Programs "talking to each other"

[radoncadonk]

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We've all heard that programs talk to each other....would it be worth it for applicants to start a thread to know what programs have said to applicants, to know whether that phone call or that email is meaningful or meaningless?

thoughts?

 

[Ursus Martimus]

We've all heard that programs talk to each other....would it be worth it for applicants to start a thread to know what programs have said to applicants, to know whether that phone call or that email is meaningful or meaningless?

thoughts?

This is such a small field you would think that communication amongs applicants could benefit each other and could even have some significant bearing on the match, assuming everyone truely cooperates.

 

[stephew]

the phone calls etc between programs are very meaningful

 

[deleted4401]

What do you mean that they talk to each other or make phone calls, Steph?

Do they talk about Simul saying he really wants to go to X and making sure he didn't say that to Y & Z, or if Simul was a prick to the secretary, or if his tie wasn't knotted well, and that he really ought to work on a dimple if he ties a double windsor? (that last part is sort of true, will someone help me out?) ... This is strange. I'd figure they'd have too much to do than discuss us between each other.

Anyway, the programs have been quite poker-faced to me, at least. The most I get is: "We hope you consider us strongly" or something non-descript like that. Who's gotten phone calls/letters?

Later,
Simul

the phone calls etc between programs are very meaningful

 

[radoncadonk]

the phone calls etc between programs are very meaningful

hi steph, well, i always figured that those calls were important. but, i was talking more about how to interpret the feedback we get as applicants from programs. for example, if program X interviews 20 people for one spot and tells 18 of them "we will rank you very highly" or "you'll be near the very top of the list", then it's crap. but if they tell only a couple, then it's worth considering.

but, since you bring up that particular point, maybe you could clarify a bit. are you referring to the calls that someone makes on your behalf as an applicant to other programs in support?

or, are you talking about spontaneous talking between programs about which applicant said what to which program? if true, this part is particularly distressing since you feel they are dealing you like cards. in this case, applicants should definitely retaliate and talk to each other as well. 😱 😱 😕

 

[stephew]

Well it works ina coupl eof ways. First, big names know each other. So they'll chat about candidates casually. For everyone else in the world its the holdiay season. For PDs, its match season. Remember its a verrrry small field. Second, if a PD or a letter writter calls on your behalf, that's very good. I have known docs to call and ask about a student and hear bad feedback and lose spots for it.

Do NOT take phone calls or letters of interest to heart. Yes its nice to hear but 1) few people get them 2) i know people who've got them, ranked the place #1..and failed to match there. Dont let it effect your rank list.


Which gets back to ROD's question: if they tell a couple they're ranking them highly 1) youll never know how many people heard this 2) you dont knwo where the student will rank them and 3) see above!

Most people wont discuss too much in detail because, well they just dont try to rip you apart in spite of what it may feel like at the time. Also, remember, PDs dont want to tip their hands too much either to other programs.

As an applicant you can talk to your peers of course. But I think this view of "retaliation" is way off. They're not out to get you. Rememebr they want happy residents and they're not looking to screw you.
S

 

[radoncadonk]

Well it works ina coupl eof ways. First, big names know each other. So they'll chat about candidates casually. For everyone else in the world its the holdiay season. For PDs, its match season. Remember its a verrrry small field. Second, if a PD or a letter writter calls on your behalf, that's very good. I have known docs to call and ask about a student and hear bad feedback and lose spots for it.

Do NOT take phone calls or letters of interest to heart. Yes its nice to hear but 1) few people get them 2) i know people who've got them, ranked the place #1..and failed to match there. Dont let it effect your rank list.


Which gets back to ROD's question: if they tell a couple they're ranking them highly 1) youll never know how many people heard this 2) you dont knwo where the student will rank them and 3) see above!

Most people wont discuss too much in detail because, well they just dont try to rip you apart in spite of what it may feel like at the time. Also, remember, PDs dont want to tip their hands too much either to other programs.

As an applicant you can talk to your peers of course. But I think this view of "retaliation" is way off. They're not out to get you. Rememebr they want happy residents and they're not looking to screw you.
S

hi steph, thanks for the words of wisdom, it is much appreciated. the retaliation phrase was a joke, i do know what you mean. some of the people that i've met through interviews, including PDs, are some of the coolest faculty in all of medicine. i was only trying to express that this factor is something we all feel like we have no control over. and on top of that, we have to play some bizarre balance of courting programs and telling them how great they are, and at the same time not really telling them too much, so as to keep things honest. certainly the "ranking language" is already surfacing.

 

[stephew]

well i know the feeling. its very unpleasant to go through this whole process. particularly in such a competitive field. And as you probably know, the "tone" of voice doesnt come through in on-line posts so sometimes its hard to tell exactly what folks are asking. I think one big lesson that you have to start learning as a resident is that you transition from "begging student" trying to please and meet expectations, to "attending" which among other things, means that now you set the tone, you decide what's best for the patient and you have the responsibility of directing the action. And part of that also means in your own personal life. That is, private practice? academics? etc. Ive seen people still feel guilty because their choice may not please others. Its a funny transition from student-all-your-life to this. Finally, as you say, having control over something. ANyway remember the docs interviewing you want you to "win". So come in your interview friendly and enthusiastic and pleasant. Its the best thing you can do.
S