Question on ranking 2 tracks in the same program

[tetris]

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This is for an IM program that has 2 tracks - Categorical and Primary Care. The tracks are listed separately on ERAS, as if they're 2 different programs (though many other such programs have only 1 ERAS listing with a choice for each track for us to check).

I applied to both tracks and got an interview there. The issue of which track I want didn't come up (I regret not asking my interviewer about it).

So my question is: which should I rank first?

The primary care track seems to be less competitive, although it has only 3 spots. The categorical track has 16 spots, but most people are applying for them, apparently.

As for my preference, I don't mind which one I do as I'm not sure if I want to do a fellowship after residency.

 

[dmitrinyr]

This is for an IM program that has 2 tracks - Categorical and Primary Care. The tracks are listed separately on ERAS, as if they're 2 different programs (though many other such programs have only 1 ERAS listing with a choice for each track for us to check).

I applied to both tracks and got an interview there. The issue of which track I want didn't come up (I regret not asking my interviewer about it).

So my question is: which should I rank first?

The primary care track seems to be less competitive, although it has only 3 spots. The categorical track has 16 spots, but most people are applying for them, apparently.

As for my preference, I don't mind which one I do as I'm not sure if I want to do a fellowship after residency.

Why can't you just contact the program and ask which program are they considering you for? There is nothing wrong with asking.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

Agree, contact them to make sure they know you are interested in both tracks (if that is in fact the truth). Then rank both tracks in NRMP in whichever order you wish. You might also rank all of your primary care tracks first, then all categorical tracks, or any other combination you might want.

 

[tetris]

dmitrinyr, that's a good idea that I hadn't thought of.

aProgDirector, I don't really have a preference (I just want to get my foot in the door), but I suppose the categorical track might give me more opportunity to do a fellowship, should I decide to (not sure about this, though). As far as I understand it, the difference is that primary care track has more time scheduled in clinic/ambulatory med., and I have no problem with this.

Now I just have to decide whom to call. The PD didn't meet with any applicants individually, but just shook our hands and addressed the group. Instead, a faculty member interviewed me.

So do you think I should call the faculty member or the PC? The faculty member probably doesn't have access to my file, so I'm leaning toward calling the PC.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

dmitrinyr, that's a good idea that I hadn't thought of.

aProgDirector, I don't really have a preference (I just want to get my foot in the door), but I suppose the categorical track might give me more opportunity to do a fellowship, should I decide to (not sure about this, though). As far as I understand it, the difference is that primary care track has more time scheduled in clinic/ambulatory med., and I have no problem with this.

Now I just have to decide whom to call. The PD didn't meet with any applicants individually, but just shook our hands and addressed the group. Instead, a faculty member interviewed me.

So do you think I should call the faculty member or the PC? The faculty member probably doesn't have access to my file, so I'm leaning toward calling the PC.

PC or PD is the way to go, especially at this late stage.

 

[tetris]

I'll call tomorrow, but I'm a bit worried that they'll limit my application to only 1 of the tracks. They might do that if they think it's unfair for me to have "2 shots" of matching.

On the other hand, they offer both and I applied for both.

Is this a valid concern?

 

[Winged Scapula]

I'll call tomorrow, but I'm a bit worried that they'll limit my application to only 1 of the tracks. They might do that if they think it's unfair for me to have "2 shots" of matching.

On the other hand, they offer both and I applied for both.

Is this a valid concern?

No.

If they offer two tracks and you apply to both tracks, you have no more chance than anyone else who also applies to both tracks. I wouldn't worry about it unless they have some sort of policy that limits you to one track (which it doesn't sound like they were very clear about if that's the case).

 

[forex]

Agree, contact them to make sure they know you are interested in both tracks (if that is in fact the truth). Then rank both tracks in NRMP in whichever order you wish. You might also rank all of your primary care tracks first, then all categorical tracks, or any other combination you might want.

Do you think that the program might wonder if the applicant is sitting on the fence (for applying for both tracks and without having a definite plan)? While in the interview or follow up letters, how to address this (I mean having interest in both tracks)? [the problem is that one track must be on top of the other in ranking!]

It is a tough call to let both in-charges (separate Asst.PD) know you are interested in the respective track. Do they share their emails? Then they will find out you are telling the same thing to both of them! It is weird.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

Do you think that the program might wonder if the applicant is sitting on the fence (for applying for both tracks and without having a definite plan)? While in the interview or follow up letters, how to address this (I mean having interest in both tracks)? [the problem is that one track must be on top of the other in ranking!]

It is a tough call to let both in-charges (separate Asst.PD) know you are interested in the respective track. Do they share their emails? Then they will find out you are telling the same thing to both of them! It is weird.

You should assume they are sharing information. Of course only one track can be your top choice, but if you make it clear that the institution is your top choice and therefore you're going to rank the two tracks #1 and #2, your intentions will be clear.

The problem with applying to a categorical and primary care track at the same institution is how you shaped your application. If you said "I'm crazy to be a cardiologist", I doubt the primary care track is going to be much interested in you. If you said you're interested in primary care, then you could easily rank both.

 

[tetris]

I called the PC who asked which program my interview was for. I had to think about it, and then I remembered that the invite email said "Categorical interview invitation", so I told her that, and she said I can only rank the categorical program since I interview for it only.

She added in any case, they've made up their list by now, so it's too late to make changes.

She also mentioned that the primary care program has a different PC, so I'm trying to call her, but she's not answering her phone...

 

[Proud 2 B A Doc]

is there a difference in the training of primary care and categorical??? (for peds)

cuz one program i liked a lot has only primary care... this didnt come up during the interview , but i noticed in NRMP...and i even noticed that the coding of this program is slightly different than that of all the other peds programs...

 

[tetris]

is there a difference in the training of primary care and categorical??? (for peds)

cuz one program i liked a lot has only primary care... this didnt come up during the interview , but i noticed in NRMP...and i even noticed that the coding of this program is slightly different than that of all the other peds programs...

I'm applying for IM, but as far as I understand it, there's not a huge difference. In fact, according a to a doc who did a primary care IM residency, you can still do a fellowship afterwards. One difference is that primary care residents get more outpatient training. They also may get more exposure to community medicine.