Beggars Can't Be Choosers - Location?

[yeetus]

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Do non-T20 med students generally match in their preferred geographic area? If we're talking about ortho, we obviously can't be picky. I'm undecided specialty wise but just wanted to get a reality check on geographic preferences early on.

My school tends to match people in the midwest, with a couple in Texas and like only three each on the east and west coasts. Could be a function of student preference as well as the reality of geographic location.

Like say I'm a midwesterner targeting the Northeast. I'm not necessarily talking about a T10 place like MGH or NYU, more like any academic program in the area like UVM or BU.

 

[EthylMethylMan]

Really depends on your stats and specialty primarily. I went to a low-tier school, but had multiple friends match in their preferred region. Nothing’s guaranteed, but it’s doable.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

List New England as a preferred location on your ERAS app, write a comment about why this is a good fit for you.

 

[PathNeuroIMorFM]

List New England as a preferred location on your ERAS app, write a comment about why this is a good fit for you.

Dumb question, but write a comment where? Not familiar with the layout of ERAS.

 

[mudfud26]

Non-T20 student here. We had students just match to Duke, Mayo, UVA, UPMC, and Case Western. Also some places in the mid-west and the west. My physician-scientist boss (from before I started med school) told me that family ties are really important when matching. Programs care whether or not you'll be supported and happy in that location. So if your in-laws live in Maine, some Maine or Vermont program would be glad to have you near your in-laws.

 

[yeetus]

For areas without familial ties, how could I express interest (other than ERAS)? Doing away rotations and attending conferences in the region?

 

[SpoiledMilk]

n=1

I matched into my #1 region of choice even without a familial connection to the state. During the interview the key is to stress how much you love the region, i.e. if you ever visited etc. how you have no qualms about moving to the region, and most importantly come off genuine and make a good impression during the interview.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

Dumb question, but write a comment where? Not familiar with the layout of ERAS.

When you choose your Geo preferences, you can write a small explanation for why that area is of interest:

 

[yeetus]

Have people in recent matches been able to get their desired location for moderately competitive specialties like anesthesiology and radiology? I'm guessing it's very common in IM, but tough for the top 10-20 programs

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Signaling, Past Experience, and Geographic Preference Opportunities in Residency Applications

Use signaling, geographic preferences, and past experiences opportunities to provide a more comprehensive view of yourself in the match.

www.aafp.org

 

[and 99 others]

How are familial ties showcased in the application? Do we have to provide some sort of proof or simpy state we have family in X region?