Decided I want to do neurosurgery after summer ended. Did a brain injury project, but no research in the neurosurgery department. Trying to shadow more and make some contacts with residents and attendings. Other than crushing step 1, what else do I need to do and what should I focus on? Am I at a disadvantage for having spent my summer doing something outside of the neurosurgery department, even though it is neuro related?

hey guys,

i need advice on a couple things regarding my letters. I currently have a letter from my PD from my home program, my research mentor at my home, and my other subI. I am about to go on another subi this month but was wondering if I should get a letter from the PD there and have that letter be late? Or should i get another letter from my home program(though considered a junior level attending since they have been practicing for around 5 years after residency)?

my concern is that waiting for the letter from the chair at this subI might not help me since itll be after sept 15th, but he does have a big name. While the letter from home does not have as big a name but would be a good letter. 

I have no idea what to do. What do you guys think?

Hi all,

Quick question re: how journals can impact residency application decisions. To specify, if I'm publishing an article on a subject that is related to NSG care (not necessarily surgical), would it be better to prioritize a journal with high-impact-factor outside the field of NSG (e.g., neurology) or a journal within the NSG field?

Thanks.

Best,
UCLA NSG

Why is there such a lack of transparency in this process?  How hard would it be to require programs to post their total case volume, not to mention the split up between sub-type?  How about the graduating chief numbers?  Why can't they post their number of applicants last year?  How about number of interviews offered?  Average step score for each?

It is simply atrocious that so much of this is kept from us, almost purposefully.  They can misrepresent their program or even flat out lie and I am stuck in a 7-year contract, renewed annually, with minimal ability to make a lateral or upward move.

Anyone out there interested in swapping positions?  Is there a vehicle in place to facilitate this?

What do you guys think about the programs that are run by private groups?

We have a terribly lazy PA all the residents want to leave. Any ideas on how to get ride of him/her? Most of ours attendings are aloof to this fact.

Brand name med school, Step 1 ~ 265, great research, good letters, BUT, only honored 1 clerkship - excellent clinical evals though.

Should I not aim high?

Hi all,

An advisor suggested customizing personal statements for individual programs.

Fine, but doesn't this seem a little disingenuous?  Of course I'm applying to many programs I'm really excited about, but it's such a tough applications process that we are all applying to a ton of places so we can just match somewhere, and programs surely know this.  Is this customization expected?  

Not to mention the statement is so short that it's hard to figure out how to fit this in...

What are your thoughts on this?

Saw another thread on number of programs to apply to. Figured its a good question to ask as well

Step 1: 242 
Average medical school
13 pubs, 18 combined pubs/presentations/posters
All honors in 3rd year

What should I be looking at in number of programs? Named NE programs out of the question (BWH/Penn)?