Applying to significant others program??

[NRAI2001]

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Just a question... what are you experiences (maybe you were in a similar situation, heard of someone, maybe you were in a program that had a similar situation or maybe you were involved with resident selection) with a significant other of a current resident applying to your program? I know every program is different and nothing is ever guaranteed or absolute... but what are your experiences and thoughts about this?

I ve heard varying ideas about this. I heard that this helps the applicant because they obviously have a reason and interest in being a part of your program.... but I ve also heard that some programs are wary of having couples in their program?


*********** Obviously scores and the total application still matters but lets assume the applicants scores, grades...etc are right around the programs average?

Thanks in advance guys.

 

[NRAI2001]

Also I guess it would be important to what degree are you a sig other? BF/GF, fiance, husband/wife..

 

[Smurfette]

We had a couple in my program and they were both awesome residents and great to work with. The more junior one did a sub-i where the other was an intern and impressed everyone, so she was ranked highly and matched into the program. They were a year apart and ultimately got married part way through residency. I never witnessed any "couples drama" or "awkward moments" between them over the years, which is why it worked out for them. They also had a rule where they wouldn't interfere with each other's disputes---if someone else had an issue with something one of them did, the other would stay out of it. They were on service with each other at times, perhaps one rotation a year; I specifically remember them being on nightfloat together so they could both keep similar schedules.

 

[NRAI2001]

We had a couple in my program and they were both awesome residents and great to work with. The more junior one did a sub-i where the other was an intern and impressed everyone, so she was ranked highly and matched into the program. They were a year apart and ultimately got married part way through residency. I never witnessed any "couples drama" or "awkward moments" between them over the years, which is why it worked out for them. They also had a rule where they wouldn't interfere with each other's disputes---if someone else had an issue with something one of them did, the other would stay out of it. They were on service with each other at times, perhaps one rotation a year; I specifically remember them being on nightfloat together so they could both keep similar schedules.

Thanks!

So just wondering if having a husband or wife as a current resident plays factor when it comes time for the rank list? Wether its positive or negative or wether is large or small?

 

[Smurfette]

Thanks!

So just wondering if having a husband or wife as a current resident plays factor when it comes time for the rank list? Wether its positive or negative or wether is large or small?

I am sure it is a factor; it just depends on 1. how much they want the spouse there as a resident, and 2. are there concerns about workplace compatibility/drama/etc. if the spouse comes there. Every program is different, as is every couple, as to whether it's a pos/neg. A marginal applicant is going to be under more scrutiny than someone who is a stellar applicant and the couples factor could either help or hurt depending on the spouse's abilities/reputation and the PD's own biases. If the current resident is fabulous, there *may* be less concern about bringing in their spouse than if the current resident is marginal and often complains about relationship problems to others. Some PDs won't want to risk bringing in a spouse, others will if the "right" applicant came along. There also may be certain ground rules for a couple in a program, depending on what concerns the PD/chiefs/etc. may have (i.e. cannot be on service together, or on call together, etc. If one becomes a chief, the chief may not be allowed to deal with any issues involving the spouse, etc.).