Who will go unmatched in PM&R this year?

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Hi Everyone,
I am almost done with interviews only one left to go. I think everyone knows that PM&R is way competitve this year and will get worse next year. There are way more applicants than positions offered. Can anyone make a prediction on which applicants will go unmatched? Thanks

marathon chick,

is it really so competative this year? what's the buzz amongst the applicants...are you guys really worried about not matching or something???

all the best! ligament.

Urrgghhh! I typed a nice long response, hit "post" and got the "page cannot be displayed" message. I hit the back button and my post was gone. So.... here goes again.


If this post by Spineguy is accurate, then yes we are worried.
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"When I was interviewing for a prelim. med spot at my school the program director told me PM&R was getting more competitive. He then logged on to eras while I was sitting there and told me that there were around 330 American medical applicants, and around 440 FMG's. Give or take 20 on each, because it was several months ago. Hope this helps!!"
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I am not sure who will not get a spot. There were a couple of people at each of my interviews that I thought would have trouble getting a spot. They were either immature, arrogant, or couldn't speak English at all.

There were some FMG's that were very impressive. They spoke perfect English and had impressive careers they were leaving behind in their own countries.

There were some American grad's that were awful. They called faculty by their first name. Interupted faculty, residents, and other applicants when speaking. Played with their cell phones while the Program Director addressed the group. Looked at their watch or around the room instead of at the person speaking. They were just generally loud and immature.

I can't believe someone can't behave themself for a few hours to interview for something as important as residency. Fortunately, there was only one or two of these at each interview. I kept thinking, "these are the people I am going to be working with in one-and-a-half years!"

There has to be more positions than 250. There are 80 programs and 3 per program is a relatively small number. There are many programs that take 5-6 and a handful that take 10-12. I would guess that the total number of spots available is closer to 400. I wouldn't freak out, as I beleive that anyone who really wants a spot and ranks all of their interviews will definitely match.

I would say, however, that in 3-4 years PM&R may be relatively competitive more on the lines of ER. However, we will not see radiology type competitiveness anytime soon as the radiology work hours are still good and the pay on average is almost double (I said average, I realize many needle jockeys are pulling in 250-300k).

On the NRMP website, it says there were 249 PGY2 PM&R slots offered in the 2002 Match. I forgot to add the PGY1 PM&R slots though. NRMP says there are 74 of those. So total of 323 positions.

I've had program directors mention off the record that they would prefer American Medical Graduates over FMIG. Many of them have mentioned that the Osteopathic Medical Schools (DO) teach alot of the theories of Physical Medicine to their students compared to the Allopathic Schools (MD). So my question is Since I am an allopathic (MD) applicant will I be a less attractive candidate coming from a MD program. Will a program pick a DO over a MD. Any insight you can offer will be appreciated.

Originally posted by marathon chick
I've had program directors mention off the record that they would prefer American Medical Graduates over FMIG. Many of them have mentioned that the Osteopathic Medical Schools (DO) teach alot of the theories of Physical Medicine to their students compared to the Allopathic Schools (MD). So my question is Since I am an allopathic (MD) applicant will I be a less attractive candidate coming from a MD program. Will a program pick a DO over a MD. Any insight you can offer will be appreciated.

Dear Marathon Chick,

You will not be a less attractive candidate. If the programs took DOs over MDs all the top programs would be totally filled with DOs. Allopathic residencies have a rightful duty to provide spots to their MD graduates as a priority, and they do.

Besides, you will do great in the match. I think anybody frequenting the SDN PM&R forum has a solid advantage. Knowledge is power.

Regards!

Ligament,

just curious, are you a resident in PM & R?

Yes, oh yes. Thank God. I am finishing my internship now, and cannot wait to start residency.

hey ligment,
where will you be doing your residency? regardles you will have fun. I am at the end of it and had a blast/

Rehabdoc,

I will be at the University of Michigan. regards!

Hey Marathon Chick....

I know that PMR is getting a lot more competitive....but it isn't THAT competitive, is it?

I mean, I took a peek at the 2002 NRMP stats...and the fill % for US grads for PGY1 and PGY2 programs were still pretty low (64.9% and 39.8% respectively). Granted, if you include FMGs it jumps to 85% and 90%, but it's still nowhere near as competitive as some of the other 'hot' fields...

Or is this just wishful thinking for a MS3 who's not trying to stress out about next year?

PS Hey Ligament, where are you doing your transitional? I'm just wondering if a) you ARE my intern (if so, hi Chris ) or b) if you know my intern, who's gonna be starting at UMich next year. Regardless, I may see you there next year because I think I'm gonna do one of my electives at the Pain Clinic.