Phase 1 of Medical School

Focus on:

Choosing a specialty is a process in which you need to match your values with that of the specialty. The information will help you in that process. Remember that we are here for you, and want to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your AD, Dr. Nobay and Dr. Newton, they are key resources for you during medical school.

Key Dates

• ■ October: Summer Planning: Research, International, Clinical, and Volunteer Opportunists
• ■ February 2, 2024: Summer research submission deadline
• ■ January-May: Career Exploration (Careers in Medicine)
• ■ April: Preparing for a Competitive Specialty Panel

Resources

• ■ AAMC Careers in Medicine (CIM)
• ■ AAMC Preparing Your CV
• ■ CETL Contact Robin Frye, PhD

Starting to Build Your Residency Application

We encourage students to consider exploring specialties throughout Phase 1. Students do this through a variety of ways, and some opportunities may appear on their residency application down the road. Some key points at this stage in building your residency application are that you get involved with things you are passionate about, and remember that all extracurricular activities should complement your academic experience, not interfere. Some areas that students tend to focus on are:

• ■ AAMC Careers in Medicine (CIM)
• ■ Summer Opportunities
• ■ OMSEP Summer Research
• ■ Summer Opportunities Spreadsheet created by Class of 2025
• ■ Exploring Mentorship Potential
• ■ Special Interest Groups
• ■ Department specific advisors
• ■ Explore Shadow Experiences

• ■ Identifying a Mentor:

  • ■ Department specific mentors are great resources when planning your career in medicine. We encourage students to speak with senior medical students/residents/faculty throughout URMC for insight and input. You will meet a large number of faculty throughout the curriculum and clinical experiences, and we encourage you reach out to find a mentor you work well with. Other ways to connect with faculty are:
    • ■ Joining Special Interest Groups
    • ■ Contact Faculty about Shadowing Experiences
    • ■ ​Departmental specific advisors
    • ■ Summer experience (research or clinical)
    • ■ Advisory Dean
• ■ Summer After Phase 1
  • ■ We recognize this summer is one of the last that students have free for a long time. We encourage you to think about how to best use this time. Some need a vacation, others seek opportunities that can boost their CV, and many do both. Use this time wisely and find an activity you enjoy. Be strategic in how this can strengthen your CV, and take advantage of spare time. Please reach out to your Advisory Dean for input on your plan, and you can always contact Dr. Newton or Dr. Nobay to brainstorm opportunities.
• ■ Outreach and Community Service:​
  • ■ Students of Rochester Outreach (SRO):   http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/education/md/outreach.aspx
  • ■ Can lead to leadership roles
  • ■ Look for ways you can make a difference in the community
  • ■ If you make a commitment; stick with it
  • ■ Make an impact that is genuine and sustainable
  • ■ Get involved and stay committed
• ■ Research
  • ■ Many students find the summer in-between Phase 1 and Phase 2 is a good time to get involved with research. Choosing a research project involves matching your interests with the research topic. The Office of Medical Student Enrichment Programs (OMSEP) and URMC Research and Innovation are good places to start. It’s important that you:
    • ■ Find studies that won’t interfere with your medical education, but supplements it
    • ■ Projects you design and follow through on are most valuable
    • ■ Spend this time delving deeper into a topic you enjoy
    • ■ Contact OME_RESEARCH@URMC.Rochester.edu for more information and keep an eye out for the deadlines.
• ■ Leadership
  • ■ This can occur in medical societies, medical school activities, or start an initiative of your own passion.