Couples Match: Applicants who enter the couples match need a specialized plan based on their specific application variables. This will depend on what specialty their “couple” is applying to. General advice would include applying to more programs, being clever about geography, and finding an advisor who has experience with the couples match.
Skill Demonstration Videos collection provides an extensive list of links to high-quality videos that demonstrate proper techniques for a wide range of emergency medicine procedures. This resource is invaluable for students to use during their rotations.6 Patient Presentations7
International Medical Graduates: IMG applicants have had more success matching into emergency medicine in recent years. However, given the variability of each individual’s circumstances and application, including details of how and when institutions can host different types of visas, we will not go into further detail in this article.
American Academy of Emergency Medicine (AAEM) Road to Match Mentorship Program for third year students8 CDEM Curriculum is an excellent, free resource designed to help medical students master core emergency medicine topics. Organized by chief complaint, it offers tailored curricula for third year students, fourth year students, and pediatric emergency medicine. This curriculum serves as a valuable supplement for students during their rotations, enhancing their understanding of foundational EM concepts.9
Resources
As a mentor, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel—numerous resources are readily available through national EM organizations to support you and your mentees. Familiarizing yourself with these tools enhances your ability to guide students through the match process and career planning, while also providing excellent aids for on-shift teaching. The list below includes some of our favorite free, open-access resources, which serve as a great foundation for enriching your mentorship and supporting your mentee’s development in emergency medicine. Council of Residency Directors in EM (CORD) EMRA/CORD Student Advising Guide: An Evidence-Based Approach to Matching into Emergency Medicine1 Medical Student and Advisor Resource Guides provide resources for planning fourth year and how to approach the match process geared towards specific students. Available guides include; military, couples match, IMG, osteopathic, reapplicants, at risk applicants, latecomers, and underrepresented minorities.2 Medical Student Planners provide a structured approach to planning and optimizing performance in medical school, starting from the first year. These tailored planners cater to each special populations including reapplicants, branches of the military, couples matching, international medical graduates (IMGs), and osteopathic students.3 Emergency Medicine Residents Association (EMRA) Medical Student Advising Resource List4 Student Resident Mentorship Program5
In addition to these online resources, one of your greatest assets as a mentor is your network. Introducing your mentee to colleagues, former classmates, or other professionals with similar interests, geographic ties, or connections to specific residency programs can be invaluable. These introductions give students unique insights and special opportunities that help them build a well-rounded support system. Additionally, connecting students with local events, research opportunities, or residency fairs adds depth to their experience and prepares them for the journey ahead. By combining accessible resources, personal connections, and community events, you can empower your mentee with a strong foundation for a successful career in emergency medicine. Mentoring in emergency medicine, especially in a community setting, is an invaluable opportunity to shape future EM physicians. By mastering the essentials of writing impactful letters of recommendation, understanding the unique needs of special student populations, and using accessible resources, you can provide your mentees with well-rounded, informed support. The insights and guidance you offer help students navigate a stressful match process and make informed career decisions. With your mentorship, they’ll not only gain the skills and confidence needed for a successful match but also a clearer vision of what it means to thrive in emergency medicine. Thank you for your dedication to shaping the future of our specialty! Editor’s Note: Part one of this series, “Student Mentorship for the Community Doc,” can be found in the March/April issue on page 36. Scan the QR code to read now.
References 1. https://www.cordem.org/siteassets/images/bod-elections/emrastudentadvisingguide-2023_web-file.pdf 2. https://www.cordem.org/resources/ascem 3. https://www.cordem.org/resources/ascem 4. https://www.emra.org/students/advising-resources/student-advising-taskforce-advising-resource-list 5. https://www.emra.org/students/advising-resources/student-residentmentorship-program
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6. https://www.emra.org/students/advising-resources/skill-demonstrationvideos-and-topics-pertaining-to-em 7. https://www.emra.org/students/advising-resources/patient-presentations 8. https://www.aaemrsa.org/education/road-to-match/ 9. https://www.saem.org/about-saem/academies-interest-groups-affiliates2/ cdem/for-students/online-education