Well, I matched. I'm doing a paid NIH training grant position at UCSD. Ortho research in San Diego, what could be better? The only drawback is that you sign a two-year contract with the NIH to do research. The 6-year research programs fulfil the 2nd year of the contract. So if you really want to do ortho, you're in for 7 years til you graduate. I really wanted to do ortho, so I signed up. I think it was a great decision.
I was in a similar position last year, tried to find a spot through the ortho scramble, but was unsuccessful. Don't do an intern year (I applied to a bunch, then came to my senses). Do the research, it will help you in your career, help you get lots of ortho interviews, make connections, and maybe get interested in research for the long run.
UCSD has two spots opening up this summer, I believe. Stay tuned for contact info.
TGC
