What are the repercussions of breaking the Match contract?

[thematchviolator]

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Hi everyone,

I have recently not matched into my specialty of choice. I have received many interview invites for GPRs/AEGDs, some of which need a response in the next few days. There is one program that I want to say yes to (and kinda have to say yes to given my circumstances). However, some post-match specialty programs are now reaching out to me for interviews. In the case that I say yes to this program, but get accepted to a specialty program down the line, what are the repercussions of breaking contract?


Thank you.

 

[Allthebags]

You'll be blacklisted from the match and will have taken away a spot from another person for the spot you dropped. But honestly, if you get into a specialty and you're dead set on the program, I'd imagine that won't really affect you much down the line...

 

[dent_wannabe]

Did you match to a GPR or AEGD program? Or are you simply inquiring about post match positions for those? If you matched to one, you have to go there, otherwise you get blacklisted from ever participating in match again. If you were just looking into post match positions, then you probably don't have any contractual obligation to accept an offer from them.

 

[thematchviolator]

Did you match to a GPR or AEGD program? Or are you simply inquiring about post match positions for those? If you matched to one, you have to go there, otherwise you get blacklisted from ever participating in match again. If you were just looking into post match positions, then you probably don't have any contractual obligation to accept an offer from them.

I matched into a GPR. But I have been getting interview invites to specialty programs. I was curious as to what happens if I accept the offer to this GPR program but later interview and accept an offer from a specialty program...

 

[SuxDrugs&Rocuronium]

I matched into a GPR. But I have been getting interview invites to specialty programs. I was curious as to what happens if I accept the offer to this GPR program but later interview and accept an offer from a specialty program...

There’s no “accepting” a match offer. You matched, and by doing so you’ve committed to attending that program. If you don’t attend, make sure you never want to participate in the match for any other reason, because you won’t be able to.

 

[OMSDoc]

Indeed, I would call those program directors of the specialty programs that reached out to you and let them know that because you matched at the GPR, you cannot accept the position, but you are grateful.

The only thing you have in this life is your good name.

Moreover, you will learn a lot in this interim year.

 

[LFA20]

I matched into a GPR. But I have been getting interview invites to specialty programs. I was curious as to what happens if I accept the offer to this GPR program but later interview and accept an offer from a specialty program...

Unless you already got an offer from those specialty programs I would just do a GPR.. it’ll make your application even stronger and give you a chance to think of that specific specialty is really want u want to do

 

[dent_wannabe]

I matched into a GPR. But I have been getting interview invites to specialty programs. I was curious as to what happens if I accept the offer to this GPR program but later interview and accept an offer from a specialty program...

As someone else stated, you accepting or declining somewhere you matched to is not a thing, you entering the match means you have a contractual obligation to train at wherever you matched. Program directors talk, and although they compete with each other for applicants, they also try to have a culture where they have each other's back. Part of it is enforced by you being blacklisted from ever participating in the match again if you violate your obligation. Another thing that could happen is the program director of the program you matched to can contact the program director of the program you switched to, then that program director can rescind your offer on the basis of you breaking the match contract to join them, then you end up with neither opportunities.

 

[dent_wannabe]

I would also note the match rules were a two way street. You have an obligation to train at where you matched, but the program also has an obligation to give you the position. How would you feel if the program you matched to decided they no longer want to give you an offer in hopes of getting a candidate they liked better than you?

 

[FutureDent020]

I’m kind of confused by this. OP is saying they have matched into GPR, but are now being invited by specialty programs to interview. I’m guessing OMFS. If OP gets into OMFS, who cares if he/she burns bridges with GPR directors or the match system. OP will never have to bother with it again. If they don’t get accepted, how will the match system or GPR director ever know? As someone who knows directors and chairs, they won’t care that you have left a GPR for their specialty program. Specialties >> GPR. Chairs and directors have big egos. What am I missing?

 

[axiumgod]

Exactly. People really expect someone to turn down their specialty of choice in favor of a gpr?

 

[Lemillion]

If I understand correctly, you did not match into your preferred specialty program but essentially a "free agent" interviewing for post-match GPR/AEGD programs? At the same time, some specialty programs are reaching out to you as well? If you have not officially matched and on the board then I would hold off committing to the GPR/AEGD program until you sort out the specialty program interviews. If you have matched to a program but are getting cold feet and want to back out then you are looking at a 5 year MATCH ban. However, I have not ran across someone who matched to a GPR program, quit and then post-match to a specialty program so I can't expand further on that.

 

[thematchviolator]

I’m kind of confused by this. OP is saying they have matched into GPR, but are now being invited by specialty programs to interview. I’m guessing OMFS. If OP gets into OMFS, who cares if he/she burns bridges with GPR directors or the match system. OP will never have to bother with it again. If they don’t get accepted, how will the match system or GPR director ever know? As someone who knows directors and chairs, they won’t care that you have left a GPR for their specialty program. Specialties >> GPR. Chairs and directors have big egos. What am I missing?

Thank you. I post-matched into a GPR program (haven't signed a contract yet; won't be for another couple weeks according to them). They wanted an immediate response as to if I'm going to their program. But I'm still get interview invites to my specialty of choice for a post-match spot, who plan to interview till the end of March. I just wanted to know the repercussions of saying yes to this GPR program, however still attending interviews to my specialty program and potentially saying yes to them down the line, and withdrawing from the GPR program. If it's a 5-year ban, I'm okay with that because I won't be applying again?

 

[thematchviolator]

If I understand correctly, you did not match into your preferred specialty program but essentially a "free agent" interviewing for post-match GPR/AEGD programs? At the same time, some specialty programs are reaching out to you as well? If you have not officially matched and on the board then I would hold off committing to the GPR/AEGD program until you sort out the specialty program interviews. If you have matched to a program but are getting cold feet and want to back out then you are looking at a 5 year MATCH ban. However, I have not ran across someone who matched to a GPR program, quit and then post-match to a specialty program so I can't expand further on that.

Yes, I was interviewing for post-match GPR/AEGDs...and my specialty of choice. I've accepted the offer at a GPR program, but have yet to sign any contract (won't be for "another couple weeks," their words). I could not hold off on committing because they wanted an immediate response.

 

[thematchviolator]

Exactly. People really expect someone to turn down their specialty of choice in favor of a gpr?

Agreed.

 

[dent_wannabe]

Thank you. I post-matched into a GPR program (haven't signed a contract yet; won't be for another couple weeks according to them). They wanted an immediate response as to if I'm going to their program. But I'm still get interview invites to my specialty of choice for a post-match spot, who plan to interview till the end of March. I just wanted to know the repercussions of saying yes to this GPR program, however still attending interviews to my specialty program and potentially saying yes to them down the line, and withdrawing from the GPR program. If it's a 5-year ban, I'm okay with that because I won't be applying again?

If you were just seeking post match opportunities, I am not aware of any contractual obligation to take the offer. Now looking at the match website, it seems like after match day, programs can see a list of people registered for match but did not match anywhere, so they probably wouldn't be seeing your name as someone to contact if you had matched somewhere. If you certified a rank list by Jan 13 and matched somewhere on Jan 23, that's a different story. My assumption is right now, your only situation is you may not be able to wait for an outcome from the specialty programs before the GPR programs that accepted you post match require an answer.

 

[dent_wannabe]

If I understand correctly, you did not match into your preferred specialty program but essentially a "free agent" interviewing for post-match GPR/AEGD programs? At the same time, some specialty programs are reaching out to you as well? If you have not officially matched and on the board then I would hold off committing to the GPR/AEGD program until you sort out the specialty program interviews. If you have matched to a program but are getting cold feet and want to back out then you are looking at a 5 year MATCH ban. However, I have not ran across someone who matched to a GPR program, quit and then post-match to a specialty program so I can't expand further on that.

I had a friend who broke match because he decided he would rather go work instead of train at the GPR he matched to. The ban from match was for life, not just 5 years.

 

[Tootyfruity]

Lol go to the interviews, take the position if offered.

 

[PerioDont]

Lol go to the interviews, take the position if offered.

agreed

 

[SilkyJ]

Thank you. I post-matched into a GPR program (haven't signed a contract yet; won't be for another couple weeks according to them). They wanted an immediate response as to if I'm going to their program. But I'm still get interview invites to my specialty of choice for a post-match spot, who plan to interview till the end of March. I just wanted to know the repercussions of saying yes to this GPR program, however still attending interviews to my specialty program and potentially saying yes to them down the line, and withdrawing from the GPR program. If it's a 5-year ban, I'm okay with that because I won't be applying again?

Here’s how I would handle it, since it’s not a match position. Politely explain to the GPR director that you would love to accept the position, but that you will be continuing to interview at specialty programs in hopes of finding a post-match spot, and will leave if offered a position. Give them this statement in an email or something so you have a record of the conversation. Then the ball is in their court. If they still want to offer you a spot at their program, they shouldn’t be upset if you leave. Likewise, you shouldn’t get upset if they tell you to pound sand. You’ve done your part in being fair to them, and this route certainly wouldn’t put you in violation of any match rules.

If they demand that you commit fully, then you’ll just have to make a choice and stick to it.

 

[Faefly]

If you get into a speciality, def turn down the gpr position.