(Newswire.net — August 17, 2021) —
Every individual in every corner of the world has felt the shifts evoked by the pandemic over the past 18 months. However, medical professionals have been witnessing the impact first-hand. Those in school to become practitioners of medicine are dealing with unprecedented changes in their residency structure.
Changing timelines, interview structures, and increased competition when applying to professional residencies across the US have introduced new challenges and, therefore, required new solutions.
Groups such as Residents Medical Group are stepping in to help medical students adjust to these shifts and even use them to their advantage. Let’s explore how the residency landscape has changed due to the pandemic and how Residents Medical is bridging the gap so students can achieve their goals in a post-pandemic world.
Shorter Application Timeline
The residency application timeline has been shortened as every institution has to make up for the lost time. It’s no secret that medical students are already strained in full-time school, and therefore, less time for their applications to residency programs can add extra pressure.
Residents Medical Group offers an AHIMA Clinical Document Specialist Certification program that is intended to help you understand how to have your application stand out amongst the competition. The program assists in honing the applicant’s skill set to stay relevant in the ever-changing residency landscape. Additionally, the program gives you access to the Residents Medical/AHIMA-certified network, which provides ample opportunity for an applicant to engage with an insightful community of experts that they would not otherwise have access to.
Limited Away Rotations
Away rotations are an integral part of many medical students’ residencies. The opportunity to spend some time in a place you would not regularly consider can open your mind to entirely new experiences. In fact, many students choose their full-time residency location based on their away rotation experience.
The pandemic meant travel was restricted, and even when it was allowed, it was complicated. Thus, fewer away rotations took place across the country. Therefore, many students were unfortunately stripped of their opportunity to explore a new location that could potentially change their perspective and perhaps even their medical career.
Residents Medical Group has found a solution to these missed opportunities in their Externships program. Their university-based and community-based teaching hospital programs are located across the country and offer students the hands-on experience they may have missed due to the pandemic. Best of all, Residents Medical gives you the option to choose your externship location to try something new and build connections wherever you go, which will ultimately help you when you are finding your full-time residency.
Fewer In-person Interviews
The pandemic likely expedited an inevitable shift towards virtual application processes like those now being used by many residency programs. This shift has been uncomfortable for the less technologically savvy and those who prefer face-to-face communication.
So, how is the proliferation of virtual interviews as opposed to in-person ones changing medical residencies? Both applicants and hosts are now able to extend their reach beyond where they could be pre-pandemic. Those in the far reaches of the country who were once limited to just the opportunities close by due to travel costs can now apply and interview with less expense.
On the other hand, this means more competition when attempting to become a Doctor of Medicine. With fewer barriers to entry, there will be many more applicants for each residency, creating difficulties for both parties. Additionally, the new virtual interview method can be more difficult for some who prefer the comforts of speaking to someone in person. On the other hand, some might benefit from the pandemic adaptation. Thus, the playing field has shifted to benefit some while hurting others.
Residents Medical Group offers an interview training program that operates according to the notion that “You only have one chance to make a first impression.” By integrating preparation tools and providing mock interview practice with former deans and program directors, Residents Medical Group is closing the gap created by the pandemic. This program allows students to polish their interview skills so that they are ready to handle any curveball that comes their way and ace the interview.
Adjusting to the Shifting Residency Program Landscape
Residents Medical Group is an organization on a mission to help medical students adjust to the recent changes in their field. This is a moment in history that everyone – irrespective of their industry – has been adapting to. However, as it pertains to those in medical school attempting to achieve their medical license through their medical residencies, the pandemic has been both challenging and eye-opening.
Through programs offered by Residents Medical Group, medical students can bridge the gaps and overcome the obstacles created by the pandemic to achieve their impressive goals.