Rank list question - Low number of PGY-1 spots edition

[lejeunesage]

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I know this is rather early for rank list questions, but I have the feeling that there are many others wondering the same thing. This is a variation on the I'm-not-getting-enough-PGY-1-interview-offers question.

So, let's say that by the end of interview season, I have fewer intership spots than I would like between my categorical PM&R and prelim/TY programs.

Let's say, furthermore, that my favorite programs or the majority of my programs are advanced programs, so that my rank list looks something like this:

1. Advanced Program A
2. Advanced Program B
3. Advanced Program C
4. Advanced Program D
5. Categorical Program A
et cetera

Now, If I match into Advanced Program C, but no corresponding internship, do I automatically default to matching at Categorical Program A? Or do I have to scramble for a surgery prelim position somewhere?

If not, would it be wise for those with a limited number of PGY-1 spots to rank their categorical programs higher or even apply to more categorical spots if they haven't got enough by this time?

Thanks

 

[Eilat87]

Your match would be to Advanced Program C.

I believe it's still early in the process, and that most programs usually interview the categoricals before the prelims. That's what I've been told anyway.

 

[SeaSalt]

Great question! Based on what I know from talking to residents, if you match into an advanced program, but with no corresponding internship, you would keep the advanced program and have to scramble for a prelim position somewhere. It's true that if you rank categorical programs higher up, you would have a lot less worry about that PGY-1 year.

HOWEVER, with that said, I don't think you should rank programs based on fear over the PGY-1 year. What matters most is that you do your PM&R training at a place that you feel confident will give you a great education. Don't rank a program higher if you like it less than another just because it is categorical (but if your top choices just happen to be categorical, then great). It is much easier to scramble into a prelim medicine or surgery spot if you don't match. I heard there are unfilled positions all over the country every year.

I hope this helps. Of course, it depends on each person. If, for family or other reasons, it's important for you to do all 4 years at the same place, it's understandable.

 

[lejeunesage]

Thanks for your responses, guys. Very helpful.

Another question that I have is regarding programs that offer both categorical and advanced positions. How does program selection work. Can you rank categorical and advanced positions at the same institution as though they were different programs.

For instance, can you do:

1. Mayo Categorical
2. OSU categorical
3. Davis categorical
4. Mayo Advanced
5 OSU advanced
...

or does it have to be
1. Mayo + PGY-1 rank list
2. OSU + PGY-1 rank list
3. Davis + PGY-1 rank list
...
Where you either get the categorical position or the institution gets automatically treated as an advanced-only program?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Punkn]

You are correct that if you match into Advanced Program C, it will then automatically look at what's called your "supplemental list" of intern year programs that you have connected to that advanced program. If you fail to match to an intern program listed on your supplemental list, you will have to scramble for a PGY-1 spot. For your second question, advanced and categorical programs are listed as separate entities so you can list them as you did in your first example (ex. Mayo Categorical is program #C085 and Mayo Advanced is program #A085. I'm making those numbers up but you get the idea).

 

[lejeunesage]

You are correct that if you match into Advanced Program C, it will then automatically look at what's called your "supplemental list" of intern year programs that you have connected to that advanced program. If you fail to match to an intern program listed on your supplemental list, you will have to scramble for a PGY-1 spot. For your second question, advanced and categorical programs are listed as separate entities so you can list them as you did in your first example (ex. Mayo Categorical is program #C085 and Mayo Advanced is program #A085. I'm making those numbers up but you get the idea).

Superb. Thanks a lot.

 

[RangerBob]

I was nervous about prelims to, so I ranked every prelim on every supplemental list--I just changed the order depending on the advanced program's location.

Also, I received a number of my prelim interview invites (I interviewed at 8 in total) after this time last year, so invites do go out late for prelims. I think the odds are still very good you'll get more interviews.

 

[lejeunesage]

I was nervous about prelims to, so I ranked every prelim on every supplemental list--I just changed the order depending on the advanced program's location.

Also, I received a number of my prelim interview invites (I interviewed at 8 in total) after this time last year, so invites do go out late for prelims. I think the odds are still very good you'll get more interviews.

Thanks. I hope you're right. Still, it makes me want to rank every categorical program before advanced spots... even though there are some advanced spots where I'd be very happy. The problem is that while I wouldn't mind doing a medicine prelim just about anywhere, the only words I associate with a preliminary surgery year are dread, despair, and depression.