Happy with match results?

[matchisover]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I matched and am very grateful for that, but I have to say I was a little shocked by my match results. I applied FM and ranked 11 programs in Southern California. I was under the impression that FM wasn't that competitive and usually AMG with decent average stats would get one of their top 3 or 5 easily. I got my 7th choice. Many of my classmates (we're DOs) also did not get their 1st choice (most got between their 5-8th choices) in FM.
I feel a little disappointed, only because my top programs gave me really good feedbacks post-interview and thinking FM wasn't that competitive, I thought I would get one of my 3 top choices...

Anyone else feels the same? Is FM becoming more and more competitive, especially in SoCal?

 

[SLC]

I matched and am very grateful for that, but I have to say I was a little shocked by my match results. I applied FM and ranked 11 programs in Southern California. I was under the impression that FM wasn't that competitive and usually AMG with decent average stats would get one of their top 3 or 5 easily. I got my 7th choice. Many of my classmates (we're DOs) also did not get their 1st choice (most got between their 5-8th choices) in FM.
I feel a little disappointed, only because my top programs gave me really good feedbacks post-interview and thinking FM wasn't that competitive, I thought I would get one of my 3 top choices...

Anyone else feels the same? Is FM becoming more and more competitive, especially in SoCal?

I made some mistakes in FM this year, only applied to programs out west (which are far and away the most competitive), only ranked 8, failed to adequately keep in touch with programs outside my top 3, because like you I was led to believe that with above average scores, matching into the top 3 on ones match list was essentially a given.

I found out differently...Ended up SOAP'ing.

The SOAP was stressful, but I matched into a program that was better than anything I interviewed with out west. And I really dodged a bullet with some of the programs at the bottom of my list, I had them there because I started out interested in them, but they were truly horrible fits and one or two were just cut rate programs all the way around. I'm relieved I didn't end up there, and couldn't be happier with the program I am matched to now.

 

[gyngyn]

I matched and am very grateful for that, but I have to say I was a little shocked by my match results. I applied FM and ranked 11 programs in Southern California. I was under the impression that FM wasn't that competitive and usually AMG with decent average stats would get one of their top 3 or 5 easily. I got my 7th choice. Many of my classmates (we're DOs) also did not get their 1st choice (most got between their 5-8th choices) in FM.
I feel a little disappointed, only because my top programs gave me really good feedbacks post-interview and thinking FM wasn't that competitive, I thought I would get one of my 3 top choices...

Anyone else feels the same? Is FM becoming more and more competitive, especially in SoCal?

FM got competitive this year in CA. There were no unfilled spots.
There were only 2 open spots in the Western US iirc.

 

[Narcomedusae]

I'm truly grateful to have matched OBGYN this year, it was a tough year, but I'm not particularly happy with my match result. They were decently far down my list.

 

[SLC]

FM got competitive this year in CA. There were no unfilled spots.
There were only 2 open spots in the Western US iirc.

I think there were 10. But 3 were in Tacoma and they were not participating in SOAP. And 3 were in one other program, so only 4 others throughout the west with each being at unique programs.

One was at a place I cancelled an interview with 😕. Still I really don't think I would have been happy there so it is OK.

 

[Mad Jack]

I wonder if this is a result of some medical schools selecting more heavily for students interested in primary care in recent years.

 

[SLC]

I wonder if this is a result of some medical schools selecting more heavily for students interested in primary care in recent years.

That, and Primary Care is priming for a 'renaissance' I think.

 

[Geekchick921]

I'm truly grateful to have matched OBGYN this year, it was a tough year, but I'm not particularly happy with my match result. They were decently far down my list.

Same. I'm completely blindsided that I matched so far down my list.

 

[gyngyn]

I'm truly grateful to have matched OBGYN this year, it was a tough year, but I'm not particularly happy with my match result. They were decently far down my list.

There were no categorical OBG spots after the match. This is unprecedented.

 

[Narcomedusae]

There were no categorical OBG spots after the match. This is unprecedented.

Yeah, I saw that. Quite amazing,
I know one person in my class got their top for OBGYN, I think that was it. It was definitely a hard year.

 

[gyngyn]

I wonder if this is a result of some medical schools selecting more heavily for students interested in primary care in recent years.

I think it is a combination of better advising and larger numbers for about the same number of spots.
Student Affairs Deans noticed how many of their kids couldn't find anything in SOAP last year and made sure that they all had at least a few high yield choices on the bottom of their ROL, even if not in their primary specialty of interest. It is better than begging for a position that they would have never previously considered (in a location they would never have chosen).

 

[WinslowPringle]

Definitely a competitive year, all around. I was surprised by my class results as so many people who were very competitive applicants matched far down on their list or didn't match at all.

With rising board scores across the board and with ever increasing numbers of applicants who are applying to increasing number of spots, I think FM is becoming more competitive - particularly in highly desirable places, such as SoCal.

 

[rokshana]

I matched and am very grateful for that, but I have to say I was a little shocked by my match results. I applied FM and ranked 11 programs in Southern California. I was under the impression that FM wasn't that competitive and usually AMG with decent average stats would get one of their top 3 or 5 easily. I got my 7th choice. Many of my classmates (we're DOs) also did not get their 1st choice (most got between their 5-8th choices) in FM.
I feel a little disappointed, only because my top programs gave me really good feedbacks post-interview and thinking FM wasn't that competitive, I thought I would get one of my 3 top choices...

Anyone else feels the same? Is FM becoming more and more competitive, especially in SoCal?

that's because AMG means 4th year MD seniors...those stats do not necessarily translate to independent applicants.

 

[WusUpDoc]

I think there were 10. But 3 were in Tacoma and they were not participating in SOAP. And 3 were in one other program, so only 4 others throughout the west with each being at unique programs.

One was at a place I cancelled an interview with 😕. Still I really don't think I would have been happy there so it is OK.

Did any of those happen to be in Idaho?

 

[SLC]

Did any of those happen to be in Idaho?

1

 

[WusUpDoc]

1

Thanks! Hope I can fill a spot there next year.

 

[SLC]

Thanks! Hope I can fill a spot there next year.

Start networking now, and get a Sub-I or two if you can.

The west is where the lions share of the competition is in FM

 

[WusUpDoc]

.

 

[WusUpDoc]

.

 

[sazerac]

Every year more and more people fail to match, and then they declare "well I will apply again next year". That's not a solution - that's the problem! It's a self-perpetuating vicious circle that just gets worse every year. At some point medical schools are going to have to switch to a 5 year degree just to let this huge bolus of reapplicants through, so they can stop clogging the system.

 

[victorias2014]

.

 

[NurWollen]

Can only this year's applicants see which programs in which states went unfilled? Do the rest of us have to wait until the NRMP releases more data?

 

[BrooklynBulls]

Radiology was a soft market this year.
Many friends and acquaintances got their first or second choices, amd I received interviews at programs that had never even interviewed DO's before. it is very hard to predict how a year will be for any particular specialty. I would advise anybody to interview and to rank as many places as possible.

 

[danvasta]

Matched into my second choice.. I'm happy although it's weird, I only ranked my no.1 as no.1 because of the reputation. I did not think I would be a good fit and had bad experiences when I was working there (PD wasn't the warmest person in the world) but I thought I would have better fellowship prospects if I matched there . I remember thinking.. I will be okay with no.1, it's the best for my future and I will always regret not ranking it as no.1, but I would not be happy there and that's fine.
Funny how fate played out 🙂

 

[cher25]

Matched into my second choice also. Ranked my first choice because of location only. Prefer my second choice but would have been willing to be slightly if not moderately less happy in a program to stay near family. It's sad to leave home but we have to take life as it comes. Growing increasingly ecstatic and will make the best of this great opportunity.

 

[MLT2MT2DO]

Matched Psych at my No. 3. I was quite a bit above the average for psych compared to previous years, the west was rough this year.
From recent history this is also the first year my No. 3 didn't have a single Foreign grad and only 2 DOs (myself being one)

 

[SLC]

Matched Psych at my No. 3. I was quite a bit above the average for psych compared to previous years, the west was rough this year.
From recent history this is also the first year my No. 3 didn't have a single Foreign grad and only 2 DOs (myself being one)

I think the west is getting tough across the board. Congrats on matching!

 

[alisepeep]

I matched and am very grateful for that, but I have to say I was a little shocked by my match results. I applied FM and ranked 11 programs in Southern California. I was under the impression that FM wasn't that competitive and usually AMG with decent average stats would get one of their top 3 or 5 easily. I got my 7th choice. Many of my classmates (we're DOs) also did not get their 1st choice (most got between their 5-8th choices) in FM.
I feel a little disappointed, only because my top programs gave me really good feedbacks post-interview and thinking FM wasn't that competitive, I thought I would get one of my 3 top choices...

Anyone else feels the same? Is FM becoming more and more competitive, especially in SoCal?

Be grateful you matched...I ranked 14 all in SoCAL, had normal scores, no red flags, and great letters...also for FM..i even had publications and I did not match! Thank god for the scramble..i think it was a really rough year for FAM in socal..i know several people who had 230-250 on step 1 and also got their 8th- last choices in FM in So cal

 

[MLT2MT2DO]

I think the west is getting tough across the board. Congrats on matching!

You too bud, though it was a PITA for you, sounds like it all ended well in the end.

 

[GoWiththeFlo]

I think you got a partial answer above:
Programs in the US are "less kind" to DO's than MD's. Please don't flame me for saying this, I am not agreeing or like the statement, but it is a fact.

 

[Hopeless119]

I didn't match but SOAP'ed into FM. Now, realization has settled in and I'm unsure about FM cause I really want IM and sub-specialize. I know I've already took the offer and too late to back out. Should I just tough it out for the year and reapply to IM? Or fill out a NRMP waiver and find a research/observership in a hospital with an IM program?

 

[ThoracicGuy]

I didn't match but SOAP'ed into FM. Now, realization has settled in and I'm unsure about FM cause I really want IM and sub-specialize. I know I've already took the offer and too late to back out. Should I just tough it out for the year and reapply to IM? Or fill out a NRMP waiver and find a research/observership in a hospital with an IM program?

They will not grant a waiver for this.

 

[GoSpursGo]

They will not grant a waiver for this.

Agree. Even if they would, based on your posting history it appears that this was your second time not matching. While I can sympathize that it is unfortunate that you wound up in a specialty that wasn't exactly what you were hoping for, I think at this point you have to take the job you have and run.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

Agree. Even if they would, based on your posting history it appears that this was your second time not matching. While I can sympathize that it is unfortunate that you wound up in a specialty that wasn't exactly what you were hoping for, I think at this point you have to take the job you have and run.

I agree with this wholeheartedly. We don't have much to go on -- just a few posts. But you posted in last year's SOAP thread that you only had ~3 interviews and that you applied a month late. This year you presumably applied on time, ended up with only 8 total interviews mixed between IM and FM, matched nowhere, and SOAP'ed into FM. You are very unlikely to get an IM spot, your chances will get worse every year. You need to make the best of the residency you have. Plan to finish the FM residency, all three years. Forget about switching to IM (unless there is an IM program at that same institution, then you can be on the lookout for a spot there). At the end of your FM residency, you'll either find that you like it and will start working, or you can then apply for an IM PGY-2 position -- and if that fails, you still have your FM training. If you don't put your full effort into your FM residency, you could find yourself let go, and have nothing.

 

[Hopeless119]

Agree. Even if they would, based on your posting history it appears that this was your second time not matching. While I can sympathize that it is unfortunate that you wound up in a specialty that wasn't exactly what you were hoping for, I think at this point you have to take the job you have and run.

I agree with this wholeheartedly. We don't have much to go on -- just a few posts. But you posted in last year's SOAP thread that you only had ~3 interviews and that you applied a month late. This year you presumably applied on time, ended up with only 8 total interviews mixed between IM and FM, matched nowhere, and SOAP'ed into FM. You are very unlikely to get an IM spot, your chances will get worse every year. You need to make the best of the residency you have. Plan to finish the FM residency, all three years. Forget about switching to IM (unless there is an IM program at that same institution, then you can be on the lookout for a spot there). At the end of your FM residency, you'll either find that you like it and will start working, or you can then apply for an IM PGY-2 position -- and if that fails, you still have your FM training. If you don't put your full effort into your FM residency, you could find yourself let go, and have nothing.

Thank you all for the GREAT advice. I will definitely put my everything into the program and the specialty. Thanks again!

 

[TheOcean]

From my schools match list, it is definitely not as good as last years. There were many ppl with really good apps that ended up somewhere they shouldn't be. Also most of my friends matched down their last, at least past 5 or so...in all specialties. Seems like it was a tough year. Next year is just going to get tougher.

 

[victorias2014]

For FM in SoCal:
http://www.news10.net/story/news/lo...nia-primary-care-physician-shortage/25117477/

 

[evilbooyaa]

I matched at my #8 position, which happened to be in California (all others were outside of California). However, I was in a competitive specialty.

 

[DetectiveAlonzo]

How many of the folks here were IMG? I thought the consensus was that as an IMG such residencies in FM, IM, peds, ob-gyn, etc. are attainable. Seems like many AMGs from MD and DO programs had considerable competition from the looks of this thread. Could it be a sign of the times?

 

[Crazycatlady84]

IMG (European) here, ranked 5 programs and matched at my #2.

I'm absolutely thrilled with my match result, needless to say. Reading online forums scared the living **** out of me, because people say it gets harder to match for IMGs every year. But apparently the probability of matching hasn't changed much for IMGs in the recent years, so who knows.

Regardless, I feel for anyone that didn't match or matched low on their ROL!

 

[tiedyeddog]

How many of the folks here were IMG? I thought the consensus was that as an IMG such residencies in FM, IM, peds, ob-gyn, etc. are attainable. Seems like many AMGs from MD and DO programs had considerable competition from the looks of this thread. Could it be a sign of the times?

Dude, you're trying a little too hard to convince yourself going to a carribean school is a great idea. It's still a terrible idea.

 

[username456789]

How many of the folks here were IMG? I thought the consensus was that as an IMG such residencies in FM, IM, peds, ob-gyn, etc. are attainable. Seems like many AMGs from MD and DO programs had considerable competition from the looks of this thread. Could it be a sign of the times?

Nope.

 

[legendaryjon2413]

How many of the folks here were IMG? I thought the consensus was that as an IMG such residencies in FM, IM, peds, ob-gyn, etc. are attainable. Seems like many AMGs from MD and DO programs had considerable competition from the looks of this thread. Could it be a sign of the times?

I'd say exactly 70.3 and a half percent is IMG here

 

[DetectiveAlonzo]

Dude, you're trying a little too hard to convince yourself going to a carribean school is a great idea. It's still a terrible idea.

No trust me I will not be going carib but I just like reading other folks' experiences so I can better advise my peers and friends who are thinking of jumping to an off-shore school. I always tell them that they'd be better off improving their app by either retaking courses, or scoring better on the MCAT, and they all look at me like I'm the crazy one for not considering carib. I will actually be applying to DO and all MD programs this June that I can afford to apply to.

 

[tiedyeddog]

No trust me I will not be going carib but I just like reading other folks' experiences so I can better advise my peers and friends who are thinking of jumping to an off-shore school. I always tell them that they'd be better off improving their app by either retaking courses, or scoring better on the MCAT, and they all look at me like I'm the crazy one for not considering carib. I will actually be applying to DO and all MD programs this June that I can afford to apply to.

Good plan.

 

[wannabie]

I'm a US-IMG and I matched at my top choice. I ranked based off location and I almost regret not ranking other places first.

 

[matchisover]

I'm a US-IMG and I matched at my top choice. I ranked based off location and I almost regret not ranking other places first.

Wow, awesome wannabie!! Congrats!!
What are you going into? Did you apply on the West Coast?

 

[j4pac]

DO...matched to my #1 in PM&R. Happy indeed. Not a traditional applicant though.

 

[PhotinoBird]

USMD matched in pediatrics to a reach place that I thought was out of my league. Ecstatic!

 

[MLT2MT2DO]

DO...matched to my #1 in PM&R. Happy indeed. Not a traditional applicant though.

In addition this is probably the one specialty where DOs may even be favored at some institutions.