Match Stats

[stephew]

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I'm taking a page from Andrew Doan, ophtho mod who has kepts a match-stats each year. I will open this thread after the match and folks can either post their info via this template themselves, or alternatively, they can send me their info and i will do it anonymously for them. Good luck all.

--Board Scores:
--AOA and class rank: if known
--GPA:
--Reputation of medical school: (top 10, top 25, etc)
--Research: (none, some radonc with no publications, radonc publications, other pubs)
--Honors in clerkships: (especially surgery, medicine and radonc)
--# and where you did away rotations:
--# of programs you applied to:
--Where invited for interviews:
--Where matched:
--Matched at what number on rank list:
--Anything that helped your app: (ie: a phone call to a program, big-wig letter of recs, MD/PhD, other degree, SDN Forum, etc)
--Plans if not matched:
--Prelim year:
--Matched at what number of prelim yr on list:
--Other:

 

[napoleondynamite]

c'mon somebody....anybody??? 😎

 

[plentystupid]

c'mon somebody....anybody??? 😎

Most of us are probably waiting until thursday, when we will actually find out where we will be.

Wish us luck... and keep your fingers crossed.

Good luck everyone!!!

cheers

 

[stephew]

its noon; thinking of you guys.

 

[CUBuffsgrad98]

--Board Scores: 231/94 Step 1, take step 2 next week
--AOA and class rank: top 15%
--Reputation of medical school: Osteopathic School
--Research: 1 year basice science post undergrad (no pubs), 2 rad onc research projects. 1 abstract at this years GI conference (not ready at time of eras, but faxed to all programs), and 1 abstract submitted for this years astro (not ready at interview time)
--Honors in clerkships: Only scored pass/fail
--# and where you did away rotations: 3 official (Henry Ford, Mayo (Rochester), Fox Chase) plus 1 research month at Mayo, and took vacation to do 1 week at U of AZ and 2 weeks in a private clinic in Iowa as a "prep"
--# of programs you applied to: About 50
--Where matched: Henry Ford
--Anything that helped your app: Rotated through the dept, was in contact with them and residents prior to, and after rotation. 2 senior residents from my school. Strong letters of rec from Fox Chase (the chair at Henry Ford came from Fox Chase). 2 strong presentations at rotation. Research from Fox Chase was looked at favorably. My school has no dept, so SDN helped me a lot in what I needed to do, otherwise would have had no idea. Most of all, got lucky
--Plans if not matched: Intern and reapply
--Prelim year: Traditional Rotating at Illinois Masonic in Chicago

 

[stephew]

here is one user's info that i was asked to post:


--Board Scores: Step I (223), Step 2CS (Pass), 2CK pending
--AOA and class rank: Middle of class
--Reputation of medical school: Top 25
--Research: 3 first author papers (including one seminal paper in radiobiology), 2 second author papers, 11 abstracts/presentations, multiple research awards
--Honors in clerkships: Honors in Surg, OB/GYN, Psych
--# and where you did away rotations: 1 (UCSF)
--# of programs you applied to:65
--Where invited for interviews:14
--Where matched:Considered Top 5 or Top 10
--Matched at what number on rank list:#2
--Anything that helped your app: MD/PhD, four LORs from Radiation Oncologists (3 prominent in field, 1 extremely well-known), long/strong track record of publications in radiobiolgy and physics
--Plans if not matched: Suicide (just kidding, probably PGY-1 year in prelim mediicne)
--Prelim year: Prelim Medicine (sadly), was hoping for Transitional
--Matched at what number of prelim yr on list:#2
--Other: X-factor (?) = competitive fencer, USFA ranked

 

[deleted4401]

--Board Scores: 242 on Step 1, 247 on Step 2
--AOA and class rank: n/a, top 1/3 of class
--GPA: n/a
--Reputation of medical school: Tulane. You guess the reputation.
--Research: (none, some radonc with no publications, radonc publications, other pubs) 1 abstract, 1 second author pub in clinical rad onc, 1 first author submission in clinical rad onc
--Honors in clerkships: Surgery, Psych, Family Med
--# and where you did away rotations: U Chicago, Beaumont, UT Southwestern, Mayo Scottsdale (research)
--# of programs you applied to: 50
--Where invited for interviews: Minnesota, MCW, Loyola, Northwestern, Pittsburgh, Thomas Jefferson, Tufts/NEMC, Miami, UVA, Louisville, Baylor, SUNY Downstate, Albert Einstein, Roswell Park, Kansas, Case Western, Howard (now defunct)
--Where matched: Baylor
--Matched at what number on rank list: 11th/13th (close call!)
--Anything that helped your app: Not sure. Didn't have a great interview at Baylor. Had tons of great interviews other than that. Had advisors call top 3 programs. Obviously didn't help.
--Plans if not matched: Hmmm ... an SSRI as a start, or maybe a mixed neurotransmitter drug like Effexor
--Prelim year: Finishing this summer at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
--Matched at what number of prelim yr on list: Scrambled
--Other: Have no idea. Didn't think I'd fall that far, but I'm happy, Baylor has a lot of what I was hoping for.

What can I say? This process is ridiculous. I feel I interview well. I've been told that. I've been told by enough interviewees about how personable I seem and how it seems strange that I didn't match last year. I've been told by multiple interviewers at strong programs that they were shocked I went unmatched. Funny, though, both this year and last, I've had unexpected outcomes, especially after the feedback I've received. Don't get me wrong - Baylor has it's flaws, but there are intangibles that make it an excellent place - for me. I'm not bitter, but I'm cynical. I think that research plays too large a role in admissions for a field that largely produces private clinicians that end up doing little or no research, and end up just taking care of patients, especially those that need it the most. I'm good at that. I plan on getting even better at it.

Bottom line - play the game. Do the research. In your essay talk about how much you like radiobiology and test tubes. Then, get the scores, you can't go anywhere without them. Then get some letters from people that will say you can walk on water, preferably at places you rotated through, preferably at places that people cream their pants over (MSKCC, MDA, Wisconsin, Mayo, Chicago, UCSF, Stanford, Florida, Michigan, Beaumont, Joint Center, Penn, Fox Chase). Then lie about an academic career (I didn't have to, I'm serious about it) at the interview, and gosh, drop a lot of names. There's a list of them on this forum. If you have the time and energy, prior to all of this, get a PhD. You're set then. That, my friends, is how you match into this field.

Behind the cynical facade, I'm so happy. I still can't stop smiling. It takes me twice as long to finish my work on the wards, because I'm so damn relaxed. I can't wait to start residency and become a radiation oncologist! See you at ASTRO!

Shout out to: Testudo/Eric, Stephanie E, Adawaal/Mike, Thaiger (whatever your name is!), radonc - all of you played a role, and I recognize it. I owe you drinks and more. Part of my career is dedicated to your advice and encouragement. I thank you.

-S

 

[joewilly]

--Board Scores: Step 1 - 260, Step 2 - 248
--AOA and class rank: AOA, top 10%
--GPA: n/a
--Reputation of medical school: Top 25
--Research: 1 non-radonc abstract, 1 3rd author clinical radonc, some clinical radonc research ongoing with pub pending
--Honors in clerkships: Medicine, Psych, OB/GYN, no clue what my 4th year grades are
--# and where you did away rotations: Beaumont
--# of programs you applied to: 36 (mostly midwest, east coast)
--Where invited for interviews: 12
--Where matched: Emory
--Matched at what number on rank list: 4/12
--Anything that helped your app: nice letters from my program, one from big name in rad onc
--Plans if not matched: do my prelim year and reapply
--Prelim year: Emory
--Matched at what number of prelim yr on list: n/a
--Other: not a mudphud and no phone calls from my institution, pretty worthless away rotation in terms of getting to know faculty and show my stuff(***do not do your away rotations during ASTRO, usually in October) but I did see a lot of cool new technology that was not at my institution. I also agree with a lot of what Simul said above. I think what probably helped me was solid numbers , having some rad onc research I am sincerely interested in to talk about during interviews, and luck. I definitely think getting involved in research is key. Mine really allowed me to learn a lot about the field and always have something to talk about during interviews. If it is something that is truly important to you I think it definitely comes across during interviews.
Otherwise, I think it comes down to how well you come across during your interviews.... with everyone (residents, physicists, dosimetrists, etc). Also, do not let what people say on the interview trail influence your decisions greatly and go into every interview with an open mind. Almost universally, what I heard about a program before I went there and my impression after I left were completley different. Find reliable resources (residents at your institution, career goal advisor, etc.) and do your own research on programs.
I am extremely pleased with where I matched and cant wait to head down to the ATL.

 

[CNphair]

--Board Scores: Step 1 - 252, Step 2 -262
--AOA and class rank: junior AOA, 1/150
--Reputation of medical school: regular old state school (this was definitely an issue)
--Research: 2 first author papers (small) in pediatric oncology; one year spent in basic science lab but no publications from that.
--Honors in clerkships: all
--# and where you did away rotations: Stanford, Duke
--# of programs you applied to: 35
--Where invited for interviews: got 26 invitations, went to 14 (Thomas Jefferson, Maryland, Loyola, UAB, Emory, Harvard, Wash U, Michigan, Wisconsin, Duke, Cleveland Clinic, Hopkins, Indiana, Mayo-Jacksonville)
--Where matched: Loyola
--Anything that helped your app: 2 big-wig letter of recs, first author pubs, board scores.
---Things that hurt: Lack of pedigree re: med school name, no home rad onc department and thus no rad onc research.
--Plans if not matched: research year
--Prelim year: Freaking prelim medicine...did not get TY. Very unhappy about that. 9 months inpatient medicine, here I come!
--Matched at what number of prelim yr on list: 2
--Other: I am excited about going to Chicago! I did go further down my list than I expected, but I am still very happy. But I do agree with Sim - the rad onc match process is a strange one. I am still a little baffled by it. I had 3 "truly great" interviews on the trail...didn't match at any of them.

 

[Daichi Katase]

so from what i gather thus far...Do tons of Rad-Onc Research/get publications/kill the USMLE 1/pray a lot.

Sounds like a solid plan 😉

 

[napoleondynamite]

This is GREAT info & advice, thanks!!! 😀

 

[RonaldColeman]

so from what i gather thus far...Do tons of Rad-Onc Research/get publications/kill the USMLE 1/pray a lot.

Sounds like a solid plan 😉

Research and getting to know people (especially at your home department) are key. I keep hearing that from everyone. Step 1 is important, but not as much as in other competitive specialties. That's what makes this field so frustrating/scary. You can be very strong academically, but miss out on interviews because of minimal to average research experience. So cover all your bases!

 

[miamiradonc]

Board Scores:
--AOA and class rank: don't know but above average
--GPA:
--Reputation of medical school: (top 50 i think)
--Research: (Had second author publication in relatively prestigious journal, worked with program director at Miami for almost a year but no radonc publications, presented as eastern student research forum)
--Honors in clerkships: (we don't have honors, but did well in everything but surgery, really well in medicine)
--# and where you did away rotations: 2, mt sinai and nyu
--# of programs you applied to: i think 15
--Where invited for interviews:4 places
--Where matched: miami
--Matched at what number on rank list: #1
--Anything that helped your app: (have a graduate education in psychology. I am really fortunate to have matched, I spent a lot of time at the miami rad onc department, got along well with everyone, showed a lot of interest etc.)
--Plans if not matched: wasn't sure
--Prelim year: washington hospital center
--Matched at what number of prelim yr on list: 2
--Other:

I think it is a tremendous advantage to go to a school with a rad onc program. You don't have to have such crazy stats. But if you find out about the field early, have a program at your institution, and there isn't a lot of competition in your class, the sky's the limit. Sorry this is kind of brief, still celebrating matching. Good luck everyone

 

[stephew]

im disappointed that more people, particularly those who matched, haven't posted here. remember how often you came to ask advice and questions? Please post here; or create another account if you want to be anon or send it to me to post. Please don't let your own success be the end of your participation here.

 

[alphacentauri]

Board Scores: Step I: 242/98 Step II: pending
--AOA and class rank: N/A
--GPA: N/A
--Reputation of medical school: top 10
--Research: rad onc 1st author paper submitted, 3rd author paper from undergrad, 4 abstract/publications
--Honors in clerkships: N/A, had good evals
--# and where you did away rotations: 2, both on the west coast
--# of programs you applied to: 36
--Where invited for interviews: 23, attended 16; in no particular order: U Washington, UCSF, Stanford, UC Davis, Loma Linda, Harvard, Utah, Johns Hopkins, Wisconsin, Florida, Cleveland Clinic, KPLA, Michigan, U Penn, Mt Sinai, Duke
--Matched at what number on rank list: #1
--Anything that helped your app: Did well on rad onc rotations, got great rec letters from well known people, interesting extra-curriculars
--Plans if not matched: research and re-apply
--Prelim year: transitional year on west coast
--Matched at what number of prelim yr on list: 1

I agree that having a strong dept at your home med school is very, very helpful. If you do, take advantage of this and do a rotation as early as you can, and do research early. Research is very, very important. I was asked in-depth questions about it at every interview. I did also feel like programs were looking for interesting people too though - I had a ton of questions about hobbies that came up in my ERAS and people seemed genuinely interested. Away rotations are also extremely helpful, both in terms of getting your foot in the door, and in terms of understanding what you do and don't want in a training program. It should go without saying, but if you do aways, work hard on them! Bottom line is that there are a lot of fantastic programs out there, and everyone is looking for a good fit.

 

[leroyk]

Board Scores: Step 1 - 253
--AOA and class rank: junior AOA, 1/150
--Reputation of medical school: top 50
--Reseach: 1st author abstract as ASTRO, 1st author abstract at ESTRO, 3rd author publication from college, though not on application
--Honors in clerkships: all except family med
--# and where you did away rotations: MD Anderson
--# of programs you applied to: 50
--Where invited for interviews: 30+, went on 17 (Penn, Michigan, Stanford, MDACC, Yale, Duke, UChicago, Loyola, Florida, Emory, UAB, Cleveland Clinic, Fox Chase, Jefferson, Hopkins, Maryland)
--Where matched: Duke
--Anything that helped your app: Good numbers, letter from well known rad onc faculty
---Things that hurt: no home rad onc residency, but had a department
--Plans if not matched: ?
--Prelim year: prelim medicine at Duke
--Other: not having a residency program at your home school is a disadvantage, as mentioned in the previous post. You need to have good numbers and a strong application since you don't have your home progam as a back-up. But it can definately be done, it just helps to decide you want to do rad onc early on during med school so you can do research and polish your application.

 

[radonc2011]

--Board Scores: Step 1-230, Step 2 CK-225, Step 2 CS-Pass
--AOA and class rank: Not AOA, Middle 1/3 of Class
--GPA: N/A
--Reputation of medical school: Average state school in northeast.
--Research: Rad Onc dosimetry project with big-name in the field - pending pub, rad onc case report - pending pub
--Honors in clerkships: Honors in Surgery, Medicine, rad onc x3
--# and where you did away rotations: UCSF, UC Davis, Kaiser LA
--# of programs you applied to: 60
--Where invited for interviews: 19, went on 17, ranked 17
--Matched at what number on rank list: #2
--Anything that helped your app: 2 letters from big names in the field, excellent experiences during aways, masters degree in physiology, strong narrative comments in MSPE.
--Plans if not matched: Prelim year, then research.
--Prelim year: Medicine
--Other: I'm proof that you don't need monster numbers to match in this field.

I think a strong showing during my aways really helped me out. I would add that it is really important to have fun during your rad onc rotations. In my opinion rad onc docs are some of the most laid-back, easy-going, coolest docs in the hospital. If you show up and try to "know everything" and be all "gunnerish" it will be a turn off. Just be yourself, have a sincere interest in the work you are doing and great letters will follow. Great letters from key people trump all else, in my opinion.

Other than that, I think the interview is huge. Everyone I met on the trail was awesome. Super smart nice people. I still think programs are kinda using their "gut feeling" to see who might fit in best with the department. This might affect the final rank list more then we might think.

Well, best of luck to next year's group. Feel free to PM me if anyone wants more info from my perspective.

 

[mytwocents]

--Board Scores: 250+ Step I/II
--AOA and class rank: junior AOA, top 10%
--GPA: N/A
--Reputation of medical school: top 50 state school
--Research: one year of clinical onc related research (several secondary authorships in print; 2 first authorships/several secondary authorships in press; several abstracts/presentations)
--Honors in clerkships: honors/high pass in most
--# and where you did away rotations: 2 (one at top tier institution, another at "backup" program)
--# of programs you applied to: ~45
--Where invited for interviews: 14 – completely random: I was invited to some top tier programs, but then was rejected by a lot of places I had applied to as "backups"
--Where matched: second tier program on East Coast
--Matched at what number on rank list: #4
--Anything that helped your app: Excellent letters from research mentor and a couple of big names in rad onc, but that's about it. Nobody seemed impressed by the board scores/junior AOA. This field is ALL about the research (unlike say ortho, ophtho, rads, etc. where numbers matter MUCH more). Unfortunately, for me, my research wasn’t rad onc specific. Some people on interviews seemed interested in it, whereas others couldn’t care less.
--Plans if not matched: Research. I was told not to go through with the intern year because 1) it is hard to schedule interviews (and, in this field, you need to go to as many as possible) and 2) you need to IMPROVE your application if you want to apply again and this is tough to do while being an intern. Obviously, though, matching successfully while completing an intern year IS possible, so take from this what you want.
--Prelim year: Prelim medicine program
--Matched at what number of prelim yr on list: #1
--Other: Though I am incredibly excited to be going to a great rad onc program where I know I will receive strong training, I thought that with my academic performance, excellent letters, and decent research I'd have a shot at one of the top tier programs (in particular, the program at which I had rotated and received excellent feedback from the PD, attendings, and residents). What these top tier programs want, though, is one of two things: 1) people with PhD's or 2) people from top med schools. If you look at the match lists for Harvard, MSKCC, Stanford, SF, etc. (MDA being the one notable exception - and I commend them for that), you will find 99% of the people who match at these places are from big name med schools or, if not, have PhD's. I know of several MD’s from non brand name med schools who, similar to myself, went to top tier institutions, worked their butts off, got excellent feedback, but, in the end, got no love come match day. So, what I’ve gathered is that it’s very difficult for MD's who come from lower ranked schools to match at these top tier programs (regardless of excellent academic performance, audition rotations, etc.). That is not to say that one shouldn’t rotate through these institutions. To the contrary, I feel that going to these institutions and getting a big name letter can go a long way. Just don’t get your hopes up is all that I’m saying.

As always, the above is simply one person’s experience/opinion. Be sure to talk to as many people as possible as you go through this crazy process. Good luck to all.

 

[CNphair]

I have to agree with Mytwocents...I think the field is becoming increasingly "name-brand" based. Looking at match lists for other specialties, I do not see the division that you do in Rad Onc. It really is difficult to match at a top tier program from an average (or even above average) school. It can be done....but it is the exception rather than the rule. The only way to do it is through extensive research - and even that is hard.

I still recommend the big name rotations. I got a LOR that opened many doors for me, but I am pretty sure I was never considered as a serious applicant no matter how good my performance or stats were.

 

[happychan]

--Board Scores: Step 1 224, Step 2 pending
--AOA and class rank: N/A
--Reputation of medical school: Top 10
--Research: MD/PhD, 9 pubs including two 1st author. All basic molecular and cell biology; no rad onc or radiobiology research.
--Honors in clerkships: surgery, medicine, rad onc, radiology
--# and where you did away rotations: none
--# of programs you applied to: 15
--Where invited for interviews: Stanford, UCSF, MDACC, Harvard, Yale, Hopkins, Mt. Sinai, U of Pitt
--Where matched: top tier
--Matched at what number on rank list: #1
--Anything that helped your app: MD/PhD, strong letters from 2 prominent radiation oncologists, strong letter from thesis advisor
--Plans if not matched: intern then reapply
--Prelim year: prelim medicine
--Matched at what number of prelim yr on list: #1
--Other: As mentioned by others on this forum, research experience and strong letters of recommendation are much more important than board scores to match well in this field. The goal of top tier institutions is to recruit individuals most likely to advance the field and become future leaders of academic radiation oncology. Obviously there is no perfect way to predict who will end up a future leader, but some indicators that residency programs seem to use include the following:

1. Established track record in research. For MD/PhDs, there does not seem to be any bias against non-rad onc related research, especially if it's clear that the applicant is an independent thinker. For MDs, it may be a good idea to try to do rad onc related research.
2. Recommendation letters. Radiation oncology is a small field, and most prominent practitioners (including dept. chairs and many program directors) know each other very well. Therefore, they often trust each other's judgement, and take great stock in what each other has to say about particular applicants. In order to get strong letters, it is important to get to know senior members of your school's department. If your school does not have a department (or has a weak department), then you should do an away rotation at a strong department to get these letters.
3. Clinical performance. Despite the recent emphasis on research, radiation oncology is primarily a clinical specialty. Do not underestimate the importance of performance in third year clerkships, especially medicine and surgery.
4. Board scores. Obviously you should pass fairly comfortably, but I believe most programs see board scores more as an indicator of test-taking ability rather than of future potential as an academic leader.
5. Attitude and demeanor. Assessed in recommendation letters and in interviews. Be excited about entering the field, and be excited about the possibilities you see for moving the field forward. Above all, be humble, be polite, and be a good human being.

Thank you to all who contributed on this forum. You have been a great help to me and to many other silent observers who matched this year. And good luck to all future applicants who are drawn to this wonderful field.

 

[Impressions]

--Board Scores: Step I : ~250
--AOA and class rank: Not AOA, Top 1/3
--Reputation of medical school: (top 10, top 25, etc): Top 10
--Research: MD/PhD (8 publications, 6 first author, the majority of these are not in cancer research (molecular biology), although 1 first author red journal pub accepted during interview season)
--Honors in clerkships: Honors Medicine, SubI, Surgery, RadOnc
--# and where you did away rotations: would love to have, just no time to go away if I wanted to graduate this year
--# of programs you applied to: 26
--Where invited for interviews: 20 (no from UAB, UofF, UAB, UCSF, MSKCC, TJ)
--went to (Michigan, Wisconsin, JHU, U of Maryland, U of Chicago, Stanford, Harvard, Penn, Fox Chase, Wash U, Utah, MD Anderson)
--Where matched: Top tier program
--Matched at what number on rank list: 1
--Anything that helped your app: (ie: a phone call to a program, big-wig letter of recs, MD/PhD, other degree, SDN Forum, etc): Wow, I guess first and foremost it is the people I had the opportunity to work with, get advice from during the whole process. I had a great thesis mentor who wrote a strong letter. I was also able to get involved in a research project with a big name at my home institution (the above mentioned paper). I think this was critical. I had some extracirruculars (athletic) at which I was marginally successful. I was surprised how often this was mentioned in interviews. MD/PhD was undoubtedly a key factor.
--Plans if not matched: Try again (do more rad onc specific research)
--Prelim year: yes
--Matched at what number of prelim yr on list: 2
--Other:

1.I just have to say (like many others already have) how much I enjoyed meeting everybody on the trail. An impressive bunch, not just the academic qualifications but also the quality of personality. I am certainly going to enjoy being a part of this group for years to come…

2. I agree that programs are looking for independent thinkers who are self starters. I think that papers/publications are one way to show this but certainly not the only way.

3. A comment I believe by J. Tward long ago on this board stuck with me. He related a conversation with a PD who states that programs were looking for social, motivated individuals who exuded excitement about the field. That comment stuck with me throughout this process and I think it definitely holds true. Programs are looking for people that they will get along with, who will contribute and add a positive energy to their programs. I think personal interactions as well as certain aspects of a CV can reflect that.

4. Although it might seem like a lot of work, I think a line or two at the end of your ERAS personal statement stating why a specific program interests you may go a long way. I was basically shut out in the South East and made a few inquiries about why some interviews weren’t offered. Most responses centered around the fact that I had no connection to a geographic area or a specific stated interest in their program. I think a line or two detailing reasons (if you have them) can help.

 

[deleted4401]

I have to agree with the some of the sentiments above - what a great group of people interviewing this year! Last year saying the lame "See you at ASTRO some day!" didn't really feel the same as this year - this year I really enjoyed most of the people I met, and I do look forward to meeting them at ASTRO.

Don't get me wrong - there was nice people last year, but I only went on a few interviews, and this year I feel like I met some people that may be more than just my colleagues in the future - they could be my friends.

End of warm and fuzzy stuff ...

Don't be strangers,
Simul

 

[Impressions]

At the risk of losing any anonymity this forum affords, here we go:
Board Scores: Step I: low 220's Step II CS: pass Step II CK: pending
--AOA and class rank: N/A
--GPA: N/A
--Reputation of medical school: top 10
--Research: a handful of pulications/abstracts related to oncology but not specific to rad onc
--Honors in clerkships: honors in medicine, radiation oncology, heme/onc high pass in surgery, ob/gyn
--# and where you did away rotations: 1
--# of programs you applied to: 14
--Where invited for interviews: 9 in no particular order: U Washington, UCSF, Stanford, Harvard, Wisconsin, MSKCC, MDACC, Michigan, Duke
--Matched at what number on rank list: #1
--Anything that helped your app: see below
--Plans if not matched: prelim medicine and then either reapply or look for open spots outside the match
--Prelim year: prelim medicine
--Matched at what number of prelim yr on list: 3

I just wanted to echo the sentiment that one does not need astronomical board scores to match in this field. Besides sheer good luck and perhaps a touch of divine intervention, I think the following factors contributed significantly to my not overtly strong application: 1. a long-standing, genuine interest in oncology (through personal experience, extracurriculars and research) 2. presumably positive letters from well-known individuals both within and outside the field 3. supportive advisors 4. making a strong impression during one's rotation (either at home or away). Having a rad onc program at a home institution is extremely helpful and I suspect that students tend to choose to stay at their home institutions because that is their best shot. For people who don't have rad onc dept at their home institution, it is important to identify a mentor (preferably at a top institution) and nurture that connection early. Under no circumstances should you tell an institution that it is your number 1 choice if it is not! Likewise, don't believe anything anyone tell you as to how you will likely be ranked! Above all, apply to enough prelim/transitional programs as I almost got burnt!

Lastly (while I am a bit hesitant to bring this up, it may generate some thoughtful discussions 🙂 ), all things being equal, I believe that female applicants have a slight edge in terms of getting interviews but am not sure about the actual rate of matching! The split tends to be 50:50 at many interviews so based on numbers from previous years, there would be a higher probability for females applicants to get interviews! Just an observation.

 

[doubledoc]

Board Scores: Step I: 250/99 percentile , Step II: pending
--AOA and class rank: Top 15%
--GPA: ??
--Reputation of medical school: middle tier state school
--Research: PhD in cancer-related field, first author publications in good journals- No RadOnc Research
--Honors in clerkships: honors in all clinical rotations (including RadOnc),except psych and medicine
--# and where you did away rotations: 1 at top tier program
--# of programs you applied to: 18
--Where invited for interviews: 9 in no particular order: Thomas Jefferson, Cornell, Columbia, SUNY downstate, NYU, Robert Wood Johnson, Davis, USC, CPMC
--Where NOT invited for interview: Harvard, MDACC, MSKCC, Yale, Fox Chase, U Penn, Stanford, UCSF, Kaiser
--Matched at what number on rank list: #1
--Anything that helped/not helped your app: see below
--Plans if not matched: do intern year while doing some Rad Onc-related research vs. get medical license and work in Pharm industry doing clinical cancer research!
--Prelim year: Transitional
--Matched at what number of prelim yr on list: #1

I just wanted to give my two cents about what I felt was the major factor in getting interviews.... 1. I learned (with much surprise, contrary to last years match postings/experience!!) that a PhD in cancer-related field even with strong publications, does NOT help with getting more interviews than MD's, especially at top tier programs. At every interview I went on, there were only 1-2 PhD's interviewing vs. a good number of MD's 2. Also, I think that the most important factor to get an interview at a top tier program was a BIG NAME SCHOOL. I cannot emphasise that enough! Transfer to a big name program if you can 🙄 The program where I did my elective didn't even give me a courtesy interview even though thay assured me that I had done very well during my elective, but a hush came over the room everytime everyone asked me which school I was from! So considering that I came from a state school with no RadOnc program, I consider myself very lucky to have matched at my #1 choice and I believe that the main reasons contributing to my good match were my 1.) strong LoR's from 1-2 well-known individuals within the field, plus my well known thesis advisor 2.) a very supportive RadOnc advisor 3.) making a very good impression during my home school's rotation.

Also other things to remember: Do your radonc electives early in the year so that you can list them on your ERAS application, although some top tier programs fill up so fast you are stuck with later blocks, which of course no one sending out interviews will know about! Do some type of RadOnc research! One applicant I met told me he spent 1-2 weeks on a statistical RadOnc paper that was published in the Red Journal...and that got him several good interviews. Compare that to several years of bench work!

And finally, maybe the PhD helped me after all, by giving my the patience/stamina to go through the whole RadOnc match process, because it can get very unbearable at times! Good luck to everyone for next year! 🙂

 

[libaobao8]

-- Board Scores: Step I: 250/99
-- AOA and class rank: Top 1/3
-- GPA: NA
--Reputation of medical school: Average
--Research: MD/PhD, multiple first author publications including one on Red Journal. A non-first author JCO review. Multiple abstracts.
-- # and where you did away rotations: 1, midwest
-- # of programs you applied to: 32
-- Where invited for interviews: 16, went to 12 (MDACC, Harvard, U Penn, Stanford, Washington U, Chicago, Mayo, Wisconsin, Beaumont, MCW, Rush, Iowa, Utah, Northwesten, OSU, Maryland)
-- Program matched: top tier program
-- Matched at what number on rank list: #1
-- Anything that helped your app: strong home Rad Onc program, letters from big names, strong publication record, being myself and honest at interviews
-- Plans if not matched: Internship, research
--Prelim year: Transitional
--Matched at what number of prelim yr on list: #2
-- Others:
Some practical planning tips(things I did or wish I had done):
•Plan away rotations ahead of time. Most people recommend a reach program and a safety program. I would recommend two reach programs because you are more likely to get letters from big names (This is a big-name driven field). Be aware that some top programs don’t necessarily give students who rotate through their department interviews (Michigan, Stanford, MDACC, MSKCC, Harvard)
•Interview scheduling: good idea to call your top programs in Oct/early Nov to ask for their interview dates. Reserve some dates for your top programs. Reserve those dates in early Jan. Once you get invitations, respond as quickly as you can. Or have someone check emails for you if you can't do it frequently.
•Interviews: if you are not told who will interview you, ask the coordinator for their names. My experience is that they will tell you. It will make your preparation more focused.
•Interview: read the website and glance at each interviewer’s background and research interest VERY briefly (don’t waste you time reading their papers!). Whatever you read may not come up during the interview, but it will give you some idea who they are and what their interests are. Most importantly, find anything in their background that you can relate to and play it up. What they are looking for during the interview is personal connections.
•Know your own research or presentations inside-out. Know the details.
•After the interview – I did all my thank you notes in emails except for a few notes to Harvard. What’s good about email is that the interviewers are more likely to reply and some of them will give you some idea how well you did. I sent a second round of emails to my top programs around their last interview date to update them (publication etc) or simply to express my interest.

 

[anonimoxxer]

-- Board Scores: Step I: <200
-- AOA and class rank: Bottom 1/3
-- GPA: 2.7
--Reputation of medical school: state school between coasts
--Research: MD/PhD, > 10 pubs as co-author, 3 first author pubs, 1st author in Green Journal, tons of abstracts
-- # and where you did away rotations: 2, MDACC and home institution
-- # of programs you applied to: 12
-- Where invited for interviews: 1 interview, at school where matched
-- Program matched: mid-tier program
-- Matched at what number on rank list: #1
-- Anything that helped your app: 3+ years of research with home institution, PhD helped gain edge despite fantastically bad pre-clinical grades
-- Plans if not matched: Internship, post-doc position (research)
--Prelim year: Prelim medicine
--Matched at what number of prelim yr on list: #1
-- Others:
Some practical planning tips(things I did or wish I had done):

For those of you who do NOT have the "what do I do with a step 1 over 240 and a 4.0" syndrome, I am evidence you can still get into rad onc. I have been openly told that without the PhD and years of relationship with faculty that there is no way in hell I'd have matched. I was able to get to know the staff at my home institution very well, doing research from 1st year of medical school on, which allowed me to offset my GPA and poor board scores. However, it was only because I was expressly known to my home institution (PD was mentor, had worked on multiple projects for chair, etc) that I got a spot, so I wouldn't consider it the ideal way to go through the process, since it was really a one-shot deal (no interviews from other places). Having a ton of papers helped cement the bond with the faculty, and this helped immensely. If I hadn't matched, I would have sought a post-doc research position while I re-applied.

 

[stephew]

Very helpful post and a good example of things I've been telling folks. Well done.

 

[radonc4evermore]

--Board Scores: 255 step 1, 214 step 2, 280 clinical skills
--AOA and class rank: ?
--GPA: ?
--Reputation of medical school: (top 10, top 25, etc) i like to think top 10, but who knows, really
--Research: (none, some radonc with no publications, radonc publications, other pubs) radon pubs, radbio pubs, radphysics pubs
--Honors in clerkships: (especially surgery, medicine and radonc) surg, med, radonc, medonc
--# and where you did away rotations: 2, anderson, stanford
--# of programs you applied to: 30
--Where invited for interviews: the usual suspects
--Where matched: couldn't say
--Matched at what number on rank list: 1
--Anything that helped your app: (ie: a phone call to a program, big-wig letter of recs, MD/PhD, other degree, SDN Forum, etc) a controlled targeting of the perimeter of the relevant PD home and office, then controlled forays integrating communications and operational intelligence to forge a comlink, once line of communication open, reinforcements sent in to consolidate gained territory, stable presence deployed to remind PD i was still there up to the bitter end.
--Plans if not matched: death march across sinai
--Prelim year: transitional medical school
--Matched at what number of prelim yr on list: 1
--Other: 1st prize science fair, 8th grade, strengthened research background--they grilled me on this, so it's great i reviewed how i captured the brine shrimp

thanks to the moderator, or whoever manages this place. it's so important that none of our comments ever be censored, since i sense they may have been. but this place has really been a place for me to heal from the dealing with the emotional reification of the insecurities of many stressed-out academic radiation oncologists, namely , the application process, and prepare myself for finally helping someone instead of convincing some jackass that i will be a good doctor. in fact, one interviewer had the gall to ask me, after i had done all this research he advised me to do, whether i could still connect with patients now that i was a "researcher." flabbergasted, i began retching and passed out.

 

[stephew]

all we can do after being subjected to this sort of thing is promise ourselves we'll not act the same way in kind when the opportunity comes out way.

 

[pakhanachua]

totally agree! word and an ATL shout out to my brudda from anoda mudda stephew!

 

[napoleondynamite]

You'll have to excuse me if this has been posted elsewhere..I may have missed it. Anyway, for those interested in the 2006 NRMP Match Statistics, here they are:

http://www.nrmp.org/2006advdata.pdf

 

[stephew]

totally agree! word and an ATL shout out to my brudda from anoda mudda stephew!

its sista, bro, sista!

 

[radiaterMike]

Which programs did not fill PGY2 spots in 2006?

its sista, bro, sista!

 

[medgator]

OSU and Mayo-Jax were unfilled post-match.

 

[ideas]

OSU and Mayo-Jax were unfilled post-match.

Since these programs did not fill will they allow individuals to scramble or will they remain empty until next year?

 

[Gfunk6]

Both programs allowed individuals to scramble. Really, a lot of highly qualified people fail to match into RadOnc for whatever reason. Because of this, the RadOnc scramble tends to be even more competitive than the Match itself.