RUSM: What attracted you to RUSM?
PATEL: I was enrolled in a six-year Doctor of Pharmacy program and I had two close friends who attended Ross University [School of Medicine]. They spoke highly about their experience and how prepared they felt after successfully completing their licensing exams. Their guidance was influential in my decision to leave pharmacy, in the back of my mind I had always wanted to become a physician. When I fully committed to pursuing my dream, the admissions representative and administrative staff were very helpful in my transition process.
RUSM: How did you prepare for the NRMP® Match?
PATEL: Preparation for The MATCH℠ started with clinical rotations. The clinical rotation sites at which I rotated offered opportunities within their respective hospitals to work directly with residents in all major sub-specialties and see what it took to build the skills necessary to obtain a residency.
RUSM: What are the top two or three ways RUSM helped prepare you for your residency position?
PATEL: RUSM arranged participation in strong clinical rotation sites with in-house residency programs. There were also helpful administrative staff members who facilitated and ensured that the ERAS® and NRMP process went smoothly (especially in regards to documentation, ECFMG® certification, etc.).
RUSM: What are the key factors that led to you achieving a chief resident position?
PATEL: Obtaining a position as chief resident is not something that happens overnight. It starts the day you begin medical school. You have the ability to decide the type of physician you want to be when you start, and it is up to you to maintain that drive until you reach your goal.
RUSM: What additional responsibilities have you assumed since becoming a chief resident?
PATEL: As a chief resident, serving on influential committees and taking on administrative roles is only the beginning. I have developed a joy in participating in major specialty societies (American Society of Anesthesiologists) and sub-specialty society committees in order to stay actively involved in my field. Recently, I have taken on an active role as Vice Chairman of the North American Neuromodulation Society’s Residents and Fellows Committee for 2015-2016.
RUSM: What’s next for you?
PATEL: I will be completing residency in June 2016, and I look forward to joining a private practice anesthesiology group and staying actively involved in major societies and committees within our specialty.
