Quoted: Couldn't scramble for internship

[Doodledog]

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This is one for aPD

Hey guys. So I'm in a bit of a pickle.

I recently matched into an ACGME advanced residency (neurology), but didn't obtain an internship. Today, I failed to scramble into a prelim medicine spot. I am an osteopathic student with a decent USMLE Step 1 (230+/95+). Average COMLEX 1, below average COMLEX 2 written and passed Clinical skills test. All first attempt.

To make matters more complicated, I'm not even sure I want Neurology any longer. I ranked several pediatrics sites (just a few) ahead of my neurology program, but got passed over.

My questions:
1. Should I try contacting my likely neuro program director (I have a strong suspicion of who it is) and asking them to make an internship? Asking if they will permit a surgery prelim (neurology requires 6 months of IM floors though). Asking if they will allow for an osteopathic rotating internship (which I think I should be able to get... there are several still open)?

2. If I decide I ultimately don't want to go through with neurology... what are my options? Can I just intentionally NOT obtain an ACGME internship and re-enter the match next year?

3. If I am not allowed to break my agreement for the first year of neurology: will there be any issues with resident funding if I try to go the route of a prelim medicine year first, then 1 year of neurology, then pediatrics?

Thanks!

 

[NotAProgDirector]

1. A bit late on answering makes this moot. You now know whom your PD is, and yes you should contact them. It's unlikely that they can "make" you a prelim slot, but you never know. In ay case, should someone drop out of the prelim program it would put you right at the front of the line for a spot.

2. You can resign your Neuro spot, if you decide that you are no longer interested in Neuro, any time up to mid january without penalty. You just can't leave that neuro program to start another. You will need to apply for an NRMP waiver, but as long as your reason is "no longer interested in neuro" and you ask before mid January, you are automatically approved. From the NRMP website:

An applicant who matched to an advanced or fellowship position also may request a waiver if he/she has elected to change specialties, provided the waiver is requested no later than the January 15 prior to the start of training in the advanced or fellowship program.

3. Not an issue.