Specific Question Regarding FM Interview

[Sardonix]

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I applied primarily FM, but also one FM/Combo program.

I am now interviewing at that Institution's FM only program AND their FM/Combo program. I figured I should keep both--I figured if I cancel my FM only invite it looks like I'm saying I only applied there for the combo program. However, I read a couple posts on various forums saying that could be in bad taste--as if I am dual applying or that I wasted a possible interview slot applying to both.

Yes, this is neurotic. But I legit want to be considerate of the institution here. EDIT: Forgot to write the actual question: should I drop the FM-only interview? Or is it okay to keep them both?

 

[AMEHigh]

So what is your question?

 

[Sardonix]

So what is your question?

My bad, edited.

 

[BorntobeDO?]

I applied primarily FM, but also one FM/Combo program.

I am now interviewing at that Institution's FM only program AND their FM/Combo program. I figured I should keep both--I figured if I cancel my FM only invite it looks like I'm saying I only applied there for the combo program. However, I read a couple posts on various forums saying that could be in bad taste--as if I am dual applying or that I wasted a possible interview slot applying to both.

Yes, this is neurotic. But I legit want to be considerate of the institution here. EDIT: Forgot to write the actual question: should I drop the FM-only interview? Or is it okay to keep them both?

Well if they will consider you for both tracks in the same interview and let you rank separate that would be fine. I don't know why they would need two separate interviews tho. I would be tempted to reach out and see if they still want to interview you separately cause the faculty will see you applied to both since they share the program. I had one program that interviewed me for multiple tracks at the same time (a combo res/fellowship and a regular track) they told me that I could rank both separately and that they would rank me in both. I think that is ideal.

I really doubt you getting an interview to both is a secret tho, so I would reach out.

 

[austintr]

I agree with the above, and would try to spin it as you having a great interest in their institution altogether. No need to interview twice most likely, but I think it would be worth it to let them see it as "this person is obviously quite interested in training here"

 

[hallowmann]

It won't necessarily hurt you. It's not like applying to FM and IM at the same place, or IM and Derm, etc. You're obviously interested in FM, but also interested in the combined program.

I agree with asking if you can interview once for both. They could also help coordinate so you interview at both sequentially. I interviewed at both combined and categorical FM, and it was split 50/50 the ones that wanted two separate interviews and those that were OK with just one.

 

[AMEHigh]

No of course you shouldn’t drop the interview. I would definitely ask if you could interview for the combined program also.

There aren’t that many combined programs out there so I would assume most people assume people are also going to apply/interview for the specialties separately too.

Doesn’t sound like a big deal to me at all.

 

[hallowmann]

There aren’t that many combined programs out there so I would assume most people assume people are also going to apply/interview for the specialties separately too...

This is exactly the case. Most people expect that you're applying to a backup (typically one of the combination or both). Theres anywhere from 4-12 spots per year in combined training (depending on the combination), so it would be pretty foolish to apply to just combined.