Do I have any options?

[Dirk__Diggler]

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Hi everyone,

Last Friday I matched in EM at my last ranked choice (across the country). It was foolish to rank the program, but I never thought that I would fall that low on my rank list. I put plenty of local "safeties" in between and I am Top 1/4 class, 250+ on Step 1 and 2, multiple EM pubs, and all top 1/3 SLOE's, so I never even imagined this could happen considering the program I ended up matching at is more competitive than many of the ones I ranked above it.

My parents live on the east coast and I have a SO here on the east coast as well. I am terribly anxious that I won't be around to help my parents out as they get older, and that I will be moving across the country from my SO.

I am pretty crushed, and at the point where I am willing to reapply into a different specialty just to stay in the area. Is there anything I can do? Could I, for example, take a research year in anesthesia at my home institution then apply to anesthesia for the upcoming cycle?

 

[Mass Effect]

You'd prefer not to match than go to the program you matched at? What's wrong with the program? Is it just location?

 

[Dirk__Diggler]

You'd prefer not to match than go to the program you matched at? What's wrong with the program? Is it just location?

Almost completely the location. This pandemic situation is making me realize how important my family and support system is to me and I worry that EM's odd hours and unpredictable shift scheduling will make it very difficult to visit them or have my SO visit me.

Alternatively, if anyone has any advice on how to make the best of this and become a good resident that would be very much appreciated.

Edit: I should mention that I didn't get the best vibe from the residents during the interview day. They felt kind of cold and distant.

 

[DrMetal]

Last Friday I matched in EM at my last ranked choice (across the country). It was foolish to rank the program, but I never thought that I would fall that low on my rank list. I put plenty of local "safeties" in between and I am Top 1/4 class, 250+ on Step 1 and 2, multiple EM pubs, and all top 1/3 SLOE's, so I never even imagined this could happen

Maybe they saw your SDN handle. Dirk Diggler, really?

Under normal circumstances, I'd tell you to suck it up, be glad you matched at all, you clearly did something wrong (if your numbers are really as good as you state, and you couldn't match elsewhere), and go with what you got. You have to be flexible with you geography in medicine while you're a student and in training.

But....given the current circumstance, sure, play the COVID card, it might help!?

Alternatively, if anyone has any advice on how to make the best of this and become a good resident that would be very much appreciated.

Tough up kid, right now. You're coming off as being very whiny. Medicine is about a lot of sacrifices. Push through it and you'll be fine. It's only 4 more years of training, then you can have your whole life to live WTF you want.

 

[Mass Effect]

Maybe they saw your SDN handle. Dirk Diggler, really?

Under normal circumstances, I'd tell you to suck it up, be glad you matched at all, you clearly did something wrong (if your numbers are really as good as you state, and you couldn't match elsewhere), and go with what you got. You have to be flexible with you geography in medicine while you're a student and in training.

But....given the current circumstance, sure, play the COVID card, it might help!?

I'm sorry, how is the Covid card going to help?

 

[Dirk__Diggler]

Maybe they saw your SDN handle. Dirk Diggler, really?

Under normal circumstances, I'd tell you to suck it up, be glad you matched at all, you clearly did something wrong (if your numbers are really as good as you state, and you couldn't match elsewhere), and go with what you got. You have to be flexible with you geography in medicine while you're a student and in training.

But....given the current circumstance, sure, play the COVID card, it might help!?




Tough up kid, right now. You're coming off as being very whiny. Medicine is about a lot of sacrifices. Push through it and you'll be fine. It's only 4 more years of training, then you can have your whole life to live WTF you want.

I don't want to derail the conversation, but I'm not intending to be whiny. I feel responsible for taking care of my parents and I feel tremendously guilty. As far as red flags, my advisor told me that she is equally shocked.

 

[DrMetal]

I'm sorry, how is the Covid card going to help?

You're right, it's not, never mind.

I don't want to derail the conversation, but I'm not intending to be whiny. I feel responsible for taking care of my parents and I feel tremendously guilty. As far as red flags, my advisor told me that she is equally shocked.

Do you not interview well? Are you really the sole caretaker of your parents, you were taking care of them while in medical school? What kind of needs do they have? (completely debilitated, or just need help with minor things every now and then). How far do you live from your parents now, and how far would this new distance be?

BTW is the program you got into a bad one? Is it in a nice trashy county knife & gun club? That's what you want if you're doing EM.

 

[Apollyon]

"Don't rank a program if you don't want to go there. If you would rather go unmatched than to go there, don't rank that program."

It's only 3 years. I had to scramble into my spot 17 years ago, and hated it, but made it through.

 

[VA Hopeful Dr]

"Don't rank a program if you don't want to go there. If you would rather go unmatched than to go there, don't rank that program."

It's only 3 years. I had to scramble into my spot 17 years ago, and hated it, but made it through.

SDN is littered with posts in March "I matched in my last ranked program, I'm going to be miserable" followed several months later by "I love my program, this worked out great".

 

[Ironheme]

Also, you're making it sound like you have a lot of other options. You matched at your LAST RANKED program. You would have been unmatched and had to SOAP had you not ranked it. Your stats are great - makes me think you don't interview well and should be very thankful you matched. Stick it out and see how it goes. You're obligated to for a certain amount of time anyways if you want to use NRMP again.

 

[ThoracicGuy]

Your options are:

Go to your program with a bad attitude and potentially struggle.
Go to your program with a good attitude and potentially thrive.
Back out of your program after 45 days and try to find another residency spot in something other than EM.


I know which option I would take...

 

[hallowmann]

I doubt your parents would want you to leave it. Residency is rough, but 3 yrs go by quick. Have you actually talked to your parents and SO about this? You may be able to work something out in terms of visiting, etc.

The truth is you don't really have other options. If I were you, I'd at least stay for a year. If you really can't handle it, you can always leave, but at least you'd have the option practicing in the future.

Also, in all honesty this is the first time in my time in residency that I'm glad my parents aren't here with me. The last thing I need is to get them sick, when I undoubtedly get it.

 

[rokshana]

Hi everyone,

Last Friday I matched in EM at my last ranked choice (across the country). It was foolish to rank the program, but I never thought that I would fall that low on my rank list. I put plenty of local "safeties" in between and I am Top 1/4 class, 250+ on Step 1 and 2, multiple EM pubs, and all top 1/3 SLOE's, so I never even imagined this could happen considering the program I ended up matching at is more competitive than many of the ones I ranked above it.

My parents live on the east coast and I have a SO here on the east coast as well. I am terribly anxious that I won't be around to help my parents out as they get older, and that I will be moving across the country from my SO.

I am pretty crushed, and at the point where I am willing to reapply into a different specialty just to stay in the area. Is there anything I can do? Could I, for example, take a research year in anesthesia at my home institution then apply to anesthesia for the upcoming cycle?

How old could your parents possibly be?
If you are a traditional student , you are what? In your mid to late 20s? Unless they were in their mid 40s , they can’t be that old...or are they sick and you have been taking care of them?

Keep an open mind, go to your program and see how it goes... if family needs really can’t be managed with either others closer to home or say, they move with you, you’re them be able to discuss with your PD after you have shown him you are a good intern.

Or go over to the SOAP thread and ask someone there if they want your spot...

 

[anonperson]

Hi everyone,

Last Friday I matched in EM at my last ranked choice (across the country). It was foolish to rank the program, but I never thought that I would fall that low on my rank list. I put plenty of local "safeties" in between and I am Top 1/4 class, 250+ on Step 1 and 2, multiple EM pubs, and all top 1/3 SLOE's, so I never even imagined this could happen considering the program I ended up matching at is more competitive than many of the ones I ranked above it.

My parents live on the east coast and I have a SO here on the east coast as well. I am terribly anxious that I won't be around to help my parents out as they get older, and that I will be moving across the country from my SO.

I am pretty crushed, and at the point where I am willing to reapply into a different specialty just to stay in the area. Is there anything I can do? Could I, for example, take a research year in anesthesia at my home institution then apply to anesthesia for the upcoming cycle?

You're parents need help now or hypothetically in the future?

How many programs did you even rank?

ED residency is only 3 to 4 years. Not bad at all.

You can do whatever you want, but each year out of medical school without residency training makes you damaged goods. You will be competing with another group of residents with similar scores who are still in medical school.

My personal advice is tough it out with a good attitude. I matched at ~28 out of 30 on my rank list. Devastated etc. I made the best of it and have a reasonable job literally 15 minutes from my parents and other family.

Residency passes quickly, kind of like a bad dream.

 

[shaggybill]

Is this post really about the fact that you'll be a long distance from your family/SO, or is it actually you being offended and incensed that someone with your stats would rank so low? Because you'll only be gone for three years, so I can't imagine your parents won't be able get along without you for three years. The situation with your SO sucks and if I were you that would be the main issue depending on where you're at in the relationship, but that almost seems like a secondary issue in your post.

You also seem extra quick to abandon your chosen specialty and skip over to anesthesia, so maybe you're second guessing your commitment to EM as well?

 

[Dave1980]

You're f*cked. You made your bed.

 

[killerleaf]

and you think anesthesia is that easy to get into??

 

[Dirk__Diggler]

Thanks so much everyone for your feedback! I hate when OP leaves everyone hanging, so I will not do the same.

After speaking with my parents, they wished I matched closer, but encouraged me to go. As far as my significant other, we are going to do our best to work it out in the coming months, but it's still up in the air.

I did meet with my advisor and investigate other options. To anyone in a similar situation reading this: ultimately, there are opportunities to re-apply after matching. This option is usually reserved for when you get to a program, give it your all, and find that you absolutely hate it, or if you know in your heart of hearts that you want to change specialties. Consult your advisor if you are in this situation.

I ultimately decided that I will go to this residency with a positive attitude and be the best resident and co-worker I can be. I am fortunate to have matched at a great program even if it wasn't where I intended.

At the end of PGY-1 I will post an update so that people who find themselves in this situation will have a reference.

 

[candbgirl]

Good luck. You’ll be great.

 

[shaggybill]

Best of luck to you! I have a feeling when you report back you'll be able to tell us that it's funny how life works out and that you are at a wonderful program with wonderful people.

 

[BocephusTim]

Good luck!

You never explained why your SO can't move with you and find a job there?

 

[gutonc]

Good luck!

You never explained why your SO can't move with you and find a job there?

Obviously the mayor of governor. Or in another residency program that will last longer than the 3 years of the OP's residency.

Otherwise, no reason the SO can't move.

 

[DarkHorizon]

You're parents need help now or hypothetically in the future?

How many programs did you even rank?

ED residency is only 3 to 4 years. Not bad at all.

You can do whatever you want, but each year out of medical school without residency training makes you damaged goods. You will be competing with another group of residents with similar scores who are still in medical school.

My personal advice is tough it out with a good attitude. I matched at ~28 out of 30 on my rank list. Devastated etc. I made the best of it and have a reasonable job literally 15 minutes from my parents and other family.

Residency passes quickly, kind of like a bad dream.

you interviewed at 30 programs?! Which specialty is this?

 

[anonperson]

you interviewed at 30 programs?! Which specialty is this?

Ob gyn.

 

[sharkbyte]

Thanks so much everyone for your feedback! I hate when OP leaves everyone hanging, so I will not do the same.

After speaking with my parents, they wished I matched closer, but encouraged me to go. As far as my significant other, we are going to do our best to work it out in the coming months, but it's still up in the air.

I did meet with my advisor and investigate other options. To anyone in a similar situation reading this: ultimately, there are opportunities to re-apply after matching. This option is usually reserved for when you get to a program, give it your all, and find that you absolutely hate it, or if you know in your heart of hearts that you want to change specialties. Consult your advisor if you are in this situation.

I ultimately decided that I will go to this residency with a positive attitude and be the best resident and co-worker I can be. I am fortunate to have matched at a great program even if it wasn't where I intended.

At the end of PGY-1 I will post an update so that people who find themselves in this situation will have a reference.

Good on you OP. Also, you will have vacation weeks I'm sure, and with EM schedules kind of being all over the place you'll probably have more than a few stretches of several days off (with other stretches of lots of shifts). It won't be hard to visit home at all as long as you have several days to work with (obviously after this pandemic subsides).