ERAS Application/Residency Application STEP BY STEP - Part 1

[@tk567]

I’m a USMF student and this has been helpful. Thank you. Trying to get an idea of ERAS before it opens.

[@ashpatel6715]

This is so helpful, Dr V! Thanks so much for your thoughtful video

[@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987]

thank you 💚

[@jo8980]

So thoughtful of you to do this Dr. Solanki! Thanks so much.

[@RP-Meier]

Awesome video, V! Excellent tips on how to optimize the application!

[@MadameWinnell]

So timely! Thank you so much for this video!!

[@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987]

Happy to help! Good luck :)

[@zeeryos102]

Awesome Dr. V!

[@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987]

Thank you!!

[@russelseq]

Great video! Thank you!

[@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987]

AW THANK YOU!

[@Mariam-rz1qv]

May you please make a video about the ways to master English for an IMG to be functionally native? Thank you very much

[@therealscrubbedout]

Thanks for the video - I'm an IMG myself and this would have been helpful at the time!

[@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987]

SAME - I WISH I HAD THIS LAST YEAR!! I would have PAID money for someone to run me through all this but HEY, that's how you learn right!! Just happy to pass on the info for others :)

[@priyatadutta5799]

Very well described. Should we describe work experience in bullet form or paragraph form ? And observership under work experience or volunteer experience in ERAS app?

[@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987]

Hey, whichever way you choose, be consistent throughout the app. I personally had the experiences section in a paragraph format. In terms of the USCE, I have read that people put it in their work or volunteer sections. If you went to a Caribbean med school then your rotations will already be in your MSPE depending on your medical school.

[@deeptanshujain7453]

Hi, thanks for making this! Would you recommend using the new email ID for the ECFMG token as well?

[@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987]

Hey! I think if you have it before the token, that's great. I personally didnt have the idea of getting a new email just for match season till later on but on the portal I was able to change the email in the personal info section. So either way youll be able to change it later on also! Good luck.

[@deeptanshujain7453]

@@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987 Thank you so much for the comprehensive reply! 😁

[@FG-ng1cy]

Great video! Would you mind to make a video on how to succeed in residency. Thanks!

[@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987]

I make videos from my experiences so once I get myself successfully through intern year, I do plan on making a video! Thank you for the suggestion :)

[@ktti349]

Preferences on Paragraph vs Bulletin point style?

[@ChrisMDMagic]

hello Dr. V, after you enter the details that was covered in this video, can you still return back to them to modify them? For example the BLS, ACLS, and PALS certification. Can I go back to it and check it as soon as I can accomplish it? Thank you

[@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987]

hey , thanks for the great question! I answer this in my second video (check link above) - after you submit the application you CANNOT change most of the information. The things you can change are only: personal information like address/numbers, NRMP ID, upload LORs, etc. Once you submit the application - you cannot change much else from the application section - so make sure you have all your experience sections, personal statements, etc. all edited and uploaded before the deadline date!! GOOD LUCK

[@ZeeMosaic]

yes until and unless you submit it to programs.

[@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987]

@@ZeeMosaic yes - thank you

[@onezakothawala7538]

Thank you so much for doing this! One question- where in my ERAS application could I put down a cultural exchange year spent in France?

[@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987]

Hey! If you did volunteering work there as part of the program, you can put it under volunteer experience or if you had a job there you can put it under work experience, same thing if you did research, put it under research experience. If none of those, than you can add it under hobbies and interest - "#. travelling & experiencing different cultures - spent a year in France, etc" - hope this help!

[@onezakothawala7538]

@@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987 thank you!

[@thedimension19]

Thank you very much for this video.Was very detailed and helpful. Please quick questions: 1) For the MSPE, am I supposed to contact my school to inform them about my application or is there a link to follow on the ERAS application to notify my school? 2) For LORs am I supposed to get the letters from my recommenders and upload on ERAS or is there a segment to fill in my recommenders’ emails so the links for the LORs are automatically sent to them to upload the letters? Looking forward to your response. Thanks

[@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987]

Hey, I've replied to these questions (repeated comment)

[@ShanilR]

@2:00 the application deadline is 21 oct for this yr

[@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987]

Yes! I've mentioned that in the description box above - this year there will be many different changes due to the Covid-19 situation. good luck!

[@ShanilR]

​@@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987 sorry i didnt take a look at the description. yes you are right this year is looking tough with all the CS exam suspended till August & will cater to people who had dates from march. I dont really know how would we all be able to be done with this CS to have the result by the app deadline. Thanks for putting an effort to make a video to help people. Keep up the good work

[@asmagilani6867]

you are amazing thank you !

[@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987]

Happy to help! Good luck :)

[@nishatanjumnourin7711]

Dear Doctor,this is so kind of you to help out other applicants. I have one question, after ACLS,BLS,PALS certificate slot you mentioned member status of some societies that the ERAS application ask for. I couldn’t catch those names. Could you please reply back those names? Thank you so much for your time. Really appriciate your tremendously encouraging, inspiring,warm efforts.

[@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987]

hey, thanks for the question - I joined associations that I was interested in - American College of Physicians (ACP) and American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) for both IM and FM, respectively. There are associations for each specialty so definitely do a google search for the fields you're interested in and try joining those societies! good luck and ty for the kind words :)

[@priyatadutta5799]

@@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987 isn't it paid? Thanks for your informative session. We really appreciate it.

[@samik3184]

Do we write our clinical rotations in work experience? If we're Caribbean students.

[@arjunpatel6945]

Dr V, how do you think the change of STEP1 to P/F will effect SGU students? I’m currently thinking about enrolling into the August class.

[@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987]

Hey Arjun - I was also part of the August class. In my opinion, overall Step 1 becoming P/F means that a lot of emphasis will be going to the other parts of the application such as Step 2 CK/CS, research, experiences, etc. That being said - why don't you email me: [e-mail] - I can pool some resources from the school as well and get you in touch with someone who can provide factual information.

[@lauremeli7601]

Thank you Dr. This is extremely helpful.

[@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987]

I'm so glad! Good luck!

[@arjunchadha4294]

Thank you so much for going through and explaining everything :) quick question: how many characters do we get to explain each experience? And do we get to specify which experience is "most meaningful" like our old AMCAS apps (with extra characters to explain)?

[@stephaniekalli4976]

Hi :) When you mention tutoring; would tutoring in workshops organized by my university or as a tutor assistant in a compulsory subject for younger year medical students count as an experience in the ''WORK'' section? Even though I was not paid for this teaching I did? Basically in the ''WORK'' section, is it just for activities you got paid for?

[@Irfan130]

I'm applying for this year match. How much eras supplemental application has importance for internal medicine match

[@harvey2733]

Hey. thank you Dr. I just want to ask one question, once we have made our account on MyERAS do we need to buy the token to fill our details and upload our required credentials?

[@LEARNING-MEDICAL-EDUCATION]

i am an non-us img. please provide list of internal medicine program that i should apply.

[@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987]

Hey! I will be posting a video soon in late June once residency explorer opens going through tips on how to search programs to apply to. Stay tuned!

[@LEARNING-MEDICAL-EDUCATION]

@@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987 great

[@unaizaali6040]

I want to ask you doctor when do you actually apply for ERAS token and how? As you said you get your ID by June.

[@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987]

Hey, good question! I have posted the link above the timeline for the ERAS app this year because it is subjective to change q.yearly - according to that, June 8th 2020 is the date the application system will open but if you are an IMG then June 23rd 2020 is when you can get the token through OASIS and register for ERAS. Good luck!

[@premshankar9395]

Hi Dr. Solanki, does elective rotation/Obserership come under work experience?

[@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987]

Hey Prem. I have read that people put USCE under work experience or volunteer experience so either or would work I think.

[@bbgggg123]

Hello Doctor, Thank you for the video! I am interested in internal medicine. I wanted to know how important is research/work experience and how many research opps do IM residents usually have. I know number may not matter, but I was just wondering. Thank you

[@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987]

Hey Bethany, good question! Research experience is awesome to have regardless of what specailty you're applying for. In terms of numbers, it really depends - residency explorer is a great tool to compare programs for this. There is a feature on that site (which opens sometime this month and it's FREE for anyone) that allows you to put your number of research experiences and it compares that to programs and their past resident's average #s. For example, for my own application, I had 3 total research expereinces and 3 publications - only 1 was during my medical school career (the other 2 were in undergrad) and 1 paper that was submitted during the time I was applying (the other 2 presentations were in undergrad as well) - with my numbers on residency explorer, I was able to see in which programs I was in the 50% quartile when compared to their resident's average number of research experiences vs in which programs I am in the top 25% or bottom 25% in terms of numbers (aka compared to which programs I have more or less reserch epxereicne on average, respectively). Overall I would say, try and get at least a few good research experiences or help residents write abstracts, etc. - choosing experiences in your specialty of choice and in work that you enjoy is ideal as well. I hope this information helps - I will be making a video on residency explorer and how best to utilize this amazing resource to find programs during this month, so stay tuned for that soon! Good luck :)

[@01ssingh]

Thank you so much for this video! One question - why is it important to have a US mailing address? I'm Canadian also but I am wondering what the importance is for having a US mailing address. Do they send materials through mail?

[@zionchristianchurch4391]

What other membership can you get apart from ACP and AFP. Thanks

[@Isaw71]

Hello Doc, I am a Canadian IMG. How do I know if I pick H1 of J1 visa? Thanks!

[@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987]

Hey Saad - I'm a Canadian IMG as well and I'll be using a J1 visa for residency. I believe that this is what majority of applicants do if they match during med school (MS3/MS4) however, if you have already written Step 3 then you will be applying with the H1 visa. I will be posting a video in a few weeks (hopefully) breaking down the different visa types for IMGs. Stay tuned and good luck

[@niravshah821]

Thanks for the video. What are your thoughts on volunteer experience during college non-medically related. I tutored disadvantaged kids/adults and not sure if I should include

[@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987]

1000000% ADD IT. I added TONS of my volunteer stuff that WASN'T medically related but I was super passionate about and that I learned SO MUCH FROM.

[@annh.s.751]

Thank you!

[@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987]

GOOD LUCK !!

[@aditipatil2237]

Hey V! I'm an ACLS and BLS instructor and I have my instructor ID. But my original ACLS and BLS provider ID has expired, I didn't have to renew it because I took the instructor course before it expired, how should this be mentioned, is it going to be okay not having a provider Id

[@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987]

Hey Aditi. When I was applying I only had a few months left on my BLS certification as well and am pretty sure it expired before Match at some point. If you have a valid certification with date then enter it, if not then leave it. good luck!

[@gagandeepsinghtalwar2498]

if we put us address (mailing) then in the next section it asks us about do you currently reside in the us?should we add that city of the mailing address or leave it blank?

[@himangshuhazarika3]

A doubt- does the portal require the upload of documents such as certificates from volunteer experiences, etc or do we just have to mention it?

[@omariqbal8889]

Do you recommend we fill out the ethnicity section? Since it's optional.

[@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987]

Hey! I personally didn't fill it out since it was optional but for no particular reason - so your choice really.

[@rayabassaam9460]

Hey there! Great video thank you. Just a quick question, I took BLS courses online on a website by NHCPS, am I considered licensed to give BLS in the states or it dhould be AHA ?

[@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987]

Hey! I'm not too sure actually, honestly I'd add it if I had it, regardless of where you got it from. TBH though, it's not that important in my opinion because most residency programs get you recertified once you start the program regardless so don't stress too much about this!

[@rayajadaan99]

Perfect, thank you so much!

[@chotu-wo8ib]

Thanks for the video. How to fill the description in Volunteer and Work experience (format)? Bullet points or Paragraphs? Currently, I have mine in bullet points. Is it okay to have awards in numbers and Volunteer and Work experience description in Bullets/paragraphs?

[@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987]

I talk about this in the video - you can choose either or but I would recommend sticking to one style throughout. Yes, I had numbers for my awards sections and paragraphs for my experiences sections. Good luck!

[@joelgrimaldo5947]

Thank you for doing this! When I add my work experience on the portal it gets messed up. Same with publications. I believe ERAS organizes them by "start date". It does not matter the order that I add them, it always changes them. Example: Work Sample1: 02.2020-7.2020 Work sample3: 9.2019-Current Work sample2: 02.2019-02.2020 It kinda bothers me the way it looks. Also, I think it does not look professional at all. Any recommendations?

[@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987]

If you're not able to put them in order and thats just the way ERAS is setting them up then I'm not sure you can change it, sorry wish I could be more of help but I don't really know how to fix it. Good luck!

[@step_zero]

Did you select J1 or H1B or both. I have the exact same background as you and I am not sure which to pick.

[@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987]

Hey I selected j1 bc I didnt have my step 3 completed before I was applying so if you have step 3 passed then I would check of H1B, you can't really do both so its one or the other.

[@ZeeMosaic]

Hey. I watched your video. I appreciate your work. I just have one question for you. Should we write our experiences in the description box as continuous paragraphs or in points?

[@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987]

Hey! Good question - I personally applied the same "style" throughout the eras application, I had the context in paragraph formats for the experiences section. Other things like hobbies/interest I would number them to make it more formal and professional. I did not have bullet points anywhere in my personal application. Good luck.

[@ahmadayyat9528]

Thank you very much for this helpful video! ,,can you tell me why is it helpful to put a US address??

[@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987]

To be honest, not a 100% sure why or if it is really helpful - I personally did this (my own family lives in the USA) and found that I got more interviews than expected in that area specifically so my video is based on all the things I did my year (last year) that worked out well for me! Hope this helps you as well! It's all about sharing experiences with others and these ^^ are mine. GOOD LUCK!

[@renatovelit3833]

Hi, is there any particular reason as to why we should have a US mailing address? It's possible, just not sure what the benefit is exactly, what have you heard? Currently based in Toronto, but I have relatives in the states. Thanks!

[@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987]

Hey! TBH Idk if there is a benefit "per say" but I put it because i was OCD and didn't want to just risk anything and honestly, I did end up getting alot of local interviews to the address I put down. My family had moved to the states after I started med school but Im still IMG from Toronto and I did get quiet a few interviews in the state my parent's were from because I put their home address down.

[@ahmadayyat9528]

Hello I have a question regarding the address. I live outside the US, and I have a friend who lives there. Is it ok to put HIS address (US address) as the current mailing address and to put MY address (outside the US) as the permanent address? Knowing that I will be in my country outside the US during interviews because interviews will be online. I mean is it worth it to travel to US if I put his address as current mailing address? Do I have to be there during the online interviews? What are your thoughts on that. Thank you!

[@muhammadkhalid9835]

Dear young lady I have all the documents in scan form I mean soft form can you pls help me.

[@soundsofparadise]

Do you know when step 1, step 2 need to be completed by the year you are applying? Does step 3 need to be completed as well? thank you

[@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987]

100% recommend Step 1 and Step 2 be passed and done the year you are applying - depending on if you are carribean grad or FIMG, it's really your choice to complete Step 3 beforehand, its not a requirement but can be recommended depending on things like your STEP1/2 scores, gap years, etc. Good luck!

[@LEARNING-MEDICAL-EDUCATION]

do we need to put NRMP id before submitting eras application? I am thinking to register for NRMP in november

[@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987]

No you can add the NRMP id after the application has been submitted, it'll allow you to edit that part of the app.

[@ahmadayyat9528]

I have another question, if I put a friend's US phone number and the program called, will this be ok if he told them that I will call them back from my phone number? Since I will be in my country outside the US.

[@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987]

Hm tough question tbh - I feel like it should be okay if the program provides a call back number but what if your friend doesn't pick up or misses left messages? You must be able to really trust this friend lol I think it could work out sure but just be cautious- GOOD LUCK!

[@preethagupta8558]

Hello mam... ☺️☺️You are doing an excellent job. These videos are really helpful. 👍💐 I have a query regarding the application process. During my undergraduation, I took extension on purpose during my internship for 6 months to prepare for usmle steps 1 and 2 and Covid training. So what should I mark in the section where they have asked about interruption of course during medical school training? How should I explain this in my application?

[@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987]

Hey Preetha, thanks for the kind words. In regards to the interruptions, if your internship is part of your medical training itself and you took off time for studying, aka your extension, then you can mark this. If your internship was after your degree then no, you don't need to mark it as an interruption then. Hope this helps, good luck.

[@asmagilani6867]

what is an NRMP?

[@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987]

NRMP stands for the National Residency Match Program, this is where you submit your ranks and find out where you matched. Check out their website for more info. Good luck.

[@MedSurvival_Med_Mnemonics]

Very well Explained. A new friend here to support you. Let's support each other's content. Stay safe and Connected

[@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987]

Ty and stay connected!

[@saramohsin4004]

Is it ok to apply for both IM and FM in the same program? TIA

[@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987]

I think so, especially if you love that particular hospital/program and both specialties.

[@medicineandusmle3224]

List of IMG friendly programs kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIishp-Lq99pjZo

[@rahulbajracharya8913]

Can I put up work experience for which i have no paper work? Like volunteer stuff

[@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987]

As long as you're being honest, that's fine. I mean if someone asks you for proof, which is unlikely, make sure you have something to back up what you're saying. Good luck!

[@PaulinaVillanueva]

Awesome video! Thank you 😊

[@vaibhavisolankivm.d.5987]

Glad you liked it!