SIMS Alumni Association-USA

Official US Alumni Association of Services Institute of Medical Sciences, Lahore.

[SIMS Alumni Association-USA @SIMSAlumni]

𝗦𝗶𝗺𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀:
This year, 19 Simsonian applicants secured successful matches across a range of specialties, including IM, FM, and Peads. Congratulations to all of them & their families on this impressive achievement
#Match2025 #MatchDay

[Dr Ahmad Rehan Khan @AhmadRehanKhan]

RESIDENCY VIRTUAL INTERVIEW PREPARATION: PART 1

Virtual interview preparation has two major components:

1. Interview Setting & Technical Preparation
2. Interview Content & Performance Preparation

I’ll cover them in two separate posts.

PART 1: INTERVIEW SETTING & TECHNICAL PREPARATION

BACKGROUND:

Keep it simple, clean and professional.

A neutral or off-white background works well. A small plant, bookshelf or another subtle professional element is fine. Avoid clutter, an unmade bed, distracting decorations or movement in the background.

Your background should complement you, not compete for attention.

LIGHTING:

Good lighting matters. Your face should be clearly visible without being overexposed. Ideally, light should come from in front of you rather than behind.

A ring light is reasonable, but test it beforehand. If you wear glasses, be careful about glare or the circular reflection of a ring light on your lenses.

CAMERA POSITION:

Keep the camera around eye level. Looking down at a laptop on a desk can create an awkward angle.

Frame yourself roughly from the chest/shoulders upward. While speaking, try to look toward the camera rather than constantly looking at your own image. It creates better virtual eye contact.

SOUND QUALITY:

The interviewer needs to hear you clearly.

Good-quality earbuds or a headset usually work well and look neat. Test your microphone beforehand and avoid rooms with echoes, fans, TVs, traffic or people talking nearby.

INTERNET & POWER BACKUP:

A stable internet connection is essential.

If power outages are possible where you live, consider keeping your modem/router on a UPS or generator. Having a mobile hotspot as backup internet is also helpful.

Technical problems can happen, but most can be anticipated.

TEST THE PLATFORM:

Whether the program uses Zoom, Teams, Webex or another platform, test everything before interview day:

Camera, microphone, speakers/earbuds, internet, interview link and software updates.

Also make sure your display name is professional and preferably matches your residency application.

ROOM TEMPERATURE:

Don't overlook this. The room shouldn't be so warm that you're sweating or so cold that you're uncomfortable or shivering.

You want to focus on the interview, not the temperature.

DRESS PROFESSIONALLY:

A virtual residency interview is still a residency interview.

Dress as professionally as you would for an in-person interview. A suit and tie for men and professional interview attire or a suit for women remain safe choices.

And dress professionally beyond what the camera can see. You never know when you may need to stand up.

PUNCTUALITY:

Never be late.

Be completely ready well before the scheduled time and join according to the program's instructions. Keep the interview link, schedule and coordinator's contact information easily accessible.

REMOVE DISTRACTIONS:

Silence your phone and computer notifications. Close unnecessary apps and browser tabs.

Tell family members or roommates beforehand that you cannot be disturbed. Make arrangements for pets as well.

During those few hours, the interview should be your only priority.

KEEP ESSENTIALS NEARBY:

Keep water and your interview schedule nearby.

A few brief notes are fine, but don't read answers from a script. Interviewers can usually tell.

Your notes should be prompts, not paragraphs.

DO A MOCK RUN:

Record yourself or do a mock virtual interview beforehand.

Check your camera angle, lighting, sound, posture, eye contact, speaking pace and any nervous habits.

Sometimes what feels completely normal to us looks very different on camera.

The goal isn't to create a fancy studio.

The goal is a clean background, clear audio, good lighting, stable internet, professional appearance and no distractions.

Once the technical side disappears into the background, the interviewer can focus on what actually matters: YOU.

Dr. Ahmad Rehan Khan, MD
Psychiatrist | Medical Educator | Residency Mentor

[Dr Ahmad Rehan Khan @AhmadRehanKhan]

𝟭𝟰 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗜𝗠 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝘀:

🚨 BIG UPDATE FOR INTERNAL MEDICINE RESIDENCY APPLICANTS MATCH 2027!

14 Internal Medicine Residency Programs received Initial ACGME Accreditation effective September 18, 2026. The date coincides with the ACGME Internal Medicine Review Committee meeting.

Here is the complete list with location + Program Director (PD):

1. Residents Medical Center for GME Excellence — California
PD: Keyvan Ravakhah, MD, MBA

2. Mission Community Hospital — California
PD: Glenn A. Marshak, MD

3. NorthBay Health — California
PD: Shirisha A. Avadhanula, MD

4. Beebe Healthcare — Delaware
PD: Katie Johnson, DO

5. Lakewood Ranch Medical Center — Florida
PD: Zeyar Thet, MBBS, MD

6. Piedmont Healthcare — Georgia
PD: Karen Law, MD

7. University of Chicago Medical Center/Ingalls Memorial Hospital — Illinois
PD: John D. Yoon, MD

8. Meritus Medical Center — Maryland
PD: Oksana O. Karpov, DO

9. Cooper Medical School of Rowan University/Cooper University Hospital — New Jersey
PD: Ashok R. Mandala, MD

10. NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County Hospital — New York
PD: Melissa Lee, MD, MPH

11. Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine — Pennsylvania
PD: Eric J. Milie, DO, MEd

12. Spartanburg Medical Center — South Carolina
PD: Brandon S. Davis, MD

13. Medical University of South Carolina Regional Network (Columbia) — South Carolina
PD: Paul W. Watanakunakorn, MD, BA

14. Thomas Memorial Hospital — West Virginia
PD: Andrea M. Lauffer, MD

📌 MATCH 2027 APPLICANTS: KEEP THESE PROGRAMS ON YOUR RADAR!

New accreditation can mean new residency positions and additional opportunities. Before applying, verify each program’s ERAS/NRMP participation, available PGY-1 positions, application requirements, and J-1/H-1B visa policies.

Save this list. Share it with IM applicants. Every new program could be another opportunity to MATCH!

https://t.co/oIyfLPkqM2

#Match2027 #USMLE #MedTwitter #internalmedicineResidency #eras2027 #ECFMG #ResidencyMatch

[Dr Ahmad Rehan Khan @AhmadRehanKhan]

MDCAT 2026 RESULTS ARE OUT! 🩺🇵🇰

The University of Health Sciences (UHS) Lahore has announced the MDCAT 2026 results for Punjab, with some interesting numbers:

• 49,202 candidates registered

• 47,475 appeared for the exam

• 37,708 (79.43%) achieved the 55% qualifying threshold for MBBS

• 40,457 (85.22%) achieved the 50% qualifying threshold for BDS

• 1,772 candidates (3.73%) scored an impressive 170–180
• 6,682 (14.07%) scored 160–169
• 6,260 (13.19%) scored 150–159
• 14,714 candidates scored 150 or above, roughly 31% of those who appeared
• 1,727 registered candidates were absent.

That means nearly 1 in every 3 candidates who appeared scored 150+.

Congratulations to everyone who cleared MDCAT! The next challenge begins now: merit lists and medical/dental college admissions. 🩺🎓

#MDCAT #MBBS #UHS #PMDC

[Assoc. of Pakistani Physicians of North America @APPNA]

🎥✨ Part 2 with Dr. Ahmed Rehan Khan!Continuing the conversation on the challenges International Medical Graduates (IMGs) can face, Dr. Khan shares more insight on overcoming loneliness, building meaningful connections, and finding a sense of community. 🩺🤝💚You’re not alone—connection, mentorship, and community can make a difference.▶️ Listen to Part 2 and share with an IMG who may benefit!#APPNA #APPNA2026 #InternationalMedicalGraduates #IMG #PhysicianWellness #PhysicianCommunity #Mentorship #StrongerTogether

[Assoc. of Pakistani Physicians of North America @APPNA]

🎥✨ Listen to Part 1 with Dr. Ahmed Rehan Khan as he highlights an important challenge many International Medical Graduates (IMGs) face — loneliness and isolation.

Hear his perspective on why this happens and how IMGs can build connections, find support, and overcome these challenges. 🩺🤝

Stay tuned for Part 2!
@AhmadRehanKhan
#APPNA #APPNA2026 #InternationalMedicalGraduates #IMG #PhysicianWellness #PhysicianCommunity #MentalWellness #StrongerTogether

[APPNA YPC @appnaypc]

Match 2027 applicants: Congratulations on reaching this milestone! As programs begin reviewing applications, stay patient, avoid comparisons, prepare early, and remain hopeful. Your journey is just beginning. Wishing you a successful interview season

— APPNA YPC Team

#Match2027

[SIMS Alumni Association-USA @SIMSAlumni]

Best of luck to all SIMS graduates applying for the 2027 Residency Match!

Stay patient, prepare early, don’t compare your journey with others, and keep believing in yourself. We’re rooting for you may your inbox be filled with interviews

— SIMSAA-USA

#Match2027 #USMLE #SIMS

[Dr Ahmad Rehan Khan @AhmadRehanKhan]

MATCH 2027 APPLICANTS:
𝗕𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗢𝗙 𝗟𝗨𝗖𝗞!

Tomorrow, residency programs begin reviewing applications.

First of all: CONGRATULATIONS!

Take a moment to appreciate how far you have come. Reaching the point where you can submit a residency application is itself an accomplishment, especially for those who have crossed countries, overcome setbacks, taken countless exams, and made enormous sacrifices to get here.

You got this. May the force be with you, and may your inbox soon be flooded with interview invitations!

But remember: tomorrow is only the beginning of a long Match season.

A few recommendations as you begin this journey:

1️⃣ Give yourself a pat on the back.
It takes courage to put yourself out there and apply. You have done your part. Be proud of reaching this milestone.

2️⃣ DON'T PANIC if interviews don't arrive immediately.
Programs review applications at different speeds. Some applicants receive interviews early; others receive them weeks or even months later. Silence in the beginning does not mean the season is over.

3️⃣ STOP COMPARING INTERVIEW COUNTS.
Someone will always post that they already have 5, 10, or 15 interviews. Their journey is not yours. Different specialties, programs, signals, backgrounds, and application profiles make these comparisons largely meaningless.

4️⃣ START INTERVIEW PREPARATION NOW.
Don't wait until you receive your first invitation. Practice your introduction, common behavioral questions, challenging questions, and how you will tell your story.

5️⃣ Treat EVERY interview as if it is your FIRST and LAST.
Before each interview:
• Research the program thoroughly
• Know why you genuinely want to train there
• Prepare thoughtful, program-specific questions
• Know your own CV and application inside out

Never underestimate an interview because you think another “better” one is coming.

6️⃣ Letters/Emails of Interest: Be strategic.
With the advent of program signaling, generic mass emails have become less useful. If you contact a program, particularly one you signaled, keep it concise and explain specifically why that program genuinely interests you. Avoid copy-paste emails sent to dozens of programs.

7️⃣ PLEASE DON'T CALL OR SHOW UP AT PROGRAMS.
Unless a program specifically invites this type of communication, repeatedly calling coordinators or visiting a residency program in person is generally discouraged and can create the wrong impression. Respect the program's stated communication process.

8️⃣ Most importantly: STAY POSITIVE.

The Match season can be emotionally exhausting. There will be good days, quiet days, unexpected interviews, rejections, cancellations, and hopefully some wonderful surprises.

Stay connected with your family, friends and mentors. Take care of yourself. Don't allow one rejection, or one quiet week, to define your entire application.

Never lose hope. You only need ONE program to believe in you.

To every applicant entering the 2027 Residency Match:

BEST OF LUCK! YOU GOT THIS. 💪

May your interview season be filled with opportunities, and may March bring the result you have worked so hard for.

Ahmad Rehan Khan, MD
Psychiatrist | Medical Educator | Residency Mentor

#Match2027 #USMLE #MedTwitter #ResidencyMatch #ECFMG #ERAS

[Dr Ahmad Rehan Khan @AhmadRehanKhan]

Residency Interview Season:
A Program Director’s Advice

As residency interview season approaches, here are some valuable insights shared by Dr. Asim Elahi, Internal Medicine Residency Program Director at Harlingen Medical Center, for applicants preparing for interviews.

Your CV may get you the interview, but who you are during the interview can determine the impression you leave.

✅ Stay humble. Let your accomplishments speak for themselves. Confidence is important; excessive self-promotion can work against you.

✅ Be a team player. Residency is not an individual sport. Programs are looking for future colleagues who support the team and elevate the people around them.

✅ Professionalism extends beyond the interview room. Your interactions with coordinators, nurses, medical assistants, clerks, housekeeping staff, and everyone else matter. Never assume that only the Program Director’s opinion counts.

✅ Communication skills matter. Be respectful, clear, thoughtful, and courteous with everyone you encounter.

✅ Be honest and authentic. Don’t exaggerate experiences, invent hobbies, or manufacture stories to impress interviewers. Authenticity is far more compelling than a perfectly rehearsed but inaccurate narrative.

Perhaps the most important takeaway:

Programs are not simply recruiting impressive CVs. They are selecting future physicians, colleagues, and teammates, people they will work alongside for the next several years and whom patients and staff can trust.

Excellent advice from a Program Director for everyone entering the 2026–27 Residency Interview Season.

Best of luck to all applicants!

#Match2027 #USMLE #MedTwitter

[Dr Ahmad Rehan Khan @AhmadRehanKhan]

Residency Applicants: How Broadly Are People Applied in ERAS 2026?

The latest AAMC pre-Match data gives an interesting look at application patterns across specialties and applicant groups.

🩺 Internal Medicine: IMG 86.12 | U.S. MD 27.63 | DO 45.60

🧠 Psychiatry: IMG 58.87 | U.S. MD 57.29 | DO 73.41

🔬 Pathology: IMG 61.48 | U.S. MD 35.03 | DO 49.34

🏥 Surgery: IMG 68.33 | U.S. MD 50.37 | DO 56.95

🧠 Neurology: IMG 47.31 | U.S. MD 39.93 | DO 58.76

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Medicine: IMG 44.87 | U.S. MD 29.81 | DO 37.43

For IMGs, applying broadly is understandable. Historically, IMGs generally face lower interview and Match rates than U.S. MD and DO applicants, so many understandably cast a wider net.

What I find particularly fascinating, however, is how broadly DO applicants are applying and especially what the Psychiatry numbers show.

The Psychiatry data are striking:
The average applicant submitted 58.87 applications for IMGs, 57.29 for U.S. MDs, and a remarkable 73.41 for DOs. U.S. MD and DO applicants are applying to substantially more Psychiatry programs than they are to Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Pathology, or Neurology.

That doesn't by itself measure competitiveness, application volume is influenced by many factors, but it is certainly another indication of just how dramatically the Psychiatry residency application landscape has changed. Psychiatry is no longer a specialty where applicants should automatically assume they can apply narrowly.

📌 One important reminder: these are averages, not a recommendation to apply to 50, 70, or 80+ programs. Your strategy should depend on your individual profile, signals, geographic preferences, visa requirements, and realistic program fit.

Know the data. Apply strategically. And remember: more applications do not automatically mean more interviews.

Source: AAMC Pre-Match Data Match 2026

Original Table Idea @malkeasaad

#Match2027 #USMLE #MedTwitter #internalmedicineResidency

[Dr Ahmad Rehan Khan @AhmadRehanKhan]

Advice for IMGs with an Older Year of Graduation, From an Internal Medicine Program Director’s Perspective:

Dr. Bravein Amalakuhan, an Internal Medicine Residency Program Director, shares an important perspective for applicants who graduated several years ago:

Your graduation year is fixed. What you’ve done recently is not.

For applicants with a longer timeline since medical school, he emphasizes that recency matters. Programs may notice YOG early, but a strong and active recent record can significantly strengthen the story your application tells.

His key points:

1. A recent, strong Step 3, particularly for applicants several years out. But don’t rush into it unprepared; he cautions that a weak Step 3 may be worse than having no Step 3.

2. Current clinical experience + a recent LOR, observerships, externships, hands-on USCE, clinical research involving patients, or other meaningful clinical work within the past year. Ideally, a current attending can speak to your readiness for residency today.

3. Recent scholarly activity, not necessarily 10 publications. A recent case report, QI project, poster, or chapter can demonstrate continued academic engagement.

4. One specialty, one coherent story, your personal statement, LORs, clinical experience and research should collectively explain why you belong in the specialty you’re applying to.

5. Target programs realistically, look for programs where your background genuinely fits rather than applying based primarily on name recognition.

Perhaps the most important line from his advice:

“You cannot shorten the distance from your graduation year. You can make everything after it recent.”

For older graduates, don’t spend your entire application trying to explain the past. Show programs what you have done in the last 12 months.

Excellent perspective for IMGs preparing for the Match.

#Match2027 #USMLE #MedTwitter #internalmedicineResidency

[Dr Ahmad Rehan Khan @AhmadRehanKhan]

RESIDENCY VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSES | MATCH 2027

Residency applicants:
Open houses are a great opportunity to meet program leadership and residents, learn about the training environment, and ask questions before interview season.

📍 St. Joseph Medical Center – Internal Medicine 📅 September 21 & 22, 2026
⏰ 12:00 PM CST
💻 Via Microsoft Teams
🔗 Registration QR code on flyer

📍 UT Tyler – Neurology 📅 September 28, 2026
⏰ 7:00 PM CST
📧 [email protected] to receive an invitation

Applicants: take advantage of these opportunities. Attend, listen, ask thoughtful questions, and get to know programs beyond what you see on ERAS.

#Match2027 #USMLE #MedTwitter

[Dr Ahmad Rehan Khan @AhmadRehanKhan]

𝗔 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿'𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲:

Per Dr. Syeda Hussain, Internal Medicine Residency Program Director at Memorial Healthcare System, she personally reviews only 15–20% of applications received.

Her advice: Use your signals wisely.

A signal doesn’t guarantee an interview, but it can put your application “on the radar.” Prioritize programs where your geography, scores and background align.

Signal strategically, not just aspirationally.

#Match2027 #USMLE #MedTwitter #internalmedicineResidency

[APPNA YPC @appnaypc]

Last-minute Advice:

Keep your personal statement personal, make meaningful experiences truly meaningful, use signals wisely, and submit a complete application.
Sept 23 isn’t the finish line, it’s the START of your Match journey.
Good luck!

#Match2027

https://t.co/3ti6slsXvb

[Dr Ahmad Rehan Khan @AhmadRehanKhan]

𝗟𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀:

As September 23 approaches, a few last-minute thoughts for residency applicants:

𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁:
Keep it personal. It should tell programs something about you that they cannot learn from your CV. And most importantly, it should actually make a statement.
Your first and last paragraphs matter the most. Make them impactful. Around 650–750 words in 4–5 paragraphs is reasonable. Don’t spend half the statement describing clinical rotations. Those are already on your CV.

𝗠𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀:
Don’t just explain what you did. Explain why it was meaningful to you and how it shaped you. It can even be a non-clinical experience. Keep it genuine and don’t exaggerate.

𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗦:
Very, very important. Use them wisely.

Signal programs where you realistically have a good chance of getting an interview. Look at their current residents, scores/profile, IMG friendliness, visa requirements, geographic preferences, etc.

Having 1–2 aspirational signals is perfectly reasonable, but don’t waste most of your signals on extremely competitive programs. Be practical.

LORs:
Make sure your letters are uploaded on time. Double-check your application before submitting. As much as possible, try to have a complete application from Day 1.

And finally, stay hopeful.

September 23 may feel like the finish line after months of working on ERAS, but it isn't.

It is the beginning of the Match cycle.

Submit. Take a little break. Clear your head.

Then buckle up for the next phase: Residency Interviews.

Best of luck to everyone applying!

Ahmad Rehan Khan, MD
Psychiatrist | Medical Educator | Residency Mentor

#Match2027 #USMLE #MedTwitter

[APPNA YPC @appnaypc]

W-2 vs 1099: Which actually pays doctors more? 💰

In Episode 6, Dr @UmarTariqMD and
@gulrayzahmed break down taxes, benefits, deductions, retirement & flexibility, and why a higher 1099 rate doesn’t always mean a better deal.

#W2 #MedTwitter

Watch: https://t.co/Qb9chy3rCp

[Dr Ahmad Rehan Khan @AhmadRehanKhan]

RESIDENCY APPLICANTS: LAST-MINUTE QUESTIONS? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED

With residency application season in full swing, join the APPNA Young Physician Committee @appnaypc
for a live X (Twitter) Space focused on your last-minute residency application queries.

📅 Sunday, September 13
⏰ 11 AM ET | 8 PM Pakistan Time

Join APPNA YPC Chair Dr. @gulrayzahmed , Co-Chairs, and experienced residency mentors for practical guidance on:

✅ ERAS application
✅ Personal statements & LORs
✅ Program selection
✅ Your last-minute questions

Whether you're putting the finishing touches on your application or still unsure about an important decision, bring your questions and ask them LIVE!

🎙️ Join the X Space:
https://t.co/uulEmrSVYg⁠

#Match2027 #USMLE #MedTwitter

[Dr Ahmad Rehan Khan @AhmadRehanKhan]

A Residency Program Director’s Perspective on What Really Matters in the Match:

The 2026 NRMP Program Director Survey offers some important lessons for residency applicants. The survey included responses from 861 programs, and while the overall response rate was only 12.7%, the findings provide a useful window into how programs approach interviews and ranking.

One of the clearest takeaways: Getting an interview and getting ranked highly are two different challenges.

📄 Your application gets you the interview.

Among responding programs, commonly used factors for selecting applicants to interview included:

• USMLE Step 2 CK score — 89%
• USMLE Step 1 pass — 87%
• Specialty-specific letters — 86%

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝟮 𝗖𝗞 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝗻𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁–𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝟭 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘀/𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗲𝗿𝗮.

But once you receive the interview, the equation changes.

🤝 Your interactions can determine where you rank.

Among factors considered when creating rank lists:

• Interpersonal skills — 89%, importance 4.7/5

• Interactions during the interview — 84%, importance 4.7/5

• Feedback from current residents — 74%, importance 4.5/5

That last point deserves emphasis: Your interaction with residents matters. The informal conversations, dinners, social events, and seemingly casual moments surrounding an interview may contribute to the overall impression you leave.

The practical message for applicants is simple:

Your CV may get your foot in the door. Your interview performance, interpersonal skills, professionalism, and interactions with the entire residency team can determine what happens after you walk through it.

Spend months strengthening your application, but once interview season begins, prepare just as seriously for the human side of the process.

And remember the limitation:
The survey represents responding programs, not every residency program or every specialty. Individual programs may weigh these factors very differently.

Post Text Courtesy:
Dr Bravein Amalakuhan, IM Program Director Methodist Hospital Saint Antonio

https://t.co/1VqNFPl8nQ

#Match2027 #USMLE #MedTwitter
#internalmedicine #ECFMG #ERAS

[APPNA YPC @appnaypc]

Residency applicants: Last-minute questions?

Join the APPNA YPC X Space with Chair Dr. @gulrayzahmed , Co-Chairs & experienced mentors for a final application check-in.

📅 Sept 13 | 11 AM EST
8 PM Pakistan Time

🎙️ Bring your questions!

#Match2027

https://t.co/i5jOjBWHee

[Dr Ahmad Rehan Khan @AhmadRehanKhan]

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀:

Program signaling has become a major part of residency application strategy, but the number of signals varies dramatically across specialties. Some applicants have as many as 30 opportunities to signal, while others have only 2 or 3.

Here’s the complete list from the infographic:

🔹 Program Signals by Specialty

• Orthopedic Surgery — 30
• Urology — 30
• Dermatology — 28 (3 Gold + 25 Silver)
• Neurological Surgery — 25
• Otolaryngology — 25
• Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation — 20
• Plastic Surgery–Integrated — 20
• Anesthesiology — 15 (5 Gold + 10 Silver)
• Diagnostic Radiology — 15 (6 Gold + 9 Silver)
• General Surgery — 15
• Internal Medicine — 15 (3 Gold + 12 Silver)
• Transitional Year — 12
• Psychiatry — 10
• Child Neurology — 9 (3 Gold + 6 Silver)
• Interventional Radiology–Integrated — 8
• Neurology — 8
• Family Medicine — 5
• Internal Medicine/Pediatrics — 5
• Pathology — 5
• Pediatrics — 5
• Radiation Oncology — 4
• Thoracic Surgery–Integrated — 4
• Internal Medicine/Medical Genetics — 3
• Pediatric Medical Genetics — 3
• Pediatrics/Psychiatry/Child & Adolescent Psychiatry — 3
• Public Health & General Preventive Medicine — 3
• Internal Medicine/Psychiatry — 2
• Neurodevelopmental Disabilities — 2

Signals are valuable currency.
Don’t scatter them randomly. Research programs carefully, understand your competitiveness, consider geographic and personal connections, and use every signal strategically.

One important tip for IMGs:
Use your signals VERY strategically.

I know of some residency programs that are offering interviews to IMGs only if they have signaled the program. That makes every signal incredibly valuable.

Don’t waste a signal simply because a big-name program like Harvard, NYU, or Yale looks attractive. If your overall application isn’t realistically competitive there, a signal alone is unlikely to secure an interview.

Signal smart. Target realistically. Every signal counts.

A signal does not guarantee an interview, but wasting one can mean losing an important opportunity to tell a program: “I’m genuinely interested in you.”

Ahmad Rehan Khan, MD
Psychiatrist | Medical Educator | Residency Mentor

Source: AAMC
Original post idea credit: @malkeasaad

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