katzung
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This is what i found on kaplan website,hope it helps!!!!
Students in US medical schools who have not matched to a residency position will usually be notified by their Student Affairs Deans the day before match results are announced. Typically, Deans and clinical faculty will then work with unmatched students to find them a position by calling residency programs with unfilled positions as well as transmitting the students' application documents to the programs via ERAS or fax. By the end of the day, most, if not all, of the unmatched students will have found positions.
Independent applicants can find out whether they matched beginning at 12 noon Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the NRMP website in a specific day in mid-March. Unmatched independent applicants can access the list of unfilled programs that is posted on the NRMP website (www.nrmp.org) at 11:30 AM EST on the day following. At 12 noon EST on the day following that, matched applicants can see where they matched on the NRMP website. Unmatched applicants can also access the unfilled position list by calling the NRMP at (202) 828-0566. Either access method requires that the unmatched applicant supply a Personal Identification Number (PIN) and their NRMP identification number. The listings through either access route allow the applicant to search unfilled programs by specialties and locations.
Once an unmatched applicant locates specific programs with unfilled positions that they wish to contact, they begin calling those programs. Preparations for finding a position using the unfilled list should include having access to at least one, preferably two, phone lines, so that one can be talking to a program while simultaneously faxing application information or arrangements should be made to use ERAS to transmit these materials. The ECFMG newsletter (free) provides specific directions for making sure that ERAS can transmit application materials to programs during the scramble period, so it is important to take care of this early. Paper copies of application documents and fax cover sheets can be prepared beforehand. Preparing in advance allows unmatched applicants to contact as many programs with unfilled positions as possible during this time-sensitive post-match scramble period.
Participating in the Post-Match Scramble
- Beginning at noon Tuesday EST of Match week (check the www.nrmp.org Web site for specific dates for this year), unmatched applicants can contact unfilled programs to secure a position. This is commonly called the "Scramble" and is somewhat like a game of musical chairs. Unmatched applicants can enter the NRMP web site [or NRMP Voice Response System at (202) 828-0566] after noon on Tuesday of Match week to get a list of programs which did not fill. This is the basic information you need to participate in the "Scramble." The interactive systems allow you to narrow your search by locations or specialties. Check the AMA-FREIDA system accessed through the www.nrmp.org Web site for specific program information. If you want to participate in the Scramble, you must be prepared! Immediately visit the www.ecfmg.org Web site and subscribe to their free ECFMG newsletter, which will provide very specific directions for how to prepare your ERAS application packet so that ERAS can quickly send it out to unfilled programs that you will be calling. They guarantee to have the application materials to programs within 2-3 hours, so this is the easiest and the fastest way to get your application to programs during the scramble period. Faxing takes too long and should only be used as a last resort! When calling a program, ask how you should proceed to submit an application for the position. Follow the instructions you receive exactly. Repeat the instructions back to the program person whom you are speaking with to make sure that you have written down the correct information and numbers. Ask for a telephone interview. Avoid personal interviews unless the program seems really promising because the time spent there will use up many valuable hours you could be using to contact other programs with positions still open. In the Scramble, the luxury of an in-person interview is most frequently abandoned and each side takes the other sight unseen (except for the application). Do not assume that you have a position and quit calling just because a program has shown some interest. In the scramble game, no position is secure until you have a commitment (contract offer) in writing. During the scramble process, look for both categorical and preliminary unfilled positions. Often preliminary positions (available in both internal medicine and surgery) are the last ones to fill, or do not get filled. These one-year positions are a way to establish yourself at that institution and position yourself to match in your desired specialty at the same site next year. At minimum, you may get strong letters of recommendation, strengthening your chances of matching next year. Hospital contracts / letters of appointment will be sent by the program or hospitals after a position is offered to you. This can sometimes take a few weeks so do not become anxious. If you are concerned, you can call the program secretary for further information. Be sure to return a copy of the contract/letter of appointment to the hospital within the required time frame. The hospital will also send you other documents which you must review, sign and return in a timely manner. This is also the time to take care of any final issues concerning your visa. The program/hospital can help you with getting the necessary forms completed or direct you to a competent attorney. Usually all positions are filled within 2 weeks after the match. After that, there may be some movement in the number and availability of positions, but it is minimal. If a hospital has several unfilled programs and the phone number given is the hospital's education office number, do not continue calling that number after being told that all positions are filled. This wastes your valuable time and that of the hospital personnel. After the second call, secretaries are unlikely to help you, even if they could. Once you are beyond that two to three week period after the Match, the scramble is effectively over. If you did not enroll in the most recent match, this presents a problem for you in the scramble process, because you need an NRMP access code and PIN number to quickly access the online posting of programs with unfilled positions. Obtaining unfilled position information online is much faster than waiting for delivery of the paper version of the unfilled list, which can be ordered directly from the NRMP Web site.
Evaluating Your Application - IF YOU DIDNOT MATCH
If you were not successful in this year's Match, it is important to consider the various components of your ERAS application in order to determine where it is weak, and then take steps to strengthen it, both for use in the post-match scramble process, or for the next matching cycle. Here are some specific questions to help you evaluate your application and its overall competitiveness:
- Did you have strong USMLE scores? If your scores were not that impressive, then you may want to consider taking the USMLE Step 3 and doing well to reassure program directors that you are already licensable (and can write prescriptions) when you become a second year resident. Program directors often see lower scores as a possible red flag, indicating that an applicant could fail Step 3, so anything you can do to reassure them you won't present this kind of problem is helpful. Do you have any clinical experience in the US? If not, then pursuing observerships, externships, or research in US facilities should be a priority for you before re-applying in the match. Program directors want to know that you are familiar with how medical care is delivered in US clinical settings, and such experiences may lead to new letters of recommendation, which will further strengthen your application next time. Was your personal statement strong and well written? Program directors expect to see well-written personal statements that present a strong case for why an applicant would be an asset if accepted. The statements should flow well and be not much longer than one page, grammatically correct, and error free. If your statement doesn't meet these standards, then it should be revised accordingly. Did you have strong letters of recommendation? The most valuable letters are from US-based physicians and should include specific comments on your skills, traits, and ability to perform in the clinical setting. If your letters don't meet this standard, then you should work toward obtaining stronger ones by doing clinical experiences in US hospitals and clinical settings, where you will be able to request new letters from your clinical supervisors at those facilities. Did you apply mainly to programs that were likely to be beyond your reach? If so, you should consider applying to more "safety" programs, in the specialty of choice, as well deciding to apply for positions in less competitive specialties and locations as well. Did you look good "on paper" but feel you may have interviewed poorly? If this is a possibility, then it may help to compare your own interview experiences with those of successfully matched colleagues and learn from how they handled the expected questions common to many interviews. You should also consider strengthening your English skills and do some practice interviews before entering the next matching cycle. Did you mainly apply to programs that rarely accept international medical graduates? If not, then you must do better research to find out which programs are more amenable to international medical graduates. To do this, look carefully at programs that are located in large urban areas with larger immigrant populations (New York, Miami, Chicago, etc.). Also, use a good search engine such as google.com to search for web sites that post the unfilled position lists from recent years of the match. Programs that do not regularly fill all of their slots are often more welcoming to international medical graduate applicants than programs which normally fill. Evaluate the relative competitiveness of the geographic locations and the specialty to which you applied. Some states are more difficult (e.g., California), and also, certain specialties are extremely competitive (e.g., surgical specialties, diagnostic radiology, emergency medicine, ophthalmology, dermatology). Consider applying to a less competitive primary care specialty or Psychiatry next time, because these are historically easier to get into. Additionally, if you applied mainly to university-based programs, widen your list to include some community-based programs. Residency positions do sometimes open up outside the Match (example sources include Find-a-Resident, postings in JAMA, or matched colleagues who may hear about residents leaving local programs).
After carefully evaluating your residency application, take whatever steps are necessary to strengthen any aspect of it that may have hurt your overall competitiveness. Here are some additional suggestions for what you can do until the next matching cycle:
- Continue networking with other international medical graduates who matched into local programs. They may hear about openings, or be able to suggest opportunities for doing clinical externships or observerships. Monitor local hospital web sites and hospital bulletin boards for notices about research jobs, free continuing medical education (CME) courses, medical assistant jobs, etc. Check local clinics serving the homeless, the disabled, or the elderly in order to volunteer and get to know local physicians. Those who come to know you directly are far more likely to assist you than those to whom you direct phone calls, letters, or email messages. Check the local public health agency for job or volunteer opportunities. Enroll in some graduate courses or a graduate degree program (Public Health, Hospital Administration, or Medical Informatics, for example) to strengthen or broaden your credentials before the next match.
A New Resource for Un-Matched Applicants is now offered by the AAMC
The FindAResident Service
Q: How does FindAResident differ from ERAS and NRMP?
A: Although FindAResident works alongside ERAS and NRMP, there are some important differences. ERAS and NRMP provide services for applicants to apply and match to residency and fellowship positions during established Match and Scramble periods. FindAResident offers year-round access to unfilled positions that fall outside the scope of ERAS and NRMP. ERAS and NRMP offer PGY1 and PGY2 residency positions, as well as some fellowship positions that begin in the upcoming July (or the following July for PGY2 and fellowship positions). FindAResident offers PGY1 through PGY6 residency and fellowship positions in all subspecialties, as well as off-cycle positions that become available for off-cycle starts. As an added benefit, you can import your certified Common Application Form (CAF) information from ERAS directly into FindAResident.
Q: Can I use FindAResident and participate in the NRMP Match?
A: Residency and fellowship applicants are encouraged to participate in the NRMP Match system to secure positions as appropriate. If an applicant is unsuccessful in the NRMP Match, FindAResident offers a good resource to identify suitable vacancies. FindAResident works closely with the NRMP to ensure the integrity of the Match and to encourage ethical behavior among users. Applicants who are matched to positions in the NRMP may not use FindAResident to break their match agreements. Therefore, during the critical Post-Match period between mid-March and July 1, applicants who have matched successfully with the NRMP may not use FindAResident to contact programs with open positions in the year that the applicant is matched. Nor will applicants be able to see positions during the ERAS season that should have been posted in ERAS and the NRMP. FindAResident users may, however, use the service to identify positions that are available before or after July 1, the date when residents generally report for the first day of their residency.
Q: What's the difference between FindAResident and FREIDA?
A: FREIDA provides a static list of open positions providing only contact information for programs that have open residency positions. FindAResident offers a frequently updated list of unfilled positions, as well as a resume service and notification system. The FindAResident resume and private mailbox allow you to send your resume directly to programs seeking to fill vacant residency and fellowship positions.
Q: How does FindAResident differ from other residency position services?
A: With FindAResident you'll have year-round access to: - Dedicated client support Frequently updated list of unfilled positions Resume service, private mailbox, and a customizable search engine.
Because the FindAResident service involves fees and does not guarantee to find applicants positions, we suggest that you visit the website to carefully examine whether it might be useful for your particular situation. At least during its initial months of operation, we noted that there were not that many positions listed, and that most of those were for advanced standing positions. This means that the service might be most useful right now for residents seeking to change programs, or who need new positions after leaving their original training programs for whatever reason. We simply include information about the service here for your convenience and this should not be viewed as an endorsement of the service.
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Hari Om,Lokaha Samasthaha Sukhino Bhavanthu
(Let All Beings Everywhere Be Happy And Content)
Proud to be an Indian.
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| ssandhu112
Forum Guru
Topics: 18
Posts: 370
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thank u v much for the information katzung
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