Chaney3
OSRR Junior
Posts: 41
(12/5/01 9:21:04 pm)
Reply
Not Matching
I know it's still very early, but i'm wondering if anyone is thinking of backup plans. It seems there are no
guarantees in ortho and that you can go unmatched even if you have a lot of interviews (which I do NOT
have by the way)...starting to get a little anxious. Not to raise anyone's BP, but i'm just curious to see
what you all would do if you don't match.
I haven't applied to any other specialties...a couple of my friends have applied to prelim surgery
programs...something i wish now I had done.
Have you guys applied to other fields or prelim programs? If not, what are your plans if you don't
match?
Ortho2002
OSRR Fellow
Posts: 111
(12/5/01 10:02:40 pm)
Reply
plans
i don't know what i will do, but it probably won't involve losing either of my testicles (that one is for you
chaney3)!! seriously, i am trying to think postive and, if need be, scramble for a prelim.
bonedoc2be
OSRR Junior
Posts: 41
(12/5/01 10:29:53 pm)
Reply
Probably prelim year
I know a lot of places dont ever fill their prelim spots so it should not be hard to get one. Now getting
one where you want it geographically may be another story. I have gotten asked the "what will you do if
you dont match" question on every interview so far, and i think they just want to see your response.
imnail
OSRR Newbie
Posts: 5
(12/6/01 6:40:17 pm)
Reply
Re: Probably prelim year
Don't sweat getting a prelim surgery spot. Tons of programs across the US go unfilled every year. Going
where you want geographically, or otherwise, should not be a problem. The only thing to keep in mind is
that you need to find a program that will allow you to do some Ortho AND will be flexible with your
interview schedule the following year.
I would caution those thinking of applying to Ortho again the following year that prelim surgery might
not be the best option, as it will likely do little to improve OR change your application. It may help with
the program where you do the prelim year if you rotate on their service, but otherwise a year of Gen
Surgery doesn't impress.
I would suggest exploring the possibility of a year in Ortho research. For most applicants this will likely
improve an already good application and it gives you a years worth of Ortho attending exposure.
Approaching your home program is always a good option. Even if they don't have any openings they
may be a ble to connect you with programs that do. I know of several applicants who have made this
work and matched the following year.
Good Luck!
OSRR Junior
Posts: 41
(12/5/01 9:21:04 pm)
Reply
Not Matching
I know it's still very early, but i'm wondering if anyone is thinking of backup plans. It seems there are no
guarantees in ortho and that you can go unmatched even if you have a lot of interviews (which I do NOT
have by the way)...starting to get a little anxious. Not to raise anyone's BP, but i'm just curious to see
what you all would do if you don't match.
I haven't applied to any other specialties...a couple of my friends have applied to prelim surgery
programs...something i wish now I had done.
Have you guys applied to other fields or prelim programs? If not, what are your plans if you don't
match?
Ortho2002
OSRR Fellow
Posts: 111
(12/5/01 10:02:40 pm)
Reply
plans
i don't know what i will do, but it probably won't involve losing either of my testicles (that one is for you
chaney3)!! seriously, i am trying to think postive and, if need be, scramble for a prelim.
bonedoc2be
OSRR Junior
Posts: 41
(12/5/01 10:29:53 pm)
Reply
Probably prelim year
I know a lot of places dont ever fill their prelim spots so it should not be hard to get one. Now getting
one where you want it geographically may be another story. I have gotten asked the "what will you do if
you dont match" question on every interview so far, and i think they just want to see your response.
imnail
OSRR Newbie
Posts: 5
(12/6/01 6:40:17 pm)
Reply
Re: Probably prelim year
Don't sweat getting a prelim surgery spot. Tons of programs across the US go unfilled every year. Going
where you want geographically, or otherwise, should not be a problem. The only thing to keep in mind is
that you need to find a program that will allow you to do some Ortho AND will be flexible with your
interview schedule the following year.
I would caution those thinking of applying to Ortho again the following year that prelim surgery might
not be the best option, as it will likely do little to improve OR change your application. It may help with
the program where you do the prelim year if you rotate on their service, but otherwise a year of Gen
Surgery doesn't impress.
I would suggest exploring the possibility of a year in Ortho research. For most applicants this will likely
improve an already good application and it gives you a years worth of Ortho attending exposure.
Approaching your home program is always a good option. Even if they don't have any openings they
may be a ble to connect you with programs that do. I know of several applicants who have made this
work and matched the following year.
Good Luck!