What happens when you're not selected for a specialty?

[Jolie South]

---

Members do not see this ad.

So I'm obviously hoping I get selected for my specialty of choice, but want to mentally prepare for the worst.

What happens when you don't match? Obviously, you have to do a PGY1 year, be it civilian or military, but what happens after that? Do you reapply the same year? When do you find out if you're allowed to reapply? If you are, how can you attend interviews as a PGY-1?

 

[psychbender]

There is lots of variability based on branch, but if you don't get picked up, start thinking of reapplying right away. Throughout intern year, try to maintain contact with the PD for whatever specialty you wanted at whatever institution you wanted (easier if your internship is at the hospital that hosts your desired residency). It is possible to reapply that same year, and sometimes even get your internship changed to incorporate more of the residency's PGY1 requirements into your year (a guy in the TY class below me got picked up for ENT, and was able to get several rotations in the second half of the year changed, such that he did not have to repeat intern year as a whole). Otherwise, reapply as soon as possible in internship, in the hopes of getting picked up without having to complete a GMO tour (talk to your specialty leader to make sure that this is even possible). Once obligated to a GMO assignment, the task of reapplying will likely become more difficult. As for interviews as an intern, you will have to work that out with your internship director, expressing your desire to interview away, such that you can be granted rotations that will allow this during interview season (outpatient clinics, electives, research, etc).

 

[Jolie South]

Another question: I'm applying for a surgical subspecialty. Should I apply for prelim surgery years or transitional years? Matching an advanced position is pretty much impossible.

 

[psychbender]

Another question: I'm applying for a surgical subspecialty. Should I apply for prelim surgery years or transitional years? Matching an advanced position is pretty much impossible.

If you want to be a surgeon, then apply for prelim surgery years.