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NRMP Match

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Congrats to all those who successfully matched the week before last! The NRMP just published statistics from this year’s Main Match:

Of interest, there were 42,549 applicants who submitted certified rank order lists in this year’s Main Match, and 34,075 of those matched to PGY-1 positions (80.1%). This was a 1.6% increase over last year.

The NRMP also reports that out of 39,205 total positions offered, 36,943 filled (94.2%), and of 36,277 first-year positions offered, 34,075 (93.9%) filled. These rates were similar to last year’s. Of 6,087 total certified programs, 5,367 filled (88.2%), which was a decrease from last year, per the NRMP.

For more numbers, take a look at this NRMP press release.  

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Final Tips for Making Your Match List

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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.

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Flight of the Conchords’ “The Most Beautiful Girl (in the Room)”

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I’m a huge fan of Flight of the Conchords – both the show and the comedy duo themselves. Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement sing a hilarious tune called “The Most Beautiful Girl in the Room” whose lyrics include

…Looking ’round the room
I can tell that you
Are the most beautiful girl in the… room
In the whole wide room (ooh)
And when you’re on the street
Depending on the street
I bet you are definitely in the top three
Good lookin’ girls on the street, yeah
Depending on the street, ooh…

The lyrics proceed from there, consistently qualifying Jemaine’s crush’s beauty:

…You’re so beautiful
Mm, you could be a part-time model
But you’d probably still have to keep your normal job

I thought of this song recently when a wonderful client asked if he should let a residency program know it was one of his top two choices. While very well-meaning, that type of endorsement can fall flat. I would also avoid phrases like “one of my top” picks.

Instead, you can say (or write) something like “I would be thrilled to be at your institution,” or ” I’m confident I can make a positive contribution.” In other words, you can stay honest while not shooting yourself in the foot.

Here’s the “Most Beautiful Girl” video. It’s hilarious.

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Perils of the Virtual Match

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I’ve written before about the benefits of virtual interviews – both with regard to finances and equity. However, the ability to easily hoard residency interviews now has led to an unintended consequence of online access: An increase in qualified applicants who don’t match. Thomas Cook MD, an emergency medicine program director in South Carolina, covers this topic in his piece “The Virtual Match is Like the Toilet Paper Rush.” In it, he points out that when superior candidates accept a very large number of interviews, there are serious negative consequences for their peers. Cook has a suggestion for a potential remedy based on transparency. The piece is worth a read. 

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Your Residency Application: Program Directors Don’t Want Headaches

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If you were a program director (PD), you’d be trying to avoid two big headaches as you assessed a residency candidate:

First, a PD doesn’t want to field complaints from patients, faculty, or other services about his/her residents. Therefore, every far-seeing PD asks him/herself the simple question: Will this person be competent and collegial?

Second, a PD doesn’t want to see the day when s/he’s scurrying around to fill a residency slot and the consequent open call schedule. So, the oracular PD asks the simple question: Will this person leave the program prematurely?

As you approach your interviews, consider how you can demonstrate your competence and collegiality, as well as your commitment to the field and the residency program. For the former, ensure you showcase academic successes, extracurricular activities that demonstrate teamwork, and – if asked – hobbies and reading materials that demonstrate your personality. For the latter, highlight research projects in the specialty, sub-internships, and knowledge about the program and city.

Just making sure the PD knows you are not going to cause him/her pain is half the battle.

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About Dr. Michelle Finkel

Dr. Michelle Finkel

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

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Listen to Dr. Finkel’s interview on the White Coat Investor podcast:

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