Navy Internship Match-- Order of programs

[Stickboy]

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Hi-

I was wondering if anybody can comment about the order in which they listed their preferences for the Navy internship match.

I've heard the typical rumors...you *have* to list all programs (for example: Bethesda Transitional/Portsmouth Trans/Balboa Trans) and that it is not recommended that you list in order of the hospital you want (Ex: Bethesda Transitional/Bethesda Medicine/Bethesda Surgery).

The reason I'm wondering is that given a specialty like Emergency Medicine, all three of the above internships can serve as preparatory tracks. (At least according to the Navy GME website). Additionally, the internship programs in IM and transitional are not *all* that different (depending on what electives you choose).

Of course, any comments or opinions are welcomed, but I'd be especially interested in the experiences of those who have actually gone through the match process for internship.

Fly Navy,
-sb

 

[GMO_52]

I ranked Balboa IM #1 and Balboa Transitional #2. That was all I ranked, and one of the program directors did comment about it. I'm a USUHS grad, so I figured they had to take me somewhere and it worked out in the end. Not sure it was the best approach, however.

 

[Stickboy]

Thanks 52.

BTW, what's your background? Are you a prior service type?

Fly Navy,
-sb

 

[GMO_52]

Nah, no prior service. Grew up around the Navy and knew I wanted to join during/after med school. Decided to go to USUHS instead of doing HPSP at UC Davis because I liked the place so much during the interview. Completed an IM internship at Balboa and decided not to go straight through. So I'm the Medical Officer on the USS Pearl Harbor (LSD-52).

 

[Navy Dive Doc]

Stickboy and company,
I listed Transitional at Portsmouth Naval Hopsital...that's it. I knew what I wanted, and I pursued it aggressively. I did 2 rotations at NMCP (ER and Anesthesia), interviewed well and decided to put all of my eggs in one basket. It worked, again I can't say it was the greatest idea but you are not required to list them all.
List what you want, where you want to be. If you're a good candidate, be honest with the program director and tell him you want his spot.
DD