Couple's Match

[chocolateshake]

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Is couple's match totally out of the question if both of us want to get into competitive specialities such as ortho and ENT? Thanks!!

 

[Nerdoscience]

It makes it harder, but I heard of a couple who matched into Rads and Derm. It can be done. I don't think there are any easy answers to that question. It's all about what your priorities are.

 

[chocchip]

I believe there was a couple a few years ago from my school who matched in ENT and ortho - but that was when ENT was in the SF match...

 

[Gut Shot]

I believe there was a couple a few years ago from my school who matched in ENT and ortho - but that was when ENT was in the SF match...

I'm afraid you might be mistaken, as there is/was no couples match between the NRMP and SF systems.

 

[chocchip]

I'm afraid you might be mistaken, as there is/was no couples match between the NRMP and SF systems.

They didn't "technically" couples match, but they were able to end up in the same hospital for ENT and ortho.

 

[madcadaver]

There is no drawback to using the couples match even for the most competitive specialties. Be sure to read all of the information on the nrmp website carefully. Basically you and your partner would rank all of the desirable pairs of matches (keeping in mind that they do not have to be at the same institution).

When you have exhasted all desirable pairs, you would have to make some decisions. If it doesn't work out with both of you matching in competitive specialties in geographic proximity, you will have to choose the least undesirable of the following:
1. both match in the competetive specialty/specialties of choice, but in different geographic areas,
2. be in the same place with one of you in a less competitive specialty
3. one of you go unmatched completely

When you have made these choices you will create the rest of your couples rank list accordingly. It is not too complicated when you refer to the examples on NRMP, but your list can get long and complex.

 

[Gut Shot]

They didn't "technically" couples match, but they were able to end up in the same hospital for ENT and ortho.

Ah, gotcha. Damn, the must have been some pretty stellar applicants.

 

[chocolateshake]

Thanks!! I guess I'll figure out more when we actually start the application process next year.. Did any of you guys who couple's matched start looking at stuff early in 3rd year? Is this too early or should we start looking up things already?

 

[madcadaver]

Thanks!! I guess I'll figure out more when we actually start the application process next year.. Did any of you guys who couple's matched start looking at stuff early in 3rd year? Is this too early or should we start looking up things already?

It's not too early. The key for competitive specialties is to set yourslef apart from the masses, and the best way to do this is by rotating at program or programs of choice during your 4th year. You and your wife can probably start planning that now. Good luck.