Need help for a big dilemna

[zhivago7]

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Hi
I am an IMG and currently a PGY 1 IM in my country. I was late in my aamc application due to some papers problems. Anyway, I am applying for radiology and already got some interviews. I have also applied for med prelim but got one interview till now most probably because I was late
The med program might give me a prematch but there are some issues...
1- Lets say I decline the prematch contract and don't receive any other prelim interviews, if I match in radiology according to the NRMP, I won't be able to get in the SOAP for prelim. What are the possible solutions? Can I put a list of prelim program I did not get an interview in to be able to get in the SOAP ?
2- Lets say I sign the prematch but I don't match in radiology, what are the consequences if I decide not to show up for the prelim program and where can I find about them?
Thank you for your help

 

[NotAProgDirector]

1. Your information is incorrect. If you match in rads and don't match in prelim IM, you CAN particiapte in SOAP. You'll only be able to apply for prelim positions (since you'd have an R2 match), could apply for prelim IM or GS positions (assumes that the ABR allows a prelim surgery year for board certification). Even if you don't rank a single prelim program, you should be able to use SOAP (but, to be certain, I'd rank a random prelim program. You won't match, but for certain will be in SOAP).

2. Since the position is outside the NRMP, there will be no NRMP problems. Your real problem will be that the program can, theoretically, sue you for the financial damages created by violating your contract. If you're not in the US, then that's a pretty empty threat. If you ever did come to the US, they could pursue it. But, if you gave up on training in the US, you could simply walk away from the spot and there really isn't anything anyone can do. That said, it's a really unprofessional move, and might totally tank any future chance of matching in the US (although it's possible you could apply the next year and no one would know).