Is it okay to apply for both transitional year and prelim. medicine positions at the same program or is that not acceptable/bad? Would the programs know that you have applied for both positions. I would like to know your thoughts on this topic. Thanks for all the input. I appreciate it.

Is it okay to apply for both transitional year and prelim. medicine positions at the same program or is that not acceptable/bad? Would the programs know that you have applied for both positions. I would like to know your thoughts on this topic. Thanks for all the input. I appreciate it.

ahh, that's a good question. I think it is perfectly acceptable to apply to both programs at the same institution. i think programs directors know that this happens and even expect it, especially if you are applying in a big metropolitan area or a highly desirable location. as you interview, program directors might tell you, "look doodpac, you are a really competitive candidate, if you really want to come to this program write me a letter or stay in contact me." that's when you need to make some decisions. in my opinion, you don't want to write two letters and tell two different program directors at the same institution how much you liked their program and how you can really see yourself at their program next year. :D remember, these people see and talk to each other every day.

Best of Luck!

Is it okay to apply for both transitional year and prelim. medicine positions at the same program or is that not acceptable/bad? Would the programs know that you have applied for both positions. I would like to know your thoughts on this topic. Thanks for all the input. I appreciate it.

I think it would be okay. They would probably be able to find out that you have applied to both if they wanted to, but I'm not sure they will try to find out (in fact, I highly doubt it). If they are interviewing dozens and dozens of students for their prelim medicine program, I doubt they would specifically try to find out if you are looking at another program at their institution. The only caveat would be if both programs have the same director, which would be unusual.

Directors of programs that take PGY1s for prelim years or transitional years are well aware that they are only a pit stop on your way to doing something else and are not offended by your looking at several different types of PGY1 years. They only have you for one year so they just want people who will work very hard that year and contribute. You don't have to convince them that prelim medicine has always been your dream job. In fact, you don't even need different LoR's...you can just send them the ones you had for ophthalmology. Hope this helps!

good luck!

ditto