I just recently applied to ENT programs, but heard that everyone needs a backup. I think I am reasonably competitive with boards, research, and grades but have heard several horror stories about the >260 AOA guy not matching. Should everyone, no matter their numbers, apply for some general surgery programs? I have heard of people lining up research, is that hard to get into by the time you find out you didn't match?
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Backup Program for everyone?
Started by OtoHopeful
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If you look at the charting match outcomes data (link below), it seems that of the 304 people who applied in that data set from 2007, 264 applied to only ENT. The other 41 applied to 2 or more specialties. Of those who applied to just ENT, (226/264) 85% matched in ENT and of those who applied to more than 1, (21/41) 56% matched. So most people apply to just ENT. It's probably self-selective in that those who are concerned about matching, apply to more than 1 specialty. Check out the stats for those who match and see how you compare. You can get a good assessment this way. It's always good to have a backup in mind. I wouldn't jump into applying to gen. surg. positions yet though.
http://www.nrmp.org/data/chartingoutcomes2007.pdf
I don't have a lot of personal experience with folks not matching, but one friend who applied solely to ENT two years ago did not match and was able to find a spot on a training grant for 2 years. This person matched at a top program this time around.
It is true that you'll likely miss deadlines for fellowships like howard hughes, etc., but you can still find a spot. It would be worthwhile to go onto the NIH website and look at the CRISP database for faculty with T32 training grants. Often times, they're looking for students to fill their pre and post-doctoral research spots. If you can't find one in ENT, you can look in other related areas for faculty who do crossover work. I did a t32 in geriatrics working primarily in the ENT department.
http://www.nrmp.org/data/chartingoutcomes2007.pdf
I don't have a lot of personal experience with folks not matching, but one friend who applied solely to ENT two years ago did not match and was able to find a spot on a training grant for 2 years. This person matched at a top program this time around.
It is true that you'll likely miss deadlines for fellowships like howard hughes, etc., but you can still find a spot. It would be worthwhile to go onto the NIH website and look at the CRISP database for faculty with T32 training grants. Often times, they're looking for students to fill their pre and post-doctoral research spots. If you can't find one in ENT, you can look in other related areas for faculty who do crossover work. I did a t32 in geriatrics working primarily in the ENT department.
Thanks for the great advice Warden. It is very helpful to hear from someone who has gone through the process.
