I was so pleased when Shannon’s friend and peer Rylee recommended for professional Doctor’s headshots, both student doctors were amazing to work with. Shannon is considering going into Family practice, and after talking with her a few moments I was so impressed with her commitment and professional, respectful manner. She is warm and empathic and I know that will take her far with future patients who feel cared about and understood.
Congratulations on your white coat, graduation, and journey Dr. Shannon!
In the 21st century, according to Wiki, the training of osteopathic physicians in the United States is equivalent to the training of Doctors of Medicine (MDs). Osteopathic physicians attend four years of medical school followed by an internship and a minimum two years of residency.
But what happens after, when establishing your own practice or as a student doctor, seeing patients? As with any career a professional headshot is vital. The right headshot sets the president for quality, effort, and professionalism.
“Applicants must begin to think like professionals. If a photograph is requested in a secondary application, make it a good one, not one that may call your professionalism into question.”
Personally I believe, as a human being (and photographer,) that is because people get a feeling of connection from a photo with a warm smile and clear view of the eyes! As humans we make emotional decisions- no more so then when we are choosing a doctor. Maybe we are in pain, or choosing care for a beloved family member or child- and we take a lot of factors into our seemingly split second decision from seeing a doctors photo. A well lit and direct friendly gaze projects honestly, integrity, and concern. I can tell in 2 seconds if someone has taken the time to prepare for a photo. When I see that a portrait was professionally taken I see the effort taken by a doctor or business professional to give their best as mentioned above in the quote by Dr. Foxwell. Additionally, an update headshot is just as important! If someone hasn’t taken a few moments (from understandably very busy career and life) to make the effort to be recognizable it conveys a feeling of not caring- that may not be correct but it is a reality of how people react to decades old photos.
Natasha Singh of Doximity recently researched online medical profiles detailing the importance of a business portrait taken professionally for your potential patients and prospective medical firms or peers to view. Amazingly everything from increased referrals, higher incomes, and better job matches for both experienced doctors as well as recent medical school graduates can benefit from a great headshot.
Suffice it to say-people want to see who they are working with and a bright, focused, well shot portrait of your smile speaks volumes when being reviewed for a medical school application or later when inviting patients to choose you are their physician!
“Doctors with profile photos are viewed TWICE as often as doctors without photos. So, why does this matter? Well, physicians with profile pictures get preferential search ranking. By not having a profile photo, you may miss out on opportunities to expand your network among local physicians or position yourself for your next career move. We even discovered a correlation between doctors with and without photos and the salaries they earn: doctors with profile photos earn, on average, 8% more than their camera-shy counterparts.”
To improve your chances of matching into a general surgery residency in Arizona, the following steps may help:
Research Arizona programs: Begin by researching general surgery residency programs in Arizona. Explore their curriculum, faculty, hospital affiliations, and reputation. Gain a thorough understanding of the programs' requirements, values, and specific areas of focus.
Score well on the USMLE: Prepare diligently for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 and Step 2. Aim for competitive scores as they play a significant role in residency program selection. Consider utilizing study resources, practice exams, and review courses to maximize your performance.
Gain relevant clinical experience: Seek clinical experiences in general surgery or related fields during your medical school years. Actively participate in surgical rotations, electives, and clerkships. This will not only enhance your surgical skills but also allow you to build connections with potential recommendation letter writers.
Obtain strong letters of recommendation: Forge meaningful relationships with attending physicians, mentors, and faculty members who can write strong letters of recommendation for your residency application. Aim to secure letters from individuals who can speak to your clinical skills, work ethic, and potential as a surgeon.
Showcase research and academic achievements: Engage in research projects, case reports, or publications related to general surgery. Active involvement in academic activities demonstrates your commitment to the field and can make your application more competitive.
Participate in extracurricular activities: Engage in extracurricular activities that demonstrate your leadership, teamwork, and commitment to the community. Volunteer in medical outreach programs, participate in student organizations or contribute to community service initiatives. Such experiences showcase your well-roundedness and dedication to making a positive impact.
Make a Professional First Impression with a great headshot for your residency application! Shameless plug: Headshots contribute significantly to conveying professionalism, confidence, and approachability. A well-executed headshot is a visual representation of professionalism. It communicates that an individual takes their career seriously and understands the importance of presenting themselves in a polished manner.
Personal statement: Craft a compelling personal statement that highlights your passion for general surgery, your reasons for pursuing a residency in Arizona, and your unique qualities and experiences that make you an ideal candidate. Tailor your statement to each program to demonstrate your specific interest in their institution.
Program interviews: If invited for interviews, prepare thoroughly. Research each program extensively, including its strengths, faculty, and ongoing research projects. Practice commonly asked interview questions, and be ready to discuss your career goals, interests, and why you believe you would be a good fit for the program.
Be flexible with your application: Apply broadly to a range of programs in Arizona to increase your chances of securing interviews and matching. Consider both university-based programs and community-based programs to expand your options.
Continuously improve your application: If you are not successful in matching during your initial application cycle, seek feedback, identify areas for improvement, and work on enhancing your application. This may involve gaining additional clinical experience, pursuing research opportunities, or strengthening your USMLE scores.
Remember, improving your chances of matching into a general surgery residency in Arizona requires a combination of academic achievements, clinical experiences, personal qualities, and a tailored application. Stay dedicated, seek guidance from mentors, and continually strive to enhance your qualifications.