and doctors needing a US visa to gain US clinical experience.
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What type of visa do medical students need for US clinicals? How about graduates?
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Typically, what questions are asked during a visa interview? What’s the process like?
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When crossing the US Border for US clinical experience, how should you conduct yourself with the immigration officer?
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What documents should I present?
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What happens to my clinical rotation if I am denied at the border? What should I do?
*ACMedical is not a law firm, and we are not attorneys. The content we share is for public knowledge only, and not providing legal advice or creating an attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.*
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In today's FutureDocs episode, we discuss the top 8 reasons why residencies find it important to have U.S. Clinical Experience (USCE) when applying for a PGY-1 position:
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Patient demographics, language, expectations, customer service
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Acculturating into both the culture of U.S. communities and the U.S. healthcare system
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Preparing for employment (no longer a student)
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Recommendations from physicians who have undergone the U.S. GME process themselves (US LORs)
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ACGME Core Competencies
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Medico-legal aspect of GME
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EMR
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Pandemic’s impact on US healthcare delivery
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This episode is part 2 of a 2 part series discussing the highlights that occurred in 2021 where we discuss the remaining 3 events out of 9.
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NRMP Program Director Survey released 1 year early (August 2021) - After looking at many new data points, including the importance of USMLE Scores (and in particular Step 1), programs are looking at applicants holistically vs using a standardized filter.
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ECFMG Certificate Pathways approved for 2021 Match was extended to 2022 Match - With the discontinuance of the USMLE Step 2 CS examination, ECFMG implemented the 6th pathway to permit IMGs who did not qualify under any of the 2021 Pathways additional opportunities to obtain ECFMG Certification.
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Recommendations for Comprehensive Improvement of the UME-GME Transition - A 275-page report from the Graduate Medical Education Review Committee (UGRC) of the Coalition for Physician Accountability provided 34 recommendations for a complete GME overhaul!
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2022 is here! For Season 2 of our podcast, we want to ring in the new year by discussing some of the major highlights of 2021 and how it has impacted residency candidates. This is part 1 of a 2 part series and in this episode, we discuss 6 out of 9 major events that occurred in 2021 that potentially affected our FutureDocs listeners and possibly other residency candidates.
First and foremost: Congratulations to ACMedical and our members for a record-breaking year! We had the most positive outcomes as reported by our members in the 2021 Match!
Also in 2021, the Supplemental ERAS application was released. What was the purpose of this and how has this affected the match process for Internal Medicine, Dermatology, and General Surgery? Will other specialties follow the same path in the future?
Several changes have been made on USMLE steps, notably:
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USMLE Step 1 is now pass or fail rather than a 3 digit score.
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USMLE Step 2 CS discontinuation.
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USMLE Steps are now a maximum of 4 attempts instead of 6 are to become eligible to proceed with the next step exam.
Why were these changes made and how will this affect the residency candidate selection process?
Lastly discussed in this episode, US clinical experience bottleneck, as well as live online clinical experience, becoming more acceptable and most likely due to the pandemic.
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You may have heard of residency programs that don't participate in the mainstream match selection process: ERAS and NRMP. What are non-NRMP programs? How are they different from NRMP participating programs? What is typically in the contract of non-NRMP participating programs? Get a better understanding of how these programs differ and may affect your medical career.
While the title suggests specifically covering Non-NRMP participating programs, Dr. Mizani and Cody Phan dive deeper into said programs, Pre-Match and Off-Cycle as well. In today's episode, we discuss the various benefits of the diverse types of residency programs and how to contact them as needed to maximize your chance of matching.
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Whether it’s been days or weeks post your interview, as much as possible, you want to be proactive and be creative in following up with residency programs. Hopefully you've already made a good lasting first impression during your interview. You want to maintain that and find ways to stay memorable. With hundreds and possibly thousands of applicants, a simple gesture might make all the difference. Today we discuss some ideas on how to remain on their radar.
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For today's episode, we further elaborate on Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP): what it is, the timeline schedule, how it can benefit you, and discuss ways to prepare for it. If you did not get to chance to attend our most recent webinar "Final Chance to Match During the 2022 SOAP" on Dec. 2, we invite you to watch the recorded version, soon to be released on our YouTube channel some time within the next week or two.
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Whether or not you should be taking USMLE Step 3 prior to residency is often a debatable topic. USMLE Step 3 was designed for PGY-1 interns who are looking to advance to PGY-2. Contrary to popular belief, it should not be taken lightly. In this podcast, we discuss why we discourage taking the USMLE Step 3 prior to applying to residency and how it can damage your chances. However, there are specific situations when a candidate must take it prior to residency. Tune in to learn how to best prepare for it.
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What is the typical cut-off mark for residency programs to consider a candidate's graduation date too old? How can we address gaps since medical school? You may have heard of a re-entry/refresher course, also called a re-immersion course. What is it and will it benefit you? A last resort some may have entertained is going back to medical school altogether. Listen in as we discuss the pros and cons of the available options to consider.
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For our FutureDocs who recently had residency program interviews and are now in the waiting game, we ask you "What are your intended goals now, 1-2 months post interview?" Drs. Mizani and Rosas discuss the recommended actions and activities to best utilize your time while waiting for Match Week such as clinical rotations, volunteer work, and healthcare-related experience.
Furthermore, how should a candidate prepare for the worst case scenario and remain proactive? Should I apply for SOAP and what should you be doing in preparation for it? Listen in to get these questions answered.
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While there is no arguable set procedure for how to contact programs before your residency interview, and how to follow up with them after, there are definitely set rules to follow. For Episode 44, with the upcoming holiday season in mind, Drs. Mizani and Rosas discuss post-residency interview follow-up do's and don'ts. Listen in for strategic ways to communicate with residency programs, how to maintain a favorable impression, and expert advice on how to stand out from the 100s of applicants.
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Program Directors go through thousands of residency applications per interview season. Unfortunately, yours may have easily been missed. What should you do if you don't hear from residency programs? How should you follow-up with them? Stay tuned and hear what Dr. Mizani has to say about the other options you should consider.
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Securing interviews during the Match can be stressful and time-consuming. Some may even say, it is important to treat it like a full time job. But have you considered what you should do if you do not secure any interviews? What if you do not Match? It's time to secure an alternative plan.
In our Resident Selection Committee Panel webinar, recorded live Sept. 28, 2021, two Program Directors and one Resident Selection Committee Member all voiced their need to see ongoing U.S. clinical experiences during the interview season. The program directors also mentioned that they will highly consider those who they know and have seen in clinical settings, which is echoed by most other PDs.
Completing more clinical rotations throughout the interview season will keep your US clinical experience up-to-date, keep your residency application relevant, may even land you an interview and a possible higher ranking on their rank order list, and prepare you for what may come next if you don't match. Listen in and learn from Dr. Mizani how completing clinical rotations through the interview season may benefit you.
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Here at ACMedical, our motto is “We Make Doctors.” We take great pride in our work with assisting our members on their journey of becoming US licensed physicians and thereafter. Take a sneak peek and see what goes on behind the scenes. Hear what the team has to say about their experience at ACMedical in part two of Intern and Supervisor Spotlight.
In this episode, Dr. Mizani will be interviewing 2 of our staff members, Mrs. Jacquelyn Mizani and Mr. Cody Phan and 3 of our ACMedical Interns Drs. Xing Fan, Priya Abraham and Sydney Sykes.
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In 2020, when the pandemic began, ACMedical made the decision to open its doors to a select group of its own members, in the form of a leadership-based Internship Program. This episode is what we like to call Intern & Supervisor Spotlight. Three of our interns, Drs. Eskander, Rosas and Parisi have been with us since July 2021; Mr. Carlos Martinez nearly five years with ACMedical. Hear their story about their experience with ACMedical and how it has changed their lives.
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Now that residency programs are beginning to review residency applications, interview offers are being made. Watch our Mock Interview Prep Panel consisting of ACMedical Interns acting as the Residency Committee Panel, while they interview Dr. Mizani in family medicine. Learn how Dr. Mizani answers high yield interview questions and observe how he confidently tackles each question with a strategic answer.
Dr. Pedram Mizani graduated from the Morehouse School of Medicine Family Medicine Residency Program as a Chief Resident and founded ACMedical in 2007 where he’s been helping our society make doctors for the last almost 15 years. In the upcoming year or two, Dr. Mizani would like to restart family practice again, but to do so he will need a 1-year residency re-fresher. The Mock Interview Panel here today is made of our ACMedical Interns, namely Dr. Xing Fan, Dr. Sydney Sykes, Dr. Lidia Eskander, Dr. Michelle Parisi, and Dr. Valene Rosas.
Need assistance with Interview Preparation? Check out our website and visit the interview prep page to learn more https://acmedical.org/services/interview-prep/
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It is time to put the finishing touches on the ERAS application you’ve worked so hard on. Some final thoughts you may have are how to properly notate future rotations or how late can a fourth LOR be assigned. Maybe your application is complete and you’re wondering what to do while waiting for interviews or when and how to contact programs you’ve yet to hear from. For all this and more join Dr. Mizani and Dr. Parisi as they discuss Finalizing your ERAS Application.
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There is so much to think about when certifying. The ideal time to certify the ERAS application depends on individual circumstances. Applicants can certify even if certain supporting documents are still outstanding. In some cases, it may be beneficial to certify late but don’t wait too long certifying after September 29th can reduce your odds of receiving interview offers by 5% per day. Don’t miss podcast episode 37: Early vs. Late ERAS Certification with Dr. Mizani and Dr. Parisi to learn when best to certify your application. Have questions? Contact us at podcast@acmedical.org
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Gathering and uploading the many supporting documents for the ERAS application can get tricky but it doesn’t have to be. This podcast focuses on two important supporting documents, the LOR and the MSPE. Get a better understanding of when and how to secure, submit, and assign LORs. The quality of your MSPE is important even for international medical graduates so come listen in on podcast episode 36 as Dr. Mizani and Dr. Parisi discuss the LOR and MSPE supporting documents and their importance to your application.
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As a result of all the COVID-19 pandemic related changes implemented this past year a new NRMP Program Director Survey was released. The 2021 Survey includes many significant changes. Among these changes are the tracking of holistic application reviews, a breakdown of USMLE score importance to programs, how medical schools handled virtual rotations, and more new factors like diversity characteristics. Listen in on podcast episode 35 as Dr. Mizani and Dr. Parisi discuss the new 2021 NRMP Program Director Survey and how new changes may affect your application.
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The Supplemental ERAS Application was introduced in part by programs in the previous Match Cycle during the COVID-19 pandemic to elicit more information from applicants. This cycle many residency programs in the specialties of internal medicine, general surgery, and dermatology will be requiring a Supplemental Application. The first step is saving one program by September 1st so that you may receive the invitation to complete the application. Next up is getting the assistance necessary to complete the Supplemental application by September 19th. Listen in on this podcast and register for our upcoming webinar as Dr. Mizani and Dr. Parisi discuss in depth what you need to know about your next steps!
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The costs of applying to residency programs can quickly add up when considering education, preparation, rotations, applications, supporting documents, interviews, and post-interview travel. Managing all of the above can both be expensive and mentally taxing. If you are wondering how to prepare your budget for the application season, join Dr. Mizani and Dr. Parisi on FutureDocs' 33rd episode as we discuss the breakdown of application costs.
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Residency Audition Clinical Rotations can help applicants stand out amongst their peers during the selection process. What are they? When should audition rotations be scheduled and how do they differ from other rotations? Join Dr. Mizani and Dr. Parisi for this FutureDocs Podcast episode as we discuss the nuances of Audition Rotations and how they are distinctly unique.
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Researching residency programs can be time-consuming. Is there a magic number of programs to apply to? Should applicants filter out certain programs, if so, when? Should it be during the application process, during the Rank Order List certification after the residency interviews? Join Dr. Mizani and Cody Phan for this FutureDocs Podcast episode as we discuss what your best options may be when it comes to researching residency programs and when to worry about ‘filtering’ them out.
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When it comes to navigating the countless public resources available for ERAS applications, it can be overwhelming. How can you tell which is necessary, what is helpful and how to proceed? Join Dr. Mizani and Cody Phan for this FutureDocs Podcast episode as we explore credible sources such as the nrmp.org, residencyexplorer.org, and more as you look ahead to this 2022 NRMP Main Match cycle. These two sources in particular come with an abundance of tools that we cover in-depth in today’s episode!
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In the second part of this two-part podcast episode series, Episode 29 discusses the impact of Step 1 Pass/Fail changes on International Medical Graduates. It is no secret this change will be impactful to all applicants, but its effects on International Medical Graduates can not be easily measured. Understand what steps to take to prepare for the upcoming USMLE Step 1 changes starting January 1, 2022, as Dr. Mizani shares his insight on how to best navigate this change.
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As a two-part podcast episode series, Episode 28 discusses the impact of Step 1 Pass/Fail changes on U.S. Medical Seniors specifically. For our U.S. Medical Senior FutureDocs, understanding what the USMLE changes imply to one's overall NRMP Main Match application will allow you to better succeed. Starting January 1, 2022, the changes will take effect, and in this episode, Dr. Mizani explains the many other important facets of your application to keep in mind according to the NRMP Program Director Survey in response to these upcoming changes.
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It is now late July meaning that we are 2 months away from the September - 2022 NRMP Main Match deadline. We warned earlier in the year, in previous podcast episodes of avoiding the bottleneck for earning Letters of Recommendation (LORs). How you navigate the remaining time in securing clinical experiences and strong LORs thereafter matters. In this episode, Dr. Pedram Mizani and Cody Phan explain what to do now during the 'bottleneck' season leading up to the September 29th date.
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The personal statement is one of the most integral aspects of the NRMP Main Match application. As cited by the NRMP Program Director survey, the personal statement is in the top 5 factors when considering offering a residency interview. With such a weighted document, illustrating your medical brand, understanding what is needed in a personal statement and how to best capture the reader's attention, matters. In this episode, Dr. Mizani and Cody Phan discuss the must-haves and the do NOT haves when constructing a memorable personal statement.
For a deeper discussion, we will be uploading an 8 part series on the Residency Personal Statement to our YouTube channel.
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Every year, every cycle we here at ACMedical see the common pitfalls and red flags in the applicants looking to apply for the NRMP Main Match. As heavily discussed as these issues are and experienced we have been, no one was prepared for the changes and everlasting effects the COVID-19 pandemic would cause to the journey toward becoming a licensed physician. In today's episode, Dr. Mizani shares the Pearls of Wisdom he has gathered over the years, and what to expect for the coming NRMP Main Match cycles for all those looking to apply for residency.
Have questions? Contact us at podcast@acmedical.org"
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The world of implications surrounding the terminology 'Residency Reentry' and 'Resident In-Trouble' can be very serious, and understanding how to navigate your specific situation will help your pathway to becoming a licensed physician. In today's episode, Dr. Mizani and Cody Phan explain the differences between the two types of residents and what it means to be on your program's radar. For those that are a residency reentry, matching into residency once is a lifetime achievement; doing it again with significant red flags caused by being a former resident can be an insurmountable feat. Whether you are a Resident In-Trouble or a Residency Reentry, learn when to ask for help.
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July marks the incoming of new residents across residency programs all over the United States, with such an exciting time we still urge an err of caution. The 'July Effect' is no secret, and being well equipped to tackle your first months of residency with dictate your overall success. In 2020 we interviewed 3 ACMedical Members who matched during COVID, during their 4th month of PGY1 where the consensus of the panel highlighted the shock effect of now being the physician and the decision-maker.
Building on this discussion, Dr. Mizani, and Cody Phan dive deeper, explaining what we mean by 'Surviving Your First 6 Months of Residency' and what steps you need to take to guarantee that you will finish the prescribed years of a categorical residency.
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FutureDocs Podcast previous episodes have been culminating toward our Episode 22, putting your NRMP Main Match ERAS Application together. When completing your ERAS application you should be looking to make the case as to why a program director should invite you for an interview, starting by taking a 10,000 ft. birds-eye view of your approach. How you demonstrate your medical brand, commitment to specialty, and how well you meet the ACGME Core Competencies should be clearly shown throughout your application.
Listen in as Dr. Mizani shares his #1 suggestion for U.S. allopathic (MD) medical seniors, U.S. osteopathic (DO) medical seniors, international medical students, and international medical graduates.
Have questions? Contact us at podcast@acmedical.org
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When it comes to the NRMP Main Match your supporting documents matter. The Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) serves as one of these crucial documents in a medical residency candidate's application package. As seen in the 2020 NRMP Program Director Survey, about 76% of Residency Program Directors cite the MSPE as a strong factor in selecting applicants for interviews of an overall average of 4/5 importance rating. Being in the top of 5 key factors, you should understand the difference between a qualified MSPE and a Dean's Letter.
For Episode 21 of the FutureDocs Podcast, Dr. Mizani and Cody Phan highlight the MSPE guidelines to follow, how to ask for changes if needed, and why a Dean's Letter may potentially hurt your overall application.
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Letters of Recommendation (LORs) should serve as a supporting document that helps demonstrate your medical competence for U.S. residency. Because of this, what is stated in your LORs is important, and is even more so depending on what type of NRMP Main Match applicant you are (medical student, medical graduate, or international). When LORs hold such weight, waiving your rights to see such documents, means you may potentially be giving up your right to catch any clerical errors (wrong designated specialty), or worse yet, a generic letter.
In today's episode, Dr. Mizani and Cody Phan discuss the pros and cons of not waiving your rights to see your LORs, and how "limiting" it is on your application.
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The NRMP Main Match is an integral part of the process for our FutureDocs in becoming a future licensed physician. To ace this process, you must qualify your ERAS Application accordingly. For those with repeated application attempts, or applicants with general concerns, the key to success is understanding and addressing your shortcomings.
In our recent webinar '2022 Main Residency Match Step by Step' (available on our YouTube channel), we briefly discussed the common red flags often seen in NRMP Main Match ERAS (U.S. residency) applications. In today's episode, Dr. Mizani and Cody Phan discuss in-depth how to address the common red flags in your ERAS application.
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How do you stand out from other NRMP Main Match applicants? Why should we select you for our program? These are residency interview questions that you FutureDocs are going to hear, and will have to answer uniquely. This is why ACMedical strongly recommends you explore your medical brand. Too often, we hear 'I love taking care of patients, I am a great listener, I love puzzles (for internal medicine applicants). Establishing your medical brand will help you clearly dictate what you bring to the table to a residency program, or medical work thereafter.
Join Dr. Mizani and Cody Phan on this episode as they cover how to differentiate yourself from your medical colleagues, creating a medical brand that is distinct to you.
Have questions? Contact us at podcast@acmedical.org
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It is a fact that physicians enter the medical field with the goal of helping and positively impacting a patient's life. Deciding how you intend to make this imprint in a dedicated specialty can be difficult. Choosing the medical specialty that best suits you can be difficult as there is an abundance to select from, and how you approach each specialty matters. What if I am interested in a sub-specialty, what do I do then? Being able to take a step back, and knowing what your skills are and how you represent each perspective specialties will help solidify your decision.
Dedicating a commitment to specialty, will help your overall application and raise your chances of matching. For today's episode, Dr. Mizani and Cody Phan discuss what to consider when selecting your medical specialty and how to best actualize your passion within your application.
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As the dust begins to settle we must address the issue facing the unmatched U.S. medical graduates that are a constant every year. Looking at the numbers, upwards of about 20,000 U.S. MD Seniors and 7,000 U.S. DO Seniors participate in the annual NRMP Main Match (these numbers reflect the most recent 2021 Main Match Cycle), however, the truth of the matter is not all of these students will match. Although a small percentage, it is still a sizeable ~2,000 students that are now essentially unemployed as a result. Not all of these students have issues with 'red flags' and may have submitted a Rank Order List, but have still found themself in this situation. For these students, now graduates, there is a lack of qualified support in place from their alma mater. The next steps you take are important, as you are in a vulnerable mental state, where you seek mentorship will affect how you proceed from March until September (the next Match Cycle).
Tune in to this informative episode as Dr. Mizani and Cody Phan discuss understanding your situation as a setback, not a failure, and share the tools to seek proper advice to continue forward.
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A FutureDocs familiarity and performance in ACGME Core Competencies can determine your fate before and after the Match. There are 6 competencies, all of which you must master to simultaneously utilize to meet hundreds of milestones to becoming a practicing US physician; they are: Practice-Based Learning and Improvement, Patient Care and Procedural Skills, Systems-Based Practice, Medical Knowledge, Interpersonal and Communication Skills, and Professionalism. For those looking to apply to U.S. medical residency, knowing how you will be evaluated based on these competencies enables you to better position yourself for a positive outcome. Highlighting where you land on each perspective Core Competency within your ERAS Application, to supporting documents such as Letters of Recommendation (LORs), Personal Statement, and Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE), will show residency programs how ready you are to start next July.
In this episode, Dr. Mizani and Cody Phan address the importance of the ACGME Core Competencies and how to address deficiencies where needed.
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The impact your medical brand will have on securing US medical residency interviews and a Match is a topic we will cover extensively in a future episode, and it all begins with compiling a curriculum vitae (CV) that demands the right type of attention.
Listen in as ACMedical's Dr. Pedram Mizani and Cody Phan challenge you to view your CV in reverse: not as just a retrospective documentary of your life‘s work, but as a foundational blueprint for your medical brand that minimizes red-flags as you prepare to ‘Match’. This episode is equally advantageous to medical students fresh on their path to the Match, and medical graduates who have taken a few wrong turns and don’t feel competitive anymore.
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Whether you're thinking of securing your next postgraduate subinternship, observership, shadowing, or clinical externship, it is imperative that FutureDocs understand the various types of clinical opportunities available to them within the U.S. healthcare system, and the legal implications encased in your responsibilities and title at each clinical site. Moreover, this all will greatly affect the quality of your residency application, and how you interview.
In this episode, we learn more about the pros and cons of every type of clinical experience and discuss the limitations that some states hold for medical graduates participating in healthcare. Dr. Mizani highlights what he recommends FutureDocs do to not only bolster their applications but your overall candidacy as a soon-to-be physician.
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As we set our gears toward the 2022 NRMP Main Match, it is important for our FutureDocs to understand the best plan to schedule clinical rotations. Understanding your timeline, and how to make the best use of it, starting today, April 1st, will get you ahead and prepared. Whether you are a medical graduate looking to garner strong letters of recommendation (LORs) from recent residency relevant clinical experiences, or a medical student registering for vocational clinical experience in a specific specialty, your approach matters.
In this 12th episode, Dr. Pedram Mizani and Cody Phan discuss how many months you truly have left before September to complete clinical experiences, and why right now is the time to start. Learn how to avoid the bottleneck of clinical rotations, and requesting LORs in a timely manner to strengthen your overall application.
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Did you not match? Do not waste another year. Do not be embarrassed. Do not hide out if you did not match into medical residency. The unmatched candidate should begin moving towards their juncture of success and what caused them to fail at matching.
Episode 11 is based on this week's webinar: “Survival Guide for Unmatched Medical Students & Graduates”, and discusses the 7 steps you should take NOW, if you are unmatched. Learn more about what to do now that Match week has come and gone, how should you contact unfilled programs now, and how to prepare for NRMP Main Match 2022.
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This 10th episode of FutureDocs podcast is dedicated to those who did not match into a U.S. medical residency position, and our upcoming “Survival Guide for Unmatched Medical Students & Graduates” Webinar scheduled for March 22, 2021. Please visit acmedical.org/residency-prep to register, and if you’re hearing this after March 22, then visit youtube.com/acmedicalorg and look for this webinar’s recording
Being unmatched may be the first time an academically decorated individual (e.g. medical students and graduates) tastes failure. The feeling may not be the same for all, but the setback is universally real and worrisome for those who are unmatched. Unlike other advanced degrees, it seems like medicine is the only field whose graduates are expected to become practicing physicians, yet the main way to do so is through the annual NRMP Main Match. This podcast explores the next steps an unmatched residency candidate must take to secure a match in a non-traditional manner.
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The third week of every March signifies Match Week and its Supplemental Offer & Acceptance Program (SOAP): on that Monday, NRMP registrants and residency programs learn if they 'Matched'; if a candidate or program 'Did not Match', then the following 4 days present an additional opportunity for programs to make offers to SOAP eligible unmatched candidates. The SOAP process is quite fast, and the interview questions asked by programs during SOAP will be unique.
In this 9th FutureDocs Podcast episode, ACMedical's Dr. Pedram Mizani and Cody Phan discuss what you need to know coming into SOAP and how to best prepare for SOAP interviews when a program contacts you.
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2020 and 2021 brought about extreme changes in the United States Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLE). USMLE Step 2 CS has been cancelled, and USMLE Step 1 is set to change from being scored to 'Pass/Fail' as of 1/1/2022. Although the cancellation of USMLE Step 2 CS has brought about a sigh of relief for most-all FutureDocs, the resulting new pathways to satisfy ECFMG Certification's clinical skills requirement has been anxiety provoking for International Medical Graduates (IMG), especially those who do not currently qualifying for any of the current 6 pathways. In this episode ACMedical's Dr. Pedram Mizani and Cody Phan discuss the ideal timeline for USMLEs when it comes to the 2022 Main Match cycle, and the implications of these new USMLE policies on other ERAS supporting documents including: Letters of Recommendation (LORs), Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) and Personal Statement (PS).
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*PODCAST VIDEO OF THIS EPISODE AVAILABLE ON YOUTUBE.COM/ACMEDICALORG: Listen here, then watch on Youtube*
In an unprecedented 2021 Match cycle, there have been numerous changes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. With all of these variables, the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP) is worth considering now more than ever as detailed in our previous episodes.
Understanding the steps that are necessary to be SOAP eligible and the SOAP process may seem daunting at first, but we make it easy. For Episode 7, ACMedical's Dr. Pedram Mizani and Cody Phan detail the key changes in the 2021 SOAP as well as why it is so important to take advantage of the trend of unfilled positions and the additional Round 4, unique to this year only. Listen in as we detail the checklist our FutureDocs need to be verify their SOAP Eligibility.
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Is the strategy used to rank programs different if you've had 2, or 7, or 15 interviews? 'Yes', and 'No'! In this truly immersive episode, FutureDocs such as yourself get a rare opportunity to experience the behind-the-scenes work ACMedical Residency Mentors did with 2 generous ACMedical members who agreed to share the advice they sought on how to optimize their U.S. medical residency Rank Order List (ROL) prior to certifying it for the 2021 Match. In this episode, we used ACMedical's ROL Worksheet and discussed over 30 factors for each program which was being ranked, per candidate, demonstrating that certifying an ROL is not any simpler if ranking 2 vs. 7+ programs.
WANT AN EVEN MORE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE? Watch the full length video of this podcast containing screenshares, interactions with guests and co-hosts by visiting YouTube.com/acmedicalorg > search for "FutureDocs Podcast - Building a Rank Order List During Office Hours"
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When it comes to the U.S. Residency Application whether it is for NRMP's Main Match or applying to the Supplemental Offer & Acceptance Program (SOAP) your Letters of Recommendation (LORs) matter. LORs are used as a supplemental document that helps Program Directors and Admission Committees to predict your ability to execute the 6 ACGME Core Competencies, and reach PGY1 milestones at the same rate as your co-residents. Securing 4 LORs of this personalized magnitude is expected and doable by US medical seniors, but much more challenging for international medical graduates and other independent applicants.
In today's episode ACMedical's Dr. Pedram Mizani and Cody Phan discuss the necessary tools and steps to securing ACGME Core Competencies based Letters of Recommendation.
Have questions? Contact us at podcast@acmedical.org.
During the dark days of COVID-19 when we saw the near-total shutdown of U.S. clinical rotations for medical students, this hope-inspiring episode discusses how ACMedical and other U.S. medical schools rose above the negatives by energizing their clinical sites and preceptors to rethink clinical medical education in every way imaginable. The outcome has been a brand new ways of gaining clinical and research experiences, remotely.
In today's episode ACMedical's Dr. Pedram Mizani and Cody Phan discuss the differences between telemedicine and Live Online Clinical and Research experiences (LOCE and LORE). We wager the significance of LOCE and LORE when it comes to gaining clinical acumen and fostering medical knowledge, while also helping to garner a strong Letter of Recommendation (LOR).
A truly amazing show. Hope you enjoy it.
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In today's episode, ACMedical's Dr. Pedram Mizani and Cody Phan highlight the ideal timeline to begin preparing for an upcoming Main Match Cycle, and 13 steps to stay on track and minimize your chances of being left unmatched. Preparation for the annual Main Match for medical residency should ideally begin 24 months before your planned residency start date, and anyone participating in the Match should be prepared for being 'Partially' or 'Fully Unmatched'. Additionally, it is important to train yourself to adhere to very challenging deadlines, such as those needed to gain residency-relevant U.S. clinical experience, pass US medical licensing exams, have supporting documents such as Letters of Recommendations (LOR) & Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) finalized and reviewed, all prior to certifying and submitting your residency application. And if you do not match during the regular Match cycle (like Dr. Mizani), this episode will guide you on how to use the final opportunity to Match this year through Match Week's Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP), as you prepare for the possibility of participating in next Match cycle.
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Whether you are a FutureDoc with 6 or more interviews, fewer than 6 or no residency interviews, this episode is priceless!
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 Match was 5 weeks shorter than all other previous match cycles. Dr. Pedram Mizani and Cody Phan discuss what residency applicants should do during the final weeks of the Match (January and February) to garner more residency interviews by contacting programs, and what to say when a Program Coordinator or Director answers your call. We also discuss courtesy interviews, when to interview (earlier or later during the Match), possibility of natural interviews sent during the final days of each Match, and so much more.
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The annual U.S. medical residency 'Main Match' begins each September (October for 2021 Match, due to COVID), and ends the following March. By January, ~80% of interviews have already been offered, which can be anxiety provoking for those with insufficient number of interviews. Today our cohosts Dr. Pedram Mizani and Cody Phan discuss what to do with 6 or more residency interviews, fewer than 6, or no residency interviews at all. We discuss talking points of Rank Order List (ROL), Match Week's Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP), the general trends of the interview season and why 6 residency interviews is our average magic number.
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Welcome to FutureDocs Podcast hosted by ACMedical! Led by your two cohosts Dr. Pedram Mizani, and one of ACMedical's Healthcare Writer and Editors Cody Phan. As we embark on this new project, we want to share what we have done for FutureDocs and share the insight and knowledge we have accumulated over the years. With over 1000 successful FutureDocs licensed in the United States, we look to uncover expert tips and advice as our listeners compete to be the next FutureDoc.
Have questions? Email us at podcast@acmedical.org.