July 1 marks the beginning of the official Residency/Match Season. International medical students/graduates must purchase their tokens from ECFMG (Educational Commission For Foreign Medical Graduates), which they must use to apply to ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service). Applicants can then start working on their electronic applications and can later submit their applications, as early as September 15. During this time period Dr. Hicks suggests that applicants ask their program directors and attending physicians write strong letters of recommendation to highlight their strengths and capabilities. Applicants should also register to participate in the Match process by November 30 through NRMP (National Residency Match Program).This will allow applicants to rank their favorite and most compatible residency programs in the order for which they believe they will Match in March.
So how do you increase your chances of Matching into the specialty and residency program of your choice? The answer is by being very strategic! First, get acquainted with each residency program for which you will apply. This can be either by doing a rotation in medical school at that hospital in the specialty for which you will apply or doing an Observership, if you have already graduated from medical school. Make sure you leave a wonderful impression on everyone. This means every person you came in contact with, ranging from the security guard to the hospital’s Medical Director. For more tips, follow us here.
If you were not able to do a medical rotation or Observership with the program you will be applying to, then you should consider volunteering or doing Research in that department. This will still allow you to get to know everyone in the department and let them see your interest in their specialty. You should still ask for a letter of recommendation from your attending physician, which should highlight your strengths and dedication to practice medicine.
Next make sure that you have excellent letters of recommendation. Sometimes physicians are too busy to write their own letters of recommendation, so have your CV ready and also a draft of a letter that you have written about yourself, so all they have to do is read it and cut and paste what they want to include in your letter. Remember to ask your letter writers early, so their letters of recommendation will be completed in enough time to be downloaded to your application before September 15.
Remember the early bird gets the worm, so apply on or soon after September 15 because residency programs will then begin reviewing applications and giving invitations to interview with them. After you have submitted your applications, send follow-up emails to every Program Director and Coordinator of each residency program for which you have applied. Focus on your strengths and inform them of your ERAS application number, your passing USMLE Steps, and medical school graduation date.