Is It Late for Interviews?

[Cablindian]

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Hello,

I have a friend who graduated from med school in May but didn't match. He is applying again while doing a Masters in Clinical Research program. I recently asked him if he's received any interviews/heard from any programs, but he never answers the question and always changes the subject. I don't want to push the issue with him; is it late for people to receive interviews for residency? He was pretty despondent after not matching last time, and at this point, I don't know what to say to him. What would be his options if he didn't match again?

 

[Winged Scapula]

Yes it is late although there are some programs apparently that are still offering interviews. See the thread below entitled "is it just me"!

Your friend is likely not talking to you about this because he's embarrassed that he's not doing well.

As for the question about what else he can do, there are numerous threads about these situations in the residency forum.

 

[GoSpursGo]

What's he applying for? I'd say it's late for most fields, but according to friends there are a few surgical subspecialties that are still giving out some invites.

If he doesn't want to talk about it, don't push it; it's not like you knowing where he stands is actually going to help him.

 

[jackets5]

Hello,

I have a friend who graduated from med school in May but didn't match. He is applying again while doing a Masters in Clinical Research program. I recently asked him if he's received any interviews/heard from any programs, but he never answers the question and always changes the subject. I don't want to push the issue with him; is it late for people to receive interviews for residency? He was pretty despondent after not matching last time, and at this point, I don't know what to say to him. What would be his options if he didn't match again?

I'm a US-IMG and just got one today from a University program for IM. So they are still sending invites. Also I've received a few emails saying I was on the wait list for an interview if people cancel. Depends on what type an applicant your friend is.

 

[Cablindian]

He's applying to Peds and FM

 

[K31]

He's applying to Peds and FM

Yeah, it's really late for those. Peds was one of the first specialties to start sending invites--friends applying to peds were getting invites even before the dean's letters went out October 1st. I'm not as sure about FM, but in general the primary care specialties invite earlier.

 

[septoplasty]

FM is also late, unless people cancel.. its hard to get invites this time of the match.

 

[Target2]

Just got a FM interview invite today...and I'm not a very competitive applicant. Programs are probably going through "waitlisted" candidates to fill spots that have been cancelled. I had a friend last year who got an interview invite on Jan 2 from a really competitive FM program. So getting an interview this late in the season is not unheard of...but not very likely either.

 

[Olenadr]

I had friends get FM Interviews last season in late Dec and early Jan even.
I just got a University FM prog, though this prog normally sends out invites pretty late.
There's still a possibility...

 

[Cablindian]

So he finally admitted that he never even applied. Apparently, he got spooked and didn't even try... oh well

Can you do the Scramble if you didn't apply pre-Match?

 

[Raryn]

So he finally admitted that he never even applied. Apparently, he got spooked and didn't even try... oh well

Can you do the Scramble if you didn't apply pre-Match?

Yes. You just need to have registered for the NRMP match to be eligible for SOAP. Not even have submitted a rank list.

Now, since SOAP is done through ERAS rather than the scramble done via fax/whatever the heck, I'm not sure how one goes about filling out ERAS ahead of time to be ready for SOAP.

 

[DocBlin]

My son is the senior FM resident doing interviews at his program. There are 8 positions available each year. He states they do 10 interviews per slot or 80 interviews. At present they are 50% done so interview invitations can go into late Jan. 013. They do these interviews every wednesday and thursday til all 80 are done. Though he spends 3 to 4 hours with each group of interviewees, he has little input to final decision. He is asked after each group which one or ones stood out to him and why.And which ones were a poor candidate. Also accompanying him is an intern, who is asked their impressions. Of the 50+ interviewees he has seen he has recommended 8 that stood out. but again he believes his input is very minor to the final decision process. At his program each interviewee see 4 attendings during the daily process. Steps and LsOR are what he believes impact primarily. Also in his program applicants that have had additional post graduate training, i.e. 1 or 2 years surgery, are preferred. This is a view from the other side.

 

[septoplasty]

My son is the senior FM resident doing interviews at his program. There are 8 positions available each year. He states they do 10 interviews per slot or 80 interviews. At present they are 50% done so interview invitations can go into late Jan. 013. They do these interviews every wednesday and thursday til all 80 are done. Though he spends 3 to 4 hours with each group of interviewees, he has little input to final decision. He is asked after each group which one or ones stood out to him and why.And which ones were a poor candidate. Also accompanying him is an intern, who is asked their impressions. Of the 50+ interviewees he has seen he has recommended 8 that stood out. but again he believes his input is very minor to the final decision process. At his program each interviewee see 4 attendings during the daily process. Steps and LsOR are what he believes impact primarily. Also in his program applicants that have had additional post graduate training, i.e. 1 or 2 years surgery, are preferred. This is a view from the other side.

You mentioned how your son "believes" Steps & LORs are impactful. I thought that was just a filtration factor to grant interviews? I figure interviewing a bunch of 220's wouldn't give you any more insight than giving a position based only on the ERAS CV.

Also, I find it odd that his program prefers 1/2 years of surgery PG experience for FM.

 

[DocBlin]

Of the 8 slots in the last few years at least 2 or 3 were filled by applicants who have been either practicing docs in their countries/US with ACGME approvals or recent previous residents in IM, Surg., or other Trans. As for the "weeding out" prior to interviews, he did/does not know the interviewees scores or LORs only the attendings and PD did. He assumed they were at a minimum score for his program and had good to great LsOR. BTW they have taken no DO's in the last 4+ years. So it is AMGs and IMGs that match to his program. This year he was told by the PC that the #'s of ERAS applicants increased by 20%. So filling interview slots is becoming less difficult. Just giving the other side of this process.