Question about graduating med school in August rather than June...

[APDoc]

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If a med student were to graduate in August rather than June, would they have to sit out a whole year and participate in the match the following year? I read alot that most interns start in July, so obviously you wouldn't be able to do that if you haven't graduated from med school yet. Anyone here who had an experience like this or know someone who has who can shed some light on the subject? Thanks for your time in advance!

 

[beyond all hope]

Yes, you would be ineligible for your year's match and would have to apply next year. It will be more difficult to get letters of recommendation, and a lot of residency directors would frown on this unconventional decision. It will be difficult to get a good residency position, especially in a competative field.

You could try and wait for an open position to arise out of the match after August (which they frequently do) but then you'd have to go wherever that spot arose, and you wouldn't have much choice in location.

Then again, if you're fishing for a year off, it may be a way to pull it off without having to answer that question 'why did you take a year off'.

 

[APDoc]

I didn't realize it was such a wrench in the match process, although I knew there was no way to begin in July. I'm not sure I understand how it would affect letters of recommendation though. Obviously, if a competitive field were at stake, I would think that taking a year off would probably be the best alternative if a late graduation was inevitable. Sometimes a year off, if spent wisely, can help a residency application too, especially for the competitive fields I would think.

Anyone else out there who can also offer some insight into this situation? Thanks!

 

[southerndoc]

No, you aren't screwed. Some programs have flexible start dates. You can look on FREIDA or program websites for the programs that have flexible start dates. Email them and tell them you're interested in their program, explain that you won't be graduating until August, and ask them if they will still consider your application.

 

[mdblue]

Most of the PDs will empathize w/ you if you are otherwise a strong candidate and they will do wait for another 2 months. However it does mess up w/ the call schedule-so don't discuss this problem of yours before the interview and you have a got a reasonable assurance that they are going to match you.
It's like any other deal, if they really like you they are going to take you no matter what.
Good luck. 🙂

 

[APDoc]

I'm just curious as to how the process changes if you're two months off with regards to graduating. At this point in time I'm not, but it may happen. I appreciate the insight from all of you.