Matching in ENT -- the required steps

[Icewoman]

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Can someone who recently went through the ENT match, tell me what I should definitely know before applying for ENT this summer?

Like, who should my rec letters be from? How many and where should I do away electives, etc?


Any info is much appreciated!

 

[Homunculus]

Originally posted by Icewoman
Can someone who recently went through the ENT match, tell me what I should definitely know before applying for ENT this summer?

Like, who should my rec letters be from? How many and where should I do away electives, etc?


Any info is much appreciated!

i thought you matched optho. time for plan B, eh? 🙂 how long did it take you to delete all those posts?

 

[VentdependenT]

ouch

You can run from your past, but not yourself.

 

[kito]

Too funny.

 

[neutropeniaboy]

Originally posted by Homunculus
i thought you matched optho. time for plan B, eh? 🙂 how long did it take you to delete all those posts?

Brutal.

Note to the OP: If you did indeed have trouble matching into opthalmology, there's even less chance you'll match into ENT.

If you're serious, you need to stop where you are, take 1-2 years off and do research at a program that's middle-of-the-road. That's about the best chance you have for getting into ENT. Once you do that, the program will get to know you and possibly favor you in the match selection process.

Additionally, you need recs from ENT people. No more. No less.

If you haven't taken Step II, don't take it yet. Postpone it and study hard.

Time for damage control. Your interviewers will know you didn't get into a speciality that's less competitive than ENT. Why would ENT take you then? Better prove to them you can hack it.

 

[GeddyLee]

Yeah...Now Icewoman is saying she's an MSII over on the Dentist's board. What's up?

 

[TiggidyTooth]

can you say "kook"😉

 

[VentdependenT]

ha-ha-ha-HA-ha

 

[GlaucomaMD]

neutropeniaboy,

Do you have the stats from the recent ENT match to back up your claim that ENT is harder match than ophth?

My understanding was that ophth match rate has been lower for the past several years now.

Correct me if I am mistaken please...

Following is the match stat from recent ophth match (Jan 2004)

Rank Lists submitted: 639
Matched: 438
US Seniors: 369
US Grads: 34
IMG: 35

UNMATCHED Applicants: 201
Matched USMLE: 228
UNMATCHED USMLE: 218
Spots offered: 442
Spots filled: 438
Unfilled: 4

Overall Match Rate: 69%
US Seniors: 82%
US Grads: 43%
IMGS: 31%

 

[GlaucomaMD]

Just found the answer to my own question...

Match stat from recent ENT match...

Rank Lists: 359
Matched: 256
US Seniors: 241 (76%)
US Grads: 6 (43%)
IMGs: 9 (33%)

No unfilled spots

Avg USMLE matched : 237
Avg USMLE unmatched : 222
AOA matched: 35%

Slight higher USMLE score and lower match rate for US seniors for ENT...

Otherwise, pretty much dead even...

I suspect the lower average USMLE score for ophth is that the larger number of spots allows less qualified applicants to enter the residency at a less desirable programs, watering down the mean...

I suspect the quality of matched applicants for ENT and Ophth at top-10 or even top-25 respective programs would be very similar...

 

[otopico]

I think regardless of whether ENT is more competitive than Optho, the big thing you are going to have to answer to the ENT residency programs is "why ENT?" If you were so convinced of ophto that you went through the entire match process, why are you now switching over to ENT. Not trying to press the issue, just playing devil's advocate😉

 

[ecf1975do]

i suggest checking out the book "the ultimate guide to choosing a medical specialty" by brian freeman, MD. it will give u an inside view on how to match in ENT . i found it helpful as i am applying for anesthesia now