What exactly is matching....(m)

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

2bdntist2

Junior Member
10+ Year Member
15+ Year Member
Joined
May 12, 2006
Messages
20
Reaction score
0
I notice that everyone talks about matching when referring to applying to specialty programs. What is it and what is the process?

2bdntist2
 
Ok, I read the link. Thank you. But are they matching candidates to jobs or to specialty programs?
 
2bdntist2 said:
Ok, I read the link. Thank you. But are they matching candidates to jobs or to specialty programs?

specialty/residency programs
 
In the old days (before the match) programs would simply offer a spot to an appllicant they wanted. The applicant would often take the spot, but would drop it later if a better offer came along. Then the program is left to send another invitation to fill the spot. This went on for months and it left some programs with positions vacant in the end, and applicants never new whether they should take an offer just so they can go somewhere, or if they should turn it down and wait for their #1 choice, which may not come along.

The match simulates this process with a computer algorithm that simulates the offering and accepting of positions, and it takes a few minutes and the results are given to everyone on the same day. There is usually a penalty for withdrawing from a program you matched in, such as not being allowed to go through the match for 2 more years. But this doesn't matter I guess if you go into another program "outside" the match.
 
2bdntist2 said:
I notice that everyone talks about matching when referring to applying to specialty programs. What is it and what is the process?

2bdntist2

It is the modern day "slave auction"....have you ever seen the movie Roots? You kind of stand on a gang plank and next thing you know you are going home with a new "master"...and word has it that the new "massa" has about 6987 acas o cotton (acres of cotton) ready fo da pickin" and the "utha slaves ain't none too friendly".....

There you have it.... another year of the match
 
We disagree about the need for a MATCH... medical students have tried to sue... the program was started as mentioned to "protect" weak programs from people withdrawing. Many programs cheat. When we were in the match, so applicated withdrew from the match because they were accepted to programs in the match without going through the match... we gave up... and interview early... allow the applicants, if the accept us, to withdraw from the match... and do everything above board... and everything we can to help our residents make the most of themselves in any speciality after us.
 
Top