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BackTable / ENT / Podcast / Episode #215

Navigating the ENT Residency Match Process

with Dr. Johnathan McGinn

The road to matching in ENT looks different for every applicant. Dr. Johnathan McGinn, Vice Chair of the Department of Otolaryngology at Penn State, shares how to make yours a success in this episode of the BackTable ENT Podcast, providing an insider’s look at the otolaryngology residency match process. A must listen for aspiring ENTs!

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Navigating the ENT Residency Match Process with Dr. Johnathan McGinn on the BackTable ENT Podcast
Ep 215 Navigating the ENT Residency Match Process with Dr. Johnathan McGinn
00:00 / 01:04

BackTable, LLC (Producer). (2025, March 25). Ep. 215 – Navigating the ENT Residency Match Process [Audio podcast]. Retrieved from https://www.backtable.com

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Podcast Contributors

Dr. Ashley Agan on the BackTable ENT Podcast

Dr. Ashley Agan is an otolaryngologist in Dallas, TX.

Dr. Johnathan McGinn on the BackTable ENT Podcast

Dr. Johnathan McGinn is an otolaryngologist and the Vice Chair of the Department of Otaryngology at Penn State in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Dr. Gopi Shah on the BackTable ENT Podcast

Dr. Gopi Shah is a pediatric otolaryngologist and the co-host of BackTable ENT.

Synopsis

First, Dr. McGinn discusses the impact of applicants’ backgrounds and institutional resources on their evaluations, the evolution of the interview process from virtual to in-person post-COVID, and the introduction and benefits of the signaling process in residency applications. Dr. McGinn also offers valuable advice for medical students on choosing away rotations, obtaining meaningful recommendation letters, and understanding the complexities of the holistic review system. Finally, he emphasizes the importance of mentorship and the personal journey of each applicant.

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction
01:49 - Evolution of the Residency Match Process
07:18 - The Role of Research in Residency Applications
12:11 - Advice for Students Without Home Programs
15:19 - Navigating Away Rotations
21:24 - Geographic Preferences and Signaling
32:25 - Choosing the Right Program for You
38:17 - Virtual vs. In-Person Interviews
42:09 - Application Review Process at Penn State
48:36 - Letters of Recommendation: Tips and Insights
52:28 - Special Considerations for DO Students
58:34 - Final Thoughts and Advice for Applicants

Resources

Dr. Johnathan McGinn
https://www.pennstatehealth.org/doctors/johnathan-d-mcginn-md-facs


BackTable+ for ENT
https://plus.backtable.com/pages/ent


Check out BackTable+ for ENT, our sponsor and new e-learning platform! https://plus.backtable.com/pages/ent

The Materials available on BackTable are for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare professional in diagnosing and treating patients. The opinions expressed by participants of the BackTable Podcast belong solely to the participants, and do not necessarily reflect the views of BackTable.

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