Becoming an emergency medicine resident: a practical guide for medical students.

A medical student interested in Emergency Medicine (EM) will find acceptance into residency to be competitive and possibly difficult. An applicant should become aware of the qualities valued by EM residency directors. In the pre-clinical years, an applicant should do well in the basic sciences, perform well on the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1, and find an appropriate EM mentor. In the clinical years, excellence in the third-year core clerkships and the EM rotations, as well as the USMLE Step 2, are very important. The student must then acquire strong letters of recommendations from supervisors and a Dean's letter that accurately reflects the student's academic record. Preparation for a residency interview involves an understanding of both opportunities and challenges in the specialty. Coupled with a strong academic record, this gives the best chance for a favorable match.