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Yes I did match, sorry forgot to write back. I matched my top choice for diagnostic radiology and my first choice transitional year. Thanks for replying.
Being a MD I think you should throw in some top tier programs, mostly mid tier academic, then a few safety community programs. I used Frieda, residency explorer and Texas star to show me which ones I was competitive at. I used the ranking off of domixity to judge what programs are in what tier. Honestly I believe they are not all that accurate but at least it’s something. I applied broad, bc I also coupled matched, but you probably can be more selective. I did notice that location of your school was a bigger factor than I thought. I believe they saw a pattern and if you did undergrad and med school in the same state they assume you will be less likely to leave. I felt after around 11-12 interviews you reach a point of diminishing return bc your so tired of interviews. So I would shoot 3-4 top tier but really it’s about where you feel wanted. Also some of my interviews came later than I thought so don’t panic if u don’t have a ton early. Also I felt I was asked more behavioral questions at Ty/ pre-lim interviews. Hope that helps in some way.
DR-67 applied to, offered 13 interviews, interviewed at 11, ranked 10. Matched my top but I felt I could have easily matched my top 5.
I'm also a DO with similar Step 1, so this thread is helpful. Did you end up matching to an academic or community program?
How were you able to take so many interviews? Most DO schools are **** about allowing you to go on more than like 12.
Yes I matched an academic program not to far from my family. I prioritized my family over everything else so I went close to home. It’s all about what’s most important to you.
Honestly I just told my preceptors that I had interviews and they didn’t say much. Preceptors don’t care. I wouldn’t suggest telling your school every interview, just tell you preceptor and go. But I also went with preceptors I was comfortable with and those in Cush fields like heme onc, pain management so that they wouldn’t care.
I went to a a lot of interviews far away and if your offered the interview they like you. At that point it’s just comforting them that you will move. I went with family in the area a lot or if a mentor recommended them. Just give them a reason you would move there and stay. Look up the programs and show them u know what fellowships they offer or you saw they match into x fellowship a lot. Away rotations for me wouldn’t have been helpful but if you think you can shine then go for it. It is just hard to shine in rads as a student.
I have a small sample size, but I think aways can be a good move for the right applicants. You need to be realistic about how you'll come off sitting in the reading room (ie: do you get good clinical evals during 3rd year, do you get along with residents you work with, etc.). It's also helpful if you go to place that has a more rigorous rotation. Having some cases presentations, quizzes, etc. that you're responsible for is good because there's something substantive you can do on the rotation other than just sitting in the reading room. For example, when I did my home rads rotation there were several DO away rotators who ended up matching at my home program. It's a solid university program without many DOs. I imagine them rotating really helped them match those spots. Also know a guy from my school (east coast) who did an away out in Cali and ended up matching there. He didn't have particularly good stats and my school hardly ever matches students to that university. As I said though this is a small sample size. I'm sure there are students who do aways and tank their chances by doing so.
