Match question

[toothless rufus]

Didn't know where to post this, and I like hanging around the DO forums, so...

I'm researching the match process, and came across this on the NRMP website:

Each year, approximately 16,000 U.S. medical school students participate in the residency match. In addition, another 18,000 "independent" applicants compete for the approximately 24,000 available residency positions.

Ok, so 16,000+18,000=34,000 and 34,000-24,000=10,000

So, what happens to the 10,000 who didn't match? Burger flipping until the next year?

 

[PatDO12]

If you graduated in the U.S. from a D.O. or M.D. program you are essentially assured a residency spot as long as you don't pursue a residency above your credentials (i.e. dermatology, plastic surgery, radiology, etc...). The independent people are those that have graduated abroad (such as the caribbean schools). So generally speaking not all of these people match and sometimes take a year off or decide to practice in the country they attended medical school.

 

[toothless rufus]

If you graduated in the U.S. from a D.O. or M.D. program you are essentially assured a residency spot as long as you don't pursue a residency above your credentials (i.e. dermatology, plastic surgery, radiology, etc...). The independent people are those that have graduated abroad (such as the caribbean schools). So generally speaking not all of these people match and sometimes take a year off or decide to practice in the country they attended medical school.

Ok, thanks!