Question about the match...

[UMMS FMD]

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Okay, I have a question about the match that I can't seem to find the answer to.

Say I've ranked 10 programs, my top 2 being advanced programs. I know that you can create supplemental rank lists for each program for your intern year. Say I have a solid match at program #1 but don't match at any of the prelim years I listed on my supplemental list for program #1, does the algorithm then try and match me at program #2 with its associated prelim years?

Since I'm married with children, this is how I'm hoping the match works since I really would rather match at my second choice program (whichever it is) than try to scramble into a prelim year as location will end up being a significant factor in assembling my ROL.

Thanks so much, hopefully my question is clear.

 

[coprolalia]

Man, tough question. It's been a few years since I went through all of this. But, I think you can somehow link it so that you either match completely (advanced + prelim) or just match in the advanced spot, but not necessarily the prelim.

Either way, if I were in your shoes, I would try to match the gas program that you want and then worry about the prelim later. You can usually scramble into an unfilled prelim program (usu. surgery) in the given city that you matched your gas program. Usually the PD of the program you matched into can help you with this as well, even sometimes getting you an "extra" prelim spot at the hospital you matched into.

Personally, I'd go with your #1 gas choice no matter what, and come what may on the prelims. But, that's just me.

-copro

 

[OB1🤙]

If you rank an advanced program #1 and don't match at any of your prelim choices, you still go to that program, and yeah, you gotsta scramble for the prelim.

If this scenario is really unacceptable to you, then you'll have to just rank the advanced programs last. Agreed though that the gas program is leaps and bounds more important, and if you've found a good fit for you at what happens to be an advanced program, I'd let that be the deciding factor. But of course you gotta do what you gotta do when family is involved.

Hope everything works out.

 

[UMMS FMD]

Thanks for your help! I called NRMP this AM and verified this as well.

My question is this: How common is it to have to scramble for a prelim program?

At this point, my #1 and #2 choices are both advanced and my wife and I are worried about scrambling for a prelim.

Good times, eh?

 

[2ndyear]

Like everything, depends on how many places you apply to and what their competitiveness is and your stats. If you apply to bigger cities then you shouldn't have much trouble getting something. If you're ranking smaller areas and need to be there for all 4 years, let this be known to your prelim ranks.

 

[OldManDave]

Thanks for your help! I called NRMP this AM and verified this as well.

My question is this: How common is it to have to scramble for a prelim program?

At this point, my #1 and #2 choices are both advanced and my wife and I are worried about scrambling for a prelim.

Good times, eh?

As mentioned above, the only sub-list programs the Match will attempt to match you into are the ones associated to the primary program you matched into. In other words, if you match to choice #2, they would not match you to a pre-lim slot listed under choice #3. But, you already know this.

Regarding prelim slots: for the most part, they are not too competitive to get into. The challenge will be scrambling into one with satisfactory geography, as I assume you are trying to prevent moving to do the prelim & then again for the residency. My wife & I had a similar situation, but I was fortunate enough to secure both slots at the same facility.

One thing you may consider is if there are surgical prelim slots available nearby. GS programs have a reputation, not always deserved, of treating their prelims as cannon fodder. Most anesth residents seem to do IM prelims, but I felt that a year of surgery would be more useful & proximate to what I do as an anesthesiologist. That is the route I took & have no regrets...although the year of surgery was not easy, we prelims were treated equally as the categoricals & got a lot of OR time in addition to all of the secretarial work we all do as interns.