Aside from my girlfriend, of course.

Still, no program has emailed or contacted me saying that I'm "competitive" for their residency. I've contacted my top 3, and have recieved no replies. The only tough program I intervied at is Vanderbilt.

Is it time to start thinking of scrambling?

If you're competitive enough to interview at Vanderbilt, then I would assume that you'll at least match somewhere. I mean, as long as you didn't key the PD's car after your interview.

Hmmm...haven't keyed anyone's car, but I DID stuff a potato into the exhaust.

seriously, my top 3 are NOT competitive, and one of them is a new program, but still no replies!

worrisome.

nah, there are many programs on my list that never replied to me, and they are some of the ones who have recently gone unfilled in past years. So my guess is its just their policy.

On a brighter note, did anyone get that letter from Indy last week...I am assuming you all got one if you interviewed there? It was a real shocker but it made my day anyway!

hey congrats on that letter from Indiana.

see, evidently people ARE getting love letters. damn this sucks.

I interviewed at 10 places and turned down 3 offers, so I'm not exactly hurting for number of interviews.

Aside from my girlfriend, of course.


Is it time to start thinking of scrambling?

Sufficient onto the day is the evil thereof.

Or wait and see.

Sufficient onto the day is the evil thereof.

Or wait and see.

Hmm, not too sure what this means.

Hmm, not too sure what this means.

I meant do not consider the scramble until you don't match. Save yourself the heartburn.

I meant do not consider the scramble until you don't match. Save yourself the heartburn.

thanks, but the heartburn has already pretty much eaten its way thru my stomach.

man, the match is so unfair. I don't know of any other job interviews that go this way. problem is that I'm very picky, and while I did 10 interviews, I'd be really happy at only 4 of them.

I'm tempted to rank just 4, but I know that's suicide.

Sufficient onto the day is the evil thereof.

Or wait and see.


Ah, you have the creativity gene that empowers you to understand 15th century British literature. I had to rent all the Shakespeare movies like Hamlet just to have a slight understanding of what I was reading.

I wouldnt worry too much. Most people match in their top 3 and if your programs really "arent competitive" and you got an interview at Vandy I wouldnt sweat it too much.

You need a contingency plan regardless of what you think your chances are, but otherwise worrying about it wont accomplish anything today - probably a bad idea to start calling PDs... "I doubt your program willl fill, and I think Im not going to match. Want to make a deal?"

You need a contingency plan regardless of what you think your chances are, but otherwise worrying about it wont accomplish anything today - probably a bad idea to start calling PDs... "I doubt your program willl fill, and I think Im not going to match. Want to make a deal?"
HA! That'd be great. Wait a minute, then the match would be like a job search in the real world...negotiating and all.

I agree about having a contingency plan. In fact, I've devoted all of today to finalizing my plan. I don't think the scramble is too hopeful, considering that there's not too many spots open for EM.

HA! That'd be great. Wait a minute, then the match would be like a job search in the real world...negotiating and all.

I agree about having a contingency plan. In fact, I've devoted all of today to finalizing my plan. I don't think the scramble is too hopeful, considering that there's not too many spots open for EM.

Yeah I have the same thinking. I'm going to end up ranking 13 programs and then 1 prelim in my main list, but not sure how many scramble spots are going to be available and how quick I would have to beat out all the other scramblers in the process. Don't get me wrong, I'm all up for the competition, just not one I want to fight for :)

anyone know how many spots went unfilled last year for EM? I'm pretty sure it was a tiny number, and seeing as how damn picky I am, I'd probably not like to be at any of them...

anyone know how many spots went unfilled last year for EM? I'm pretty sure it was a tiny number, and seeing as how damn picky I am, I'd probably not like to be at any of them...

I think like 23 spots from 6/7 programs. It is on www.scutwork.com on the left sidebar/linkbar at the bottom. I think most filled up after scramble.

Sufficient onto the day is the evil thereof.

Or wait and see.



Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Mt 6:34

This letter writing is hogwash. You get it and then think about how many others got an identical one. You don't know if you should respond in kind so as not to look too desparate, but worry that no response would be interpreted as no interest. Think I'll start drinking right about now.

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Mt 6:34

Hey, now I get it!

And I think I'll start drinking now, too.

The letters really are BS for the most part. I only got 4 truly personalized letters, one handwritten, a couple of calls from residents, and 2 emails unsolicited. And I interviewed at 15 places. And just to make you feel even better, the letter from Indy was more like a newspaper add that happened to have my name on it. It wasn't signed by anyone....so don't think it meant anything. I guarantee everyone who interviewed there got one...most likely at least. But don't get me wrong, that place is so freaking amazing I would have been happy with an envelope having no contents as long as the return address said IU. And obviously a lot of people agree that its an incredible program. Over 100 people voted in my poll and it received the most votes at something like 23%. It was followed closely by Christ, Mayo, Duke surprisingly enough, and a few others. Don't stress over not being contacted is the main message though.

Is it time to start thinking of scrambling?


First, I am parent / Banker of a DO.

Last year the 4th year student applied at only a few DO programs, as MD resindency was the focus. But to be prepared, bought a good FAX machine, had 2 phone lines in the house already, all necessary information layed out, in detail.

When the DO scamble list came out, indentifed all possible programs, applied thru fax & phone. Got an interview same day, and boarded a plane to the mid-EAST (these states certainly arn't west, look at a map :) ). While back there 4 other interviews came thru in the same general location, and interviews followed.... Now completing the first intern year, in an EM program.

docbrown...don't worry too much about the lack of love letters. at some places i interviewed the residents told us not to worry about it since they have a policy of not contacting applicants after the interview...i am sure there are a lot of places like that out there and maybe the programs you applied to have a similar policy...just a thought!

First, I am parent / Banker of a DO.

Last year the 4th year student applied at only a few DO programs, as MD resindency was the focus. But to be prepared, bought a good FAX machine, had 2 phone lines in the house already, all necessary information layed out, in detail.

When the DO scamble list came out, indentifed all possible programs, applied thru fax & phone. Got an interview same day, and boarded a plane to the mid-EAST (these states certainly arn't west, look at a map :) ). While back there 4 other interviews came thru in the same general location, and interviews followed.... Now completing the first intern year, in an EM program.


You lost me at Banker. If the MD match was the focus why would the DO take a spot in the DO scramble an entire month before the MD match? And I have never heard of having to interview for a scramble position, since they all get locked up in like 3 hours! Feel free to elaborate.

You lost me at Banker. If the MD match was the focus why would the DO take a spot in the DO scramble an entire month before the MD match? And I have never heard of having to interview for a scramble position, since they all get locked up in like 3 hours! Feel free to elaborate.

Parent, and helped fund school (I may get repaid (the banker)),

Choice 1, was GAS (not many slots in DO, waiting for MD residency), didn't think EM (choice 2) was an option (too much competition, was the impression)...
Several EM programs were open in the DO scramble, took a "long shot" , interviewed at 5 locations, and placed..

"Locked up in 3 hours"??? nope, got interview calls 2 days later (and all were LIVE interviews, since the applicant had never been seen there before. One required an actual EM patient treatment experience with attending on site to evaluate, who no doubt followed up afterward, patient had a flu condition)... These extra interivews required an extended stay in the region to complete.

This still doesnt make sense. Since the DO match is about a month earlier than the MD match how were they waiting for a MD residency but scrambled into a DO EM spot? I am still confused..

I'm as good as my word. I just got back from a drinking binge with my buddies. Feel better now.

This still doesnt make sense. Since the DO match is about a month earlier than the MD match how were they waiting for a MD residency but scrambled into a DO EM spot? I am still confused..

Basically, all the inteviews were for MD, but, never received a really good feeling about getting into a MD Gas program (long shot, DO and all).

Checked out the DO scramble to see what was available, EM, (choice 2) so gave them a call.... Rest history, (EM now, GAS maybe)

Basically, all the inteviews were for MD, but, never received a really good feeling about getting into a MD Gas program (long shot, DO and all).

Checked out the DO scramble to see what was available, EM, (choice 2) so gave them a call.... Rest history, (EM now, GAS maybe)

what exactly is GAS position. IM?

I didn't get any letters from any program. Some were competitive, smoe weren't. I matched at my first choice, which is a little competitive for NYC.

I
I wouldn't worry at all

My program doesn't send out letters or emails.

If you interviewed where I am, you can expect to get a phone call very soon. We passed around a list of interviewees at our last conference. Residents sign up to contact interviewees (those that the resident got to know during the interview day, pre-interview dinner, etc.). This is done purely to see if there are any questions about the program and to relieve any anxiety from not hearing from the program. The program director or assistant program director contact those people who a resident did not sign up to contact.

what exactly is GAS position. IM?

GAS = Anesthesia..

I didn't get any letters from any program. Some were competitive, smoe weren't. I matched at my first choice, which is a little competitive for NYC.

I
I wouldn't worry at all
Thanks! In my currently sober state, this makes me feel better.

Ok, the whole interviewing/applying during scramble post just freaked me out, so can somebody please tell me how that works? You get the list of unfilled places and pray they havent filled yet from the person who managed to get to the phone or get through on the phone before you? And what happens if you get locked out? can you just go on to the next specialty (say that plastics program that remained unfilled in california or that ortho program in nyc?)
and with prelim years, do they tell you on monday that you didnt match in that transitional year you wanted or do you have to wait for the match day and then try to pull something together?

Ok, the whole interviewing/applying during scramble post just freaked me out, so can somebody please tell me how that works? You get the list of unfilled places and pray they havent filled yet from the person who managed to get to the phone or get through on the phone before you? And what happens if you get locked out? can you just go on to the next specialty (say that plastics program that remained unfilled in california or that ortho program in nyc?)
and with prelim years, do they tell you on monday that you didnt match in that transitional year you wanted or do you have to wait for the match day and then try to pull something together?


http://www.do-online.osteotech.org/index.cfm?PageID=sir_match06res#AR

Review the above link for the DO match.
Filled / unfilled, etc.
Remember, this is DO and may not (does not) represent MD.

In last year's match in DO, an applicant gave the program they wanted a indication of YES, and the other way around. Then, the applicant changed his/her mind and also speciality, and went elsewhere. The program had stopped interviewing / ranking. This left them with an opening after match, with no one on their reserve list. The program had to scramble to get someone new, before the MD match was closed....

I can't for any other program, and milage may vary, but, this occurred more that once (5 interviews given in different locations), in the DO scramble.

Isn't it great that DO's get 2-3 matches opportunities (3 if military :) )

You can't be serious Y2K. Having 3 chances at a match is needless and nothing but a misguided attempt by the AOA to keep DO's scared of entering the ACGME match. All you have to do is look at last week's dismal DO match stats to see that they need to come up with another way to attract DO's back to their match. The best way to do this is to combine it with the NRMP match and let us rank AOA and ACGME programs all in one ROL. I would seriously have applied to and ranked some DO programs in Oklahoma and maybe one or two in Michigan. AOA programs miss out on some of their best grads because no sane DO student would limit themselves to a DO only match if they had any chance with some great MD programs. AOA always shoots themselves in the foot.

I can't speak for the DO scramble, but in reality the DO scramble takes like 5 months because it doesn't even really heat up until the MD match occurs (when the poor bastar*s who didn't match end up running back for a DO traditional internship). The MD scramble generally takes only as long as it takes to review the incoming faxes that start coming in to the programs 2 days prior to match (when non-matched candidates are notified of their non-match). This can be hours to perhaps a day or two, but I don't think interviews are part of it in any way normally.

You can't be serious Y2K. Having 3 chances at a match is needless and nothing but a misguided attempt by the AOA to keep DO's scared of entering the ACGME match. All you have to do is look at last week's dismal DO match stats to see that they need to come up with another way to attract DO's back to their match. The best way to do this is to combine it with the NRMP match and let us rank AOA and ACGME programs all in one ROL. I would seriously have applied to and ranked some DO programs in Oklahoma and maybe one or two in Michigan. AOA programs miss out on some of their best grads because no sane DO student would limit themselves to a DO only match if they had any chance with some great MD programs. AOA always shoots themselves in the foot.

.
No offense intended (I am sure) to Dr Mom or any of our other recently matched DO pals. :)

No offense intended (I am sure) to Dr Mom or any of our other recently matched DO pals. :)


Absolutely true! Nothing meant to disrespect any of my colleagues like Dr. Mom. She had a good look at her home program there in Tulsa and TRMC is truly not a typical DO institution. It has high volume, and is a reflection of what most MD training institutions contain. And it sounds like she liked it there a lot. Like I said in my post, the program she ended up in would have been applied to by myself had AOA allowed us to rank both ACGME and AOA programs in one match. All I was saying is that anyone with a real desire for a particular ACGME program and who is competitive enough to go for it is not going to sell themselves to the AOA match. Its a matter of having the most options on the same "dance card". For me it just came down to the ACGME EM accreditation standards. I knew they were so top knotch and grueling for PD's and programs that there was no way I could go wrong wherever I matched. I did not feel the same standard was there in DO programs across the board.

In truth though, there are some great DO residencies in literally every specialty. DO's actually are lucky in that respect because if you want to do Derm for instance you have 2 chances to match....like you said above. But you really have to do your homework because there are some seriously questionable DO residency programs.

But so anyone on the MD scramble? No interviews? No new applications? Adult diaper needs?