Fast Facts 2007 June

June 2007 Fast Facts

1. Changes in the Intern Selection Process. Starting with the graduating class of 2008, there will be a fundamental change in the method of assigning graduating medical students to internship programs. Navy medicine has adopted a process similar to that used in the civilian match. The driving force behind this change is reduction of cost and improved efficiency. It will also provide substantial benefits to students as well.

On July 1, 2007, the website for intern applications will open. Graduating medical students must return the “Letter acknowledging receipt of NAVMED MPT&ENOTE 1524,” then logon to the Navy application website and complete the registration in the first 2 weeks of July. This includes contact information to keep you apprised of the process and any updates. The website is: http://www-nshs.med.navy.mil/gme/mcpp.htm.

On this page you will have the opportunity to select your internship priorities. You must select 5 programs. You will need to make your selections based upon the training you wish to receive and not the location you wish to go. Whatever specialty you choose for choice 1, you must rank all other sites that provide that training. For example, if you select Internal Medicine at Portsmouth for your first choice, you must rank San Diego and Bethesda as numbers 2 and 3 (in either order). If you choose a Family Medicine Program, you must rank all five programs.

The fifth position for all but those who choose Family Medicine, must be a specialty without a specific location. For example if you choose a surgical internship (General Surgery, Orthopedics, ENT, or OB), choice five must be General Surgery – any site, Family Medicine – any site, or Transitional – any site. If you choose a non-surgical internship, you must choose Internal Medicine – any site, Family Medicine – any site, Transitional – any site, or Psychiatry – any site. The intent, is to keep students in a general training tract..

If you want a full deferment, that must be placed as choice 1. There will be no 1 year delays given for internships to the Class of 2008.

Examples of Selection Choices:

1. General Surgery - SD 1. Ortho – Full Def 1. Fam Med - Brem 2. General Surgery – Port 2. Ortho – Beth 2. Fam Med - Camp Lej 3. General Surgery – Beth 3. Ortho – SD 3. Fam Med - Jax 4. Transitional – SD 4. Ortho – Port 4. Fam Med - Pensacola 5. Transitional – Any Site 5. Gen Surg –Any Site 5. Fam Med - Camp Pen

How will this process work? Students will make their ranking list. This must be finalized by 15 Oct 2007. Program Directors will be given a list of all students who have ranked their program. The Program Directors will NOT be told what the student rankings are. They must make their list based purely on the student’s record and interactions. Then the lists will be paired, matching the desires of the students with the program. Preference will be given to the student.

If you have special circumstances that need to be considered by the Selection Board, please discuss them in the personal statement of the Navy application. Items that can be considered are co-location with a military spouse and family medical and educational needs. The Board will place high priority on meeting these location needs, but it can not guarantee specialty of choice.

Example of the matching process (yes this is simplified! ): Ten students have ranked an internship at the NNMC Bethesda, NMC San Diego and NMC Portsmouth. Each site has 3 slots for interns. Matches are highlighted.

Student Preferences: A B C D E F G H I J SD B SD P B SD P B P SD B P B B SD B SD SD B B P SD P SD P P B P SD P

Program Preferences: Beth Port San Diego I -2 B-2 E -2 B -1 J - 3 A - 1 D- 2 E - 3 B-3 J - 2 A-3 C - 1 F - 2 C - 3 I - 3 C - 2 I - 1 G - 2 A-2 D - 1 F - 1 E -1 H -3 H -2 G -3 G -1 D -3 H -1 F - 3 J -1

SD= San Diego B= Bethesda P=Portsmouth

You will notice that 5/10 got their first choice and 8/10 got one of their top 2 choices. Portsmouth, however, did not get any of their top 5 choices. This shows how the system would favor the students over the programs. Deferments will be based on list generated by the Specialty Leader of the area requested.

Why is this system better for the student? a. Student preference trumps program preference. If a program really wants you, and you want someplace else the program cannot trade to get you. b. It is objective and reproducible. No matter where you start on the list, the end result will be the same.

In the end, this process will benefit students, residencies, and the Navy.

2. Check-in/ Check-out for School Orders. For students who are executing school orders, you are no longer required to check in and out. Your pay will be automatically started and stopped at the appropriate time and your stipend will resume at the end of your AT. You are expected to be in the area of your school during that time, but no contact is required. (unless there are problems)

3. New Fax for Reimbursements. In order to serve you better, the reimbursements section has a devoted fax machine. The new number is: 301-295-1811.