Now what?

[Medstudentquest]

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[Winged Scapula]

Spots DO open up, but its been less than 3 weeks since the match, so you have to give it some time. Spots might even open up after July 1, which means you start late, but its better than nothing.

Programs where positions are opened are hospitals which are funded for more positions than they usually fill and positions can be transferred between programs. Either your program has none to give or has made a decision not to do this. There is not much you can do about it if they continue to tell you no.

 

[Medstudentquest]

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[Winged Scapula]

I don't think its too early to call, but bear in mind that sometimes spots are open immediately after the match. It sometimes takes a few weeks when individuals fail to meet requirements to start residency, etc. before the positions open up or they quit right after starting.

I see nothing wrong with approaching programs that interviewed you to see if they would be willing to offer you a position outside of the match. Some programs will, others will not.

 

[Medstudentquest]

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[Winged Scapula]

Ok. I appreciate your advice. Let me ask you these few more things please.
1-Would it be better to try to get in touch with the PD's of different programs in regards to open spots? Sometimes I feel that the PD's are more understanding and helpful than the coordinators, who simply tell you "no."

Yes. PDs are going to be a much more valuable source of information and assistance than the PC.

2-I know you can't give me any certainty in this, but what do you think would make a program say yes to an outside the match spot vs. a different one saying no? I mean if they interviewed me, obviously they were interested in me. I'm just curious what your thoughts are on this.

thanks.

My thoughts are that some programs simply do not give ANY positions outside of the match regardless of whether or not they have interviewed someone previously. There are NRMP rules about this and some do not wish to even deal with figuring out whether ot not they can offer such positions.

Others will wish to wait and see what the competition is like during the next match. That is, you may have been competitive enough to interview THIS year, but next year is a whole new crowd of applicants and you may not look as good compared to them.

You will never know unless you ask.

You need to tell everyone you know (outside of SDN) that you are in the market for a position, ANYWHERE (you cannot be picky at this time), register for FindAResident, check other BBs, your home program, etc. Anyone and anywhere.

 

[Medstudentquest]

Yes. PDs are going to be a much more valuable source of information and assistance than the PC.



My thoughts are that some programs simply do not give ANY positions outside of the match regardless of whether or not they have interviewed someone previously. There are NRMP rules about this and some do not wish to even deal with figuring out whether ot not they can offer such positions.

Others will wish to wait and see what the competition is like during the next match. That is, you may have been competitive enough to interview THIS year, but next year is a whole new crowd of applicants and you may not look as good compared to them.

You will never know unless you ask.

You need to tell everyone you know (outside of SDN) that you are in the market for a position, ANYWHERE (you cannot be picky at this time), register for FindAResident, check other BBs, your home program, etc. Anyone and anywhere.

Ok, understandable. I have gotten in touch with my home program and other programs that I've interviewed at, have registered for findares, and I am actively checking boards, etc.

 

[dragonfly99]

I agree with what you are doing. You need to try to get past program coordinators, who are basically secretaries and often just are trying to serve as a "wall" to protect those above them. They are going to say "no". Try to get the email address and/or other contact info for the program directors at some large university hospitals. In your position, I would be sending copies of my CV with a cover letter stating that I am looking for a prelim medicine or transitional year spot for this year. I would also try to network with as many IM and derm attendings @your home school as you can. Obviously your school does not have a spot, but there are likely to be spot(s) that open up somewhere. It may not be somewhere you are excited about moving, etc. but it's probably better to have a spot than not spot.

 

[doc4life95]

So I am still looking for a prelim position with no luck. I was told spots open up, but this seems less likely every day. What sucks about this is that if I am able to get a spot this year, then I'd get a fellowship in derm to get into derm residency next cycle. If I can't find a position, otherwise the derm dream may be gone.

My school supposedly can't open spots for students, even though I've heard of this from people at other schools. When I call, I talk to the adm. coordinators and pretty much just get a no. What else can I do to find a spot for this year?

What school?