SFMatch missed a document in my 2010 application

[angel1980]

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I'm an FMG who applied to the 2010 Ophth match. I had sent in all my documents except ECFMG certificate as one packet, and sent the ECFMG certificate 2 days later (both packets by overnight express). I called them the day they recieved my ECFMG certificate to confirm that it was part of the application being distributed. Fast forward 6 months, I received 2 interview calls, and didnt match. Last week, I find that the ECFMG certificate isnt on my application, and they cant find it. 4 days later, I get a voicemail from them saying, its been found, it wasnt attached earlier, but we've attached it now!!!!
I want to know what I can do about this. Obviously, they cant run the 2010 match again. How much of an impact does a missing ECFMG certificate have on applicant screening, seeing as how EVERY program website specifically ASKS for this document if not outright calling it a requirement? Who can I complain to? Anyone else with similar experiences? Any help, opinion etc will be appreciated. I'm very upset about this. After having dealt with being an unmatched candidate months ago, THIS comes up.

 

[MDEYES]

As an IMG myself, I can tell you that most likely the missing ECFMG certificate did not have anything to do with you not matching.

I am sure that you put that you were ECFMG certified either in your CV or in your application form, so the programs knew you had the certificate even though the actual copy was not in your file.

It is tougher for us but there is always a way. Keep trying

GL

 

[cme2c]

I would contact SFMatch and express your displeasure. While they obviously cannot redo the match, maybe they will cut you a break on your application costs next year.

 

[OphthoApp]

Yeah SFMatch makes tons of mistakes. They blacked out my board scores and I only found out when a program contacted me wondering what happened and I was able to email every program another copy. Programs are really good about contacting you if there is a problem.

 

[Shake_yabooties]

I think SF match is notorious for making mistakes.. this year, they forgot to send out some applications to programs, and was only realized later when one of our professors made a call to ask why our student wasn't getting an interview (top student from top school.) then they found out they never received bunch of applications.
I really wish ophtho will move to NRMP soon.

 

[speyeder]

As an IMG myself, I can tell you that most likely the missing ECFMG certificate did not have anything to do with you not matching.

I am sure that you put that you were ECFMG certified either in your CV or in your application form, so the programs knew you had the certificate even though the actual copy was not in your file.

It is tougher for us but there is always a way. Keep trying

GL

I agree. The missing ECFMG document probably had little to do with your not matching. Unfortunately your application was probably screened out based on your IMG status so most programs didn't even have a chance to review your file.

 

[OphthoApp]

Oh yeah I forgot about that. Luckily all the schools I applied to got my application but I definitely got some interviews at schools I never applied to. Weird when they call you and you have to turn them down because you never wanted to go there in the first place.