There is indeed a short list of programs that do not accept re-applicants. General surgery is a respectable career choice.

It didn't seem like Nutcase was choosing Gen Surg as a career. A prelim year is a one year deal. It's the other option instead of doing research if one doesn't match.

Anyway, Nutcase, yes there are certain programs who by default don't re-interview and some who just don't interview 2nd timers. I'm in the same situation as a Gen Surg prelim. I didn't get a second interview at one of the programs I rotated through during the first go around. I know the people there, and upon inquiring found out it has to do with funding from the government for residents. The prelim year counts against you as one year less funding they can get for you during your residency. Each program handles this differently, but for some this is an issue. Fortunately, however, there are a lot of other programs out there including some who value 2nd timers who've had the chance to prove themselves in the real world of surgery as an intern. I'm about 50/50 on programs I interviewed at last year who've re-invited me vs rejected. Interestingly, I've gotten one invite where I was rejected last year also and invites at places I just didn't apply to last time. There is some randomness to it I suppose. That or some programs really do value actual experience as a resident with letters to back that performance up.

I would not be concerned about the programs you rotated at. At least you won't waste the money (and the time off, which is really hard to come by as an intern) to go out and interview at a place that doesn't plan to take you seriously.

I, too, am a reapplicant (housed by the Couples' Match), though I did a research fellowship in Ortho rather than a prelim year.

So far, one school I rotated at as a student has invited me back for another interview, and the other has not offered interviews yet. However, that interview from my rotation is the ONLY duplicate interview I have currently. All my other interviews are from either places that rejected me last year or places I didn't apply to last year. Many of the other programs I interviewed at last year (total of 17 interviews) have either rejected me or have offered interviews already, but not to me.

I thought this was a very strange trend, because I've been told I interview well (i.e. I didn't majorly blow it when they met me in person). It's good to know other reapplicants are experiencing the same trend.

Good luck, all!