Leaving program without violating NRMP

[Tyrion]

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I have a question regarding a hypothetical situation. If one is matched to a program and has not yet started, how can they leave the program without violating the match? Specifically, if they were to sign the contract, at what point do they cease being a match violator when looking at other programs for a position, quitting work, etc?

The NRMP is very clear that the results of the match must be upheld, but the particulars are fuzzy. Are you technically required to complete the year of the contract that you sign? Is the requirement simply that you sign your contract, making all further dealings between the resident and the institution? I guess my question is, in a nutshell, when does the NRMP go away?

 

[colbgw02]

I believe as long as you show up for the first day of work then you have fulfilled your obligation regarding the match.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

I believe as long as you show up for the first day of work then you have fulfilled your obligation regarding the match.

This is correct, with some caveats.

You can quit after showing up and signing a contract.

That contract may have a clause in it regarding the amount of notice for quitting. Although it is theoretically "illegal" (i.e. "breach of contract") to quit without the required notice, it's really uninforcable as 1) it's not worth the time and effort, 2) it's hard to prove damages, 3) do I really want to force someone to come to work when they don't, and 4) you have no money to pay any judgement anyway. None of this is a match violation.

If you look for a new position before starting your matched position, then quit after showing up the first day, that might be considered a match violation -- either for you, or the program that took you. Not sure about this, but I expect it would raise some red flags.