Did not match advanced position

[Kithara]

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Hi all,

I did not match to any PM&R programs this year, however, I did still get a prelim year. Does anyone have any advice about reapplying next year, or any other thoughts about how best to proceed?

 

[MedBronc23]

Hi all,

I did not match to any PM&R programs this year, however, I did still get a prelim year. Does anyone have any advice about reapplying next year, or any other thoughts about how best to proceed?

I am so sorry to hear that. Did your school let you know of any open programs via scramble to apply to yet?

 

[Kithara]

One advisor recommended reapplying next year, nothing beyond that. With the new SOAP format this year it proceeds pretty much like a second match. They made a bunch of big notices about not disclosing which programs are participating in it, so I don't think I can say anything about particulars. Suffice it to say I'm not going to be hoping for the SOAP to resolve my issues.

 

[Maalik Ashtaar]

I didnt match into anything :smh: considering just delaying graduation.
I didn't know you could match into a prelim without an advanced spot...... now I think something screwy went on with my application.......

 

[Tromner]

I didn't know you could match into a prelim without an advanced spot......

Only if you listed prelim spots separately below the PMR spots, not just in the supp list.

There are still prelim spots open to scramble into of course.

 

[Maalik Ashtaar]

Oh I see...... that's what I did (only ranked them in the supplemental)

 

[slapalme]

Go ahead with your prelim year, don't delay graduation. Throughout this year, someone who is scheduled to start PGY2 next year is going to have a change of plans (get pregnant, decide they cant live in that location, etc) which will open a PGY2 position.

You will be able to apply next year through ERAS for those PGY2 spots. There may also be some non ERAS participating locations that you can apply to directly. You need to know all the open spots, and may want let them know you are interested. Schedule your vacation time for interview season.

This forum has a thread on available/unexpected openings, I would also look at residentswap.com for openings.
Good luck!

 

[Kithara]

That's some good advice, and not too far off from what I was thinking myself. I'm just waiting for the SOAP to finish up before I bite the bullet and pay for residentswap.com.

 

[kalyansajja]

why would someone not do a prelim year if they already matched into it..

 

[kalyansajja]

is it better to do a research year?

 

[ger8]

Hi all,

I did not match to any PM&R programs this year, however, I did still get a prelim year. Does anyone have any advice about reapplying next year, or any other thoughts about how best to proceed?

Sorry To hear this, I did not match either on any position this year and thinking about research in neurology or pmr and reapply next cycle. May I know how many programs did you apply to and your credentials? I went for anesthesiology but did not work. I'm interested in pain management and now I'm thinking about pmr or neurology for pain management in long run. I just don't know how competitive pmr is and don't have any exposure to the field.

 

[Kithara]

I applied to about 25 programs, and I got interviewed at 5, not counting preliminary programs. I'm a D.O. student, my grades are slightly above average, and I only took COMLEX steps I and II. Passed both first time, but step II was moderatel lower than average. I feel that that was my big negative on my applications.

 

[ger8]

I applied to about 25 programs, and I got interviewed at 5, not counting preliminary programs. I'm a D.O. student, my grades are slightly above average, and I only took COMLEX steps I and II. Passed both first time, but step II was moderatel lower than average. I feel that that was my big negative on my applications.

I think you're a good candidate you shouldn't worry about matching next year. your problem is you applied only to a few programs, I mean 25 is not a good number to start with, because from my experience if you're an average student you should expect at least 20% IV from the number of application you sent out. I would say do your prelim and and apply to more than 50 programs(R programs=physician only) next cycle, you should be able to match. you will be more competitive compared to the kids who are coming fresh from med school. You also should keep looking for PGY2 that will start in July 2014. Register with find a resident or swap resident after August. There are plenty of PGY2 positions that will open up through the year, but the starting time is hard to fit with your PGY1 schedule. Hope this will help.

 

[Baritonebass]

Agree with doing your prelim yr them reapplying while looking for an open spot... Also look critically at your list. I know some people apply in volume but you must also have layer to your apps interns of programs. throw in some less competitive programs(both in Ranking and Location)... some people have difficulty matching cause their 25 program are NYC, Chicago, Cali, & FL, or all top 25.

 

[Kithara]

I agree with you 100%. I restricted myself geographically due to family reasons, but next year I'll definitely be applying more broadly, and I am set to sign up for swap a resident already. As far as layers of programs go, I did try to have that diversity of programs, but, again, it may just not have been enough. Thanks again for the advice everyone, it's much appreciated.