Fellowship Interview - Letter of Intent/Acceptance question

[nofeardoc]

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As interview time approaches, I am curious as to how this process unfolds given there is no match system.

If I interview at a program and they offer me a position, I obviously have the option to say yes or no.

The issue is that it seems that some programs interview much earlier than others. How does one deal with this issue?

Is there a typical timeline when programs offer spots?
Can you sign a LOI and back out if a program that fits your needs offers you a position later?

Any help in this realm from those that have completed the interview/fellowship process for pain programs is much appreciated.

 

[emd123]

As interview time approaches, I am curious as to how this process unfolds given there is no match system.

If I interview at a program and they offer me a position, I obviously have the option to say yes or no.

The issue is that it seems that some programs interview much earlier than others. How does one deal with this issue?

Is there a typical timeline when programs offer spots?
Can you sign a LOI and back out if a program that fits your needs offers you a position later?

Any help in this realm from those that have completed the interview/fellowship process for pain programs is much appreciated.

You need to search the forum. This has all been discussed already.

You can tell them either "yes", "no" or "I need some time to decide". The earlier in the year and the more a program wants you, the more time they're likely to give you. You can back out of a letter of intent (since it's not a contract), however, its poor form, dishonest and could come back to bite you. If you back out, will they get someone to take your spot? Yes. Would you want them to "back out" on you at any point? No. Follow the golden rule here. The bulk of programs interview anywhere from July to September, however there are some earlier, later and some that do rolling all year long. You should be able to call them directly and ask. Fellowships have been very competitive recently. Good luck.

 

[PMR 4 MSK]

As interview time approaches, I am curious as to how this process unfolds given there is no match system.

If I interview at a program and they offer me a position, I obviously have the option to say yes or no.

The issue is that it seems that some programs interview much earlier than others. How does one deal with this issue?

Is there a typical timeline when programs offer spots?
Can you sign a LOI and back out if a program that fits your needs offers you a position later?

Any help in this realm from those that have completed the interview/fellowship process for pain programs is much appreciated.

You are interviewing for a job, not doing a match like for residency. Everyone going out into the real world has the same problem - you apply to multiple jobs, then play the guessing game as to whether to accept the first offer or not.

You can always say yes, and then back out later if a better offer comes along. It happens all the time. Just read the contract very carefully for repercussions.

 

[PinchandBurn]

As interview time approaches, I am curious as to how this process unfolds given there is no match system.

If I interview at a program and they offer me a position, I obviously have the option to say yes or no.

The issue is that it seems that some programs interview much earlier than others. How does one deal with this issue?

Is there a typical timeline when programs offer spots?
Can you sign a LOI and back out if a program that fits your needs offers you a position later?

Any help in this realm from those that have completed the interview/fellowship process for pain programs is much appreciated.

The process is horrible. Especially for you, the applicant. I was in your shoes not too long ago. Faced with similar dilemmas.

Bottom line, should you continue interviewing after you get a an acceptance to University of X? It depends. Are you really going to pass up an interview at a more prestigious place like Harvard, Stanford, Hopkins and the like if you were to get an interview invite. By the way, most of these 'better' programs interview later in the process (this makes it even more difficult for you, the applicant).

I don't think you should.

Bottom line. Programs can always replace a potential fellow. Trust me, there are TONS of people that will take that spot if you pass it up. It's the 'system's' fault for not having a Match process. Do what you have to do..I know it sucks.

 

[Tenesma]

some programs will interview early - and then give you an offer that you need to accept within 30 days, often before you had a chance to interview anywhere else...

the advantage for the program (top 10 program), is that it is a sneaky way to scare good candidates in signing up for them...

completely unfair - and i agree, it should be a match system