The NRMP recently published data regarding the most recent Match. Of note, emergency medicine – my specialty – had a whopping 554 positions that remained unfilled. Ouch! Additionally, although the numbers were better than last year, IMGs still struggled: US citizen IMGs saw only a 67.6% Match rate and non-US citizen IMGs had only a 59.4% Match rate.
There is a lot of data to review, so take a look here if you want more information on DO Match rates, specialty competitiveness, and SOAP.
Creating your Match rank list can be absolutely agonizing because it feels like so much is at stake. Sometimes it helps to step back and look at the big picture. Below, I briefly note a few important considerations when making your list:
1. Make sure you understand how the NRMP algorithm works. See my previous blog post regarding errors to avoid at all costs. The key is to rank in the order you want – first goes first, second goes second, etc.
2. Consider your happiness and life balance. Blasphemy perhaps, but I would argue that they are more important than the strength of the training program.
3. Reflect on the culture, geography, size, and even maturity/age of the program. Think about whether you will fit in.
4. Consider whether you could spend your whole life at the institution or in that program’s location. It’s a lot to grapple with, but many residents graduate and stay for the rest of their careers.
5. Decide whether you liked the program director, chairperson, and faculty generally. They could make or break your happiness and success.
Here are some important upcoming dates for those applying for the Match:
January
Jan. 31, 2023: The registration deadline for the NRMP Match is at 11:59 pm EST on this date. After this time, applicants will incur a $50 late fee. (The process is expensive enough; no need to pay more.)
February
Feb. 1, 2023: Rank order list entry opens at 12 pm EST.
March
March 1, 2023: Rank order list deadline. Candidates must have their rank order lists certified by 9 pm EST.
March 13, 2023: NRMP Match Week starts. SOAP applicants can begin preparing applications in the ERAS® system.
March 16, 2023: SOAP rounds 1-4.
March 17, 2023: NRMP Match Day. Match results are available at 12 pm EST.
Over the course of this month and next, I’ll be blogging with tips on how to create your best Match list.
The NRMP recently published their Charting Outcomes information for 2022; data I keep bookmarked and which I would recommend applicants review. The reports (for MDs and DOs) separate results into specialties and include extremely helpful information, including what mean board scores, number of contiguous ranks, and number of research experiences were for those who successfully matched – and those who did not.
It’s important to make sure you are in the range for your intended field and to compare the competitiveness of different specialties if you are seeking to apply in two fields.
Here is the MD report and the DO one.
Applicants must have their rank order lists certified by 9 pm EST this Wednesday (March 2). As I’ve mentioned in a previous post, the algorithm for the Match is relatively simple.
The bottom line:
1. Rank programs so 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. Because of the way the Match algorithm works, what programs think of you (or what you think they think of you) should have zero bearing on how you make your rank order list.
3. Except in highly usual situations, rank all programs at which you interviewed. If you would truly rather not match than be at a specific program, then that program should not be on your Match list; however, do think carefully about the prospect of not matching, entering SOAP, and possibly having to reapply next year.
4. Prioritize your happiness.
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. Read more
