Applying to 2 Specialties at Same Program

[DrBB]

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I know there have been threads on this topic but I'm still unclear about a few things.

1) Do programs have a way of checking if an applicant applies to multiple specialties? Or is communication between departments the only way they can find out?

2) How big of a risk is it?

I'm considering applying to a highly competitive field such as derm or optho and my fall back would be anesthesia or IM. Is this doable?

 

[gutonc]

I know there have been threads on this topic but I'm still unclear about a few things.

1) Do programs have a way of checking if an applicant applies to multiple specialties? Or is communication between departments the only way they can find out?

There is no way for them to look in your ERAS application to see where else you've applied. It's strictly a word of mouth thing...or being seen by the PD or Chief resident of specialty X on the day of your Specialty Y interview and having to explain that later.

2) How big of a risk is it?

Depends. PDs are people. Some people roll with the punches, other people make a federal case out of not having enough sugar in their coffee.

I'm considering applying to a highly competitive field such as derm or optho and my fall back would be anesthesia or IM. Is this doable?

Having a backup (like IM) for Derm is common, especially since you need to interview for prelim anyway. Having a second advanced specialty like Gas will make you look indecisive and may make things more difficult for you.

There's no "rule" against doing this. But common sense suggests that it has enough potential to ruin your application season that you should either not do it or be very vigilant if you do so.