A medical leap of faith
Welcome to “A Leap of Faith” a blog/diary by McGill medical student, Robert Sternszus about applying for a medical residency. To obtain a residency position, students must work through a matching service that provides an open and transparent process. But it is also gruelling, providing equal doses of dramatic and comic moments.
16 March, 2009
10 March, 2009
15 February, 2009
9 February, 2009
1 February, 2009
27 January, 2009
26 January, 2009
18 December, 2008
3 December, 2008
19 November, 2008
16 October, 2008
|
A medical leap of faith: making the right career choice Robert is applying for a residency in pediatric medicine. He agreed to write a blog about the experience partly to relieve the stress and also as a meditation on what he has learned as a medical student and his aspirations as a physician. Coordinated systems for managing residency applications exist in many countries and function in similar ways. In Canada, the matching service is called CaRMs for Canadian Resident Matching Service. Medical students apply to the schools they want to attend and following a process of interviews and mutual evaluation, they are ultimately matched for a residency position at one of 17 medical schools across the country. The CaRMS stops receiving applications on December 1. During the National Interview Period (January 24 to February 15) students are interviewed at the schools where they have applied. Both the students and the Faculties then submit their ranked choices to CaRMS. Then on March 9 the CaRMS computer spits out a match.  It sounds simple, but it is, in fact, a series of choices or as Robert calls them, leaps of faith. First each student must choose a specialty. Then they must decide where they want to apply; decide what they want to include in their applications and personal statements.After the interviews at each of the schools, they send their priority list to CaRMS, knowing that at the same time the schools are submitting their preferred choice of students. Then they wait, while simultaneously preparing for their final exams for Match Day on March 9. Join Robert as he goes through each step of this process and send him comments to help keep his spirits up. |
CJAD Radio interview, December 13, 2008
Comments
Robbie,
Why am I not surprised that you were chosen to do this? Why will I not be surprised when you get the perfect match, the one ( or ones) that you most want? You were a terrific kid, you are a wonderful adult, and you will be an extraordinary doctor. Whatever hospital gets you, I have no doubt will have very lucky patients.
Love, Lois
“A leap of faith”, what a wonderfully apt title for the “process” of residency application, and, come to think of it, for life in general. Leap away Robbie!Wherever you land you will no doubt learn a lot and make it a great place to prepare for the the next leap.
What a neat idea! I just wanted to let you know that your little buddy is off her medication and back up North…Hoping to work with you again! Good luck.
Who knew that intense “Russian Hockey” therapy would lead to this? Speaking of hockey, “A leap of faith” also explains fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs (I’m being kind here). In truth, life is a leap of faith (coupled with some weaving and bobbing). I have enormous confidence in your decision making and your family support to help you with this and any decision! Enjoy the ride.
We have had the privilege of watching you grow up,and we have also already fortunately or unfortunately had the opportunity to experience your compassion and your ability to move the health system in the direction it should go. You my friend can make anything happen and your choice of residency as I do feel you will be able to ultimately make your choice, will be a place that recognizes and is prepared to be its very best. Love the Mestels
You will be missed my friend… It was a pleasure to have you caring for our little girl. We arrived at the NICU in total panic with great sadness but through your actions and attitude you were able to calm us down and made the whole event more bearable.
I wish you good luck and a happy career (STAY WITH THE CHILDREN’S !!!!!)
Just to add to my dearest husband comment - Thank you - thank you - thank you! We miss you! You are going to be an amazing doctor - you certainly have a gift. Good luck with your search and let us know if you open a pediatric practice in Montreal :-).
Rob, your simply amazing.
From cheerios and bagels on browning, to scalpels and stethoscopes - I love you man.
Keep up the great work.
reading loyally as always,
your boy,
Mike
It was great seeing you again today and thanks for comming by to see Isabelle. Good luck with the rest of the interviews.
Je trouve votre démarche intéressante pour le choix de votre lieu de résidence. Quant au reste, vous semblez avoir le souci de la personne qui est devant vous et non pas seulement sa pathologie. Cela se reflète dans les commentaires des gens. J’espère que vous conserverez ce côté humain, puisqu’il est primordial.
Je suis ergothérapeute dans le réseau de la santé.
Salut Robert!
Where do you end up Robert. This is very interesting series.
Hello!
Very Interesting post! Thank you for such interesting resource!
PS: Sorry for my bad english, I’v just started to learn this language ;)
See you!
Your, Raiul Baztepo
Hello !! :)
My name is Piter Kokoniz. oOnly want to tell, that your posts are really interesting
And want to ask you: will you continue to post in this blog in future?
Sorry for my bad english:)
Thank you:)
Piter.
Post new comment