Approach:

Basic structure: why I’m interested in the field, why I’m good for the field with specific examples, and I wanted to demonstrate some of my experience (though minimal) in the field/exposure

Tell something interesting about yourself (mine isn’t exactly exciting, but I received many questions about which book I had read most recently etc, it gave interviewers something else to talk about)

Make it read easily (this just involves a lot of editing)

Work into it specific examples of how you are good for the field/good for their program

Start early! Give yourself a couple months, even though you will want to put it off as long as possible. It takes a lot longer than you expect and it’s good to give to letter writers.

Have several people read and edit it for you. My first draft looked like a kindergartner wrote it.

At the very end, a friend of mine went through it and changed passive phrases to action phrases, which made it much easier to read and makes it sound more confident.

You can use the same PS for prelim/transitional applications as for your primary specialty since you will be designating what that specialty will be in ERAS.

Things I didn’t use, but could be useful:

If you are very seriously looking at a different region in the country and have good reasons for wanting to be there (especially family or some other kind of connection), consider writing a separate PS that includes this that you send to programs in that region only. Additionally, you can personalize your PS for a certain program, but doing this for too many would become tedious and I would only recommend it if there is something interesting to mention besides a generic ‘variety of pathology, great teaching’ etc.

Reading a radiologic image is akin to reading a story.If read with necessity, you may grasp the plot but miss the critical dialogue in your haste.You may note the cardiomegaly that immediately catches your eye, yet with only a cursory review of the remaining anatomy, you might miss the small, poorly demarcated nodule in the right lower lobe of the lung.In contrast, if you read the story because it captivates you, the small details will immerse you and greatly enhance the story.One negative image, when viewed with a more careful eye may reveal subtle pathology which, when present, requires further investigation.I am the type to engross myself in a good story, and throughout my medical school career, I have sought a field which would capture my interest to the same degree.I have found this allure in Radiology and anticipate a rewarding future in a career which will utilize my personal strengths and abilities.

The ability to absorb the story of an image in its entirety is crucial to the role of a radiologist.This ability requires characteristic attention to detail.Throughout my life, my thorough nature has helped me overcome obstacles.For example, I coordinated a clinical skills night during my second year of medical school which, historically, had always run over its scheduled time.In order to facilitate a more punctual event, I systematically considered all aspects of the sessions which could affect time.I instructed the speakers to focus their lessons, made frequent rounds to remind them of their time remaining, and made sure each room contained the necessary tools beforehand.By taking these measures, I successfully completed the event within the allotted three hours.Just as I found satisfaction in meticulously organizing this event, I know I will find fulfillment in methodically interpreting radiologic images.

Stories contain elements which direct the reader's perception of the plot, cues which are recognized with experience.Similarly, radiologists learn to recognize key findings in images by combining experience with self-education.I have taken initiative in my own learning throughout my third year rotations.In addition to reading about each and every one of my patients, I also pursued every opportunity to accompany them to their procedures.Because my interest to be involved in every aspect of my patient's care was obvious to all, I was given the opportunity to place a PICC line myself when it was required by one of my patients.It was a thrilling moment as my preceptor assisted me in establishing venous access.With this experience not only did I learn about my patient's treatment but I also reaffirmed my interest in Radiology; Radiology is a field that hinges on vast academic knowledge while also providing ample procedural opportunities.This fact, along with my passion for diagnostic imaging, will continue to motivate my learning.

The collaborative aspect of Radiology is comparable to discussing a story in a book club.Throughout the course of a day, a radiologist may wish to consult with a colleague or communicate findings directly to the referring physician.My extracurricular involvement has consistently demonstrated my ability to work as part of a team.I am approachable, enthusiastic and trustworthy, rendering me a valuable teamplayer.I look forward to becoming a resource for physicians in other medical specialties and an asset in the diagnosis and treatment of dozens of patients daily.

I find Radiology to be an exciting and intellectually stimulating field that will take advantage of my personal strengths and abilities.My attention to detail, academic achievements, pursuit of complete patient care, and experiences in leadership and teamwork, collectively speak to my future success in the field of Radiology.I anticipate the day when I will have the expertise to accurately interpret the story embedded in each image I encounter.