If the match this year is like it was last year there will be very few anesthesia positions available for the scramble. Some of those unfilled spots are sometimes filled from within or through the back door and aren't really available to a person in the scramble.
If you apply now you won't do as well with interviews than if you had applied on time, however you will still get some if your application warrants it. I know a few people last year who put off submitting their applications for various stupid reasons. They matched at less well known places. Calling PDs is a good idea. Also, schedule an appointment with someone in your anesthesia dept ASAP and get a letter from them.
If you do ending up matching in medicine and switching don't fret It's a difficult position to be in, but it happens sometimes and you will be able to work it out. Once you match, you are only bound to do the first year. It's unfair to the program and others in the program to go into one initially knowing you're going to switch so it's best to avoid doing that. However, it might be a better option than not matching and scrambling into a program you don't want to be at or losing a year. You still have some time and may be able to avoid this option. Many applicants apply to too many programs and will cancel interviews as the season goes on. You may not get interviews for a bit but then some may open up. Be sure to apply to a few extra safety programs.
If you think you aren't going to match in anesthesia by the time you're making your list then you should rank the more prestigious medicine programs higher. Anesthesia programs will look more favorably upon a strong internship rather than an easy one.
