radiology residency interviews

So, here we are in residency interview season. My husband has chosen the very desirable, yet very competitive, radiology specialty. And, we live in Boston, a competitive area. He has three interviews thusfar, and is kind of waitlisted for interviews at 2 (very competitive) programs. Should I start panicking? He has done some research, been published, spoken at the National convention etc. Grades are ok, not fab, but med board scores are excellent.

[DCJenn]

Re: radiology residency interviews

I would say if it's residency season and you're not panicked then there's something wrong with you!

Here's one way to think about it- there will always be someone who is a bigger gunner and there's always going to be someone who is less so. What matters, and what you have zero control over, is what the residency honchos want at that particular moment.

So, feel free to panic all you want. You've come to the right place.

Jenn

[SuzySunshine]

Re: radiology residency interviews

Is he only interviewing in Boston? I think that's reason to panic in any specialty? Casting a small net isn't wise in my opinion.

[alison]

Re: radiology residency interviews

Since Robert is a professor, he's probably not very mobile, and can't just leave the Boston area. I think casting a wide net is wise, but difficult if you're in academia yourself!

I wouldn't hit the panic button just yet. There's nothing you can do at this point and that's the worst feeling! Try to get through these next few months, and then mobilize the troops if you absolutely have to scramble. Also not the end of the world.

(Easier to say this after you've been through it. )

[ladymoreta]

Re: radiology residency interviews

I lived in a state of panic from November to March last year, so, yeah, definitely normal. I think it would be a good idea for him to tell his interviewers that he is only applying in the area, and maybe send a letter to his top choice after all his interviews are complete letting them know he plans to rank them first.

His grades and scores will get him interviews, but the key to nailing them (at least in the business world, where I'm from) is making yourself into the kind of person your interviewers want to work with. If he can relate to them in a way that shows he loves living in Boston and sincerely wants to stay there, they'll be more inclined to rank him higher. Programs DO talk to residents after interviewee dinners, so make sure he makes a good impression the night before. If the program has a high percentage of married/committed couples, it's a great idea for you to come with him to the dinner, so they can see that he has you for support.

Good luck, and keep us updated!!! We can definitely relate!

[Vishenka69]

Re: radiology residency interviews

Has he only applied to three programs? Not sure how many there are in Boston. Many of our friends, as well as DH, have only applied in NYC and nobody had problems matching or finding a spot. Granted Manhattan alone has 6 teaching hospitals, but if Philly has 3 major ones, Boston should have more. Panicking while interview and waiting for the match is perfectly normal regardless of how wide your net is or what specialty your husband is applying to.

[Deebs]

Re: radiology residency interviews

While it's important to be smart during the interview process in terms of not limiting options, keep in mind that it only takes one program to match. We have a friend who matched into radiology after literally having ONE interview offer. Everyone was ready to be very supportive of him and his family as he would be forced to work for a year, do research, etc, and we were all surprised when none of those options were needed. I know others who have had 15 plus interviews (in EM, not rads) and matched no where. I also think this is a time for your SO to talk to people at the med school at get their advice. Sometimes who you know can make a big difference.

[Tenacious_D]

Re: radiology residency interviews

I hate to be the Debbie Downer and haven't read all the posts yet BUT if he only has 3 confirmed interviews so far that is not a good thing at all. He might want to talk to his Dean about helping get him more. DH is currently interviewing for radiology and applied to over 17 programs just for rads (not including the intern year). Statistically speaking, you would need to have at least 12 interviews to be certain of a match. If he is hoping to stay in Boston that makes it even more difficult with the high ranking programs in Boston. This year has also seen an extreme increase in applicants so a lot of folks who might have matched or gotten interviews last year, will not get as many or match this year. If you want to talk more about it, you can PM me. So in a nutshell, you have every right to be worried and you both might want to start working with his school to see if they can get you on some more interviews.

Good Luck.

Re: radiology residency interviews

Well, he has done a year of research in neuroradiology at MGH, the be-all and end-all of all hospitals, and got a bang-up rec from the head of neuro there...so we can hope. she may also be able to wangle him an interview at BI, who he has not heard from. He has done a visiting rotation at one of his top choices, where he did interview. He has written thank yous, and made it clear at interviews that he is married and tied to the area. Anything else post-interview he can do?

BTW, you guys are great! These responses are so helpful!

[Meenah]

Re: radiology residency interviews

No advice, but hope all is well and sending big hugs. Keep us posted and stick around, we are a great support group no matter what the stage of training.

[HouseofWool]

Re: radiology residency interviews

I am begining to think that fear and loathing are the most common feelings between Novemver and March. DH has cast a fairly wide net and has gone on mostly local interview (within about 6 hrs of my parents) but overall they have ranged from the Rockies to the Mid-Atlantic region. I don't remember the exact numbers, but I think he sent out about 20 apps and has gone on about a dozen interviews. So far at least a couple of programs have said that they would like to have him at their facility. Our 2nd choice was very enthusiastic, our first choice was positive as well. One that wasn't even on my radar because of distance is creeping up on his list.

I can't wait until it is time to sumbit the ROL and it is out of our hands. I just want to know.

<end hijack>

Good luck to your dh.

Re: radiology residency interviews

Amen to all of this. we have had 3 rad interviews and have 7 med prelims. Who thought of this system anyway! And I thought LOaw School was bad.

[Flynn]

Re: radiology residency interviews

Is he only interviewing in Boston? I think that's reason to panic in any specialty? Casting a small net isn't wise in my opinion.

I totally agree.

There are no "fair" rules in residency.
You have to go where you are wanted and hopefully you have a little bit of say in it.

[Flynn]

Re: radiology residency interviews

He has written thank yous, and made it clear at interviews that he is married and tied to the area. Anything else post-interview he can do?

BTW, you guys are great! These responses are so helpful!

I also apologize for sounding like Debbie Downer but there is no such thing in medicine as being "tied to an area."
It doesn't count for jack -- neither does being married to someone who had a good job where you are.

We know someone who needed to stay in a big city due to his child's medical issues -- a children's hospital in the top five was paramount. I think this is about as good a reason as any to stay in a BIG city in a big program. The doc made everyone aware of this during interviews in an appropriate manner. He was also trying to get into Radiology -- he didn't match and now the family is doing a FP residency instead -- two years later.

Re: radiology residency interviews

you are debby downer flynn!!! happy holidays to you!