Fellowship match contract

[Eyefixer]

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I have a friend back east who is not happy with his fellowship match results. He is so unhappy that he may not go through with the fellowship all together. Is fellowship match a binding contract? What repercussions can this person face if he does not go through with the fellowship?

 

[JBurns]

What sub-specialty is this for I think he could get out of the contract, but probably with some non-minor consequences. The biggest being he would never be able to apply for fellowship again. And also, burning alot of bridges. Might not mean much though if he is doing private practice anyways.

 

[JMK2005]

I have a friend back east who is not happy with his fellowship match results. He is so unhappy that he may not go through with the fellowship all together. Is fellowship match a binding contract? What repercussions can this person face if he does not go through with the fellowship?

Why did he rank those programs at all?

I don't think the match is binding, but it would be hard to get into another fellowship.

 

[JBurns]

On another note, a very lucky unmatched Cornea applicant has a chance to go to UC-Davis. They inexplicably have an unmatched spot! Wouldn't mind trading 🙂

 

[MR1]

Agree. Why rank a place you really don't want to go to. Poor thinking in my opinion.

 

[Eyefixer]

Thank you all for your input.

So, other then lost future opportunities there are no legal issues here?

 

[JMK2005]

LINK


doesn't sounds like there are any legal penalties, but violating the match probably prevents you from participating in future matches.

 

[Eyefixer]

• I understand that I cannot avoid accepting an appointment to which I have been matched without a written
release from the applicable program. I also understand that another program cannot offer a position to me
unless I have this release. I understand that releases are not automatic and my actions may be challenged.

So this does not sound legally concerning?

 

[Visionary]

Agree with most of what has been said. My understanding is that they can't really hold you to the fellowship, but your friend can forget about getting into another fellowship...ever, should he drop.

 

[MstaKing10]

Agree with most of what has been said. My understanding is that they can't really hold you to the fellowship, but your friend can forget about getting into another fellowship...ever, should he drop.

Not necessarily true. Had a friend who matched at a decent retina program but it was far away from his family (who could not relocate for many reasons). He got out of contract by giving them some kind of excuse and then took a position outside of the match. That's really the only way to do it though since he was not allowed to use SF match given his contract violation. That is really the only significant penalty as far as I know. He is now in private practice and doing well. The program he dropped out of got another qualified applicant outside of the match as well.

Not a common occurrence but can happen.