Early offer/contract outside of match?

[Marianne11]

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I've heard that if you are a DO student, an MD program can offer you a position outside of the match. However, a DO program cannot legally do this and you have to wait for the match. Does this happen often? I'm applying to Internal Medicine and if I do the DO match it will eliminate my chances at an MD program. An early offer would take care of the delimma. Anyone have any info on these early offers/contracts offered outside of the match?

 

[NPEMTIV]

I've heard that if you are a DO student, an MD program can offer you a position outside of the match. However, a DO program cannot legally do this and you have to wait for the match. Does this happen often? I'm applying to Internal Medicine and if I do the DO match it will eliminate my chances at an MD program. An early offer would take care of the delimma. Anyone have any info on these early offers/contracts offered outside of the match?

It's not a legal issue, it's simply the rules of each (ACGME and ACGOME) match system and residency certifying agencies, etc....DO's aren't required to participate in ANY match therefore we are free to secure a contract outside of either system. My understanding is this doesn't really happen often and most residency programs that offer these positions are likely not the ones you'd want to go to. (My opinion) You're better off avoiding the DO match if you don't want to go to a DO program and simple rank using NRMP for MD.

 

[peppy]

most residency programs that offer these positions are likely not the ones you'd want to go to.

Depending on your situation, it may be better to accept a pre-match than go through the match, but it does seem to be true that the majority of programs that offer pre-matches are less competitive places.

 

[NPEMTIV]

Depending on your situation, it may be better to accept a pre-match than go through the match, but it does seem to be true that the majority of programs that offer pre-matches are less competitive places.

Very true...as in all things it'll be very situation-specific.

 

[Doctor4Life1769]

Here's how I'd look at it:

Program that sends you a pre-match MD offer vs. your top DO program in that same specialty ...

if pre-match MD > DO program => take the offer
if DO program > pre-match MD => decline the offer and hope for the DO match
if you hate the DO choices, you know what to do in general.

Most DO programs end up telling you way before the match if they're going to rank you high enough to land a spot there - that's been my experience while on auditions. Most tend to find out by November at the latest ... plenty of time to figure out what you want based on the majority of MD interviews occurring Nov-Jan at the latest.

 

[Marianne11]

Here's how I'd look at it:

Most DO programs end up telling you way before the match if they're going to rank you high enough to land a spot there - that's been my experience while on auditions. Most tend to find out by November at the latest ... plenty of time to figure out what you want based on the majority of MD interviews occurring Nov-Jan at the latest.

Very true, I already know I will match at 2 DO programs. How many MD interviews do you think will give you a good chance at a match? Do MD programs let you know where you stand like DO programs? Can you ask during your interview what they think & let them know you will be ranking them etc.? Thanks!

 

[scpod]

....Most DO programs end up telling you way before the match if they're going to rank you high enough to land a spot there - that's been my experience while on auditions....

The only true thing about the match is that both the programs and the residents lie to each other. I know several people who got burned by being assured they were "highly ranked" and they ended up scrambling. Don't rely on what they tell you. Always have a backup plan.

 

[Doctor4Life1769]

Scpod - I agree, that is true - however, my thoughts are if you have 1-2 DO options that are telling you they'll rank you to match, you'll be okay.

I myself will only go allopathic if I receive 10/+ interviews. If I don't, then I'll hope I get something in the osteopathic match. If not, then well ... let's not go there.

MD programs don't tell you jack, don't expect the same type of stuff with them - they take match violations seriously.

 

[scpod]

Scpod - I agree, that is true - however, my thoughts are if you have 1-2 DO options that are telling you they'll rank you to match, you'll be okay....

Matching DO IM will not be a problem, but counting on one particular program could be. Most of my friends who went DO IM got their first or second choice. I just know a few who suicide matched and had to scramble.

 

[Doctor4Life1769]

Matching DO IM will not be a problem, but counting on one particular program could be. Most of my friends who went DO IM got their first or second choice. I just know a few who suicide matched and had to scramble.

Does this mean - only ranking 1 program?