Asking for a pre-match?

[daveyjwin]

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I was wondering the etiquette on asking for a pre-match, as opposed to waiting for it to be offered. I know this may sound rather asinine at first, but let me spell out my situation before you dismiss me.

I am a DO student with fairly good (above average, not exceptional) COMLEX I and II scores, but no USMLE scores. My fiance is doing HPSP, and will more than likely end up at Walter Reed for her residency, and so I would like to be a commutable distance from both places. I am planning on just doing the DO match, as I am 99% certain I will match somewhere DO, and am not willing to take the chance of forgoing the DO match for the MD match and then having to scramble if I don't get my specialty. In essence, it would really be a waste of time and money for me to apply in the MD match since I'm likely going to match DO anyway. The problem is that there is only one DO program within commuting distance of DC, and I didn't really like my rotation there.

So, my question comes in here. I am currently three weeks into a rotation at an MD program that is within commuting distance from DC, that takes DOs. I really really like it here. Everyone is nice, it's a high quality program, with good teaching docs, and very helpful nurses. I have been getting good feedback from the residents and attendings on my evaluations so far, and I get the impression that the people here like me as well. In short, I feel like I would really fit well here. If I were able to rank them, they would definitely be my #1 by far. Unfortunately, since I am not doing the MD match, I cannot rank them.

I was fortunate enough to have had a shift with the program director recently, and had a chance to chat with him for a few minutes about the specialty, the hospital, the other program that I didn't like as much, my situation, etc. He's a very nice guy, and he actually seemed interested in me as well. Maybe I'm reading too much into this, but I got the impression from our conversation that he would like to have me in the program, as he discouraged me from applying to the other program, and said he thinks I would have a "real good shot" if I tried for an MD program.

Now, at this point, I am scheduled to have an exit interview of sorts before I leave, and was thinking of bringing up the idea of a pre-match. Essentially, I would explain my situation, and tell him that this program would be my first choice and I would gladly accept a pre-match if they offered it to me. No point beating around the bush, right? And I'll never get what I want unless I ask for it, right? Would that be overly bold? I mean really, how could it hurt? I'm not applying to the program otherwise, because it's an MD program, and if he likes me, it's a win-win, in that he gets a capable, well liked resident, and I get to drop all my other interviews and withdraw from the match.

So, I guess my question is, should I just straight up ask him for it?

 

[Winged Scapula]

I
I am a DO student with fairly good (above average, not exceptional) COMLEX I and II scores, but no USMLE scores. My fiance is doing HPSP, and will more than likely end up at Walter Reed for her residency, and so I would like to be a commutable distance from both places. I am planning on just doing the DO match, as I am 99% certain I will match somewhere DO, and am not willing to take the chance of forgoing the DO match for the MD match and then having to scramble if I don't get my specialty.

The DO match is before the MD match. If you do not get an osteopathic position, you can still participate in the MD match provided you registered for it. If you do match into an osteopathic position, then you are withdrawn from the allopathic match.

The results of the AOA match are communicated to applicants on February 8, 2010 which is before the late registration/ROL deadline for the NRMP of February 24, 2010. The only way you would have to scramble is if you didn't match into either DO or MD positions during their regular matches.

In essence, it would really be a waste of time and money for me to apply in the MD match since I'm likely going to match DO anyway. The problem is that there is only one DO program within commuting distance of DC, and I didn't really like my rotation there.

That is up to you...its only a waste of time and money if you match into an osteopathic residency. If you do not, then I'm sure most would disagree with that statement. Since you have a considerable geographic limitations, I would urge you to reconsider your position above to maximize your chances of getting a position in the location you desire.

So, my question comes in here. I am currently three weeks into a rotation at an MD program that is within commuting distance from DC, that takes DOs. I really really like it here. Everyone is nice, it's a high quality program, with good teaching docs, and very helpful nurses. I have been getting good feedback from the residents and attendings on my evaluations so far, and I get the impression that the people here like me as well. In short, I feel like I would really fit well here. If I were able to rank them, they would definitely be my #1 by a long shot. Unfortunately, since I am not doing the MD match, I cannot rank them.

I was fortunate enough to have had a shift with the program director recently, and had a chance to chat with him for a few minutes about the specialty, the hospital, the other program that I didn't like as much, my situation, etc. He's a very nice guy, and he actually seemed interested in me as well. Maybe I'm reading too much into this, but I got the impression from our conversation that he would like to have me in the program, as he discouraged me from applying to the other program, and said he thinks I would have a "real good shot" if I tried for an MD program.

Never take what is told to you as anything more than idle conversation. Maybe the PD is serious, but you have no way of knowing and he cannot promise you anything. Students who have been promised positions fail to match every year. Take his comments as a nice compliment and NOTHING more.

Now, at this point, I am scheduled to have an exit interview of sorts before I leave, and was thinking of bringing up the idea of a pre-match. Essentially, I would explain my situation, and tell him that this program would be my first choice and I would gladly accept a pre-match if they offered it to me. No point beating around the bush, right? And I'll never get what I want unless I ask for it, right? Would that be overly bold? I mean really, how could it hurt? I'm not applying to the program otherwise, because it's an MD program, and if he likes me, it's a win-win, in that he gets a capable, well liked resident, and I get to drop all my other interviews and withdraw from the match.

So, I guess my question is, should I just straight up ask him for it?

I see no drawback in asking if the program offers pre-matches (many do not) and if they would consider you for one, if you are certain that this program bests anything else out there.

Be prepared for them to tell you that they don't offer pre-matches especially this early in the interview season. But it doesn't hurt to ask.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

Agree with WS. You really have nothing to lose. You're going to participate in the AOA match, and as WS suggests you might want to apply to a handful of ACGME programs that are geographically acceptable also. You can then speak to those programs about possible prematch spots. You'll simply tell them that you're going to stay in the DO match, so they might lose you. It will be up to them. They will have until Jan 22 to tell you, when your AOA match list is due. The key is to be honest -- be clear that you're not trying to hustle them, but that this is what you need to do for geographic reasons. Some programs may not be interested at all, which is their perogative.

Of note, AOA match day is Feb 8. SHould you fail to match, you can then register with the NRMP (late registration is open until Feb 24) and then try to match again.