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Why Should I Take This Elective ?There is a recurring myth at SSOM that students interested in EM should not take our elective as it is a waste to do so with no program to match into. This is false thinking and overemphasizes the value of face time at a second program. The fact is that since 2001 we have matched 100% of students who have taken our EM elective prior to rotating at an institution that has an EM program. During that period there were three SSOM students who failed to match in EM; however all three students took only outside EM electives. Furthermore, many students who have matched at elite programs first took our course. Students with serious competitive issues who have taken our elective have also done well. Finally, students who fail to match will be disadvantaged during the scramble if we are not familiar with them. Each student will have unique reasons for choosing electives, but those interested in EM should never be steered away from our EM elective or faculty. Despite our lack of residency we give excellent advice and prepare students to shine during their key rotations, applications and interviews. The 100% match rate is a direct result of our efforts and abilities. SSOM students who go it alone squander a valuable resource. The true value of a second outside elective is evident in the fact that most students match elsewhere. The safest way for a SSOM student to match in EM is to first take our elective and connect with our faculty, then to rotate at one key institution that has a residency program. One letter from an EM Program Director and one from us is all that is needed. There is no basis to the suggestion that it is more strategic to do otherwise. A reasonable alternative is to take two EM electives at outside institutions that have EM residency programs. This allows for two letters from Program Directors and the chance to check out (and be checked out by) another program. It is important to not over estimate the impact that a second outside elective will have on your application and to realize that it could detract from your competitiveness if your performance is not outstanding. If only a one EM elective is planned, it is best to do so at an outside institution with an EM residency allowing you to obtain a letter from the Program Director. This is also a reasonable strategy for matching in EM. There is rarely justification for taking three EM electives. All EM electives should be completed no later than October, as the application process begins then and you will need those letters.
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© 2001 Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. All rights reserved. |
