Categorical, transitional year, prelimary, etc. residencies?

[DrDwayneJohnson]

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This is super forward looking, but I was hoping someone could explain the differences between these types of residencies. I've seen them mentioned in the medical students forums, but I'm not really sure what they mean. Moreover, I'm not really sure why someone would choose one over the other. Are there advantages/disadvantages to these?

From what I understand, a TY is a bit of everything and then you go somewhere else afterwards to complete an residency program in whatever career path you want to do. As for categorical or prelim, I'm unsure. A quick Google search mentioned categorical residencies all being at the same place, which seems to me the most ideal option because you wouldn't have to move/you have the chance to build rapport with the hospital. Are prelim residencies similar, but they're for people looking to sub-specialize? Sorry for the probably dumb question, but I was just curious!

 

[Planes2Doc]

Categorical: You start your intern year in said specialty, and stay there the whole time.

Preliminary: It's just a one year gig. Either you applied for an advanced position like PM&R, neurology, or radiology. Or you scrambled, and that is risky. Sometimes people do pre-lim but then get absorbed as a second year into the categorical residency.

Transitional year: Similar to preliminary but it's usually more chill and often is people from very competitive advanced position specialties.

But don't worry, you have way more to worry about before you should even think about any of this stuff. 😉

 

[Planes2Doc]

Just to add:

Scramble is now formalized in process called SOAP. This is for people who do not match into a residency and now can try to gain a spot in an open residency position
Some specialties only start as second year residency, thus requiring a transitional or traditional year to prior

And a further note. I heard the SOAP is awful. With more schools and a stagnant number of spots, lots of people are going unmatched. For now it's FMGs and IMGs getting squeezed out. But as formerly AOA (osteopathic) residencies become ACGME-accredited, it's going to become a death match. So choose very wisely.

 

[Med Ed]

It is www.nrmp.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Main-Match-Results-and-Data-2017.pdf#page=56

However, I am bit confused by the numbers as in this cycle there were 1,059 seniors who didnt match and 60 who didnt rank. Does the process include those who match but then decline and try SOAP? The ACGME resource book may be better at this

Perhaps you should head to Boston in November and ask Mona herself

 

[Med Ed]

I am sorry but i dont understand the reference. I am just a lowly admissions guy

Oh, the AAMC is in Boston this year, and the NRMP/ERAS team always gives an update on the annual data. Mona Signer could answer your question.