Prelim/trans programs

[predodoc]

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When do prelim IM interviews go out? I have several PMR interviews but I dont have any prelims. I would like to do my IM prelim interviews at the same time as my PMR's so I dont have to travel twice. Is there any good way do arrange this?
And also, is there any kind of coordination/communication by the programs to keep you at one place if you tell them you want to do all 4 years at one place?

 

[Ludicolo]

It is highly program dependent when prelim interviews (or rehab interviews) go out, but I wouldn’t stress over it just yet. Dean’s letters are released by November 1st and some programs won’t offer interviews until then.

Now if you are looking to do your prelim in the same institution as your rehab, try contacting the PM&R residency coordinator to see if they can find out what the deal is with the IM program, and if they know what dates the IM people interview. Be cordial about it, obviously. See if they can help coordinate interviews on the same day or on back-to-back days to minimize traveling. If the prelim and rehab programs are at different institutions, but in the same city, then you’ll have to do the coordinating.

After interviews are over, the IM and PM&R PDs don’t usually communicate with each other and adjust their rank lists to try to keep someone there all four years – with an exception being if you are involved in the couples match. Then maybe they might talk. I don’t think though that it will hurt to mention to the IM PD that you are interested in the rehab program there.

 

[dc2md]

Ludicolo nailed it.

I didn't get most of my prelim med interviews until after nov. 1...so don't fret.

One piece of advice I'd give is to call immediately once u get your interview day offers. Hopefully you've set up your PMR days already. If the interviews are on the exact same day, see what they're willing to do. ALL program coordinators are stressed and overwhelmed with calls and other correspondence from applicants these days. So be very very nice when asking for help. And also realize that we all have bad days, so if u call and they're a bit bit@hy, be polite and call back later. Mornings are better than evenings usually to call. I'm speaking from experience working with our program coordinator.

Good luck. I dreaded all the interview traveling.

 

[Taus]

Another option is to play it safe and only apply to prelim/transitional years at or around your own medical school....thus guaranteeing that you won't have to move more then once.

 

[NukeLaLoosh]

Hey everybody, I just got an interview offer from Hershey PA for a prelim-spot yesterday....I haven't had an offer since christmas eve, but they gave me only two options to interview. I am not really local and wanted to ask if it was worth my time. I have family in the area but am not a local. I am wondering if they are a good program or not? Please advise if you've heard anything.

 

[axm397]

Hey everybody, I just got an interview offer from Hershey PA for a prelim-spot yesterday....I haven't had an offer since christmas eve, but they gave me only two options to interview. I am not really local and wanted to ask if it was worth my time. I have family in the area but am not a local. I am wondering if they are a good program or not? Please advise if you've heard anything.

I actually did my prelim year at Hershey but I also went to Hershey for medical school. I stayed because my fiance was from Harrisburg and wanted to do my intern year in a place where I knew people. The faculty members are excellent. There is a difference in quality of the categorical vs prelim interns but that's the case at most prelim programs. prelim interns go into derm, rads, opthal, etc. so they're different. The people are really nice and respectful for the most part, the nurses are great and the facility is beautiful. Food is OK. call schedule was not bad for most of the rotations. (hardest being cardiology which was overnight q4 at the time) Things may have changed cuz i was there 5 years ago. Dr. Bollard is a great PD - he really listens to his residents and tries his hardest to incorporate suggestions and changes. I had ample elective time to do research, away elective (went and spent a month with larry chou), and go to conferences and take step 3. i also did an elective in rheum. i went to York Hospital for my gen med and ICU months which tends to be more cush. I also loved my ER rotations - did a lot of suturing and procedures. They also have a pain fellowship that accepts PM&R - my friend is a fellow there this year. So you could consider doing a pain elective at Hershey if you are interested in pain. Dr. Everet Hills (physiatrist) is also there but he came after I graduated so I dont' know him very well. Hershey PA is not a happening town and neither is Harrisburg, which is the closest city but I knew people so it wasn't too bad. The residents hung out a lot outside of work. There is a nice little resident lounge with TV and couch - which was a nice perk. let me know if you want to know anything else.