How to Get an AMAZING Letter of Recommendation for Residency

A key component of your residency application is the letter of recommendation. Once residency programs have screened applicants on the basis of Step scores and clerkship grades, there remain only a few ways for residency hopefuls to standout. As a result, an amazing letter of recommendation for residency can help differentiate you from other equally qualified applicants. When I interviewed for residency, interviewers often commented on the strength of my letters of recommendation. I’m grateful for the advice I’ve received over the years regarding getting amazing letters. Now, I want to share that advice with you! In this post, I…

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What’s in a name? The (Mis)Use of Formal Titles in the Hospital

Introducing the Problem In any hospital, there are many different types of workers who help to provide quality patient care and keep patients safe. Of all those who work in the hospital, however, only doctors receive a formal title in day-to-day conversation. Whether it’s from other medical professionals or patients, attending physicians are almost always called Dr.  On the other hand, nurses, physician assistants, medical students, and even resident physicians less frequently receive formal titles in the hospital. ***************** Growing up in a Caribbean family, I was taught that titles are a sign of respect, especially for those older than…

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Treatment of Cocaine Use Disorder | Psychiatry in 60 Seconds

Approximately 10 percent of adults in America have a substance use disorder. Thus, the prevalence of addiction and substance use disorder in the U.S. is on par with diseases such as diabetes and kidney disease. As a refresher, I define substance use disorders in my post What is Substance Use Disorder. Unlike alcohol or nicotine, cocaine use disorder is categorized as illicit substance use. Cocaine is a salt-based substance in powdered form. On the other hand, crack is a dilution of cocaine with substances such as water and baking soda. Cocaine use disorder has many negative effects on one’s health…

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How to Secure an AMAZING Letter of Recommendation for Medical School

A key component of your medical school application is the letter of recommendation. An amazing letter of recommendation for medical school can help differentiate you from other equally qualified applicants. Lukewarm letters of recommendation can land you on the waitlist. Even worse, they can make the difference between an acceptance and a rejection. When I interviewed for both medical school and residency, interviewers often commented on the strength of my letters of recommendation. I’m grateful for the advice I’ve received over the years, and I want to share it with you. In this post, I will outline some strategies that…

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Prevalence of Substance Use Disorders | Psychiatry in 60 Seconds

Substance use disorders are common in the U.S. I define substance use disorders in my post What is Substance Use Disorder. Approximately 10 percent of adults in America have a substance use disorder. This means that the prevalence of substance use disorders in the U.S. is on par with illnesses such as diabetes and kidney disease. However, many people with addictions feel ashamed or isolated by their condition. I created this post to highlight that you are not alone. Prevalence of Substance Use Disorders I hope that this post helped you to realize you’re not alone if you have a…

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