OSU-COM career development assistance available for medical students

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine is working to prepare medical students for successfully obtaining a residency after graduation.

Tanya O’Grady, OSU-COM’s career development specialist, is implementing programming to help prepare students for residency interviews and the match process.

“My goal is to provide one-on-one service for each student to help them prepare as much as possible for the residency match,” said O’Grady. “The earlier I can begin working with students, the less pressure they will face as they prepare for their interviews.”

O’Grady will review curriculum vitae and personal statements, providing feedback so students can polish their documents to meet the Association of American Medical Colleges’ guidelines. She also compiles the Medical Student Performance Evaluations (MSPE), which is utilized during the residency match process and assists students with the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).

She recommends that students begin preparing their CVs and personal statements during the first year of medical school, and then update periodically throughout their medical school career.

“The family atmosphere at OSU-COM really emphasizes the personal touch and that’s something I try hard to deliver to our students,” said O’Grady. “By working closely with our students, I can provide honest feedback to help build on their strengths, coach them on interview skills and compile the best application packet for their desired residency program.”

She can provide assistance via email or through meetings in the Student Affairs office. Students can email documents to O’Grady for review prior to their scheduled meetings.

“I can help students develop a timeline for putting together their application package, help them identify residency programs that fit career goals and provide access to tools that will help them successfully navigate the match process,” said O’Grady. “We can develop an individualized matching strategy for each student based on their interests and academic performance.”

O’Grady hosts a community clinic once per month for students in the Rural Medical Track to provide assistance to third- and fourth-year students on rotations. These clinics provide an opportunity for O’Grady to discuss interview skills and offer tips for resumes. She is planning future workshops to provide additional opportunities for students to hear her presentations.

She is planning a residency fair this spring, scheduled for March 25 in Founders Hall. The annual event brings representatives from local, state and national residency programs to OSU-COM to meet with students.

To learn more about the career development services offered at OSU-COM, visit www.healthsciences.okstate.edu/com/career/. Students can schedule a career development advising appointment with O’Grady by calling 918-561-8273 or emailing tanya.ogrady@okstate.edu.