Neurosurgery

Neurosurgery

This online repository houses relevant resources and contact information for students seeking career advice. We encourage you to review the career-related materials provided (e.g. Specialty Webinar, Interview Questions, Research, etc.) as you seek support in your journey through medical school.

If you have further questions that are not addressed on this page, please feel free to contact a Specialty Faculty Mentor for further guidance.

Match Preparation and Charting Outcomes Heading link

You are more than your Step Scores! Use the NRMP page to look at the qualifications of applicants who have successfully applied to your specialty.

Does your program ever accept International Medical Graduates (I.M.G)?
Yes

Is USLME Step 2 required before applying?

Completion of Step 2 for US medical student is preferred at the time of your application, but is not an absolute requirement. For IMGs completion of Step 1 and Step 2 is a requirement to obtain ECFMG certification, and therefore, must be completed prior to application.

Should applicants do away rotations?

Away rotations are not necessary, but most applicants do take advantage of the opportunity to gain experience.

Research

Yes. As a field neurosurgery encourages innovation and research, and research is highly encouraged.

Letters of Recommendation

  • Number of letters recommended 3
  • Chair’s letter required? No
  • Number of letters from within specialty? 2
  • Number of letters from away rotations/institutions? 1
  • Do you require the MSPE before offering interviews? Yes

Personal Statements

Primarily what makes neurosurgery important for you to pursue.

Application Timing

  1. When do programs in your specialty generally begin reviewing applications? September/October
  2. When do programs in your specialty begin offering interviews? After October 1st
  3. When does your program  generally offer interviews? October through December
  4. Do you require the MSPE before offering interviews? Yes

Interview Advice

Neurosurgery is quite competitive. The average number of interviews per applicant is approximately 20. During interviews it is important on how you get along with the residents as well as the faculty.

Post-Interview Advice

Thank you letters are looked upon favorably. It is not necessary but it demonstrates interest in the program.

For further guidance, contact our specialty faculty liaison:

Ankit Mehta, MD, FAANS
ankitm@uic.edu

or contact coordinator

Avis Foster
asf216@uic.edu

Should applicants do away rotations?

Away rotations are not required, but LOR’s from away rotations do add weight.

Research

Research is encouraged and taken into consideration.

Letters of Recommendation

  • Number of letters recommended 3
  • Chair’s letter required? At least one letter from a Program Director or Department Chair.
  • Number of letters from within specialty? 2
  • Number of letters from away rotations/institutions?
  • Do you require the MSPE before offering interviews? No

Personal Statements

Personal statements that are insightful and honest are the most impactful. Journey to interest in neurosurgery is informative.

Application Timing

  1. When do programs in your specialty generally begin reviewing applications? Start on the date the applications are available.
  2. When do programs in your specialty begin offering interviews? September
  3. When does your program  generally offer interviews? September through November
  4. Do you require the MSPE before offering interviews? No

Interview Advice

We thank the candidates for interviewing with us. Many interviewers email or mail us a thank-you, and that is looked upon favorably –but is not expected.

For further guidance, contact our specialty faculty liaison:

Julian Lin, MD
uicompcareer@uic.edu

Helpful Resources Heading link

  1. The NRMP publishes a survey of Applicants each year. This report presents the results of selected items from the 2022 NRMP Applicant Survey. The report documents factors that applicants weigh in selecting programs (1) at which to interview and (2) to rank in the Main Residency Match. It can be found HERE.
  2. The NRMP Publishes a survey of Residency Program Directors. This report examines the factors program directors use to select applicants to interview and rank. Data are reported for 22 specialties and the transitional year in the Main Residency Match. It can be found HERE.
  3. Looking for residency programs?  The AAMC interactive, Careers in Medicine Website is where you should be! LINK
  4. Having difficulty deciphering this information?  Contact your Student Affairs Career Advisor on your campus!!!

Below you will find resources to help you get started when applying for residency.