How to Choose a Residency Program
While heavily criticized by the users for its functionality, the National Resident Matching Program’s algorithm allows graduating medical students to rank which specific programs they want to apply to. However, with the 5,380 total programs across the country, and the amount of time, dedication, and work residents will be contributing to each program, the decisions regarding which programs to apply to are not easy. When deciding which residency programs to apply to, medical school students must weigh educational opportunities, quality of life, and perceived goodness of fit.
An evaluation of the educational opportunities offered by the residency programs should be one of the student’s most important considerations. This includes things such as the program’s curricular structure, the availability of mentors, the quality of the teaching faculty, and the degree to which they can gain clinical experience. It is also important to assess the program’s teaching philosophy, as different programs offer different approaches to fostering student learning. 75% of applicants took into account the quality of current residents in a specific program, and a similar 69% of applicants looked at the quality of the program director. Lastly, programs that provide you with “cutting-edge projects or additional resources” will allow residents to grow in their careers through skills development and strengthening one’s CV.
In addition to the educational opportunities, medical school students should look into the quality of life offered by the residency programs they are considering. This includes everything from the availability of affordable housing to the cost of living in the area and the types of leisure activities and cultural events that are accessible. Students must select a place where they feel comfortable and can engage in activities outside of the program that help to invigorate them. This factor was taken into consideration by 74% of residents. Questions about work-life balance regarding a specific program can often be answered during the interview process, and some important questions to ask residents include: “Do they have a chance to see each other outside of work? Do they have a chance to hang out with their families, or is work the main theme of all their conversations? How busy are the clinic sites? On average, how many patients do they see per day?”
Lastly, the goodness of fit for the residency program is also an important factor for medical school students to consider. The key is to select a program where students feel respected and can work together in an atmosphere of collaboration and support. It can also be beneficial to look for a program with a diverse student body, as it offers a variety of perspectives and experiences to learn from. Furthermore, geographic location is an extremely important factor to take into account as residents often want to be near family, friends, or significant others to support them during their strenuous years. This factor was the most important to residents, as 88% of them considered geographic location. Access to family support, cost of living considerations, patient populations, and access to busy hospital centers are all important factors tied to geographical location, and all affect your quality of life and quality of training.
By researching and weighing the educational opportunities, quality of life, and goodness of fit of the programs they are applying to, students can ensure that they select a residency program that is tailored to their individual needs and goals.
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“How to Choose a Residency Program: Top Factors to Consider for Your Rank List | Blueprint Prep.” Blueprint Prep, 25 Jan. 2023, blog.blueprintprep.com/medical/how-to-choose-a-residency-program/. Accessed 13 Mar. 2023.
“Which Factors Do Applicants Weigh Most When Picking Residency Programs?” American Medical Association, 24 Jan. 2023, www.ama-assn.org/medical-students/preparing-residency/which-factors-do-applicants-weigh-most-when-picking-residency. Accessed 13 Mar. 2023.
“Residency Programs List.” Residencyprogramslist.com, 2023, www.residencyprogramslist.com/#:~:text=Our%20list%20of%20medical%20residencies,5380%20programs%20in%2031%20specialties. Accessed 13 Mar. 2023.
