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Specialty-Specific Information

The most comprehensive and dynamic source for specialty information is the AAMC's Careers in Medicine (CiM) site.  Instead of duplicating all their good work here, we simply refer you to their log-in page (use your AAMC log in):  Careers in Medicine (CiM) 

Below you will find information regarding each specialty provided by Upstate, including specialty advisors, national organizations and student clubs.

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Anesthesiology

Career Advocates/Specialty Advisors

  • Sebastian Thomas
  • Matthew Dabski

Mean Scores of Matched Applicants (source: NRMP Charting Outcomes 2022)

STEP 2 CK: 248

Research Required?

No; May be attractive to most competitive programs

Acting Internships and Away Electives

Do Acting Internship here first and aways if interested in specific programs 

From Whom Should Letters of Recommendation Come?

1-2 from Anes; others from acute care

Is a Letter from the Chair Required?

Specialty does not; some programs do

National Organization

American Association of Anesthesiologists (ASA)

Student Groups

Anesthesiology Interest Club

Chronic Pain and Addiction Medicine Group

Dermatology

Career Advocates/Specialty Advisors

  • Ramsay Farah

Mean Scores of Matched Applicants (source:  NRMP Charting Outcomes 2022):

STEP 2 CK: 257

Research Required?

Always a bonus; Scholarly endeavors just as impressive as bench-side work

Acting Internships and Away Electives

Away is important since there is no program here.  Take elective here first

From Whom Should Letters of Recommendation Come?

Dermatologists from academic institutions preferred.

Is a Letter from the Chair Required?

See Above

National Organization

American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)

Student Group

Dermatology Interest Group

Emergency Medicine

Career Advocates/Specialty Advisors

  • Jennifer Campoli
  • Kayla Dueland-Kuhn

Mean Scores of Matched Applicants (source: NRMP Charting Outcomes 2022)

STEP 2 CK: 247

Research Required?

Not Required

Acting Internships and Away Electives

Complete Acting Internship here first. More programs are recommending or requiring aways.

From Whom Should Letters of Recommendation Come?

At least 2 SLOE-format letters required from Academic EM faculty

Is a Letter from the Chair Required?

No

National Organizations

American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP)

Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM)

Emergency Medicine Residents Association (EMRA)

Student Group

Emergency Medicine Interest Group

 

Family Medicine

Career Advocates/Specialty Advisors

  • Heather Finn

Mean Scores of Matched Applicants (source: NRMP Charting Outcomes 2022)

STEP 2 CK: 241

Research Required?

No, but may be a “stand out” feature, especially if in a clinically relevant topic or showcases something you’re passionate about

Acting Internships and Away Electives

Acting Internships are very important.  Aways can be helpful if you show up and shine right away at a specific program of interest.  Otherwise, not required.

From Whom Should Letters of Recommendation Come?

Get 4 with at least 1 from FM, but strong letters from Primary Care work too. Best letters are those who know you well.

Is a Letter from the Chair Required?

No. Letters should be from docs who worked with you.

National Organization

American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)

Student Groups

Family Medicine Student Organization (FMSO)

Sports Medicine Club

Additional Resources

Information provided by Dr. Heather Finn, Assistant Professor of Family Medicine (updated 5-5-2020)

Internal Medicine

Career Advocates/Specialty Advisors

  • Stephen Knohl

  • Zachary Shepherd

Mean Scores of Matched Applicants (source: NRMP Charting Outcomes 2022)

STEP 2 CK: 249

Research Required?

Not required; but attractive

Acting Internships and Away Electives

Acting Internship here; Specialty does not expect Aways.

From Whom Should Letters of Recommendation Come?

Chair; 1-2 from IM faculty here; 1-2 from strong clinical advocate

Is a Letter from the Chair Required?

Yes

National Organizations

American College of Physicians (ACP)

American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM)

American Geriatric Society (AGS)

Student Groups

Internal Medicine Interest Group

Cardiology Club

Endocrinology Club

Geriatrics Interest Group

Opportunities, Networking and Careers in Oncology (ONCO)

 

Med-Peds

Career Advocates/Specialty Advisors

  • Andrea Shaw
  • Melissa Schafer
  • Jessica Mayer

Mean Scores of Matched Applicants (source: NRMP Charting Outcomes 2022)

STEP 2 CK: 250

Research Required?

Not required but could add to a “holistic” review of application

Acting Internships and Away Electives

Acting Internships are key. Complete either Med or Peds as an AI, whichever is the weaker specialty for the student, or both.  If the student received a "Pass" in both medicine and peds, that student should do two AI's.  Otherwise, Medicine is preferred over peds if grades are above pass and equal or not able to do both. The quality and intensity of the experience is most important and should reflect independent responsibility for increased number of patients.  Regarding Away Electives: this is a residency that Upstate does not currently offer, so it may be allowable to do an away rotation, especially if travel is minimized.

From Whom Should Letters of Recommendation Come?

Aside from chair letters, LoRs should come from those who know you well.

Is a Letter from the Chair Required?

Recommended from each specialty

National Organization

National Med-Peds Residents' Association

Student Group

Med-Peds Interest Group

Neurology

Career Advocates/Specialty Advisors

  • Michael Vertino

Mean Scores of Matched Applicants (source: NRMP Charting Outcomes 2022)

STEP 2 CK: 246

Research Required?

No; May be attractive to most competitive programs

Acting Internships and Away Electives

Do Acting Internship here first and aways if very interested in specific programs 

From Whom Should Letters of Recommendation Come?

Majority from Neuro, but strong letters are most important

Is a Letter from the Chair Required?

No, but could help

National Organization

American Academy of Neurology (AAN)

Student Group

Student Interest Group in Neurology

Neurosurgery

Career Advocates/Specialty Advisors

  • Satish Krishnamurthy
  • Grahame Gould
  • Lawrence Chin

Mean Scores of Matched Applicants (source: NRMP Charting Outcomes 2022)

STEP 2 CK: 252

Research Required?

Generally, a strong consideration.  Essential for some programs.

Acting Internships and Away Electives

Do Acting Internship here first and aways if interested in specific programs 

From Whom Should Letters of Recommendation Come?

Best to come from within specialty

Is a Letter from the Chair Required?

No, but unusual not to have one

National Organization

American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS)

 

Ob-Gyn

Career Advocates/Specialty Advisors

  • Maureen Burke

Mean Scores of Matched Applicants (source: NRMP Charting Outcomes 2022)

STEP 2 CK: 249 (one part of holistic review)

Research Required?

Not required but helps to stand out; most competitive will require.

Acting Internships and Away Electives

Do Acting Internship here first and aways if interested in specific programs 

From Whom Should Letters of Recommendation Come?

Generally need 3 strong letters with knowledge of student most important. Usually in ObGyn and Chair

Is a Letter from the Chair Required?

No, but can help

National Organization

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)

Student Group

OB/GYN Interest Group

Additional Resources

Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics (APGO)

 

 

Ophthalmology

Career Advocates/Specialty Advisors

  • Robert Fechtner
  • Robert Swan

Matched mean from USMLE Data (source: Ophthalmology Residency Match Summary Report 2022)

247

Research Required?

Not required, but this is becoming more important now that USMLE Step 1 is Pass/Fail

Acting Internships and Away Electives

Usually two months are completed with at least one at Upstate.  Away rotations are not required but can demonstrate an interest in a specific program or region.

From Whom Should Letters of Recommendation Come?

Typically two from within specialty and one from a core clerkship, usually IM or Surgery

Is a Letter from the Chair Required?

No, but chair will meet with all applicants

National Organization

American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)

Student Group

Ophthalmology Club

Ortho Surgery

Career Advocates/Specialty Advisors

  • Matthew Sullivan

Mean Scores of Matched Applicants (source: NRMP Charting Outcomes 2022)

Step 2 CK: 256

Research Required?

Varies by program. Quality of project and level of participation most important.

Acting Internships and Away Electives

1-2 Aways almost a “requirement” and serve as an extended interview

From Whom Should Letters of Recommendation Come?

Generally from within specialty.  Since field is small considered more carefully.

Is a Letter from the Chair Required?

No, but noticed if absent

National Organization

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)

Student Group

Orthopedic Surgery Club

Otolaryngology (ENT)

Career Advocates/Specialty Advisors

  • Mark Arnold
  • Amar Suryadevara
  • Mark Marzouk

Mean Scores of Matched Applicants (source: NRMP Charting Outcomes 2022)

Step 2 CK: 257

Research Required?

Strongly recommended

Acting Internships and Away Electives

Do elective here first and aways if interested in specific programs 

From Whom Should Letters of Recommendation Come?

Mostly from within specialty

Is a Letter from the Chair Required?

Yes

National Organization

American Academy of Otolaryngology (ENT)

Student Group

Otolaryngology/ENT Club

Pathology

Career Advocates/Specialty Advisors

  • Michel Nasr

  • Paul Shanley

Mean Scores of Matched Applicants (source: NRMP Charting Outcomes 2022)

Step 2 CK: 245

Research Required?

Always a bonus

Acting Internships and Away Electives

Do rotation here first and aways if interested in specific programs 

From Whom Should Letters of Recommendation Come?

A mixture;  people who know you and can attest to your ability to work well with others

Is a Letter from the Chair Required?

No, but couldn’t hurt!

National Organizations

College of American Pathologist (CAP)

American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP)

The Intersociety Committee on Pathology Information, Inc.

Pediatrics

Career Advocates/Specialty Advisors

  • Gloria Kennedy
  • Matthew Mittiga

Mean Scores of Matched Applicants (source: NRMP Charing Outcomes 2022)

Step 2 CK: 245

Research Required?

No; May be attractive to most competitive programs

Acting Internships and Away Electives

Do Acting Internship here first and aways if interested in specific programs 

From Whom Should Letters of Recommendation Come?

2-3 from peds faculty who can write you a “strong” letter.

Is a Letter from the Chair Required?

Varies by program but chair here will meet with all applicants

National Organization

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

Student Group

Docs for Tots

PM&R

Career Advocates/Specialty Advisors

  • Robert Weber
  • Margaret Turk

Mean Scores of Matched Applicants (source: NRMP Charing Outcomes 2022)

Step 2 CK: 242

Research Required?

No, but may be a “stand out” topic during interview

Acting Internships and Away Electives

Do elective here first and aways if interested in specific programs 

From Whom Should Letters of Recommendation Come?

Strong letters are best, regardless of specialty. At least one letter from a physiatrist.

Is a Letter from the Chair Required?

No.  Letters should be from docs who worked with you.

National Organization

American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (AAPM&R)

Student Groups

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Interest Group

Sports Medicine Group

Chronic Pain and Addiction Medicine Group

Plastic Surgery

Career Advocates/Specialty Advisors

  • Bodhan Fedczuk (Binghamton)
  • Alexander Kaminsky (Binghamton)
  • Please contact Lisa Reitz at Lisa.Reitz@nyuhs.org to set up a time to meet with these advisors.

Mean Scores of Matched Applicants (source: NRMP Charing Outcomes 2022)

Step 2 CK: 257

Research Required?

Yes and most desirable if in plastics though strong activity in other fields is good.

Acting Internships and Away Electives

1-2 Aways almost a “requirement” and serve as an extended interview.

From Whom Should Letters of Recommendation Come?

From within specialty is best.

Is a Letter from the Chair Required?

N/A

National Organization

American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Student Group

Surgery Club

Association of Women Surgeons

Preventative Medicine

Career Advocates/Specialty Advisors

  • Travis Hobart

Mean Scores of Matched Applicants (source: CiM/AAMC Characteristics of Entering Residents, 2018/2019):

Step 2 CK: 226

Student Group

Integrative Medicine Interest Group

Psychiatry

Career Advocates/Specialty Advisors

  • Thomas Schwartz

Mean Scores of Matched Applicants (source: NRMP Charting Outcomes 2022)

Step 2 CK: 242

Research Required?

No; May be attractive and assist in ranking if published

Acting Internships and Away Electives

Do Acting Internship here first and aways if interested in specific programs 

From Whom Should Letters of Recommendation Come?

From within specialty is best.

Is a Letter from the Chair Required?

No

National Organizations

American Psychiatric Association (APA)

American Academy of Child Psychiatry (AACAP)

Student Group

Psychiatry Club

Radiation Oncology

Career Advocates/Specialty Advisors

  • Paul Aridgides

Mean Scores of Matched Applicants (source: NRMP Charting Outcomes 2022)

Step 2 CK: 249

Research Required?

No; May be helpful

Acting Internships and Away Electives

Do Acting Internship here first and aways if interested in specific programs 

From Whom Should Letters of Recommendation Come?

At least 2 from within specialty

Is a Letter from the Chair Required?

No, but unusual not to have one

National Organizations

American College of Radiation Oncology (ACRO)

American Society for Therapeutic Radiology & Oncology (ASTRO)

Radiology

Career Advocates/Specialty Advisors

  • Michele Lisi

  • Hal Cohen

Mean Scores of Matched Applicants (source: NRMP Charting Outcomes 2022)

Step 2 CK: 253 Diagnostic; 253 Interventional

Research Required?

No; May be helpful

Acting Internships and Away Electives

Specialty does not have traditional AI’s. Aways not required.  Strong performance in electives is essential.

From Whom Should Letters of Recommendation Come?

Two from within specialty and another from a different specialty.

Is a Letter from the Chair Required?

No.

National Organizations

American College of Radiology

Radiology Society of North America

Student Groups

Radiology Interest Club

Surgery

Career Advocates/Specialty Advisors

  • Andreas Meier
  • Robert Cooney
  • Michael Archer

Mean Scores of Matched Applicants (source: NRMP Charting Outcomes 2022)

Step 2 CK: 250

Research Required?

Research experience is not required but considered a plus. We strive to be holistic in our candidate evaluation and therefore recommend to add life experiences, accomplishments and awards to the application.

Acting Internships and Away Electives

Do Acting Internship here first and aways if interested in specific programs 

From Whom Should Letters of Recommendation Come?

Preferably from within specialty

Is a Letter from the Chair Required?

No, but pretty much a given if student is passionate about Surgery

National Organizations

American College of Surgeons

American College of Chest Physicians

American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons

Student Groups

Surgery Club

Vascular Surgery Interest Group

Association of Women Surgeons

Urology

Career Advocates/ Specialty Advisors

  • Matt Mason
  • Elizabeth Ferry
  • Gennady Bratslavsky

Mean Scores of Matched Applicants (source: AAMC/CiM Competitiveness)

Step 2 CK: 252

Research Required?

Not required but highly recommended, especially specialty-specific

Acting Internships and Away Electives

Complete first at home program, followed by 1-3 away AIs

From Whom Should Letters of Recommendation Come?

From within specialty

Is a Letter from the Chair Required?

While not technically required, highly recommended/red flag when absent

National Organization

American Urologist Association (AUA)

Student Group

Urology Club

Vascular Surgery

Career Advocates/Specialty Advisors

  • Palma Shaw

Mean Scores of Matched Applicants (source:  NRMP Charting Outcomes 2022)

Step 2 CK: 250

Research Required?

No, but is attractive to most competitive programs

Acting Internships and Away Electives

Doing an Acting Internship here would allow better exposure to the faculty to help with getting a good letter

From Whom Should Letters of Recommendation Come?

It is better if this person has some national recognition for the field.

Is a Letter from the Chair Required?

If you worked with the chair.  Otherwise, of little value.

National Groups

Society for Vascular Surgery

Student Groups

Surgery Club

Vascular Surgery Interest Group

Association of Women Surgeons

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