Unhappy with Match

[brighteyez]

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I matched into ophtho but the program is a mid-tier or low-mid tier program that I was not expecting to match at whatsoever. It was quite low on my list. I go to a top 10 medical school, have average grades for my school, good step 1 score, outstanding undergrad record at a top 5 univ, and a research publication and poster presentation in ophtho. I was expecting to match at a mid-high or mid tier program at the very least. I received interviews at a couple top 10 programs, a number of mid-high programs, and a couple lower programs (about 15 total).

Everyone from my school matched into either a good program or a city where they have family. I got neither and am very upset with this. Family is extremely important to me and I cannot live far from them (looking at big cities too: nyc, chi, miami)

Has anyone ever given up their spot and re-applied the following year? Or done a research fellowship then re-applied? I'm not even sure what the deficiency was in my app? I know I could have matched into a better program. Several attendings at my school and others have said that my application was very strong and that I would match well. My co-residents' stats are not near mine. I am really concerned about the reputation and strength of my program and feel that I will not be able to pursue the career I wanted in ophtho (was thinking academic and a strong fellowship). What can I do???

 

[Sneezing]

You can start by pulling your head out of your rear. Be happy. You have matched in the field of your choice and a program you ranked. It is not the end of the world and you will be able to still pursue your goals. Go celebrate.

 

[4424]

I matched into ophtho but the program is a mid-tier or low-mid tier program that I was not expecting to match at whatsoever. It was quite low on my list. I go to a top 10 medical school, have average grades for my school, good step 1 score, outstanding undergrad record at a top 5 univ, and a research publication and poster presentation in ophtho. I was expecting to match at a mid-high or mid tier program at the very least. I received interviews at a couple top 10 programs, a number of mid-high programs, and a couple lower programs (about 15 total).

Everyone from my school matched into either a good program or a city where they have family. I got neither and am very upset with this. Family is extremely important to me and I cannot live far from them (looking at big cities too: nyc, chi, miami)

Has anyone ever given up their spot and re-applied the following year? Or done a research fellowship then re-applied? I'm not even sure what the deficiency was in my app? I know I could have matched into a better program. Several attendings at my school and others have said that my application was very strong and that I would match well. My co-residents' stats are not near mine. I am really concerned about the reputation and strength of my program and feel that I will not be able to pursue the career I wanted in ophtho (was thinking academic and a strong fellowship). What can I do???

i'm sure there are many people who would be thrilled if you gave up your spot. it's not all about what's on paper, every so often the person matters as well..

my opinion is that residency is what you put into it. yes going to a top 5 program would open more doors for you for fellowships both by reputation and by faculty but if i was in your position i would be happy i matched and expect to work my butt off when i start. start working hard from day 1 and identify what needs to happen for you to get the fellowship you want and focus on being as good of a clinician as possible. you'll likely open your own doors if you do.

 

[DKofLV]

i'm sure there are many people who would be thrilled if you gave up your spot. it's not all about what's on paper, every so often the person matters as well .

my opinion is that residency is what you put into it. yes going to a top 5 program would open more doors for you for fellowships both by reputation and by faculty but if i was in your position i would be happy i matched and expect to work my butt off when i start. start working hard from day 1 and identify what needs to happen for you to get the fellowship you want and focus on being as good of a clinician as possible. you'll likely open your own doors if you do.

Honestly, the attitude of the original poster makes me think it's unlikely that she/he will work his butt off in residency. They're saying his/her co-residents' stats are way lower than theirs, which makes me wonder if they have everyone in their class's GPAs/Step1 scores or if they are basing this on med school reputation alone. Very self-righteous.

In the end, if you're going to be a miserable co-resident (thinking you are better than your co-residents) then you're going to make everyone's life hell.

You have 2 choices, suck it up and work your tail off to be the best resident you can be OR give up your spot. You will have a heck of a time trying to match again being known as the candidate that sacrificed a spot, but it can happen.

In the end this is ENTIRELY your fault. You ranked the program. If you did not want to be there and would rather re-apply, then you should not have ranked the program. This way you would have been unmatched and been able to apply again without angering the program. Did you ever think it was this self-righteous attitude that stood out at interviews that caused the earlier programs to pass you over?

 

[brighteyez]

Honestly, the attitude of the original poster makes me think it's unlikely that she/he will work his butt off in residency. They're saying his/her co-residents' stats are way lower than theirs, which makes me wonder if they have everyone in their class's GPAs/Step1 scores or if they are basing this on med school reputation alone. Very self-righteous.

In the end, if you're going to be a miserable co-resident (thinking you are better than your co-residents) then you're going to make everyone's life hell.

You have 2 choices, suck it up and work your tail off to be the best resident you can be OR give up your spot. You will have a heck of a time trying to match again being known as the candidate that sacrificed a spot, but it can happen.

In the end this is ENTIRELY your fault. You ranked the program. If you did not want to be there and would rather re-apply, then you should not have ranked the program. This way you would have been unmatched and been able to apply again without angering the program. Did you ever think it was this self-righteous attitude that stood out at interviews that caused the earlier programs to pass you over?

Don't get me wrong: I can definitely see the "be grateful you matched" side of things. I understand all of what you guys said and to be fair, I probably would have said the same thing to someone else if I wasn't in this situation.

Having said that though, I think the wider point was missed. Yes, it seems conceited to cite credentials as a way to say I should have matched at a better program. But, as far as my "personality' is concerned: I am a very hard worker and dedicated. I am friendly, more on the quiet side and not super aggressive or anything. I just feel like I was jipped because I would not mind being at a mid program if it was near family. I just feel that I didn't get anything, not a program name for which I would sacrifice being near family or being near family for which I would sacrifice the quality of the program. I had to do a double sacrifice. So I made a mistake and ranked the program thinking I wouldn't have to drop so low. But now I'm stuck and I'm looking for some advice.

I've heard the same responses from people who know me, to work hard and do well. I am just wondering if there are other options and if anyone has ever pursued them, such as taking a year off and re-applying despite having matched or contacting other program directors who had said on the trail they would serve as advisors. If anyone has advice on this topic, and not simply to express "be grateful you matched" I would be very interested in hearing it.

 

[orbitsurgMD]

Don't get me wrong: I can definitely see the "be grateful you matched" side of things. I understand all of what you guys said and to be fair, I probably would have said the same thing to someone else if I wasn't in this situation.

Having said that though, I think the wider point was missed. Yes, it seems conceited to cite credentials as a way to say I should have matched at a better program. But, as far as my "personality' is concerned: I am a very hard worker and dedicated. I am friendly, more on the quiet side and not super aggressive or anything. I just feel like I was jipped because I would not mind being at a mid program if it was near family. I just feel that I didn't get anything, not a program name for which I would sacrifice being near family or being near family for which I would sacrifice the quality of the program. I had to do a double sacrifice. So I made a mistake and ranked the program thinking I wouldn't have to drop so low. But now I'm stuck and I'm looking for some advice.

I've heard the same responses from people who know me, to work hard and do well. I am just wondering if there are other options and if anyone has ever pursued them, such as taking a year off and re-applying despite having matched or contacting other program directors who had said on the trail they would serve as advisors. If anyone has advice on this topic, and not simply to express "be grateful you matched" I would be very interested in hearing it.

I can understand being disappointed that you might not have matched as highly on your list as you wanted, but as others have said, you matched at a program that you ranked. Yes, you might have seen it as your "safety" program, but that is why one bothers to rank these kinds of choices, so that if for whatever reason your first choice programs don't rank you well, you have somewhere else to go. If being close to family was truly that critical, and this program which you ranked (and visited and interviewed with) was so unacceptable, then why did you rank it at all?

You need to grow up a little. Just because you attend a good or even top- tier medical school doesn't mean other programs at hospitals you think match the reputation of your school have to feel the same about you. That is just life. Ditch the unjustified sense of entitlement. Believe it or not, you are lucky, which can work for you so much better than just being smart.

And no, I really doubt your chances of getting into a program that did not rank you highly will get better if you withdraw from the program you matched in and re-apply next year. All that will likely do is make the programs that didn't select you this year think they made the right choice in the first place.

 

[200UL]

Thank goodness you did not match at my program. I am with the others and believe you have a major attitude problem. Based on the few sentences you have shared, I am surprised you matched at all. I have served on admission committees and if we ever smelled attitude like you have, you would have been put on the bottom of the list. I go to one of those top tier programs you dreamed about, but realize that going to a great program is only part of becoming success. You are likely to be in for a rude awakening as your co-residents with "stats not near yours" will likely outperform you during residency (some may even have gone to "weak undergrads" and "non top ten medicals schools").

As has been mentioned before, one should only rank programs you are willing to attend.

If you decide to change your attitude, you can still go to a great fellowship and become the most famous subspecialist in your field. If you continue to take the feel bad for yourself approach and "I have better stats than my co-residents", you will have a long 4 years in front of you.

 

[Superfrost]

I go to one of those top tier programs you dreamed about,

wow congratulations

 

[guttata]

Don't get me wrong: I can definitely see the "be grateful you matched" side of things. I understand all of what you guys said and to be fair, I probably would have said the same thing to someone else if I wasn't in this situation.

Having said that though, I think the wider point was missed. Yes, it seems conceited to cite credentials as a way to say I should have matched at a better program. But, as far as my "personality' is concerned: I am a very hard worker and dedicated. I am friendly, more on the quiet side and not super aggressive or anything. I just feel like I was jipped because I would not mind being at a mid program if it was near family. I just feel that I didn't get anything, not a program name for which I would sacrifice being near family or being near family for which I would sacrifice the quality of the program. I had to do a double sacrifice. So I made a mistake and ranked the program thinking I wouldn't have to drop so low. But now I'm stuck and I'm looking for some advice.

I've heard the same responses from people who know me, to work hard and do well. I am just wondering if there are other options and if anyone has ever pursued them, such as taking a year off and re-applying despite having matched or contacting other program directors who had said on the trail they would serve as advisors. If anyone has advice on this topic, and not simply to express "be grateful you matched" I would be very interested in hearing it.

Sorry to pile it on, but you need to get over your extreme sense of entitlement. Going to a top 10 medical school or top 5 undergrad school does not make you any better (or worse) than anyone else. You need to stop comparing yourself to your future co-workers - because, it doesn't matter now. If you keep comparing yourself to everyone else, you will never be happy.

You had to 'double sacrifice' to matching at a perceived lower tier program? Come on. Many would sacrifice a whole lot more to match at ANY US programs.

I realize you are emotional, but you should go back and re-read your posts to see how ridiculous you sound. Sure, people make mistakes. You mistakenly ranked a program you did not want to attend. Now, you have to live with it. Many have survived doing a residency away from family - I am sure you can do the same.

Your re-application would definitely be red-flagged by many programs if you gave up your current spot in order to match at a 'more prestigious' program. You'd be lucky to get interviews at the same programs.

As everyone has noted, you need to focus on the future and bust your ass in residency.

 

[speyeder]

Talk about being out of touch with reality. Nowhere in the match does it say that you are guaranteed to match into a top program if you attend a top 10 med school. To be slightly disappointed is understandable. But to consider giving up your spot just to try again to match at a higher tier program speaks of arrogance. One it assumes you will match again, as if it were a given, two it inconsiderate to those who didn't match, and three it really calls into question your commitment to ophtho, that you would only do ophtho if you could get into a top program.

 

[305539]

Going to a top 10 medical school or top 5 undergrad school does not make you any better (or worse) than anyone else.

um..yes it does. That's the point of a top 5 or top 10 designation. Someone who attends top 5 undergrad and med school (and does well at them), is "better" than someone at top 40 schools. That's just common sense. You've lost all credibility.

"Talk about being out of touch with reality. Nowhere in the match does it say that you are guaranteed to match into a top program if you attend a top 10 med school."

He didn't say that. Please read more carefully. He said that was his goal and he's considering what other options he can pursue to achieve it.

"Many would sacrifice a whole lot more to match at ANY US programs. "
It sounds like he appreciates that. What you don't appreciate is some people have higher standards than "i just need to match SOMEWHERE." this is clearly one of those people.

My gf matched at a top-program, but is still disappointed because its not an ideal location. Should she be happier than she is? Sure. Do I understand the disappointment? Absolutely. Not everyone is happy just that they matched. That's a reality. Seems like many people here don't get that.

 

[thalia44]

I'm a bit confused. I thought the match was legally binding? Isn't this a moot question?

I can understand your disappointment given your initial expectations, but I think that in the long run you'll be happiest if you keep your commitments -- and I do think you have a legal/ethical obligation given that you did submit your specific ranklist. I also agree that withdrawing from a program this year will have very negative implications for any future attempts. I'm sorry that you are unhappy about your match.

 

[DKofLV]

um..yes it does. That's the point of a top 5 or top 10 designation. Someone who attends top 5 undergrad and med school (and does well at them), is "better" than someone at top 40 schools. That's just common sense. You've lost all credibility.

"Talk about being out of touch with reality. Nowhere in the match does it say that you are guaranteed to match into a top program if you attend a top 10 med school."

He didn't say that. Please read more carefully. He said that was his goal and he's considering what other options he can pursue to achieve it.

"Many would sacrifice a whole lot more to match at ANY US programs. "
It sounds like he appreciates that. What you don't appreciate is some people have higher standards than "i just need to match SOMEWHERE." this is clearly one of those people.

My gf matched at a top-program, but is still disappointed because its not an ideal location. Should she be happier than she is? Sure. Do I understand the disappointment? Absolutely. Not everyone is happy just that they matched. That's a reality. Seems like many people here don't get that.

Hmm...BF of Ophtho with an account created today to argue in favor of the original poster. Again, the sense of entitlement telling us that you're better because you go to a top school....Either you're the original poster with a new name OR you're the boyfriend of the original poster. I could, of course, be wrong...but I doubt it...

AGAIN, THIS IS WHY YOU FELL ON YOUR RANK LIST. WE, WHEN INTERVIEWING PEOPLE, LOOK FOR THIS PERSONALITY FLAW and refuse to rank them...regardless of board scores/AOA/med school/publications. Why take a cocky and arrogant kid from a "Top School" when we can get an equally good candidate from a different med school (whether "top" or "not") who wants to work hard and be a great team player.

I went to a TOP undergraduate and got into a number of good med schools and ended up going to (CHOOSING) a mid-tier med school because I wanted to be there, got good financial bonuses, and the locations was awesome...trust me, my scores in med school rival most (if not all) at the "Top" Med Schools and I do NOT consider myself inferior because my medical school wasnt "Top 10."

I've had my full share of your insane sense of entitlement and "better than thou" attitude. Good luck, and I'm glad you are miserable with your match...it'll make you really have to figure out if you should do Ophtho...that way we are only future colleagues if you finally realize what a privilege it is to be an Ophthalmologist.

 

[MstaKing10]

I think you should withdraw for a few reasons:

First, I think the program that you matched in would benefit from having an unhappy resident leave, and in his/her place, get a resident who would be happy, grateful, and hard working. I've seen it work out well in several programs. There are plenty of qualified unmatched applicants who would love to take your spot. Your heart would be in the wrong place, and your work (and program) would suffer for it.

Second, if you are as qualified and stellar as you say, then you should have no problem applying again and matching right? Do research in one of those top programs, get to know the faculty and residents there, let the place know what your all about and you should be a shoe in (yeah...hint of sarcasm).

Lastly, while you take the risk of never matching into ophtho again (ie. your second try), you might not be happy where your at, ever, and this may taint your career for the rest of your life. If you really want ophtho, you wouldn't be having these second thoughts. This in fact may be the real issue...

 

[italianeyes2]

Brighteyez, since you've been piled on enough this thread, here are your options.

You cannot withdraw from your program and reapply next year. First, it's a contract and you need a good reason to break that contract (not being a good enough program does not apply). Second, no program would interview you next year if they found out you did this (and they would).

What some people have done is this: they wait for a spot to open up at a different program (through someone dropping out, etc) and apply for that spot. That being said, you need a great reason for doing this (family member sick and want to be close to them, etc) because the program director of the program you matched at has to approve your leaving. So again, I don't think your reasons qualify.

My advice is to give it a shot at your program, you may be surprised. If you go into the program expecting to be let down, you will be. Go into the program with a good attitude, you will make it what you want to make it. Even the "worst" programs I interviewed at matched their residents into some great fellowships, so a top 10 ophtho program is not a prereq to a good fellowship. Good luck, it will probably be a few years before you get perspective on this experience and realize it was for the best.

 

[monkey7247]

I was bummed when I first matched at my current program. Didn't know much about the town, wasn't as "pretty" as the other programs, no family nearby. If I could do it all over again, I'd rank my program #1. Great surgery, great camaraderie, low cost town. It may turn out to be better than you think...

 

[guttata]

um..yes it does. That's the point of a top 5 or top 10 designation. Someone who attends top 5 undergrad and med school (and does well at them), is "better" than someone at top 40 schools. That's just common sense. You've lost all credibility.

"Talk about being out of touch with reality. Nowhere in the match does it say that you are guaranteed to match into a top program if you attend a top 10 med school."

He didn't say that. Please read more carefully. He said that was his goal and he's considering what other options he can pursue to achieve it.

"Many would sacrifice a whole lot more to match at ANY US programs. "
It sounds like he appreciates that. What you don't appreciate is some people have higher standards than "i just need to match SOMEWHERE." this is clearly one of those people.

My gf matched at a top-program, but is still disappointed because its not an ideal location. Should she be happier than she is? Sure. Do I understand the disappointment? Absolutely. Not everyone is happy just that they matched. That's a reality. Seems like many people here don't get that.

Please let me bow down to you. Perhaps you would like to tell me how being at a top 5 or 10 medical school or undergrad school makes you a better/smarter/more skilled ophthalmologist. Thankfully, there is more to a rank list than pure gpa/usmle scores.

Go re-read his original post and tell me that he appreciates matching at that 'mid to low-tier program.'

Some people (like your gf) will NEVER be happy because their lives are not perfect or they didn't get everything that they 'deserved.' That sense of entitlement is incredible. Who is to say there wasn't a better candidate for that 'top-program in utopia.' You will never be happy if you keep comparing yourself to everyone else. There will always be someone smarter, richer, stronger, etc.

Am I saying that your gf shouldn't be disappointed? No.
Am I saying she shouldn't dwell on her disappointment because, in the long run, it probably doesn't matter? Yes.


I am not going to sit here and argue with you any more.

I think everyone understands his sense of disappointment. And being emotional, perhaps he conveyed himself poorly in his posts. But, regardless, I think people do not appreciate his attempt to withdraw from a binding contract because he is unhappy with the result.

To the OP - go bust your ass in residency, ace the OKAPs, get to know people in your subspecialty (most important), do lots of research in your subspecialty and publish (important), and you should be fine come fellowship application.

 

[Perforin]

From an MS2 that wants to go into Ophthalmology, just be grateful. I'm worried about just getting in somewhere. It's been my dream (since 2005) to go into Ophthalmology, and I would happy going anywhere. Literally. I don't care if it is the lowest ranked residency in the nation (I would prefer not, but if that's where I match then I would be happy).

It's okay to have high expectations. I certainly do, and I hope to match somewhere great. But, just keep in mind all the people that didn't match anywhere, and just end up lost and confused and have to do research for a year and postpone their dream.

 

[AnonymousEye]

And OP, please take it from me, someone who has failed to match twice now, coming from a "top 10" undergrad, graduated from a US med school, and did a year of dedicated ophtho research that you are not entitled to anything.

Seeing people with your attitude only frustrates those in my situation even more, who are willing to go anywhere and do anything to do what they love, ophthalmology. One day you will realize how fortunate you are to have matched at all - please have some consideration and humility for goodness sake.

 

[brighteyez]

While I disagree with a few points here, I do thank you all for voicing your thoughts and opinions, which gave me more perspective on the situation. I am grateful that I matched and ecstatic that I will be an ophthalmologist someday in the future. I am not going to give up my residency spot and will work as hard as I can to reach my goals.

It can be very tempting to compare yourself to other classmates and friends who have matched in the field and be hard on yourself if you fall short of their achievements. I fell into that temptation and became obsessed with figuring out why/how this happened.

I am confident that when I begin and learn more about my program and co-residents, I will have a great time and learn as much as I can. Some of the difficulty I think also comes from not having a "second look" as we do in college and medical school, which prevents you from understanding a program until the day you start. I look forward to starting in 2011 and becoming the best damn physician I can. I wish best of luck to all those starting residency as well.

 

[DKofLV]

While I disagree with a few points here, I do thank you all for voicing your thoughts and opinions, which gave me more perspective on the situation. I am grateful that I matched and ecstatic that I will be an ophthalmologist someday in the future. I am not going to give up my residency spot and will work as hard as I can to reach my goals.

It can be very tempting to compare yourself to other classmates and friends who have matched in the field and be hard on yourself if you fall short of their achievements. I fell into that temptation and became obsessed with figuring out why/how this happened.

I am confident that when I begin and learn more about my program and co-residents, I will have a great time and learn as much as I can. Some of the difficulty I think also comes from not having a "second look" as we do in college and medical school, which prevents you from understanding a program until the day you start. I look forward to starting in 2011 and becoming the best damn physician I can. I wish best of luck to all those starting residency as well.

Good for you! Looks like you've grown up a lot in just a few short days. I think you'll do great if you keep this attitude up and work hard.

Truthfully, working well with co-residents actually makes EVERYONE'S life better in the end and the faculty look upon everyone much better if they are a fluid unit. Wish you the best!

 

[Meibomian SxN]

While I disagree with a few points here, I do thank you all for voicing your thoughts and opinions, which gave me more perspective on the situation. I am grateful that I matched and ecstatic that I will be an ophthalmologist someday in the future. I am not going to give up my residency spot and will work as hard as I can to reach my goals.

It can be very tempting to compare yourself to other classmates and friends who have matched in the field and be hard on yourself if you fall short of their achievements. I fell into that temptation and became obsessed with figuring out why/how this happened.

I am confident that when I begin and learn more about my program and co-residents, I will have a great time and learn as much as I can. Some of the difficulty I think also comes from not having a "second look" as we do in college and medical school, which prevents you from understanding a program until the day you start. I look forward to starting in 2011 and becoming the best damn physician I can. I wish best of luck to all those starting residency as well.

Wow, you've been passed around and reamed like a Friday night special! LMAO!

I had a question for you though: Why can't you go through the first year and then transfer to another program? Or is that even possible? I know an internal medicine resident who transferred into ophthalmology, so I assume you could do the same and state that its for "faily reasons"...

 

[eyesonme]

Firstly, I think it is deceptive that you (Meibomian SxN) are an optometrist and in your profile it says Attending physician. People on this forum read your comments and interpret them as someone who is an ophthalmologist. Physician = MD or DO, not OD.

Also, if you had ever matched, you would know that when you rank a program, it is a legal, binding agreement that you are committed to that program. While I'm not sure how often it is enforced when people do break this agreement, it is unethical to do so unless a true family or emergency situation arises and you are unable to fulfill your duties for the match.

Giving advice to someone to just lie about a family situation is very unethical. Suppose the poster did this and he was able to match into another program. While it would be fine and dandy on his end, the program director at his matched program would have to scramble to find a qualified candidate to fill his spot.

Please change your handle.

Wow, you've been passed around and reamed like a Friday night special! LMAO!

I had a question for you though: Why can't you go through the first year and then transfer to another program? Or is that even possible? I know an internal medicine resident who transferred into ophthalmology, so I assume you could do the same and state that its for "faily reasons"...

 

[4424]

While I disagree with a few points here, I do thank you all for voicing your thoughts and opinions, which gave me more perspective on the situation. I am grateful that I matched and ecstatic that I will be an ophthalmologist someday in the future. I am not going to give up my residency spot and will work as hard as I can to reach my goals.

It can be very tempting to compare yourself to other classmates and friends who have matched in the field and be hard on yourself if you fall short of their achievements. I fell into that temptation and became obsessed with figuring out why/how this happened.

I am confident that when I begin and learn more about my program and co-residents, I will have a great time and learn as much as I can. Some of the difficulty I think also comes from not having a "second look" as we do in college and medical school, which prevents you from understanding a program until the day you start. I look forward to starting in 2011 and becoming the best damn physician I can. I wish best of luck to all those starting residency as well.

👍

 

[thackl]

It sounds like the OP came close to NOT MATCHING

Congrats on MATCHING👍😍

 

[V05]

If you withdraw from your match, you will not match again.

Many applicants do not match and you should consider yourself very fortunately to have matched. You may also be underestimating what program can do for you and your career. If you excel and make the proper connections, it is very likely you can continue onto a competitive fellowship followed by an academic career. You will have many more chances to prove yourself during your training and as an academician. If you publish, contribute at national organizations, and make the proper connections, you will have a very successful academic career.

 

[Meibomian SxN]

Firstly, I think it is deceptive that you (Meibomian SxN) are an optometrist and in your profile it says Attending physician. People on this forum read your comments and interpret them as someone who is an ophthalmologist. Physician = MD or DO, not OD.

Also, if you had ever matched, you would know that when you rank a program, it is a legal, binding agreement that you are committed to that program. While I'm not sure how often it is enforced when people do break this agreement, it is unethical to do so unless a true family or emergency situation arises and you are unable to fulfill your duties for the match.

Giving advice to someone to just lie about a family situation is very unethical. Suppose the poster did this and he was able to match into another program. While it would be fine and dandy on his end, the program director at his matched program would have to scramble to find a qualified candidate to fill his spot.

Please change your handle.

Well being that your JUST a med student, I suggest you actually graduate and gain a residency before opening that hole in your face.

For your immature medical information, my name is just for laughs. All eye doctors and surgeons know this. But I do diagnose & treat eye diseases as a living. Hopefully if you ever graduate and score high enough on your boards you'll get to laugh too.

I was not suggesting to lie but merely asking because I am unfamiliar with matching, unmatching etc.

So before I change my handle, please actually graduate and earn an Rx pad 😱

 

[DKofLV]

Wow, you've been passed around and reamed like a Friday night special! LMAO!

I had a question for you though: Why can't you go through the first year and then transfer to another program? Or is that even possible? I know an internal medicine resident who transferred into ophthalmology, so I assume you could do the same and state that its for "faily reasons"...

I dunno, I feel like the above does seem like it's suggesting that stating you need the transfer for family reasons in order to make that transfer becomes acceptable..... (unless that really is "faily," which I dont actually know what that is)

 

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I matched into ophtho but the program is a mid-tier or low-mid tier program that I was not expecting to match at whatsoever. It was quite low on my list. I go to a top 10 medical school, have average grades for my school, good step 1 score, outstanding undergrad record at a top 5 univ, and a research publication and poster presentation in ophtho.

Your application sounds solid. My guess is that you applied to too many "top tier" programs and neglected applying to enough tier 2 programs. Everyone applying to any ophtho program has a "good" step 1 score. Average grades, even from a top 10 school, will not impress any ophtho dept. And nobody even cares remotely about your undergrad grades.

The top tier ophtho programs are extremely competitive (especially if you don't have connections). Your numbers (i.e. step 1 and grades) probably weren't good enough. That or you just didn't do well in the interviews. The match is quite random.

My co-residents' stats are not near mine. I am really concerned about the reputation and strength of my program and feel that I will not be able to pursue the career I wanted in ophtho (was thinking academic and a strong fellowship). What can I do???

First, how do you know the "stats" of your co-residents? Did they email you their step 1 scores? Or are you simply judging them by their med schools?

Second, you shouldn't have ranked the program if you didn't want to go there. My recomendation is to be very happy you matched. Ophtho is a very competitive field. If you think you truly are as outstanding as you think, then work hard, do research, crush the okaps, make connections, and get into a "prestigious" fellowship.