Exception to General Ranking Rule - Order of Preference

[medsRus]

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Everyone says to rank in order of preference and not the likelihood of securing a position. But, is the following an exception?

• ranking categorical programs over advanced ones because chance of matching for PGY-1 spots are low

Or is my logic faulty? Input anyone... Thanks!

 

[timcc23]

I think that make sense to some extent. For me last year, categorical programs were just more desirable for many reasons, so I bumped some good advanced programs farther down as a result. One important thing to remember is that scrambling into a prelim spot is always an option if there is an advanced program that you really like. You also should be careful not to sell yourself short on being able to match into a prelim spot.

 

[neurochica]

Everyone says to rank in order of preference and not the likelihood of securing a position. But, is the following an exception?

• ranking categorical programs over advanced ones because chance of matching for PGY-1 spots are low

Or is my logic faulty? Input anyone... Thanks!

It really comes down to what program YOU liked the most. You cant bother thinking who will rank what-

I ranked the programs that where best for my educational goals, regardless if they were categoricals or advance. Thus, in my case, there was no exception to no rule. Rank the program the best fit your needs. Trust me, you wont regret it.

 

[medsRus]

Trust me, you wont regret it.

Unless you match into the advanced neuro spot, and not PGY-1.

 

[neurochica]

Unless you match into the advanced neuro spot, and not PGY-1.

Well that’s your prerogative and your decision is made to go with a community base categorical program over say USD, which I believe you mentioned before.
It is MY OPINION that selecting a program based on whether they are categorical or advanced, is simply a stupid way of doing things.
What I suggest is calling up the PD’s or program coordinator to those advance programs and ask them if they are willing to help you if you for some reason don’t secure a prelim spot.
best wishes

 

[medsRus]

What I suggest is calling up the PD’s or program coordinator to those advance programs and ask them if they are willing to help you if you for some reason don’t secure a prelim spot.
best wishes

I've never heard of speaking with the PD in such a frank manner prior to rankings. Will it hurt one's chance of matching there should they feel the applicant is insecure in their ability to find a PGY-1 position?

 

[PAN627]

Every single advanced program I have interviewed at has asked me about my prelim interviews, how many I have, where, and how they were going. One program even said If I matched there, they'd make a call for me within the system to get a prelim spot if I dont match into one for any reason.

 

[neurochica]

Every single advanced program I have interviewed at has asked me about my prelim interviews, how many I have, where, and how they were going. One program even said If I matched there, they'd make a call for me within the system to get a prelim spot if I dont match into one for any reason.

Indeed, that was my experience last year. If the PD didn’t asked, which he often did, I made sure to bring it up-most of them were willing to help. Remember, programs don’t want to go unmatched, so programs worth their salt will help the candidate as much as they can.

With that said don’t assume the program will help you. There is only so much a program can do for you- 1. Make a call to the IM dept at current institution 2. Make a call to any other prelim IM program that went unmatched, etc.

 

[RAD345]

Indeed, that was my experience last year. If the PD didn't asked, which he often did, I made sure to bring it up-most of them were willing to help. Remember, programs don't want to go unmatched, so programs worth their salt will help the candidate as much as they can.

With that said don't assume the program will help you. There is only so much a program can do for you- 1. Make a call to the IM dept at current institution 2. Make a call to any other prelim IM program that went unmatched, etc.

Sometimes the internal med dept has filled all their spots through match in the main hospital and the affiliated ones.
The best thing is to find a spot in scramble and have them call the PD at the new place.

 

[nero2282]

on my interview trail I met 3 applicants (2 IMGs and 1 USMG) NOT matched in neuro in 2009 b/c they ranked advanced positions on top and were told by the PDs that the prog will help out with the prelim spot if necessary. IMGs had 1 prelim lined up and USMG had 2 prelim lined up. These students were going through the match again for 2010 and were strongly suggesting to me to rank categoricals first.

Even though with this in mind, i'm ranking an advanced position on #1, b/c that prog i really liked. Now, honestly I have only solid 3 prelim interviews lined up. but even with that i'm taking a chance to rank advance prog first.

I totally hate the matching system where the computer decides your fate for the residency, and that there are more advanced neuro prog out there vs. categorical. I also hate the fact that neuro students have to compete with rads, derm and anesthesia for prelim spots, i mean come on...these specialties can totally get by with transitional yr esp. rads and derm...why do they have to get prelim doesn't make any sense. i think fishing for a prelim spot makes it tough to get into neuro, but the specialty itself is not that tough to get into.