If the PD doesn't like you, should you forget about matching there?

[lakeplacid]

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I did a rotation under the current PD, and basically got into a huge misunderstanding over patient care that ended with me crying. It wasn't anyone's fault per se, although quite embarrassing for me. The rotation ended pretty badly. I don't talk to the PD and he basically ignores me in the halls. In fact, he seems to go out of this way to avoid me, which has been fine with me. I pretty much figured my chances at getting even an interview here were slim.

However, I did amazingly get an interview, probably because it's my home institution. It isn't my top choice, but I'd like to go into the interview knowing I at least have a shot at matching. I know getting into a program isn't exclusively up to the PD, but somehow, the past still weighs down on me and makes me feel like I shouldn't even bother going to the interview. While everyone else will be eager to impress the PD, I'll probably be skulking in the corner. I feel like this is the distant past and want to put it behind me, but how can I do so when the PD seems to pretend I don't exist? 🙁

 

[glasshouse]

I did a rotation under the current PD, and basically got into a huge misunderstanding over patient care that ended with me crying. It wasn't anyone's fault per se, although quite embarrassing for me. The rotation ended pretty badly. I don't talk to the PD and he basically ignores me in the halls. In fact, he seems to go out of this way to avoid me, which has been fine with me. I pretty much figured my chances at getting even an interview here were slim.

However, I did amazingly get an interview, probably because it's my home institution. It isn't my top choice, but I'd like to go into the interview knowing I at least have a shot at matching. I know getting into a program isn't exclusively up to the PD, but somehow, the past still weighs down on me and makes me feel like I shouldn't even bother going to the interview. While everyone else will be eager to impress the PD, I'll probably be skulking in the corner. I feel like this is the distant past and want to put it behind me, but how can I do so when the PD seems to pretend I don't exist? 🙁

would you even want to match there?

 

[peppy]

Sorry to hear that happened to you. It is sad that sometimes a misunderstanding can spoil an opportunity.
Considering how important the PD is to the quality of your residency experience, I don't see much point to interviewing at a place where you already know you won't get along with the PD (even if they did want you to actually match there and the interview was not merely a courtesy interview).
I would find it questionable to even interview at a program where you didn't like one of the attendings even if they didn't have a say in selections because people within the department will most likely talk to one another and getting off on the wrong foot with one person in the department might end up making everyone else in the department prejudiced against you.

Since we can all only go on so many interviews, I think you should try to make every interview count and be a realistic chance of matching, so unless you are desperate for interviews and wouldn't have any other interview to fill that slot with I would politely decline the interview if I were you.
Good luck!

 

[Frugal Traveler]

It's your home program... interview there... it's good practice and you still could match there.

I wouldn't let a bad experience set you back. PDs know people make mistakes like you apparently did. It is hard to know what people think of you in such situations, but nevertheless, life is life... don't bow out just because you think you have low odds.

Also, it is hard to know if the PD is ignoring you or is he/she just aloof at baseline (like some people are).

Bottom line:
1. Interview there if you want.
2. Get used to being embarrassed and recovering from it with more confidence.
3. Better yet, know what policies are in place before you are deployed on the wards

 

[Taurus]

Don't be amazed that you got an interview at your home institution. I think nearly all programs will extend courtesy interviews to their students if space allows. However, that doesn't mean they will rank you highly or even at all.

 

[Doctor Bagel]

An interview at your home program isn't really like an interview elsewhere because you don't incur any lodging or travel costs. Based on that, I'd suggest going ahead and doing it. I agree, though, that it might not be the best place to be since not getting along with the PD could make for a miserable few years.

 

[ResidentMD]

It's your home program... interview there... it's good practice and you still could match there.

I wouldn't let a bad experience set you back. PDs know people make mistakes like you apparently did. It is hard to know what people think of you in such situations, but nevertheless, life is life... don't bow out just because you think you have low odds.

Also, it is hard to know if the PD is ignoring you or is he/she just aloof at baseline (like some people are).

Bottom line:
1. Interview there if you want.
2. Get used to being embarrassed and recovering from it with more confidence.
3. Better yet, know what policies are in place before you are deployed on the wards

Not to disregard other peoples comments on this thread, but I somehow only found this reply from Frugal Traveler to the mark.

If you think it has been a genuine mistake, why dont you talk it over with your PD? It will really clear the air up. He is, after all a genuine human being. You mustve bruised his ego or whatever, but it will ensure that the rest of the process is smooth. He may even appreciate you talking it out with him - a sign of maturity. Then you can use the interview as you want - a practice,etc. And worst case scenario, even if you match there, he will be happy to have you.

Now if after trying to talk it out with him, he is still not wanting to call truce, I would move on.

 

[tetris]

If you want to match there, definately go. Why waste an opportunity?

Show that you've learned a lesson from the experience - e.g., improved patient care.

Or don't bring it up at all, if it was a relatively minor event in HIS eyes (though it may have been big in yours).

 

[peppy]

Well, I guess the way I see it is this: You're going to have a lot of interaction with your PD over the course of residency. A good PD can make residency a lot more bearable, while a bad PD (or one who just doesn't care for you) can make it needlessly stressful and difficult. You may encounter situations where the PD's ability to be understanding of you can make or break you. If you don't get along with the PD, they could very possibly be the one who decides that you should be terminated from residency.
If this was a minor dispute then I could see trying to get past it, but it sounds like whatever happened was rather serious if there were tears shed and now the PD is avoiding this person.
Even if your behavior from here on out is flawless, first impressions can count for a lot and they may always think of you as a weak resident because of this incident.
Honestly, I think your "people skills" and how good you are at office politics counts for a lot more in residency than your actual medical knowledge does. Going somewhere that you already have alienated someone with a lot of political clout is putting yourself at an unnecessary disadvantage right out of the gate. I would feel much happier going somewhere that there was a fresh slate and the PD was welcoming.

 

[Sneezing]

So you had an issue with the PD. Did you learn from it? Did you not insult the PD? If yes to both, put your pride aside.

If the horse bucks you off again, get back on it. This is your only option, or you'll be running from problems the rest of your life.

 

[ResidentMD]

So you had an issue with the PD. Did you learn from it? Did you not insult the PD? If yes to both, put your pride aside.

If the horse bucks you off again, get back on it. This is your only option, or you'll be running from problems the rest of your life.

I agree with this. Unless you really think you dont care about an interview from here. (And you would rather risk scramble - just a worst case scenario policy thing).

 

[PirateHotel]

So you had an issue with the PD. Did you learn from it? Did you not insult the PD? If yes to both, put your pride aside.

As above, if you didn't do anything to permanently damage the relationship, arrange a meeting with the PD to discuss the issue. As a professional he will be looking to move on and may feel awkward about the whole situation just as you do (i.e. your mutual avoidant behavior). He may be reaching out in an indirect way by offering the interview. Meeting him before the interview would be a great way to gauge what his view of you REALLY is.

Keep us updated

 

[Ariee]

Hey placid,

What a tough situation to be in, rough, but I think you can totally pull out of it on top. Try some relaxation techniques before the interview that will help you put the past aside and focus on what you got up ahead. I agree with frugal and PH (& everyone else)- specifically about looking at the positives. Such as:
1. home institution- get a practice IV out of it at least
2. weight how much you want to be there (the program) against the experience with the PD- make a list pro's vs. cons
3. importance of staying at home vs. travelling to other location for residency

Stay positive and come out on top of the IV, let the PD know you're past it, by your good attitude and impress all the other faculty (at least 3/4 others) on IV day...

G'luck,
Ariee

P.S. Everyone crys...altho- I've never done it publically, I've held tears in for the ride home...🙂 You are human.