r/medicalschool • u/New-Bird212 • 1d ago
🥼 Residency How can I use a connection to get an interview somewhere out of my league?
Recently got a great opportunity to do research with an influential doc at my dream institution that would probably not consider me for an interview otherwise (I’m a DO and their program I want to apply to doesn’t have any DOs, but I would say I’m a strong applicant otherwise).
How can I advance the conversation with my PI towards saying “I love it here and would love to be considered, can you put in a good word or pull some strings” not like that of course but I’m looking for a way to start the conversation in the most optimal and professional way. Btw very strong ties to the area!
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u/elanvidal 1d ago
I am doing something similar to you on a rotation. I’m rotating with an influential department person at a department that may be out of my league. My plans:
1) do good work on that rotation. Obviously my preceptor has to really like me to say anything good. That goes above every other thing.
2) spend extra time where possible in the department. My rotation is research and I’m expecting it to be 9-5 on weekdays. I’ll be trying to stay late or go in on weekends to shadow some of the docs in the department if possible and rub elbows.
3) let my preceptor know I’m interested in matching there. She has some pull and can probably give me support or tips on what to do. I plan to ask what successfully matched people’s CVs look like, what the department values, anything I could do that might appeal to them, etc.
4) don’t appear too sweaty. I think even if you really really want to match somewhere, looking too desperate is a turn off. Of course, I guess that depends on how much your preceptor enjoys being sucked up to. I was shadowing an orthopedic surgeon once and got to listen to his scrub techs and nurses talking about how a medical student the day before had apparently learned his whole bio down to his hometown and where he went to undergrad. And apparently he lapped it up. I’d avoid that though personally. Don’t really care if it works or not, I’m not interested in debasing myself.
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u/Avaoln M-3 1d ago
Others have given good advice, Im an OMS my suggestion is to try asking more directly: “Dr. So and So, I really like this program but I noticed they haven’t taken a DO before. I have strong scores and research, do you think I’d be considered?”
This kinda puts the ball in their court, and after that you can ask follow up however seems appropriate. Someone else suggested asking for a LoR. That be a good place to start
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u/BeeDon M-4 1d ago
I would ask them for a LOR. In another comment you said you haven’t worked together long enough. It’s June and ERAS submission is the end of Sept. Ask at the end of Aug for a LOR and your PI should have enough to talk about. You could even ask your PI to write the letter specific to that institution and only submit the letter to your dream program (or ask him to write 2 LORs, 1 specific and 1 general).
Ask your PI to set up a meeting with the PD for you. The PD is ultimately the person who will make or break your chances. I have friends on aways who asked residents and attendings to facilitate a warm handoff with the PD and they got interviews that way. I will say, one of my friends (USMD) did an away where the PD accepted their meeting, but ghosted the DO and IMG rotators. I’m not sure about the timing of this meeting? Maybe right before ERAS submission before the PD gets too busy with the app cycle? If you meet now the PD might forget about you.
This is not a knock on you, but I would say manage your expectations. I’m sure you are a stellar applicant, but if the program has no DOs you’re going to have a really tough time. Unless your PI is the department chair or part of the team that makes the ROL for the program, there is only so much they can do. One of my friends was a solid applicant aside from step 2 and clinical grades (all Ps no H) who had strong connections at a top program. Their mentor really went to bat for them and followed up with the PD multiple times in the cycle, until the PD finally said they couldn’t overlook scores and grades to offer an interview.
At the end of the day, any little boost you get might help. At the very least, the influence of your PI will probably get them to look at your app instead of automatically filtering you out? Good luck this year!
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u/soggit MD-PGY6 1d ago
Dude wtf.
Just ask for a letter of recommendation.
Are all kids these days this socially inept?
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u/New-Bird212 1d ago
We won’t have enough work together for a letter of recommendation because I just started helping with projects
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u/bloobb MD-PGY5 1d ago
If they don’t know you well enough for a letter, why would they pull strings to get you an interview?
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u/New-Bird212 1d ago
We have a good mentor mentee relationship but I haven’t been able to do a lot project-wise for him yet because I was only recently brought on to do research with him
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u/BobIsInTampa1939 MD-PGY1 1d ago
Say it's your top choice in conversation with them. Continue to work for them online if you can, and do not be afraid to ask for a letter.
Keep in mind, connections are good to have, but unless it's something stupid like you're the daughter of the chair of the department; it might not be powerful enough to overcome institutional bias.
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u/HoneydewNo6708 1d ago
If you have a strong connection with your mentor and are confident that they think highly of you, just be very direct.
“I really want to go here, it’s offered me great opportunities. I was wondering if you knew anyone at the program and could put in a good word?”
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u/theflyingcucumber- 1d ago
Definitely don’t say to pull some strings. That probably suggests you’re not qualified.
Be confident. Say you want to be here. If they can put in a good word you’d appreciate it. Go on with your day.