1.

Tell me about yourself (incomplete)

a. I was born in India and moved to Columbus when I was 8yrs old. I would best describe myself
as Indian-American. My Indian culture and heritage are a large part of my life and set the
foundation for how I live my life today. When I am not studying I like to play tennis, take an
active role in my youth group and watch movies.
2. Why did you choose neurology?
a. I would say that my decision to pursue neurology as a career has been a natural
progression. My interest actually began in neuroscience not neurology per say. The
mystery of consciousness truly fascinated me. What allows me to think? Is artificial
intelligence possible? While I kept an open mind during rotations, and explored other
specialties , I kept coming back to neurology. I realized that my passion in neuroscience
translated perfectly to neurology. In fact, I liked it even more because I was able to be
directly involved in patient care and treatment. I found that Neurology had a great
balance of procedures and patient care. I saw that neurologist spent considerable more
time with their patients from the more thorough neuro exam to more time helping the
patients understand their diseases and treatments. I like being hands on and I saw the
potential for procedures like EMGs, spinal taps, Neuro-ICU. But ultimately it was my
neurology attendings that solidified my decision to pursue neurology. They were some
of the best teachers. It was particularly in neurology that I saw attendings eager to teach
and pass on their knowledge
3. What made you want to become a doctor?
a. “What do you think are some of the main challenges facing the medical profession
these days?”
1. One of the challenges facing medical care is the proper communication
and coordination between various specialties in the treatment of a
patient. Proper communication and coordination is essential to not
only shorten the hospital stay of a patient but also to offering effective
timely treatment. Patients can get frustrated and lost bouncing from
specialist to specialist and now having a cohesive care plan.
b. I chose to become a doctor because I found patient care rewarding. I liked
interacting with patients. I have learned through my rotations now that there is
vast difference between what you learn in books and what happens in real life. I
was interested in biology and the human body but I did not want it to merely be an
intellectual exercise.
4. Why did you take 2 yrs off?/ What is TVP?
a. TVP is a two-year postgraduate alternative education institution in Mumbai, India aimed
at character building and instilling values. It was founder by philosopher, activist and
revolutionary Pandurang Shastri Athavle. The curriculum included a comparative study
of Eastern and Western philosophical systems, ethics, and logic, along with other high
level and comprehensive courses stressing highly analytical thinking. Unique to the
institution was a simple living, high thinking lifestyle. I mastered learning-by-doing and
self-motivation as the school is entirely managed and sustained by its students who
follow a strict, structured regimen. I overcame language and cultural barriers and
enhanced love for service by going on service expeditions throughout India
b. So what? How did TVP make me a better doctor?
1. The character I developed at TVP correlates directly to the type of doctor I
strive to be. For example, communication is one of the most essential skills as a
physician. I understand that I will have patients from all walks of like, with
 different levels of medical understanding and expectations. I lived at TVP with
150 student from various parts of India and speaking many different languages. I
learned to live with and understand youth from different walks of life, different
views. In fact it was much tougher there than in the real world. In the real world
I could hid behind doors but there I learned to deal with the problems. There we
could not escape one another so we learned to tackle our issues. This doesn’t
just apply to patient care but also to working as part of a team of residents.
From my many interactions with residents, one thing that I have been told many
times is how well you get along with your fellow residents.
2. Another aspect of TVP that has stuck with me is the work ethic and constant
desire for self improvement. I think that it is essential for a physician to be
uptodate on research and new treatments for his patients. At TVP I learned that
results come from not giving up. Constant struggles with eventually lead to
success. While there I was in charge of the medical duties and learned to think
on my feet and
5. Why did you choose to apply to this program?
a. Case
1. There are many aspects that drew me to this program. When
I did my rotation here I really liked the constant and well
organized lecture schedule each week. As a resident they will
allow me to keep thinking about neurology from various
angles and make sure that I am always up to date in my care
of patients as a neurologist. I really like that your program
also has the Neurology bootcamp at the beginning of PGY2.
During my rotation here, I saw the most diverse and
interesting cases of any neurology rotation. Additionally, I
like that this program has had a long-standing tradition of
preparing residents for successful and rewarding careers in
both academic and private practice neurology. It offers
potential for many different fellowship opportunities. From
neuromuscular to stroke to epilepsy. The faculty are leaders
in their fields and I want to learn from the best.

6. Can you tell me about the research project you were involved in?
a. Smith Lab
b.
7. Can you tell me about volunteer work you did?
a. Dublin CARES/ Local Cleveland volunteer - Volunteered on weekends tutoring kids
8. What do you like to do on your free time?
9. What do you see happening for you beyond your residency?
10. What would you do if you saw someone do something that you didn’t feel comfortable with
ethically?
11. Do you have any interesting case to discuss?
12. Can you tell me more about X (the potential red flag in your record that you were hoping they
wouldn’t ask you about!)?
13. Have you thought of what you might do if you don’t get in to this specialty?
14. Do you have any questions for me?

15. Tell me one unique aspect of application

16. Whats the relation between staff and residents?
17. Ask them about themselves
18. What goals do you have?
19. View of the world and how I perceive myself in my career – what tvp gave me

20.What makes you so special?

a. I think what sets me apart are the experiences that have made me who I am now. The
two things I would pick out are: my 10 years of tutoring experience and my two years in
India after completing my bachelors. My tutoring experience had taught me the value of
effective communication and that each individual learns differently. These learned
effective communications skills have translated extremely well into my medical career. I
understand that each patient is different in how the understand is different as well.
Ensuring that a patient understands their disease and treatment as well as being able to
provide comfort in a tough setting is an essential cornerstone of neurology. My
experience tutoring students from elementary school to college level has helped me
hone these skills.
b. My two years of postgraduate education in India were possible the most defining years
of my life. I understand that a great physician is not merely a great diagnostician. A great
physician can also be a great role model.
21. What if someone constantly undermines
22. What don’t you like about xyz
23. What one thing about yourself that you want to change
24. What would you do if not neuro/medicine?
25.
Dear ___ ,

I have not yet heard from your program regarding my application to your residency program. I am
extremely interested in the XXX Neurology Residency Program and would cherish the opportunity to
interview with your program. I hope you are still considering my application.

I have received a new recommendation letter from a rotation that I recently completed and was
wondering if it would be possible to add this recommendation letter to my application for your
residency program? I am certain that it will further demonstrate that I can be a strong candidate for
your program. Please let me know if this is possible and what steps I can take in ERAS to ensure it
reaches you.

Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,

Vikas Dalwadi

Application ID # 2018514321