scramble for categorical after matching prelim

[apraxia]

---

Members do not see this ad.

If you match for a prelim spot without matching for an advanced position, can you scramble for categorical spots that start at PGY-1?

 

[dragonfly99]

I think you couldn't b/c it would be a match violation to not accept the prelim position once you are matched into it.

 

[Ludicolo]

You cannot. Nor can you scramble for a different prelim year.

You can however scramble for open advanced PGY2 positions.

 

[Law2Doc]

If you match for a prelim spot without matching for an advanced position, can you scramble for categorical spots that start at PGY-1?

Agree with the above -- when you enter the match, you are making a contractual commitment to the program you match into. So you are stuck attending that prelim program for the next year. You are stuck with that one. Which is the one downside to listing prelim programs in the primary rank list as opposed to only in supplemental lists. Had you only listed them in the supplemental lists, you wouldn't have any match, and would be free to scramble for any categorical spot. But that assumes you would rather scramble than lock in a prelim year as better than nothing.

 

[OntheRoof55]

what if the prelim program that you matched into were willing to let you out of the contract? then you would be eligible to participate in the scramble right?

Agree with the above -- when you enter the match, you are making a contractual commitment to the program you match into. So you are stuck attending that prelim program for the next year. You are stuck with that one. Which is the one downside to listing prelim programs in the primary rank list as opposed to only in supplemental lists. Had you only listed them in the supplemental lists, you wouldn't have any match, and would be free to scramble for any categorical spot. But that assumes you would rather scramble than lock in a prelim year as better than nothing.

 

[Samoa]

You won't know the identity of the program you matched into until after the scramble.

Unless you only listed one prelim, in which case it would still take too long to get the dispensation from the NRMP (which you also need, in addition to permission from your matched program, and which is usually only granted in cases of significantly changed circumstances).

 

[Winged Scapula]

Wouldn't matter (even if you knew the program you matched into before the scramble).

The program isn't the final say as to whether or not to let you out of your contract. The NRMP will be notified and as such, both you and the program are considered match violators. The NRMP gets to decide if your reason for wanting out of the contract is valid...wanting to scramble for a categorical position is NOT considered a valid reason.

 

[guitarguy09]

You cannot. Nor can you scramble for a different prelim year.

You can however scramble for open advanced PGY2 positions.

👍 👍