ChatGPT Advice

A guide for medical students to make choices using AI LLMs most effectively.

AI is a tool, not a crystal ball. Use it for brainstorming, refining, and summarizing. Pair it with being thoughtful and using trusted resources for the best results.


ChatGPT isn't the only AI out there to use!
  • ChatGPT (OpenAI) – Free but has a paid Pro version. Excellent for nuanced thinking and includes cool memory features.
  • Claude (Anthropic) – Powerful at handling large contexts; designed with safety and detailed answers in mind.
  • Gemini (Google) – Integrates well with other Google services, good at summarization.
  • Llama (Facebook but Open Source!) – Can be used locally if privacy is a concern!
  • Perplexity (Perplexity AI) – Not really the same as those other ones. BUT really good for websearching! I even use it instead of Google.
    • Free PRO with student ID I think

Best Practices for Using ChatGPT

    Define Your Priorities First:

    List your key priorities (geography, specialty focus, work-life balance) and use ChatGPT to refine them.

    Identify your key priorities such as location, scores, and research interests. Ask ChatGPT: "How do programs emphasizing research differ from those focused on clinical skills?"

    Ask Open-Ended Questions:

    Focus on broad but nuanced queries to get thoughtful insights from ChatGPT.

    Instead of asking "What is the best residency program for Pediatrics?" try: "What should I consider when selecting a residency that balances clinical and research training?"

    Use It for 'Vibe Checks':

    Use ChatGPT for general trends and insights into program cultures.

    Ask: "What are characteristics of residency programs that emphasize advocacy work in reproductive health?"

    Draft Personal Statements and Emails:

    Use ChatGPT to brainstorm or refine drafts but check that the final product reflects your authentic voice.

    Ask ChatGPT to critique your draft: "Does this personal statement convey my passion for academic medicine and teaching?"

    Simulate Decision-Making:

    Provide hypothetical profiles to explore how different factors might shape decisions.

    Ask: "If someone has Step 2 CK: 252, second-quartile grades, and a preference for general surgery, what kinds of programs might suit them?"

    Supplement Research and Prep:

    Ask ChatGPT to generate interview questions or identify overlooked factors for evaluation.

    Ask: "What questions should I ask about surgical training during a residency interview?"

What NOT to Do

    Avoid vague questions like "Where should I apply?"—instead, provide context about your priorities.

    Don’t expect ChatGPT to give specific program details or rankings—it’s not a residency database.

    Don’t rely on ChatGPT to replace expert advice from mentors or advisors.

    Always validate ChatGPT advice with trusted resources; don’t rely on it alone.

Step-by-Step Action Plan

    Phase 1: Initial Setup

    Create your foundation for effective ChatGPT interactions.

    1. Create a document listing your non-negotiables (location, program size, research opportunities)
    2. Write down your USMLE scores, research experience, and clinical achievements
    3. Define your ideal program characteristics in order of priority

    Phase 2: Research Enhancement

    Use ChatGPT to deepen your program understanding.

    1. Gather program information from FREIDA for your top 20 choices
    2. Ask ChatGPT to analyze patterns and identify program similarities
    3. Create specific questions about each program's unique features

    Phase 3: Application Development

    Craft your application materials with AI assistance.

    1. Draft your personal statement independently
    2. Use ChatGPT for structural feedback and improvement suggestions
    3. Develop program-specific paragraphs for each top choice

    Phase 4: Interview Preparation

    Prepare for interviews systematically.

    1. Generate program-specific interview questions with ChatGPT
    2. Practice answering common residency interview questions
    3. Create a post-interview evaluation template

    Phase 5: Decision Making

    Use ChatGPT to analyze your options objectively.

    1. Input interview feedback and program details
    2. Create weighted criteria for program evaluation
    3. Use ChatGPT to identify potential pros and cons you might have missed

Ready-to-Use Prompts

    Personal Statement Development:

    "I'm a medical student interested in [specialty]. My key experiences include [clinical experience 1], [research project], and [leadership role]. My motivation for choosing this specialty stems from [personal experience]. Structure these elements into a compelling narrative for my personal statement"

    Program Analysis:

    "I'm considering programs with these characteristics: [program size], located in [geographic region], with emphasis on [specific training focus]. My scores are [Step 1] and [Step 2], with [X] research publications. What types of programs should I target?"

    Interview Question Generation:

    "I'm interviewing at [program name], known for [specific program feature]. They emphasize [training philosophy]. What specific questions should I ask to demonstrate my interest and alignment with their values?"

    Program Comparison:

    "I'm comparing [Program A] and [Program B]. Program A offers [strength 1] and [strength 2], while Program B offers [strength 3] and [strength 4]. My primary career goal is [career objective]. How should I evaluate these options?"

    Post-Interview Analysis:

    "I just interviewed at [program name]. These were my impressions: [positive points] and [concerns]. The program's key features are [feature 1] and [feature 2]. How does this align with my stated goal of [career goal]?"

    Research Opportunity Assessment:

    "I'm interested in [research area] and want to pursue [academic/clinical] career. Program [X] offers [specific research opportunity]. Given my background in [previous research], how can I evaluate if this program's research opportunities align with my goals?"

Tools to Leverage with ChatGPT

    FREIDA: Use FREIDA to filter programs and compare data, then ask ChatGPT to help interpret the results.

    "What should I look for when comparing surgical case numbers across programs?"

    Program Websites and Social Media: Gather specific program details, then ask ChatGPT for insight into alignment with your goals.

    "How does this program’s emphasis on community health align with my goals?"

    Mentors and Advisors: Combine their personal insights with ChatGPT’s general advice.

    "My mentor recommended Program X for its surgical training. What questions should I ask during an interview to confirm this?"

    Residency Forums (Reddit, SDN): Use peer reviews to identify trends, then ask ChatGPT for clarification or analysis.

    "What are common strengths and weaknesses of programs in large urban centers?"

    Interview Feedback Forms: Use these to record impressions, then ask ChatGPT how to weigh them.

    "How should I weigh my impressions of faculty mentorship against work-life balance?"

Final Advice

    ChatGPT is great for brainstorming and refining your thoughts — Tell it your priorities and let it help you think deeper.

    Use open-ended questions to get nuanced answers — Don’t expect a magic ranking!

    ChatGPT can vibe-check program types but won’t give you insider scoop if the information might not be in it's training data. That’s where mentors and peers come in.

    Leverage it to draft or refine personal statements and questions — But your voice needs to shine through.

    ChatGPT is a partner, not a replacement for tools like FREIDA, mentors, and your own critical thinking.

    Always cross-check advice — ChatGPT is smart, but real humans know the details you care about.