1- US MD
2- Research: High quality experiences w renowned PCCM researchers and great LORs
3- Posters: Handful of posters from med school (non PCCM related), 1 pub from med school (non PCCM)
4- No Sleep or Chief year
5- University: T10
6- 25, went on 14
7- 240s/250s/240s
8- University, #1 Choice, "Top" Reputation
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I have so much I'd love to say about the process, but I'll keep this brief and simply add that I am very happy to discuss with anyone that may find it helpful. IMO, the most impactful parts of my application (my view, did not ask any PDs, etc):
1. Residency program reputation: I think my residency program name may have been especially important this year, when we couldn't meet in person. While this was a huge door-opener at many "top" programs, I do not think this is a pre-requisite to get interviews at these places. Many programs have a "holistic review" and I interviewed alongside many people who came from "academic-affiliated" and non "T50" programs. I list this mainly to acknowledge that I do think it was a factor in my application, but hope that this is not discouraging to others.
2. LOR: With "top" residency program, comes access to prominent figures in the field, who are doing field-leading research. This is why I came here, and I absolutely took advantage of that in developing as a physician-scientist. Working hard and earning their respect, and ultimately getting a great LOR from these individuals went a very long way. I did not have anyone reach out for me pre or post interview, just LOR.
3. Personal Statement: I received great feedback at every interview that my PS was insightful and unique. I think this absolutely helped me to "stand out" even among those from similar training backgrounds; from my perusal of this PCCM section of SDN, it does not seem to be emphasized much. I think you can definitely get by with a more generic PS and that this alone may not get you to a "reach" program, but it is an additional opportunity to tell programs about you and what you are passionate about.
Again, please please reach out to me on here if I can offer any guidance for future applicants or anyone with questions. Hope to have you all as colleagues in the future!