MD & DO Residency Interview Backup Question

[Diabeetuss]

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I have been on several orthopedic residency interviews and at a couple they have asked what would I do if I did not match. I have good grades/board scores and consider myself a competitive applicant, but this question has concerned me a bit. Is this a common question for orthopedic/competitive residencies to ask interviewers, or do they do this to hint that you may not be considered very high on their list?

 

[mononokeprincess9]

I know someone who wanted to do ortho surgery last year and interviewed for their backup as well in EM. They matched into EM, even with ranking all their ortho interviews first. I think it's the competitiveness of the program.

 

[boolin_1]

'I am going to re-apply ortho next year"

I bet that's what they want to hear. you can lie

 

[operaman]

Yeah common question. The correct answer is either re apply along with something like a research year to boost your app. If they press you, say some kind of other surgical field.

Mostly people just want to know you’re a realistic person and have considered your backup plans should things go awry.