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.
Anesthesiology
Career Advocates/Specialty Advisors
- Sebastian Thomas
- Robert Calimlim
Mean Scores of Matched Applicants (source: NRMP Charting Outcomes, class of 2020)
STEP 1: 234 (changes to Pass/Fail after January 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 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
Dermatology
Career Advocates/Specialty Advisors
- Ramsay Farah
Mean Scores of Matched Applicants (source: NRMP Charting Outcomes, class of 2020):
STEP 1: 248 (changes to Pass/Fail after January 2022)
STEP 2 CK: 256
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
Emergency Medicine
Career Advocates/Specialty Advisors
- Matthew Sarsfield
Mean Scores of Matched Applicants (source: NRMP Charting Outcomes, class of 2020)
STEP 1: 233 (changes to Pass/Fail after January 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, class of 2020)
STEP 1: 221 (changes to Pass/Fail after January 2022)
STEP 2 CK: 238
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)
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, class of 2020)
STEP 1: 235 (changes to Pass/Fail after January 2022)
STEP 2 CK: 248
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
Opportunities, Networking and Careers in Oncology (ONCO)
Med-Peds
Career Advocates/Specialty Advisors
- Andrea Shaw
- Melissa Schafer
Mean Scores of Matched Applicants (source: NRMP Charting Outcomes, class of 2020)
STEP 1: 236 (changes to Pass/Fail after January 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
Neurology
Career Advocates/Specialty Advisors
- Michael Vertino
Mean Scores of Matched Applicants (source: NRMP Charting Outcomes, class of 2020)
STEP 1: 232 (changes to Pass/Fail after January 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 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
Neurosurgery
Career Advocates/Specialty Advisors
- Larry Chin
Mean Scores of Matched Applicants (source: NRMP Charting Outcomes, class of 2020)
STEP 1: 248 (changes to Pass/Fail after January 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)
Student Group
Ob-Gyn
Career Advocates/Specialty Advisors
-
Leah Kaufman
Mean Scores of Matched Applicants (source: NRMP Charting Outcomes, class of 2020)
STEP 1: 232 (changes to Pass/Fail after January 2022)
STEP 2 CK: 248
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
Ophthalmology
Career Advocates/Specialty Advisors
- Robert Fechtner
- Robert Swan
Average Step Score of Matched Applicants (source: Ophthalmology Residency Match Summary Report/SF Match 2020)
STEP 1: 245 (changes to Pass/Fail after January 2022)
Research Required?
Can reflect an early interest but lack of does not prevent consideration
Acting Internships and Away Electives
1-2 at most. Well- rounded training in medicine and surgery most important
From Whom Should Letters of Recommendation Come?
2 from within specialty and at least 1 from core clerkship, IM or Surgery recommended
Is a Letter from the Chair Required?
No, but chair will meet with all applicants
National Organization
American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)
Student Group
Ortho Surgery
Career Advocates/Specialty Advisors
- Stephen Albanese
Mean Scores of Matched Applicants (source: NRMP Charting Outcomes, class of 2020)
Step 1: 248 (changes to Pass/Fail after January 2022)
Step 2 CK: 255
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
Otolaryngology (ENT)
Career Advocates/Specialty Advisors
- Haidy Marzouk
Mean Scores of Matched Applicants (source: NRMP Charting Outcomes, class of 2020)
Step 1: 248 (changes to Pass/Fail after January 2022)
Step 2 CK: 256
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
Pathology
Career Advocates/Specialty Advisors
-
Michel Nasr
-
Paul Shanley
Mean Scores of Matched Applicants (source: NRMP Charting Outcomes, class of 2020)
Step 1: 233 (changes to Pass/Fail after January 2022)
Step 2 CK: 242
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’t hurt!
National Organizations
College of American Pathologist (CAP)
Pediatrics
Career Advocates/Specialty Advisors
- Gloria Kennedy
- John Ervoes
Mean Scores of Matched Applicants (source: NRMP Charing Outcomes, class of 2020)
Step 1: 228 (changes to Pass/Fail after January 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
PM&R
Career Advocates/Specialty Advisors
- Robert Weber
- Margaret Turk
Mean Scores of Matched Applicants (source: NRMP Charing Outcomes, class of 2020)
Step 1: 228 (changes to Pass/Fail after January 2022)
Step 2 CK: 241
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
Plastic Surgery
Career Advocates/Specialty Advisors
- Prashant Upadhyaya
Mean Scores of Matched Applicants (source: NRMP Charing Outcomes, class of 2020)
Step 1: 249 (changes to Pass/Fail after January 2022)
Step 2 CK: 256
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
Preventative Medicine
Career Advocates/Specialty Advisors
- Travis Hobart
Mean Scores of Matched Applicants (source: CiM/AAMC Characteristics of Entering Residents, 2018/2019):
Step 1: 218 (changes to Pass/Fail after January 2022)
Step 2 CK: 226
Student Group
Psychiatry
Career Advocates/Specialty Advisors
-
Thomas Schwartz
Mean Scores of Matched Applicants (source: NRMP Charting Outcomes, class of 2020)
Step 1: 227 (changes to Pass/Fail after Januaury 2022)
Step 2 CK: 241
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
NOTE: Psychiatry electives and AIs are not included in the elective lottery. If you are interested in a career in Psychiatry or in taking any Psychiatry course during your fourth year, contact Katie Stuenzi at stuenzik@upstate.edu . Ms. Stuenzi typically meets with third-year students for initial fourth-year planning meetings beginning in January.
Radiation Oncology
Career Advocates/Specialty Advisors
-
Paul Aridgides
Mean Scores of Matched Applicants (source: NRMP Charting Outcomes, class of 2020)
Step 1: 243 (changes to Pass/Fail after January 2022)
Step 2 CK: 250
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, class of 2020)
Step 1: 241 Diagnostic; 247 Interventional (changes to Pass/Fail after January 2022)
Step 2 CK: 249 Diagnostic; 255 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
Radiology Society of North America
Student Groups
Surgery
Career Advocates/Specialty Advisors
- Andreas Meier
- Robert Cooney
- Jeffrey Albright
Mean Scores of Matched Applicants (source: NRMP Charting Outcomes, class of 2020)
Step 1: 237 (changes to Pass/Fail after January 2022)
Step 2 CK: 249
Research Required?
Can reflect diversity of interests; does not prevent consideration
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 Chest Physicians
American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons
Student Groups
Urology
Career Advocates/ Specialty Advisors
- Gennady Bratslavsky
- Matt Mason
- Elizabeth Ferry
Mean Scores of Matched Applicants (source: CiM/AAMC Characteristics of Entering Residents, 2018-2019)
Step 1: 243 (changes to Pass/Fail after January 2022)
Step 2 CK: 247
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?
From within specialty is best.
Is a Letter from the Chair Required?
No, but noticed if absent
National Organization
American Urologist Association (AUA)
Student Group
Vascular Surgery
Career Advocates/Specialty Advisors
- Palma Shaw
Mean Scores of Matched Applicants (source: NRMP Charting Outcomes, class of 2020)
Step 1: 239 (changes to Pass/Fail after January 2022)
Step 2 CK: 247
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.