Overview

The stability of an edifice in large part depends upon the foundation that it rests on. This is equally true for attaining a suitable residency. This will depend on quite a number of factors, and several of those are under your control. Two of these factors are (1) whether the decisions you make regarding securing a residency are determined by sound advice and (2) if your record is good enough to warrant an invitation for an interview in a specific specialty. These two issues, namely, securing an appropriate advisor/mentor and generating a credible academic record, will be the focus of the discussion in this chapter.

Selecting an advisor/mentor

Making the appropriate choice of a person to turn to for guidance as a medical student is critical for your future success. This individual may turn out to be more than a counselor: he/she can serve in multiple roles as taskmaster, cheerleader, critic, and confessor. This person may be able to help you in a host of ways:

• Serve as an outlet to discuss your concerns, both short- and long-term.

• Steer you in a suitable direction when you are uncertain or faced with a choice.

• Keep you focused on the tasks ahead so that you don't deviate unproductively.

• Provide valuable and current information based on their knowledge and experience.

• Provide encouragement along the long and challenging road to attaining a residency.

• Guide you through personal difficulties that may arise during medical school.

• Help you obtain early clinical experience, which will facilitate gaining exposure to the world of medicine.

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