Match query

[stj123]

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I have applied to Ophthalmology and Preliminary programs, besides, Internal Medicine categorical positions as a back up. I got just one interview for preliminary.
1)What will happen if I get matched into Ophthalmology ,but, not into Preliminary program( ie, if I don't get in, even through a post match scramble)? Will the Ophthalmology match still be a binding contract? Does that mean that I will not be able to get into Ophthalmology program where I matched?
2) Also, if I get matched into Ophthalmology, does that mean that I must withdraw from the NRMP match with respect to the categorical positions in Internal Medicine?( I understand that I will have to participate in the NRMP match for preliminary positions also). If I am supposed to withdraw from the categorical positions, doesn't that mean that I will be forfeiting all my chances in case I don't match into preliminary program at all?

Urgent guidance on this matter will be highly appreciated.

 

[iguy]

I don't know for sure, but I'm assuming you'll have to withdraw from the Categorical Medicine match. If you do match into Ophtho (good luck!), you can:
a) contact the Ophtho program director and ask them to pull some strings at that program to get you a late interview/late application to the prelim medicine program
b) contact the programs you interviewed for categorical and tell them you matched to Ophtho and would need to do Prelim only now -- they will likely let you rank them as prelim instead of categorical
c) I hear there are tons of vacant categorical surgery positions every year so that could always be an option too.

hope this helps!

 

[DKofLV]

I have applied to Ophthalmology and Preliminary programs, besides, Internal Medicine categorical positions as a back up. I got just one interview for preliminary.
1)What will happen if I get matched into Ophthalmology ,but, not into Preliminary program( ie, if I don't get in, even through a post match scramble)? Will the Ophthalmology match still be a binding contract? Does that mean that I will not be able to get into Ophthalmology program where I matched?
2) Also, if I get matched into Ophthalmology, does that mean that I must withdraw from the NRMP match with respect to the categorical positions in Internal Medicine?( I understand that I will have to participate in the NRMP match for preliminary positions also). If I am supposed to withdraw from the categorical positions, doesn't that mean that I will be forfeiting all my chances in case I don't match into preliminary program at all?

Urgent guidance on this matter will be highly appreciated.

IF you match into ophtho, there is NO chance that you won't get a preliminary spot somewhere (unless you don't try and/or scramble). Ophtho requirements for matching are much higher than preliminary requirements...if you're good enough to match in Ophtho, you will be good enough for preliminary. As above, there are many preliminary surgery and also many medicine spots open each year. The only one that is usually close to full (nationwide) is transitional year.

 

[stj123]

Thanks a lot for the reply. It certainly helped.