Success In Medicine

Dr. Thao Galvan is a pediatric and adult transplant surgeon, in the division of abdominal transplantation. She is an Associate Professor of Surgery at the Baylor College of Medicine, and operates at Baylor-affiliated hospitals and Texas Children’s Hospital. She is also an award-winning educator, health policy scholar, and researcher.In this episode, she shares what a week in the life of a transplant surgeon looks like, from spending many hours in the operating room, to traveling across the country, to working on the logistics of arranging transplants. She is frank about how hard it is, but also shares some of her strategies and insights on how to be successful in such a challenging field while continuing to grow in her career and care for her young family.One of these strategies that Dr. Galvan discusses is how she has embraced a growth mindset, and how she continues to learn and grow with her surgical skills as well as her teaching skills. She discusses how important it is to maintain a cohesive unit with h

In this episode, Dr. Amy Paller shares some of her insights and strategies behind her long and impactful career as a clinician, translational researcher, and Professor and Chair. One of those insights is that in order to succeed as a researcher, it takes a village. She advises students that success in research depends on a great team, as well as mentors and funding. For her own career, she has found that a diversity of interests, passion for her work, and time with family has helped fight burnout and has kept her energized. Dr. Paller currently serves as the Chair and Professor of Dermatology, Professor of Pediatrics, and Principal Investigator of the NIH-funded Skin Disease Research Center at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. An author of more than 350 original publications, Dr. Paller is an NIH-funded investigator with a focus on genetic disorders of the skin and cutaneous immunologic disorders in children, including atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.  Dr. Paller has also directed the

How can you best prepare for the USMLE Step 2 exam? In this episode, we continue our conversation with Dr. Ryan Downey, test performance coach and expert in educational assessment.  Dr. Downey discusses three of the “highest utility,” or most effective, active learning techniques he teaches his clients. Internally referred to as the “Three T’s of Active Learning,” these techniques – Test yourself, Talk it out, and Two (or more) channels – are evidence-backed techniques that help medical students learn material faster and retain it more deeply. Resources More information on test performance services offered by MD2B Diagnostic Dr. Ryan Downey’s background Article on relative effectiveness of learning techniques: Dunlosky et al., 2013 Article on the science of learning: Weinstein et al., 2018 Blog post on active learning techniques

With the Step 1 exam now using Pass/Fail scoring, the numerical score on the Step 2 CK exam is even more important than ever. How can you be sure that you’re preparing for the USMLE Step 2 exam in the best way possible? In this episode, we interview Dr. Ryan Downey, test performance coach and expert in educational assessment.  Dr. Downey discusses some of the key strategies he used to help his client “David“ boost his Step 2 scores from 208 on his practice exams to an official Step 2 score of 260. The key to test success is a personalized study strategy that works for each individual client. Using the results from David’s Diagnostic Intake Assessment, which is a proprietary tool developed by Dr. Downey and Dr. Samir Desai, David was able to change the way he studied to incorporate more use of self-assessment, more active learning strategies, and more practice with clinical reasoning tools. Resources More information on test performance services offered by MD2B Diagnostic Dr. Ryan Downey’s background

How do you prepare for the MMI multiple mini interview?  As more medical schools adopt this format, premed students need to be prepared to interview at medical schools that use this format. In this episode, Dr. Rajani Katta, author of The Medical School Interview and the MMI: Strategies From Admissions Faculty, breaks down the process of preparing for your MMI. Although some schools have written that there is no way to prepare for the MMI, Dr. Katta reviews the ways in which students can start to prepare.  Although you can’t predict which questions will be asked, you can prepare to be asked to participate in a task scenario, an acting scenario, or a discussion question prompt. Some schools also include traditional interview questions and behavioral interview questions as one of their MMI stations. These strategies can help you excel during your MMI. If you'd like to sign up for free excerpts of both of our med school interview books, you can sign up here. Other Resources: The Medical School Intervie

How do you prepare for the MMI multiple mini interview?  As more medical schools adopt this format, premed students need to be prepared to interview at medical schools that use this format. In this episode, Dr. Rajani Katta, author of The Medical School Interview and the MMI: Strategies From Admissions Faculty, breaks down the process of preparing for your MMI. Although some schools have written that there is no way to prepare for the MMI, Dr. Katta reviews the ways in which students can start to prepare.  Although you can’t predict which questions will be asked, you can prepare to be asked to participate in a task scenario, an acting scenario, or a discussion question prompt. Some schools also include traditional interview questions and behavioral interview questions as one of their MMI stations. These strategies can help you excel during your MMI. If you'd like to sign up for free excerpts of both of our med school interview books, you can sign up here. Other Resources: The Medical School Intervie

What does it take to match into a competitive specialty or program? In Part 2 of this series, join Drs. Samir Desai and Rajani Katta as they discuss important strategies to significantly improve your chances. In this episode, you'll learn about faculty advocates, why it's important to develop relationships with them, and how they can help you reach your goals. You'll also appreciate the power of demonstrating "fit" with a program and how that can help you in the residency selection process.  

How do you match into a competitive specialty? In this episode, we discuss specific strategies for matching, even if you have a lower USMLE score or may otherwise be less competitive than other applicants. We review three major strategies, including the importance of contact with a program's faculty, the importance of faculty advocates, and the importance of emphasizing "fit" with a program via your ERAS and personal statement. 

In the 2021-2022 residency application cycle, applicants applying to internal medicine, general surgery, and dermatology will be able to signal programs of their significant interest through the ERAS supplemental application. In this episode, join Dr. Samir Desai as he discusses preference signaling, why it's in your best interests to participate in it, and some factors to consider as you decide which programs to signal. 

This is Part 2 of our series on the supplemental ERAS application which was introduced in 2021 for residency applicants applying to internal medicine (preliminary and categorical), general surgery (categorical), and dermatology. In Part 1, we talked about how to complete the past experiences section of this application. In this episode, our focus is on the geographic information section. Join Dr. Samir Desai as he discusses the role geography plays in the residency selection process and its importance. With a stronger understanding of why programs consider geography, you will be in a better position to approach this section of the supplemental application.

In 2021, the supplemental ERAS application was added as a new component of the residency application for applicants applying to internal medicine (preliminary and categorical), general surgery (categorical), and dermatology residency programs. In this episode, join Dr. Samir Desai as he discusses why the supplemental application came into existence. You will also learn how to complete the past experiences section of the application so that the information programs seek is conveyed through your answers. In forthcoming episodes, we will address two other components of the supplemental application - geographic information and preference signaling.

We know that participation in research, especially work that leads to publication or presentation, can strengthen the residency application. However, a major challenge is finding such opportunities. In this episode, join Drs. Samir Desai and Rajani Katta as they break down the process of finding research projects and mentors. Among the questions they will answer: How important is research? How can you go beyond participation to get published or presented? Can you be published without participating in formal research? 

Over 5,200 U.S. citizen IMGs participated in the 2021 NRMP Match. These students had to answer some difficult questions before they started medical school. Among them: Should I attend medical school outside the U.S.? Will my decision to go abroad affect my specialty choice? What can I do to maximize my chances of success in the residency match?   To help answer these important questions, join Dr. Samir Desai as he interviews Dr. Marc Katz, a graduate of the Ross University School of Medicine. After completing internal medicine residency, Marc matched into cardiology and is currently a cardiology fellow. Having written extensively about his journey in medicine, Marc offers his insight and gives us his perspectives on a wide range of issues. These include choosing a medical school, optimal learning strategies, USMLE success tips, and advice for clinical rotations.    Visit us at TheSuccessfulMatch.com and MD2BConnect.com for more resources to help you reach your goals in medicine. 

On Monday of Match Week, the NRMP informs residency applicants if they have matched. Unmatched applicants can take part in the NRMP Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program, also known as SOAP. SOAP offers a process for applicants to secure positions in unfilled residency programs. The process is very competitive with over 12,000 applicants competing for traditionally just over 1,000 positions.    In this episode, Drs. Rajani Katta and Samir Desai discuss how to maximize your chances for success in the SOAP. You'll learn the steps that can be taken prior to Match week to strengthen your chances in the SOAP. You'll also learn about the mistakes that applicants make, some of which are disastrous with repercussions that can last long after Match Week.    Visit us at TheSuccessfulMatch.com and MD2BConnect.com for more resources to help you reach your goals in medicine.

Although telemedicine has been available for years, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated its use not only in patient care but also in medical education. Drs. Rajani Katta and Samir Desai discuss telemedicine rotations and how students can make the most of these learning opportunities while working as part of the healthcare team. With a focus on video encounters, you'll learn how to prepare for an effective encounter, connect with patients, take the history while remaining engaged with the patient, and properly close the session.  

If you are an international medical graduate (IMG) seeking to complete your residency training in the U.S., you will face unique challenges in your efforts to match successfully. Overcoming these challenges will require a strong understanding of the application process as well as the strength and perseverance to handle the ups and downs that you will experience during this process.    What will be particularly invaluable to you as you navigate these hurdles is knowing how IMGs before you reached their goals. In this episode, join Dr. Samir Desai as he interviews Dr. Bruno Lima, a remarkable young physician from Brazil who completed his internal medicine residency training at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Lima is currently a cardiology fellow at Emory University and will be starting a Cardiovascular Imaging Fellowship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in 2021.      In this episode, Dr. Lima will walk us through the steps he took to become an internal medicine resident in the U.S. As we discuss the volunteer,

Medical schools and residency programs have shifted to virtual interviews in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While virtual interviews offer a safe alternative to in-person interviews, they do present applicants with unique challenges. In this episode, Drs. Rajani Katta and Samir Desai share their perspectives on common mistakes applicants make when doing virtual interviews. You will learn about the technological issues that can prevent even the most prepared applicants from making a strong impression. Become "technologically ready" to deliver a powerful performance that brings you closer to your goal: your place in medical school or residency. 

The strongest medical school interview responses are those that are unique to you. Creating these types of responses relies on being able to discuss and highlight your unique interests, strengths, goals, and experiences. That's why it's so important to review and analyze all of the activities that you have been able to take part in. Reviewing your activities, and analyzing what these activities meant to you and how they reflect your strengths and interests is a very important part of interview preparation. In this episode, Dr. Rajani Katta provides a framework for how to analyze and reflect upon your activities and experiences.

There are some questions that we can confidently say you will be asked at every medical school admissions interview.  "Why are you interested in our medical school" is certainly one of them. Unfortunately, many applicants fail to develop and deliver an answer that resonates with their interviewers.    In this episode, Dr. Rajani Katta and Dr. Samir Desai provide a detailed approach to developing a winning answer to this important question. By the end of the episode, you'll know exactly how to transform your current answer into a more powerful one. Learn how to show your interviewers what you have to offer and why you're a great fit for their school. 

After all those hours spent in class and studying for the MCAT, not to mention poring over your application and personal statement to make sure it's just right, you've received the words you've been waiting to hear. "We would like to invite you for an interview..."     The final hurdle in the medical school admissions process is the interview. But how important is it really? A review of discussion forums reveals very different views. Some students believe that the interview is merely a formality and that the decision has already been made. Others maintain that you must take it as seriously as your GPA and MCAT.   Join Dr. Rajani Katta and Dr. Samir Desai as they discuss the medical school interview in great depth and give you an insiders' perspective of its importance and role in the admissions process.