Post Match Protocol

[BigRedBeta]

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With Match Day less than a week away, what are the expectations for students after they find out their destinations in regards to contacting their new program? Iserson's guide has a whole thing about calling the PD, then sending thank you's, etc., but I tend to only view Iserson as a hardcore example, then take it down a couple of notches...so what's actually appropriate?

Should I be making a phone call on Thursday afternoon? Just send a thank you stating how excited I am to be moving to Pig's Knuckle? Email? Regular Mail? Just wait for my contract to arrive at my door?

 

[DonStracci]

It certainly couldn't hurt to contact the program with a "I am looking forward to working with you" type of message. I think that's a common, appropriate courtesy.

In any case, you're in- it can't be used against you!

 

[John Deere Gree]

I won't be calling the PD as most of my friends said they received a phone call from the PD in the afternoon of Match Day. So, I'll be expecting a phone call from the PD.

 

[viostorm]

More interesting is what is the protocol for programs at which you didn't match?

Flaming bag of dog poo on the porch? Any other ideas?

 

[gutonc]

With Match Day less than a week away, what are the expectations for students after they find out their destinations in regards to contacting their new program? Iserson's guide has a whole thing about calling the PD, then sending thank you's, etc., but I tend to only view Iserson as a hardcore example, then take it down a couple of notches...so what's actually appropriate?

If by "take it down a couple of notches" you actually mean, "set the book on fire and throw it in the river, then poke the part of your brain that remembered any of the book with a sharp stick" you've achieved the appropriate relationship with that book.

To answer your question, a quick "happy to have matched, looking forward to working with you" email is certainly appropriate. So is complete radio silence. You'll be there July 1 not matter what you do or don't say. If you get an email from your new PD, answer it but there's no real huge need to go out of your way to contact your new program.

This advice may not hold true for specialties which are "ortho competitive" or moreso but for most of you, it will. For the super competitive specialties, you're expected at the PD's house, mowing the lawn, teaching the kids Mandarin and washing the car within 48 hours or you'll be doing q1 call until you're a chief.

 

[internalmed1111]

More interesting is what is the protocol for programs at which you didn't match?

Flaming bag of dog poo on the porch? Any other ideas?

haha i love it!

 

[John Deere Gree]

Probably a pointless update but maybe someone can use the info for next year...

In the early afternoon I received an e-mail from the program telling me that after I let all my friends and family know where I was headed to give them a call.

 

[drbetty]

I won't be calling the PD as most of my friends said they received a phone call from the PD in the afternoon of Match Day. So, I'll be expecting a phone call from the PD.

I have already gotten email congrats + paperwork from my PD, and a congrats from one of my interviewers at the program. Some of my friends from both large and small programs received personal phone calls from PDs - nice touch! But for future applicants, I don't think it is necessary to call PD.

 

[Ashers]

I got an email yesterday saying that the PD wanted to introduce us (those from our home school) to all the faculty and residents at an AM conference.

 

[teri78]

When do most programs send out the contract and other information to the new class?

 

[John Deere Gree]

When do most programs send out the contract and other information to the new class?

Mine FedEx'ed the contract to me yesterday, and arrived today. I was a little surprised.

 

[MedObsession]

When do most programs send out the contract and other information to the new class?

15 minutes after envelope opening I had an email from the residency coordinator asking me to confirm my address because they were going to Fed Ex the contract among other things. The chief resident also just emailed to get vacation requests! I hadn't even begun to think about that. Anyhow, I agree with the OP, seems to me like the programs contact you and flood you with info. You probably don't need to call them first.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

Anyhow, I agree with the OP, seems to me like the programs contact you and flood you with info. You probably don't need to call them first.

This is because fourth year students post match have a tendancy to disappear... so we want to get all of the paperwork out of the way ASAP.

 

[gonogo]

What about the protocol with advanced programs? Do they wait until much later to contact you? I was already contacted by my prelim program.

 

[Ludicolo]

What about the protocol with advanced programs? Do they wait until much later to contact you? I was already contacted by my prelim program.

There is no protocol. This varies from program to program. They have time, and so do you. Don’t stress too much, it’s only been a week since match day. They may figure you have prelim stuff to deal with. But if you must, feel free to contact them. It won’t seem too pushy. You are considered one of them now.