Questions about unfilled programs

[Soleil9]

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Hey everyone,

A couple of quick questions about the match. I found an interesting document on Scutwork that lists unfilled programs by institution. The Institution I am interested in (because of geographical concerns) had MANY open spots in 2005. I mean all of their programs except EM, Plastics and Derm had open spots, sometimes multiple.

Can I assume then that when it comes time for me to apply to this institution for a Residency spot that it will be easy for me to match? Even if I end up being a mediocre student class-rank wise, or if I score poorly on the boards (worse case scenario!)?

I know I've got some time, but I need to plan out my life, know what city I'll be living in in a few years, think about buying a house, work arrangements for my hubby, etc.

Thanks for any help you can give me!

 

[irlandesa]

Unless the program is a quite competitive program like UTSW that happened to not fill last year b/c they did not rank enough people, you should not have any trouble matching there. My impression is that this scenario rarely happens (and won't be happening to UTSW again in the near future). Most community and small university-based programs rank the vast majority of their candidates and if they don't fill, it is either random or due to geographical issues. However, if you notice that your hospital of choice has a long history of having unfilled spots (i.e. <60% of spots filled through the match), I would seriously take a closer look at the program to figure out why this might be happening and figure out whether you really want to go there. Do the residents seem happy on interview day? Are the program director(s) and faculty supportive and friendly? Do people place well into fellowships? All things to consider. I originally planned to put geography as my #1 consideration by far in ranking programs, and it was still up there, but ended up not ranking my own school's flagship program in the city where my family lived, b/c I knew I would be miserable there. Good luck in the application process,
irlandesa-PGY-1, UMass