Preliminary year interviews at "linked" advanced programs?

[unsung]

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So I've had several interviews at advanced programs that have a "linked prelim year". Some of these programs have the medicine department interview us. Others don't.

For one in particular with a medicine interview, the IM director made it known to us that even if we do not match with neurology (advanced), we can still rank the prelim program separately and match there.

Is this true in general for other programs (as long as medicine does an interview)?

Also, if medicine offers an interview primarily due to ties to the neurology department, does this mean we have a lesser shot at actually landing a preliminary position? (As compared to candidates offered interviews independently.)

 

[typhoonegator]

Every neuro department will have a different relationship and agreement with their respective IM programs. Some will prioritize neuro residents, some will give you the same shot as everyone else. Some don't even bother to interview you because if the neuro program wants you they will reflexively rank you to match.

A lot of this depends on the strength of the neuro program. IM programs know that their prelim interns are a mixed bag and some are derm and rads people who just want to punch the clock and get out of there. If a neuro program is very strong and will attract very high quality applicants, then it is a great way to fill those prelim spots with motivated bodies.

All that said, back in the days of the SF match, I matched at my top neuro program, and was then told by the IM director at that program that everything was "all set" for the prelim match. Of course, on match day I was very surprised to see a different program in the envelope.

Everything worked out fine, and I don't even suspect duplicity. Rather, the number of spots required to rank to match changes every year, and even if everyone is on the same page, surprises can happen. So be careful out there, and always have a backup plan.