Just an update that last week the American Medical Student Association (AMSA) secured the Honorable Kathleen Sebelius, the twenty-first Secretary of Health and Human Services, to give the AMSA National Conference’s keynote address on Friday, March 9th from 1:00pm-1:50pm. Her speech will bump my talk – previously at 2:30pm – to 3pm.
I look forward to seeing many of you there.
Just a reminder that applicants and programs must certify their rank order lists before February 22 at 9pm EST.
Please see my previous blog entry on creating a rank list. Don’t make the error of changing your rank order last minute based on panic! Your list should be a considered decision.
That time of year is quickly approaching, and I’ve already been asked how to optimally create a Match list. The algorithm for the Match is relatively simple; you can look at the details on this NRMP page.
The bottom line:
1. Rank programs so that they represent your true preferences. Your first choice should be first. Your second should be second and so on. Do not try to “outthink” the system, as it will only be to your disadvantage.
2. If you would rather not match than be at a specific program, then that program should not be on your Match list. Do think carefully, however, about the prospect of not matching, trying to scramble, and possibly having to reapply next year 
.
3. If you are applying to a competitive field, consider having many programs on your rank list to increase your chances of success. How many is many? See this excellent document for evidence-based assistance in how many programs you need, depending on your specialty choice.
As we approach the Match, I want to remind applicants that – although residency directors (RDs) are permitted to express strong interest in candidates – RDs’ comments should not be interpreted as promises regarding rank.
Here is the NRMP’s Statement of Professionalism that reviews violations and “misleading communications.” The document is clearly written with examples of problematic interactions between RDs and applicants.
I received an urgent request from an applicant last week. He wanted to discuss a pre-match offer he had received that had a Friday deadline. The pre-match program was an academic institution, which was appealing, but the interview day had left the applicant underwhelmed for a number of reasons.
On the one hand, this offer was a sure thing. On the other, the applicant had noted what he considered to be red flags. He asked me what to do.
As usual, in life there is no right answer. But here are a few suggestions if offered a pre-match:
1. Ask for more time. In the worst case scenario, the program director says no. Nothing lost.
2. Try to move up any interviews you have not yet attended.
3. Contact the other program directors and let them know you have a pre-match offer and give them the deadline date. They may offer you a pre-match in return. Or – on the contrary – they may let you know they are not interested. Either would be helpful in making your decision.
4. Speak to residents who are at the pre-match program. Trainees will often readily tell you the weaknesses of their institution 
. This information will help you make an informed decision.
5. Assess a) your risk-taking comfort zone and b) the strength of your candidacy. This step is probably the hardest, yet most important.
In the end, the applicant did not accept the pre-match offer and is crossing his fingers he’ll end up at another program he likes better. He is so relieved that – with the information he has now – the decision seems to have been the right one for him.
Dr. Finkel is a graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Medical School. On completing her residency at Harvard, she was asked to stay on as faculty at Harvard Medical School and spent five years teaching at the world-renowned Massachusetts General Hospital. She was appointed to the Assistant Residency Director position for the Harvard Affiliated Emergency Medicine Residency where she reviewed countless applications, personal statements and resumes.
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Dr. Michelle Finkel, a former Harvard residency admissions officer, uses her expertise to provide individually-tailored advice to candidates applying to medical school, residency, fellowship, post baccalaureate and dental school programs. Years of candidate selection at Harvard taught Dr. Finkel what characteristics comprise a desirable applicant and how even bright candidates make mistakes that undermine their admissions success. Dr. Finkel is a practicing Emergency Physician with nine years of experience training medical students, residents and fellows. Read more
