Couples Match ObGyn & Ortho

[confuzzled2019]

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Hi all -

The classic couples match question.

I am applying for ObGyn and my partner is applying for Ortho. We are applying broadly geographically speaking (targeting both coasts and Chicago) but we aren't sure how many programs to apply to.

My board scores were 239 on Step 1 and 244 on Step 2, his were 256 on Step 1 and 267 on Step 2. We have a good amount of research experiences and volunteered a lot throughout med school. We are not sure how many is too many. I saw that the diminishing returns number for Ob is 18, so was considering doing between 30-40 for the couples match, he is applying to a ton for ortho.

Any advice from couples who have done this or have heard good advice about this combo of specialties? Programs you'd recommend applying to? Also, it says you don't have to indicate your couples match status on ERAS, anyone notice any trends in filling that out and ending up with more or less interviews? Thanks guys.

 

[ndafife]

I'm pretty sure the average number of applications per applicant for OBGYN last year was 50 +. Just to put the 30 to 40 in perspective.

But in terms of counseling, there's a lot of other variables at play. How good is your research, how good are your letters, how good are your grades, e t c... What school are you coming from and how prestigious is it? What state are you coming from (aka Utah where there is 1 program or NYC where there are 15 plus in the general area? How comfortable not being at the same program are you? What kind of program are you trying to be at? Are you fine being at a random Chicago community program or are you only going to be fine with the university programs?

I'd recommend applying everywhere your partner applies to maximize your chances together. Ortho is more competitive and they will likely be the limiting factor application wise. That being said, you don't want to run into a situation where you only applied to UC and northwestern in Chicago and you didn't get an Interview because they are very competitive places and your partner ends up loving the city or finds a majority of their interviews there.

 

[crunchywhit]

Any advice from couples who have done this or have heard good advice about this combo of specialties? Programs you'd recommend applying to? Also, it says you don't have to indicate your couples match status on ERAS, anyone notice any trends in filling that out and ending up with more or less interviews? Thanks guys.

Second this part of your question, OP. Never even thought about this.