Is it too late to apply to more programs?

[Leukocyte]

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So I applied late, middle of November, and so far no interviews. Applied to 65 programs in Pathology. Do you think it is too late now to add more programs...or should I go ahead and apply to more? It seems like almost all programs (in all fields) have filled their interview spots by now.

Thanks.

 

[2012mdc]

So I applied late, middle of November, and so far no interviews. Applied to 65 programs in Pathology. Do you think it is too late now to add more programs...or should I go ahead and apply to more? It seems like almost all programs (in all fields) have filled their interview spots by now.

Thanks.

There might be a few programs that don't have deadlines until December 1st

 

[peppy]

I think this would be cutting it pretty close at this point, but it's possible that some programs might have a last minute cancellation and be willing to give you a chance, so what is the harm in trying if you can afford it?
I hope that something works out for you. I know how much you want to get into path.

 

[gutonc]

So I applied late, middle of November, and so far no interviews. Applied to 65 programs in Pathology. Do you think it is too late now to add more programs...or should I go ahead and apply to more? It seems like almost all programs (in all fields) have filled their interview spots by now.

Thanks.

In a word, yes. While there are lots of programs that haven't passed their deadlines yet, if you've applied to 65 programs and gotten no invites as of yet, it's unlikely that just spewing more money at the problem is going to fix what's wrong with your application (which I'm guessing is that you don't have much/any pathology-relevant experience on your CV).

I'm not saying you can't, just that perhaps spending that money on an extra student loan payment might help you get out of your situation more than a few extra apps would.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

You've basically asked the same question here: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=871394

The answer is the same as in that thread,

Applying to more programs now is probably a waste of money. Then again, it's only money and you have a decent salary, so there is little downside.

Regardless, your focus now is on any interviews you do get. You need to convince programs that you're "worth it". As you've mentioned yourself, you have several red flags. Two worth pointing out:

1. You have minimal path experience. You say that you're 100% certain that you want path, but that seems hard to believe since you have minimal path experience. Maybe you'll hate it more than FP. How do you know? (Note this is a rhetorical question)

2. You have already completed FP training. This is a problem 2 ways -- you won't have full funding, and you can always quit your path residency and go back to FP. I know you say that won't happen, but what happens if you discover that you hate pathology twice as much as you hate FP? (Again, rhetorical question)

So, what to do?

A. If money is no object, you can certainly apply to more programs. If it is, then I wouldn't as the yield will be very small.

B. Rock any interviews you get.

C, Prepare for the scamble. Make certain you have the entire day (and the day afterwards) off from work. Have everything you need ready.

D. Assuming none of that works, decrease your job to 50%. Take the other 50% and start volunteering with a pathology program (i.e. a place that has a path residency). You want a research position. Luckily (and you can point this out to them) you have a medical license, so you can do all sorts of things that others can't.

 

[Megalofyia]

C, Prepare for the scamble. Make certain you have the entire day (and the day afterwards) off from work. Have everything you need ready.

.

Isn't the scramble going to be different this year?

 

[gutonc]

Isn't the scramble going to be different this year?

Yes. It will be a multi-round "Mini-Match" so it will require a significant time investment but will hopefully be more fair and fruitful.

 

[Leukocyte]

Thank you all for the great advice. You guys are right...it is too late now. I will try to go through the scramble and will try to leave my full-time FM job and find a part-time FM job instead so that I can volunteer or do research or do a PSF at a pathology program.

Will try again next September. Thanks again.

Question to "A Program Director" or anyone with knowlegde:

-Can I use my current LORs (all FP from my PD and faculty) for next year's match season? I will try to sneak in a Pathology LOR this year when volunteering.

-As a PD, do you reccommend (prefer to see) decreasing clinical practice to 50%/PT over working entirely in pathology research or the Lab? In other words...would you advise against quiting practice now (while waiting to get into residency) over working full-time in the lab or research (while waiting to get into residency)?

Thanks.

 

[belle54321]

You may also want to make an appt with the PD or a professor in the pathology dept of your medical school. If you did your med school outside the country, then speak to a pathologist at the hospital where you did your training. They may be able to tell you what a pathology residency program is looking for. I think pathology is very different from other clinical specialties.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

Thank you all for the great advice. You guys are right...it is too late now. I will try to go through the scramble and will try to leave my full-time FM job and find a part-time FM job instead so that I can volunteer or do research or do a PSF at a pathology program.

Will try again next September. Thanks again.

Question to "A Program Director" or anyone with knowlegde:

-Can I use my current LORs (all FP from my PD and faculty) for next year's match season? I will try to sneak in a Pathology LOR this year when volunteering.

-As a PD, do you reccommend (prefer to see) decreasing clinical practice to 50%/PT over working entirely in pathology research or the Lab? In other words...would you advise against quiting practice now (while waiting to get into residency) over working full-time in the lab or research (while waiting to get into residency)?

Thanks.

If you're talking about next year, I would target 2 letters from FP (one from your PD, another from your "boss"), and 2 letters from path. Or, if you can get 3 path letters, then 3 and 1.

I would ask your LOR writers to update your letters -- use a current date, and tweak the letter.

I would not quit FM completely. First, a 50% job should bring in a decent income which will help. Second, you may not get a path spot at all, and then what? I would leave the FM door open in case.