Residency backups?

[johnny3022]

Hey all -

I have been thinking about this for a while now and at last come to SDN to maybe find an answer. I am really interested in Radonc but the competitiveness of the field makes me worried that I won't match. I already took a year off to do a master's and really can't/don't want to delay residency another year. In any case, how likely is it to gear one's app toward a radonc residency but still apply to another field as a backup (namely Anesthesiology) and have a good shot at getting into a reputable program in the Northeast. How can I go about doing this (in terms of letters, apps, ranking, etcs)? I know anesthesia is difficult in its own right so I know this may not really be realistic but any input would help. My stats and such are below:

Grades first 2 years- bunch of high passes, couple of honors, nothing mind blowing
Clerkship grades so far: High pass family and psych
Step 1: 240
Extra degree = MPH
Research: in process of getting my master's thesis published which I will be first author, poster presentation for master's project, have opportunity to do Radonc research this year as well as during my 4th year (which I plan to take advantage of) but may not lead to any more publications.

Thanks for your anticipated response.

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[radonc]

just out of curiosity, why are you interested in radiation oncology...seems like a distant stretch from anesthesia...

Hey all -

I have been thinking about this for a while now and at last come to SDN to maybe find an answer. I am really interested in Radonc but the competitiveness of the field makes me worried that I won't match. I already took a year off to do a master's and really can't/don't want to delay residency another year. In any case, how likely is it to gear one's app toward a radonc residency but still apply to another field as a backup (namely Anesthesiology) and have a good shot at getting into a reputable program in the Northeast. How can I go about doing this (in terms of letters, apps, ranking, etcs)? I know anesthesia is difficult in its own right so I know this may not really be realistic but any input would help. My stats and such are below:

Grades first 2 years- bunch of high passes, couple of honors, nothing mind blowing
Clerkship grades so far: High pass family and psych
Step 1: 240
Extra degree = MPH
Research: in process of getting my master's thesis published which I will be first author, poster presentation for master's project, have opportunity to do Radonc research this year as well as during my 4th year (which I plan to take advantage of) but may not lead to any more publications.

Thanks for your anticipated response.

 

[johnny3022]

I am interested in both fields for different reasons. Without writing a personal statement defending my desire to go into rad onc, I can summarize that from an intellectual standpoint it is the most interesting field of medicine (the basic science disease process of cancer and constantly emerging new treatments -- c'mon who wouldn't want to play around with a cyberknife?!) as well as having the ability to help patients get though one of the most difficult periods in his/her life is a quality Rad Onc has alone. I know I'd be good at it - its only a matter of having that opportunity.

I wouldn't have to ask this question if Rad Onc wasn't such a small field. I'm just being realistic- I don't want to take another year off to do research because I want to move on with my life (like get engaged and married) and I really can't afford to keep increasing my huge debt. In any case, an answer to my original question (is this really a possibility?) would be helpful and insight on how to go about it would be really appreciated. Thanks!

 

[BraggPeak]

I might be wrong, but I think radiation oncology is is not as ultra-competitive if people think. There are several people with 220s who match (and that to at some upper tier programs). I know in our program this year, the number of applicants is down this year. From the usual 195-200, we are in the 160s. Are other programs in a similar situation this year?