The Short Coat: An Inside Look at Getting Into and Getting Through Medical School

What Residency Program Directors Actually Want

2025-08-07

And the real reason you’re not getting clear advice about applying to residency. Listener Baffled J. Whoseadaddy (not his real name) asked us why his med school kids complain that the residency application process is confusing and “a black hole.” This week, hosts Dave Etler, Chase Larsson, Zach Grissom, and Madeline Ungs unpack why no one can seem to agree on what residency programs want… and what they actually do. Spoiler: it’s not a first-author publication, committee position, or flawless grades.

And the real reason you’re not getting clear advice about applying to residency.

Listener Baffled J. Whoseadaddy (not his real name) asked us why his med school kids complain that the residency application process is confusing and “a black hole.” This week, hosts Dave Etler, Chase Larsson, Zach Grissom, and Madeline Ungs unpack why no one can seem to agree on what residency programs want… and what they actually do.

Spoiler: it’s not a first-author publication, committee position, or flawless grades.

They’re joined by recent Carver College of Medicine grad Dr. Teneme Konne, now a full-fledged family medicine attending (and “professional yapper”), who spills the truth on how programs really evaluate applicants. From what happens behind closed doors during interview debriefs to how introverts can still stand out, we break it all down.

If you’re sick of performative CV-building, tired of mixed signals (literally), and unsure how to be “authentic” without sounding like a TED Talk… this one’s for you.

Episode credits:

Producer: Dave Etler
Co-hosts: Chase Larsson, Zach Grissom, Madeline Ungs
Guest: Teneme Konne, MD, CCOM ’22

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