Post doc and MS3 couple and match

[bbland]

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My fiancee got a post doc job teaching at an university in a metropolitan area. I'm an average third year MS3. Would the university look more kindly look on my application for internal medicine knowing that my significant other is working for the same university? What are the chances that I'll match to the same institution or same city?

 

[DrKnowLittle]

Do they offer an away elective at the institution in question?

I think that it would be hard to give a definitive answer on this because there are so many unknowns that factor into a situation like this. You're likely only going to be able to slip in any discussion about your SO and their affiliation in the interview setting. It's not like they would see any mention of it in your personal statement. You could of course bring it up at your social events, but it's unlikely people are going to remember that specifically about you and you run the risk of being annoying by continually trying to slip it into why you're applying there.

How many IM programs are in the city? In the metro area? Within 15-20 miles of that? How difficult is it to get into the program in question regardless of your SO's situation? You may want to talk to an advisor at your home program who could give you an honest assessment of your competitiveness at said program.

 

[GuzzyRon]

My fiancee got a post doc job teaching at an university in a metropolitan area. I'm an average third year MS3. Would the university look more kindly look on my application for internal medicine knowing that my significant other is working for the same university? What are the chances that I'll match to the same institution or same city?

Both you and your fiancee have huge roles to play to make it happen.
YOU: H or HP internal medicine clerkship, do well on Step 2, and if you're good clinically do an away at your fiancee's institution to out your face and skills 'out there'.
YOUR FIANCEE: She needs to treat people well, earn a good reputation, make herself familiar with the internal medicine dept. faculty (esp. the chairman and PD)
You stand a better chance if you both do these things but of course, there are no absolute guarantees.

 

[hot sauce]

I would echo most of what was already said. Definitely do an away there and tell them why are you are interested in their program. However, don't leave it at I want to go here because my wife has a job here. Research their program and tell them the things you like about their program (be specific not "good education"). Sell why it is a good fit for you and your career goals. I wouldn't lie but you should be able to find a way to make it fit and if you really can't maybe reconsider if this program is really best for you. Obviously don't be a complete suck up or over the top (ie "I love that your program is known for violating work hour rules because I just love to work 100 hour weeks").

I think it can improve your chances from the perspective of they know you are enthusiastic about their program (if you demonstrate this to them) but I don't think the fact that your wife is a postdoc there will automatically give you any significant bonus (unless the IM PD actually knows your wife and likes her well enough to give you a bump).