In a survey of program directors in 14 specialties, "grades in required clerkships" was the most important academic criterion used to select residents (Wagoner 1999). Also highly valued were the number of honors grades earned.

Knowing this, thousands of medical students start their clerkships every year with tremendous enthusiasm and energy, spend long days in the hospital, and work hard, only to be disappointed in the results. Why? The reason is that many of them overlook a critical step, one that prevents them from reaching their full potential during clerkships. What is that step?

They haven't learned how to make the transition between the basic science and clinical years of medical school. Many clerkship directors, faculty members, and residents feel that students are not adequately prepared for clerkships. In a survey of clerkship directors in internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, family medicine, and obstetrics/gynecology, nearly half reported that students were not adequately prepared in key areas prior to beginning their third year of medical school (Windish 2004).

Why is this transition so difficult? The skill set that you developed in order to be a successful basic science student is not the same set you'll need to be successful during the third year. Starting the third year is a watershed moment in your medical education, one that requires you to have a specific strategy for success. This book will provide you with that strategy, helping you to become the savvy student who is poised for clerkship success. This will help you secure outstanding clinical evaluations and strong letters of recommendation, maximizing your chances of matching with the residency program of your choice.