Not responding to PD RTM letter

[ButterButter]

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I know RTM e-mails have been discussed here ad nauseam, but I haven't found much about applicant responses to these e-mails. Basically, I received an e-mail that said I will be ranked in the top 8 of a program that takes 8 residents every year and I have a spot in the program if I choose to be there. I understand that I should take this with a grain of salt, and this is not influencing my ROL in the least bit. This program is my #2 and I would be excited to be there.

Question: I don't want to respond to this e-mail because they are my #2 and I don't want to have to talk about how they're "high on my list" etc. But is a courtesy thank you response in order? This e-mail was sent 5 days after I sent a long thank you note post-interview, so I'm wondering if I need/should respond at all since my thank-you note was pretty exhaustive and basically talked about how I would love to be there and felt we were a great fit.

 

[gutonc]

I know RTM e-mails have been discussed here ad nauseam, but I haven't found much about applicant responses to these e-mails. Basically, I received an e-mail that said I will be ranked in the top 8 of a program that takes 8 residents every year and I have a spot in the program if I choose to be there. I understand that I should take this with a grain of salt, and this is not influencing my ROL in the least bit. This program is my #2 and I would be excited to be there.

Question: I don't want to respond to this e-mail because they are my #2 and I don't want to have to talk about how they're "high on my list" etc. But is a courtesy thank you response in order? This e-mail was sent 5 days after I sent a long thank you note post-interview, so I'm wondering if I need/should respond at all since my thank-you note was pretty exhaustive and basically talked about how I would love to be there and felt we were a great fit.

I don't think you have to do anything. But a simple thank you is reasonable. No need to go beyond that.

 

[the argus]

I know RTM e-mails have been discussed here ad nauseam, but I haven't found much about applicant responses to these e-mails. Basically, I received an e-mail that said I will be ranked in the top 8 of a program that takes 8 residents every year and I have a spot in the program if I choose to be there. I understand that I should take this with a grain of salt, and this is not influencing my ROL in the least bit. This program is my #2 and I would be excited to be there.

Question: I don't want to respond to this e-mail because they are my #2 and I don't want to have to talk about how they're "high on my list" etc. But is a courtesy thank you response in order? This e-mail was sent 5 days after I sent a long thank you note post-interview, so I'm wondering if I need/should respond at all since my thank-you note was pretty exhaustive and basically talked about how I would love to be there and felt we were a great fit.

I actually think this is the one communication from a PD that can be taken on face value. I can't find it on the NRMP website through a quick search, and maybe it has changed (unlikely), but I remember when I applied that PDs were allowed to send "ranked to match" emails if it was true, and if they lied it was a NRMP violation and they got in a bunch of trouble.

I agree this shouldn't influence your ROL, but I think you can be comfortable knowing you have a spot in this program if you want it.

And a simple "thank you, I loved your program and would be excited to match there" is sufficient. Or do nothing, doesn't really matter. They can't change their ROL once they have sent you a "ranked to match" email.

 

[Reveler]

I actually think this is the one communication from a PD that can be taken on face value. I can't find it on the NRMP website through a quick search, and maybe it has changed (unlikely), but I remember when I applied that PDs were allowed to send "ranked to match" emails if it was true, and if they lied it was a NRMP violation and they got in a bunch of trouble.

I agree this shouldn't influence your ROL, but I think you can be comfortable knowing you have a spot in this program if you want it.

And a simple "thank you, I loved your program and would be excited to match there" is sufficient. Or do nothing, doesn't really matter. They can't change their ROL once they have sent you a "ranked to match" email.

According to the Match Communication Code of Conduct on the NRMP site: "Program directors shall not solicit or require post-interview communication from applicants, nor shall program directors engage in post-interview communication that is disingenuous for the purpose of influencing applicants’ ranking preferences."

It's one thing to say "you're ranked to match," which we know can have an effusive meaning, and it's another to say "we have 8 spots and you are ranked in the top 8." If you rank them #2 and match to a program ranked #3 or higher, then that program would be guilty of "disingenuous communication" and could get into some trouble.

 

[IMPD]

I actually think this is the one communication from a PD that can be taken on face value. I can't find it on the NRMP website through a quick search, and maybe it has changed (unlikely), but I remember when I applied that PDs were allowed to send "ranked to match" emails if it was true, and if they lied it was a NRMP violation and they got in a bunch of trouble.

I agree this shouldn't influence your ROL, but I think you can be comfortable knowing you have a spot in this program if you want it.

And a simple "thank you, I loved your program and would be excited to match there" is sufficient. Or do nothing, doesn't really matter. They can't change their ROL once they have sent you a "ranked to match" email.

The NRMP would have to have a report from an applicant with evidence of misleading email. There is no automatic screen of program emails by NRMP. I'm sure there are still programs sending out misleading, or suggestive, or walking-the-line emails in attempts to influence rank lists.

"Expressing interest" is always ok for both parties. Where this crosses the line is unclear. I think that the 10000 threads on this topic amply illustrate why the NRMP and all right-thinking PDs are trying to minimize post-interview communication. Because it makes students insane and is of limited (or no) benefit to them.

 

[the argus]

The NRMP would have to have a report from an applicant with evidence of misleading email. There is no automatic screen of program emails by NRMP. I'm sure there are still programs sending out misleading, or suggestive, or walking-the-line emails in attempts to influence rank lists.

"Expressing interest" is always ok for both parties. Where this crosses the line is unclear. I think that the 10000 threads on this topic amply illustrate why the NRMP and all right-thinking PDs are trying to minimize post-interview communication. Because it makes students insane and is of limited (or no) benefit to them.

Obviously the NRMP doesn't screen program emails. But it would be pretty easy for an applicant to provide an email from a program saying you are "ranked to match" if it didn't end up being the case.

That said, I was wrong when I said it was an NRMP policy about "ranked to match" emails. It was actually the APDIM Statement on Post-Interview Communication & Second Visits I was remembering, which doesn't have any actual authority or power. A copy can be seen here,
https://medicine.utah.edu/internalmedicine/residency/docs/apdim-post-interview-statement.pdf
"Programs should be precise and honest in their communications with applicants. Language that is misleading, unclear or nuanced should be avoided. Terms such as "ranked to match" should only be used if a candidate is ranked in a position numbered less than the positions you are filling (a so-called "lock" position), or the meaning fully explained to the applicant. For example, if you use the term "ranked to match" to mean that you are ranking an applicant higher than your program historically fills, but not in a lock position, then that should be explained to the applicant. APDIM recommends that any phrase that that is ambiguous (e.g. “ranked highly”) be avoided or its meaning fully explained. Communications should not confuse or mislead an applicant for the purpose of gaining a competitive advantage for the program."

 

[NotAProgDirector]

The NRMP isn't going to sanction a program unless they try to manipulate the candidate's rank list. "I'll rank you highly if you rank me #1" nonsense. "Ranked to match" has no agreed upon meaning.