question about applying for back ups

[Rudy Guliani]

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hey, i'm applying for rads with path as backup...sorry if this is a stupid question, but how does applying for a backup actually work? do you submit two rank lists? or is your backup just listed at the bottom of your rads rank list? can you possibly match into both? obviously I'm very confused on this topic, is there anyone who could enlighten me? thanks

 

[Butch]

hey, i'm applying for rads with path as backup...sorry if this is a stupid question, but how does applying for a backup actually work? do you submit two rank lists? or is your backup just listed at the bottom of your rads rank list? can you possibly match into both? obviously I'm very confused on this topic, is there anyone who could enlighten me? thanks

I did not apply to two residency programs, but I have an idea of how it works.

The ERAS common application system (used for both Radiology and Pathology) will let you submit different personal statements and different recommendation letters to the various programs. You will be selected to interview at programs in both fields. Ultimately, you submit only one rank order list giving preference to the radiology and pathology departments.

You can not match in both because there is a unique match solutions.

Here are a couple scenarios:

1. Some people are undecided and interview for multiple programs. They decide on one field and then do not rank the other field.

2. Some rank one field above another (e.g. they prefer radiation oncology and rank all radiation oncology residencies above all pathology residencies).

3. Some have mixed field rankings.


A word of caution. In the real world, it is not a good idea to have it known that you are applying to two residency fields. This signals to program directors (who expect you to be dedicated to their chosen field) that you are not completely committed. While that may not be true, that is how the real world works. Also, it can be difficult at the same institution. A pathology chair can casually discuss how excited they are to have you in their program with the radiologist she plays tennis with on the weekends. You will then not be accepted to either program. Just a warning, not a prohibition.

 

[Rudy Guliani]

thanks for your response. i understand there is some risk in applying to two specialties, but i would just be kicking myself if i didn't match and ended up in internal medicine.

 

[jhstuck]

Another thing to consider is that if you want radiology and put path programs second, you will take yourself out of consideration for the scramble in radiology (ie, you will probably match into path if you fail a rads match). Last match there were actually quite a few rad spots left to scramble in, and you may want to have a shot at them. Also, it is highly likely that you could scramble into a path spot if rads fell through (though of course the location/quality of said program may not be ideal).