I would call them and express interest. I would also send in applications to more places to improve your chances. (I know of some people who have gotten interviews after persistently calling the places and expressing interest. I also heard that many places will still accept applications despite the website posted application deadlines. (These websites are often not accurate or updated).
CT interviews 2013
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there are way worse things. i'm applying to pain but one of the aspects of any fellowship that concerns me a bit is this whole idea of getting "pigeon holed" into a sub-specialty.
i don't want to lose the ability to do B&B peds, B&B hearts/vascular/thoracic, and certainly want to use our regional skills which we do a ton of during residency. Hell, i even like doing OB cases now and again.
so, no, this sh.t isn't the end of the world.
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I completely agree. The competition skyrocketed 2 to 3 years ago when cv became accredited. In this day and age you'd be lucky just to get a spot. However, if you want it bad enough you have to fight for it. I didn't get accepted as a resident. Went to pp for a couple of years, improved my résumé, reapplied and got accepted, but it still wasnt easy. Where there is a will there is a way. Good luck to all!
I think the level of competitiveness is blown way out of proportion. Big Name places will undoubtedly be competitive. But just getting a spot somewhere is very realistic for most residents. Last year, some spots initially went unfilled, and some residents didn't find a spot...there was no match (in other words, the those residents didn't apply to those unfilled spots). With the match this year, it's likely every spot will be filled. But I don't think there will be tremendously more applicants than spots this year vs. last year. Apply broadly and you'll be ok.
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So does anybody have a ballpark number on how many interviews one needs to be safe this year? I have a bunch but was considering not ranking a couple of programs. Would that be wise if I really didn't want to go there or should I rank them anyway to ensure getting a spot? Advice appreciated
I would rank them unless you are sure you'd rather not do a fellowship than go there. Reapplying next year just to get the place of choice will be a hugh pain in the butt and it's only gonna get more competitive. Plus, trying to find a job just for a year before you go off to fellowship (assuming you get the spot of your choice after reapplying) will also be hard.
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Well I applied broadly, from coast to coast and I have been very disappointed with the outcome thus far. I can't imagine the number of applicants have increased exponentially. I do believe however, the match (especially since this is the first year), have made applicants apply to more programs than in the past.
Hopefully I luck out and find a spot (this July or next).
What I meant was we are all residents now. Some have tighter budgets than others. All of us have little extra time built into our lives. I am just surprised at the logistics surrounding this "apply broadly" approach. For me, I will go to 6 interviews when it is all said and done. Maybe this is too few but I don't see practically how I could do many more. Yes the expense I can justify but there is limited time I am able to take away from my residency for interviewing plus I'm exhausted from not really having had a day off. Just something to think about for those of you applying in the future. Maybe those people who are interviewing at 15 places can comment on how they swing it.
I've interviewed at 8 programs so far (BIDMC, Northwestern, UCLA, NYU, UAB, Tufts, Mayo, Duke) with 3 more scheduled (MGH, Cinci, TexasHeart). I have been amazed at how very different every program is. Has anyone found a program they absolutely love?
