The glorious season is upon us. Yes, it is finally autumn. But it is also the season of ERAS with all of its letters of recommendation, USMLE scores, medical school transcripts, and personal statements.
I have dutifully reviewed dozens of applicants whose last names begin with the letters “T” through “Z.” I have noted the test scores and grades. I have considered the caliber of medical school and whether the LORs contain the terms “give my highest recommendation” versus “recommend without reservation.” I have noted that most of the applicants profess that they enjoy running, cooking and traveling as hobbies. Almost all admire the “resiliency of pediatric patients.” All of that is necessary and part of the process, but what do I — as someone who has been an associate program director for seven-plus years — really want to know about you?
1. How will you respond to adversity? You have conquered Gross Anatomy and made it through your psychiatry rotation. You have taken many tests and shown up to lots of rotations and earned at least adequate grades, and you are still standing. So you do know something about adversity. Some of you know much more than others. But I’m talking about a whole new level of stress. You will have some actual responsibility for real human lives now and notes to write and conferences to get to and nights of call. The responsibility and sleep deprivation may be a shock to your system, a slap in the face. How will you respond? Are you resilient? This word is the most important one of all. It trumps smart and efficient and empathetic. It’s the one that allows you to keep going. I wish I could assess resiliency. I wish I could teach resilience. That’s something I am working on.
Your patients are rating you online: How to respond. Manage your online reputation: A social media guide. Find out how.
