DO + MD Couples Match

[John146]

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My girlfriend and I are osteopathic students. Is it possible to do enter both the MD and DO couples matches? Or, do we have to pick one or the other?

 

[NotAProgDirector]

You can couples match in the NRMP, or couples match in the AOA match. But you cannot "couple" one match in each.

You can do a "tandem" couples match. You could both register for both matches as couples. Then you participate in the AOA match, and list all pairs of matches that you would be happy with. After that, you list "no match" for both of you. If you fall off your DO rank list, then you'll both get a chance to couples match in the NRMP (since you can participate in both matches, and will be automatically withdrawn from NRMP if you match via AOA).

 

[redwings54]

If there are only a few spots open for an AOA match, specific to location and residency choice that is, does it make more sense to have one member of the couple try for an AOA spot if they like the program and the other member try for an ACGME spot in a similar geographic location? Specifically, if there is only 1 AOA program for a set location but 14 in a similar area for ACGME, would you maximize your chances of matching in a similar location if the one member of the couple applied AOA and ACGME whereas the other only applied ACGME?

I hope this makes sense. I can PM with a more specific, detailed question, but didnt want to ask specifics about residencies here. Thanks.