Comments on: The Scramble: How It Works and How It Can Be Improved

By: The Residency Application Process…(AKA “Nightmare”) « Zinkes: New England Style

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 22:29:09 +0000

[...] And for those who don’t match, they will now enteringing the twilight zone, aka the “Scramble!” (Everyone HOPES and PRAYS they don’t have to [...]

By: Gina

Gina — Fri, 01 May 2009 06:34:46 +0000

Hello Dr Feedman,
In recent years, OB/GYN has become a much more competitive field. I have desired to become an OB/GYN for the last fourteen years, and I have really focused much of my life on achieving this goal. I am currently a second year medical student, with average grades, and I will be taking the boards in a little over a month. All I keep hearing is to do great on the boards, and I should not have a problem matching. Of course, I am going to do my very best on the boards, as I am sure is the case for everyone who takes them. However, I cannot help but worrying…”what if I don’t pass, or barely pass?” this scares me more than anything right about now. I know in the First AID book there is a range of about 200-220 for people who get OB/GYN positions, which to me says if you are below that range, you will not get a position in OB/GYN. So since I only plan to apply to OB/GYN programs, without much interest in going into Internal medicine or something of that sort and then focus on womens health, what are the other options if someone is also unsuccessful in the scramble. Is it better to earn an MPH, do research, go into a residency that you are not interested in and then transfer as a PGY-2, or maybe other options that I have not considered? I just have no clue what people end up doing if they are unsuccessful in become the type of physician they have worked so hard to become, then cannot match in that area for some given reason. thanks you for considering my concerns, I look forward to your response.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 00:28:53 +0000

I HATE NOT MATCHING!

By: aleks

aleks — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:46:38 +0000

I’m IMG. I’ve recently completed all requiremnts to apply via ERAS. I’m not sure if any unfilled position in pediatrics has left after the scramble. Does it make any sense to register me now to know this and try to get into a program? I thought that my only option at this time was to apply on July for the 2010 Match but honestly, after reading comments in this forum, I get confused. Thanks in advance

By: Guy Kakin

Guy Kakin — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 20:29:35 +0000

I did not match and am still waiting for some programs to sift through Eras. If I don’t get anything I probably will have to get a job and try again next year. Does anyone know what types of jobs I can get as an MD (besides research)

By: Jessica Freedman, MD

Jessica Freedman, MD — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 11:35:11 +0000

Dear Rave: I understand your concerns. In the past, when people have approached me with similar concerns, I have analyzed, in depth, their application and backgrounds to understand if there are any flaws or issues. Oftentimes there are nuances in the way applicants present themselves that “make or break” their candidacy. I cannot offer any specific advice here.

By: Rave

Rave — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 01:01:04 +0000

I did not match anywhere after nine interviews and concrete promises from program directers, who I feel now mislead me into a confort position. i did not match anywhere in scramble as well. fairly reasonable scores. what wshould i do now. what Ai want is PM&R. should I do research or still keep looking for any residency for one year and re-apply- Very frustrated with the process.

By: Jessica Freedman

Jessica Freedman — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 11:16:17 +0000

Confused: I cannot say how many programs would give you credit. It would depend on the individual program to which you were applying.

By: Confused

Confused — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 20:49:07 +0000

There are many programs that claim to give you enough ob/gyn electives during your general internship that classify you as a pgy-2 the following year so that you do not have to repeat a year. I know someone who has done this for Surgery as well. Just don’t know how many allopathic programs are open to this?

By: Jessica Freedman, MD

Jessica Freedman, MD — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 20:16:54 +0000

Confused: Your situation is, indeed, complex. I would need to have a full understanding of your situation to provide any solid advice. You will not be able to specialize in OB/GYN regardless of how “OB focused” the internship.