Iserson’s Getting Into a Residency: A Guide for Medical Students
Iserson’s Getting Into a Residency: A Guide for Medical Students
The best review #1:
Let me start by first saying that if you don’t have this blue book, you’re missing on an important piece of the pie of getting into a residency in the US. This book has it all and it starts from the very beginning.
The first part helps students pick out their specialty. An extensive text explaining each and every specialty with its pros, cons and fellowships are written in minute details. From how many people are accepted per year to how much money these guys make in the end. It even goes to what personality may fit a specific specialty. The book is the most widely used text for students who have still yet to find their calling in a medical specialty. After reading the chapter, you will definitely know where you want to go and you will actually have your reasons for making such a decision.
The second part takes you on an overview of all th exams that a person has to complete and what they actually mean when a person does them. A section on the IMG exams of CSA and TOEFL are also highlghted.
The third part talked about the application process. Everything is covered. From what you have to wear for your interview, how you get there, and how you even pack your suitcase is shown in diagrams and illustrations. Iserson goes into the details of the interview extensively and actually gives out a detailed array of what are the major areas of questioning applicants maybe asked in their interview. As a person who has gone through this gruelling process recently, a lot of what has been written gets actually asked.
IMGs are covered in some chapters of the book and there is one whole chapter that talks exclusively about them. Though, the chapters are good, there are better texts that have been written for IMGs. This book, however, can be used to cover everything else in that matter.
Though it’s an extensive read, it’s really worth it and since the book is moving on to its sixth edition (last edition, 5th, was in 2000), it means further demand is making this book as popular as ever and still the number one reference to a great number of medical students.
The best review #2:
Thought I would give you pros and cons of the residency books out there. This from someone who has probably all of them. Here goes:
1) Getting into a residency (by Iserson) – Pros: detailed, comprehensive, excellent for helping you choose specialty, good section on interviewing. Cons: can be too dense, sometimes you read a chapter and wonder what should I have taken away from it, personal statement section doesn’t have too much info
2) First aid for the match (by Le) – Pros: not as long as Iserson, has personal statement examples, has CV examples. Cons: interview section not as extensive, not as good if you don’t know what specialty you want to go into.
3) The Successful Match (by Katta) – Pros: actual quotes from program directors on what they are looking for, stats on how you stack up compared to people who have gotten into specialty before, easy to access key info from chapters, has personal statement examples, has CV examples, gives you info on how to answer interview questions Cons: not a book to help you figure out specialty if you are undecided
4) The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Medical Specialty – Pros: great if you don’t know what specialty you are going into, lot of info on helping you decide specialty choice. Cons: Not as good as the others on actually getting you into a residency
Good luck!
Iserson’s Getting Into a Residency: A Guide for Medical Students
Categorised as: Iserson's Getting Into a Residency