<p>I am a rising third year student at Case Western and a student in Case's integrated BA/MD program. I think I may be interested in a surgical career after I finish med school. I just was curious to know what kind of activities I could do to give myself an edge when the time finally comes to apply for a residency. For example, I am currently doing Alzheimer's Disease research. If I got some publications would that help towards getting into a neurosurgery residency? I am also going to be recieving my EMT certification this year and was hoping that the experience would maybe help towards making me a more competitive applicant. I am also wondering whether anyone was aware of Case's match rates for different surgical specialties such as ortho, neuro, and cardiovascular surgery and what the average USMLE scores are for those. I am also trying to figure out if getting a master's in a medical science might also help. I would appreciate any comments or advice ppl. have. I am still trying to decide what to do with my next two years of undergrad</p>
<p>jeeze, its about damn time i met another person who finds value in obtaining their EMT...well done bro! IM an EMT as well. I think you are on the right track...what i think u should do tho is do some shadowing with surgeons at the medical center, im sure some of them would be more then happy to help you out. Also try and get involved with the doctors without borders program, or some program that goes overseas to administer medical care...they like to see that.</p>
<p>As forgetting published...that would be a major plus and im sure that would help you big time. But most importantly just get the USMLE scores, thats what will do it for you, the rest of this stuff will just put u over the edge if u cut it close. </p>
<p>Just remember grades are primary, EC's secondary...i actually just spoke to my cousin about residency placement the other day...hes a vascular surgeon at Mt. Sinai. Be ready to work LOOONG hours bro. Good luck to you</p>
<p>also, another piece of advice...if they interview you for surgery (vasc specifically) they like seeing that you are the go-to guy who is willing to try new things in the OR that other doctors are afraid to do...so try and show that in EC's and interviews</p>
<p>You want a spot in surgery get good USMLE scores, and good recs in med school. Thats about all you need to do. Neuro is easy to get if you can muster up a 230+ on USMLE's which is pretty darn high. But even for neuro you don't HAVE to to have research but it helps, but thats due to the fact that no one really wants to do it and lots of people quit. For Ortho, Neuro, Plastics all you pretty much need to do is get high board scores, maybe some research but thats about it. For Cardiothoracic surg first you need to do a Gen. Surg Residency then a fellowship in CT surg. You get the fellowship based on how well you do in residency. Those things you listed like EMT, etc are things you need to get into med school. But it seems you pretty much cleared that hurdle. For now do what you find interesting. But you won't decide your specialty until med school 90%+ people change their minds a few time in med school.</p>
<p>Med schools don't matter unless you are going for the most prestigious residency spots in the country. If you have really good USMLE's it doesn't matter what school you went to. Every medical school teaches you the same thing so its really up to you to learn everything.</p>
<p>Working as a scrub tech provides great experience for future surgeons as well as respect from OR staff once you enter practice as a surgeon. Scrub techs generally command more respect than EMT's among surgeons and OR staff, although they remain unknown outside the OR.</p>
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Surgical technologists, also called scrubs and surgical or operating room technicians, assist in surgical operations under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. Surgical technologists are members of operating room teams, which most commonly include surgeons, anesthesiologists, and circulating nurses. Before an operation, surgical technologists help prepare the operating room by setting up surgical instruments and equipment, sterile drapes, and sterile solutions. They assemble both sterile and nonsterile equipment, as well as adjust and check it to ensure it is working properly. Technologists also get patients ready for surgery by washing, shaving, and disinfecting incision sites. They transport patients to the operating room, help position them on the operating table, and cover them with sterile surgical drapes. Technologists also observe patients vital signs, check charts, and assist the surgical team with putting on sterile gowns and gloves.</p>
<p>During surgery, technologists pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and surgeon assistants. They may hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments. Surgical technologists help prepare, care for, and dispose of specimens taken for laboratory analysis and help apply dressings. Some operate sterilizers, lights, or suction machines, and help operate diagnostic equipment.
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<p>With additional training, OR techs act as first assistants to surgeons -- a common practice these days since insurance companies often deny or dramatically reduce payment to physicians acting as assistant surgeon.</p>
<p>i tried starting a new thread bout' this but it didn't quite work....so ill ask again.....does anyone know if getting a Masters (in science or in business) would help at all in being competitive for a residency....?</p>