chances at internship/residency program

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ImAVet

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Hi! Sorry in advance if there is another thread like this. I couldn't find one!

I just finished my first year of vet school (what a hell of a ride that was). I didn't finish as strong as I had liked to. I finished with a 3.1 GPA and am wondering if it's too late to bring it up enough to be able to apply to an internship/residency program. My dream place to do both programs is at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, MA. I have shadowed a veterinarian there for a couple of years and still have a good relationship with her. I also worked at the MSPCA animal shelter next door. I just love that place!

I start my second year on Monday (hurray for 2+2 programs!). This next IP I am hoping to get a 4.0 since it will be a lighter load. I am hoping it brings up my GPA but wanted to know if GPA is what most programs look at the most over everything else. What are strategies are there to better my chances at getting into an internship and residency program in the near future if my GPA doesn't turn out to be that competitive?

Thank you in advance for the advice! :)

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What specialty are you hoping to pursue? A GPA of 3.1 definitely isn't low enough to consider giving up going for an internship/residency at this point.

I would recommend starting to get involved with research now if you aren't already, having research experience +/- publications definitely helps if you're lacking in the GPA department. The most important aspect of your application are your LORs though, so make sure to cultivate strong relationships with boarded specialists in the area you are hoping to specialize in.
 
What specialty are you hoping to pursue? A GPA of 3.1 definitely isn't low enough to consider giving up going for an internship/residency at this point.

I would recommend starting to get involved with research now if you aren't already, having research experience +/- publications definitely helps if you're lacking in the GPA department. The most important aspect of your application are your LORs though, so make sure to cultivate strong relationships with boarded specialists in the area you are hoping to specialize in.

Thanks for your reply! I am interested in a few specialties..... dermatology (I like parasitology and other icky stuff about the skin) and internal medicine (which the veterinarian that I shadowed and still have a good relationship with is board certified in).... I am a little interested in optho (but eyes still kind of creep me out...I am just fascinated at the idea that I can work with any species if I pursue that). I am also fascinated with parasitology but would not know what kind of specialist I need to be?

Thanks for your advice. I am going to make sure to cultivate those relationships. That is my goal once I step into clinics. Any other things I can try? I really do not enjoy research. :(
 
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Thanks for your reply! I am interested in a few specialties..... dermatology (I like parasitology and other icky stuff about the skin) and internal medicine (which the veterinarian that I shadowed and still have a good relationship with is board certified in).... I am a little interested in optho (but eyes still kind of creep me out...I am just fascinated at the idea that I can work with any species if I pursue that). I am also fascinated with parasitology but would not know what kind of specialist I need to be?

Thanks for your advice. I am going to make sure to cultivate those relationships. That is my goal once I step into clinics. Any other things I can try? I really do not enjoy research. :(

Most of the profs that taught parasitology at my vet school were ACVM boarded (American College of Veterinary Microbiologists), I believe there is a parasitology subspecialty within that: About the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists.

And even though you don't enjoy research, it is an important component of many residencies. I'm not that familiar with the specialties you mentioned and their specific residency requirements, but there are many residency programs (particularly in academia) that require a concurrent MSc/PhD or an original research project from their residents. It's definitely an advantage if a residency candidate already has experience conducting research, writing in a scientific manner, presenting research at poster presentations/conferences, etc prior to starting their residency.
 
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Most of the profs that taught parasitology at my vet school were ACVM boarded (American College of Veterinary Microbiologists), I believe there is a parasitology subspecialty within that: About the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists.

And even though you don't enjoy research, it is an important component of many residencies. I'm not that familiar with the specialties you mentioned and their specific residency requirements, but there are many residency programs (particularly in academia) that require a concurrent MSc/PhD or an original research project from their residents. It's definitely an advantage if a residency candidate already has experience conducting research, writing in a scientific manner, presenting research at poster presentations/conferences, etc prior to starting their residency.

Thank you for your advice. I will try and look for research opportunities! This summer I am hopefully doing an externship at the animal hospital I wish to do both internship and residency programs. So, hopefully that will help my case. I will network network network!!! :)
 
Most of the profs that taught parasitology at my vet school were ACVM boarded (American College of Veterinary Microbiologists), I believe there is a parasitology subspecialty within that: About the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists.

And even though you don't enjoy research, it is an important component of many residencies. I'm not that familiar with the specialties you mentioned and their specific residency requirements, but there are many residency programs (particularly in academia) that require a concurrent MSc/Ph.D. or an original research project from their residents. It's definitely an advantage if a residency candidate already has experience conducting research, writing in a scientific manner, presenting research at poster presentations/conferences, etc prior to starting their residency.
Hi! thank you so much for your advice. I just have a question. I'm interested in Diagnostic Imaging and Anesthesiology. Do you think if I select residency programs from both in my order list, it won't affect to be chosen?
Fortunately, I have two publications and three poster presentations/conferences. But I'm somewhat less skilled.
 
Hi! thank you so much for your advice. I just have a question. I'm interested in Diagnostic Imaging and Anesthesiology. Do you think if I select residency programs from both in my order list, it won't affect to be chosen?
Fortunately, I have two publications and three poster presentations/conferences. But I'm somewhat less skilled.

If you apply to two different specialties, it's going to be hard for you to write a convincing letter of intent that not only is valid for both, but is also specific. I think you'd be hard pressed to match anywhere without being able to convince the programs that you're committed to their specialty (and only to that...not split between two options). They won't be able to see where else you apply (they may or may not ask), but I think their perception of your commitment to their specialty will be impacted if you apply to both.
 
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If you apply to two different specialties, it's going to be hard for you to write a convincing letter of intent that not only is valid for both, but is also specific. I think you'd be hard pressed to match anywhere without being able to convince the programs that you're committed to their specialty (and only to that...not split between two options). They won't be able to see where else you apply (they may or may not ask), but I think their perception of your commitment to their specialty will be impacted if you apply to both.
@hivex I strongly second all of this. Also remember that the profession is very small and that its very possible that programs would find out you cross applied just via accidental word of mouth. It would be tough not to alienate people and convince them you were dedicated to their particular specialty. We had an applicant apply to our ECC program this year who only discussed love of diagnostic imaging in the personal statement, and this application was immediately tossed from our consideration. not sure if the person intended to apply for ECC or was just hoping anyone would consider them, but my mentors immediately (rightfully) dismissed the application.
 
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When the time comes to apply for a residency, you will definitely want to apply to a single specialty. Residency selection committees are looking to invest 3 yr in you and will not take the chance on someone that might be undecided/uncommitted as to which specialty to choose.
 
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