applying to multiple specialties

[gentamicin]

---

Members don't see this ad.

hi all,

is there anything wrong with applying to multiple specialties(for ex, urology, ortho, gen surg, anesthesia, and internal medicine) just in case you don't match into the more competitive specialties? what are the drawbacks? and, are there many applicants interested in a more competitive specialty who also apply for something else as a backup?

 

[NinerNiner999]

The drawback is that it will more than likely end up unfavorable for match - period. Inevitably, programs catch wind of which applicants interview where and, if one program finds out you are interviewing for another specialty, they will be less likely to invest their time and medicare funding into a "soft" applicant. A good friend of mine in medical school applied both OB/GYN and Surgery and, because she was caught interviewing for each program at the SAME hospital, was dropped from consideration from both programs. Word gets out among program directors too. Be careful and, if it were me, I wouldn't do it...

 

[Smurfette]

While it IS pretty risky to apply to two specialties, doing urology+gen surg or plastics+gen surg or ortho+gen surg is more acceptable than, say IM+anesthesia or IM+gen surg.

You still need to worry about not applying to 2 programs at the same hospital, but most PDs would see someone trying for urology but also applying to gen surg (as backup) as being realistic, rather than someone "torn" between two specialties (no one wants to hire someone who may jump ship and decide he wished he had matched into the opposite program). Bear in mind though, that PDs for gen surg will know that it is your backup if they can infer from your 4 yrs of urology research and urology attending LORs that your true desire is urology---this will give you a major disadvantage in matching to your "backup"

 

[gentamicin]

what if you apply to 2 specialties b/c you want to stay in a geographic area? but, you do not apply to both specialties at the same hospital. is there any way programs can find out about you applying to 2 specialties if you don't interview for both at the same hospital?

The drawback is that it will more than likely end up unfavorable for match - period. Inevitably, programs catch wind of which applicants interview where and, if one program finds out you are interviewing for another specialty, they will be less likely to invest their time and medicare funding into a "soft" applicant. A good friend of mine in medical school applied both OB/GYN and Surgery and, because she was caught interviewing for each program at the SAME hospital, was dropped from consideration from both programs. Word gets out among program directors too. Be careful and, if it were me, I wouldn't do it...

 

[julestx]

Everyone who would judge you was once in your shoes. How can someone in 3rd year, or the start of their 4th year, be entirely devoted to or enthralled with one area of medicine? You've been asked to select your specialty when you may have almost nil experience in it. I dont think its unreasonable for someone to have thoroughly enjoyed a couple of their elective rotations so much, that they are applying for those two areas. I also think the above poster has brought up a good point in that there ARE some people who truly want to stay rooted in one State, and are willing to apply locally to a few areas of medicine that appeal to them. And these are honest answers, why should any grounded program director dismiss you for this. I guess if you waver too much, it might be advisable do a transitional year until you know what you want to do. But otherwise, apply to where you want to, as long as you know WHY you are applying - so you can give anyone who asks an honest answer. Regardless if you applied to every program in their hospital.

 

[CambieMD]

Everyone who would judge you was once in your shoes. How can someone in 3rd year, or the start of their 4th year, be entirely devoted to or enthralled with one area of medicine? You've been asked to select your specialty when you may have almost nil experience in it. I dont think its unreasonable for someone to have thoroughly enjoyed a couple of their elective rotations so much, that they are applying for those two areas. I also think the above poster has brought up a good point in that there ARE some people who truly want to stay rooted in one State, and are willing to apply locally to a few areas of medicine that appeal to them. And these are honest answers, why should any grounded program director dismiss you for this. I guess if you waver too much, it might be advisable do a transitional year until you know what you want to do. But otherwise, apply to where you want to, as long as you know WHY you are applying - so you can give anyone who asks an honest answer. Regardless if you applied to every program in their hospital.

I can understand someone applying to two specialties if they are trying to match into a competitive specialty. Most programs would by-pass an applicant who applies to two specialties without a good reason.


CambieMD

 

[Lonestar]

Definitely apply to multiple specialties if you have to. Of course i would not apply to general specialties (IM/fp) because they will have open spots anyway. so, why not apply??? Its only the rest of your life. Do you want to end up in internal medicine? or would you be rather in anesthesia? Just my 2 cents.