Had a few students recently ask me if “research” is necessary to successfully match in #psychiatry.

Simple answer: no (unless applying to a research track.)

A thread

#MedStudentTwitter #psychtwitter

What are some valued items on applications do programs like to see?

Many PDs see @AOA_society, Gold Humanism Honor Society, and university/national awards as markers of success/potential.

#match2021

They are important accolades.

Personally I’m interested in those who started an interest group, speak a 2nd language or advocate for the marginalized than one who never ventured outside the classroom or clinic.

These activities are completely transferable to psychiatric care.

I can get some of these attributes from the residency interview or when I see a *long* track record of activities that would support those attributes.

A score of 280 on @TheUSMLE Step 1 tells me none of that.

Finally hobbies count. Why?

A life outside medicine is important. It clues me into your #wellness and stress management.

Residency training should be universally rigorous and challenging. It’s supposed to be.

I want to know how you might handle it.

(Photos by @unsplash.)