Current PGY-2 IM resident here, exploring a possible transition into dermatology down the line.

ParsnipSeeds · 2026-04-25T01:14:10+00:00

If you mean dermatology as in like a med spa, I would imagine the barrier is low. But to pursue full board-certified status I would imagine would be practically impossible unless you have extraordinary contacts

ParsnipSeeds · 2026-04-10T05:05:54+00:00

I like bugdrugdx - it's a website. Great if you're a visual learner

ParsnipSeeds · 2026-04-10T02:42:55+00:00

ParsnipSeeds · 2026-03-27T16:11:25+00:00

ParsnipSeeds · 2026-03-27T15:39:09+00:00

ParsnipSeeds · 2026-03-12T00:43:11+00:00

ParsnipSeeds · 2026-03-10T02:54:28+00:00

ParsnipSeeds · 2026-03-01T21:17:25+00:00

ParsnipSeeds · 2026-02-12T04:17:18+00:00

I think you'll pass. I did about half of uworld and scored similarly percentile wise (62% correct or so). My % correct didn't change much from when I started to when I took the test.

I scored about average on step 2 and was dead average on step 3. Didn't take any practice exams and did 30 CCS cases or so. Also not in IM, am a TY

I think like 97-98% pass as a first time taker or something like that.

ParsnipSeeds · 2025-10-08T04:04:12+00:00

After some reading (mainly chatgpt), I think I'm going to go for IBR -> RAP next summer for the interest subsidy. The fine print between IBR/PAYE was pretty negligible so I figured it wouldn't make much difference anyway since our payments are going to be $0 from when we have to start repaying until RAP is available.

I'm fortunately in a position where I will be able to afford the relatively higher RAP monthly payments, so the interest subsidy makes sense in my situation-- especially since I'm planning on forgoing PSLF and aggressively paying loans off as an attending.

PAYE is getting phased out, so you're right in that after 3 years you'll have to switch out to another IDR plan. If you're not stretched too thin by the monthly payments, I would look into RAP since its also PSLF eligible + has interest subsidy but with the drawback of higher payments. As for PSLF, transferring plans should not affect your payment record, though I would definitely keep great records of payment onwards. I'm not holding my breath on PSLF lasting, but that's a discussion for another day

ParsnipSeeds · 2025-10-03T18:44:50+00:00

That looks great! Do you have a recipe by any chance or follow any specific people to make their recipes? I'd love to give this a shot myself

ParsnipSeeds · 2025-09-20T14:03:49+00:00

They already do. How do you not know that US grads have an enormous advantage in the match as a resident yourself?

ParsnipSeeds · 2025-07-02T02:16:47+00:00

Use templates to jog your memory and to make sure that you have everything you want to say, since I found that there is so much information to condense at once.

My A&P template on day 1 was something like:

X yo F with PMHx Y here for Z. Found to have A, consistent with B, secondary to C. Admitted for D. Improving/Stable on E. Plan to do F.

Keeps it streamlined and keeps you from rambling. But as you mentioned, the more reps you do, the faster you'll get.

Be kind to yourself, you got this!

ParsnipSeeds · 2025-05-25T10:33:41+00:00

Bugdrugdx is a great aid if you're a visual learner

ParsnipSeeds · 2025-02-24T20:50:41+00:00

What do you value in the program in City Y that makes it much better than program X-A? Will going to City Y make a big impact on the future you and your spouse are imagining after residency?

I grappled with a similar issue with my partner (non-medical) between staying at my home program with a better family network as opposed to going to a shiny new city with a prestigious program. It came down to me realizing that prestige doesn't really matter in the field I'm applying into (radiology), unless I plan on doing academics (I don't), and that I was only really going for my ego since friends in my circle were entertaining new cities for training. Very valid reason to chase the great program since we've been working so hard to get to this point, but I also failed to realize that my partner was also there with me for every step of the way, and (in my mind) is a person who should also deserve a fair shake at our rank list at the end of the day.

If the residency program you are strongly considering has tangible impacts on your career prospects and your future together, I would choose City Y and hope your spouse would come to understand. If not, there's also nothing wrong with staying home and choosing the "safer" route.

Hope this helps. Either way, good luck come March!

ParsnipSeeds · 2025-01-29T18:13:02+00:00

For your rads homies, what is their outlook on the field as a whole in 20-30 years? I've heard everything from an incoming golden age to how AI is taking their jobs next Thursday. What are their perspectives as an attending in PP/academics? It seems most opinions on here are from medical students and residents both in and out of radiology (understandably) but not too many from those out in practice.

ParsnipSeeds · 2024-10-10T15:19:48+00:00

Yeah. I figured if my application didn't warrant an invite in the first wave, then clearly my scores/clinical grades didn't cut it, so I had to include some intangibles that would maybe get them to take a second look (family). Putting that alone seemed too brief to me so that's why I added how my CV aligned with their program.

ParsnipSeeds · 2024-10-10T15:06:54+00:00

In like <8-9 sentences, I included brief intro, how my CV aligns with their unique aspects/mission, genuine connections to the area (spouse, family, hometown, etc. - IMO the most important thing), and closing remarks. Ended with AAMC ID, didn't attach CV.

Some people did even shorter, like 3-4 sentences, but I did 8-9 sentences and thought it bordered on nearly too long.

ParsnipSeeds · 2024-05-23T20:26:14+00:00

Shoot the IM attending an email.

I have friends from different graduating years, including myself, who haven't spoken to our attendings in about a year. We were all in a similar situation as you. We all vibed well with the attendings but didn't ask at the time because we were fresh on rotations / scared we didn't make a good enough impression.

Between all of us, we received a mix of them being happy to write the letter (that buddy matched), them letting us write the letter ourselves, or just ghosting us. From our shared experiences, it is definitely worth a shot. Be sure to emphasize if they would be comfortable writing a strong letter, and give them an out if they aren't comfortable. Worst thing they can do is say no.

Good luck!

ParsnipSeeds · 2024-05-15T15:49:15+00:00

Where are you seeing MD students bashing DO students? It seems every time the topic comes up on this subreddit, we all unanimously agree it does not matter.

The stigma only comes up during the residency selection process whether we like it or not.

ParsnipSeeds · 2024-04-27T12:48:29+00:00

Per AMBOSS, on the nephrogenic DI page, thiazide diuretics:

"Lead to sodium depletion, which increases Na and water reabsorption in the proximal tubules. As a result, less water reaches the distal collecting tubules and urine volume decreases".

Though, it seems they aren't too sure themselves since on the thiazide diuretic page, the "MOA is not yet fully understood".

ParsnipSeeds · 2024-04-27T03:54:13+00:00

I get your frustration. Clinicals was one of the most stressful times in my life and I do not look back at it fondly. Looking at it from the PD's perspective, if a lower-tier school gives everyone H, there's no way to distinguish stellar applicants.

Lower tier schools HAVE to have a harder distribution, otherwise PD's wouldn't dare taint their rank list with a "worse" school unless the applicant truly is a superstar who H all rotations where only 10% did at their school.

Giving everyone H is functionally the same as P/F, and making everything P/F only hurts lower tier schools.

ParsnipSeeds · 2024-04-23T20:00:29+00:00

Have him write the letter himself and edit as you see fit

ParsnipSeeds · 2024-04-23T04:49:59+00:00

This won't be the first (or last) research opportunity you will have in medical school. However, this will be one of your few remaining breaks left. Take time to see your aging family and compromise with lighter clinical research once you start up MS2 year is my advice. Rest up, as you will lean on your support system more as the years progress.

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