open residency spots... bad for programs?

[gbwillner]

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I am convinced that many top places have open residency spots on an annual basis, but hide the fact due to how it would impact the programs reputation. I think this is especially true in the larger programs, where just by chance people will want to move for family reasons or change careers (or die or whatever). In turn, these programs probably take sub-par applicants for those spots because they just wait until a desperate soul calls the PD asking about any openings.

I've seen it happen a few times now... but only "bad" programs seem to advertise their open spots.

My question... wouldn't programs ultimately be better off advertising their openings?

 

[green mantis]

My question... wouldn't programs ultimately be better off advertising their openings?

They'd be better off advertising them. If they go unfilled for extended periods of time, they could eventually lose those positions. I don't think programs would want that to happen.

My residency seemingly had openings every year, & they'd get filled rather quickly. I doubt we advertised, but we always had a handful of candidates to interview. I'd say we were an "average" medium-sized program, but we're in a very desirable place to live (SoCal).

It's possible that "good" programs may end up taking subpar people because they're too picky initially. They're looking for someone that they would've accepted through the match. Usually, these people don't exist out-of-cycle.

Not saying that they're subpar, but IMGs have an advantage when it comes to these openings. Most are able to start right away.


----- Antony