Ramses thanks for your vote of confidence. Yes, I am concerned about not matching due to the crazy competition. I've had a few qualified folks tell me "dont worry you'll match" but i know it's not that simple. The year off plan is definitely on my radar but I am an older candidate and thus a little hesitant. I did enjoy my anesthesia rotation on surgery so that's why I am considering dual applying.
I am also an older candidate, and sincerely think you should do what most people do:
1) Apply to all 80ish programs
2) Apply to a good mix of prelim medicine and TY programs
3) Go on all Rad Onc interviews you can
4) Rank a few prelim med or TY programs at the bottom of your primary rank list as your back up.
5a) Match to Rad Onc and live happily ever after
5b) If you don't match to rad onc you'll still have a job after you graduate
6) Start your medicine year and keep your eyes open for any PGY-2 spots that open up in Rad Onc or Anesthesia which both come up often during the year
7) Reapply to Rad onc and anesthesia during your intern year.
8) Match to either Rad Onc or Anesthesia
9) During your year off you can moonlight in urgent cares and probably make double what you would make as a resident and store up a nest egg before starting residency.
As an aside, while humbling when your senior residents or attendings are your age or younger, its not that big of a deal. Rad Onc is incredible, and although I'm starting to enjoy my TY a little more than I was a few weeks ago, I am still reminded daily that I made the right choice.
