I'm in a situation where I have a good relationship with both my home PD and chair, and it's a program I would be happy to train at, I'll most likely be ranking it #2. However, there's another program that I'm going to rank #1 that I would absolutely want to go to. How do I put in my best chance to get my #1 rank (i.e. ask my home chair to call the chair at my #1) without losing my position on the rank list at my home program in case I don't get my #1? Does telling my home PD or chair that another program is my #1 cause me to drop down on their rank list?

As you finish December interviews, if you've done at least 15 (maybe even 10-12 for really strong applicants) and have some that you're not interested in, strongly consider cancelling. There are folks out there who will gladly fill that spot. The data show that between 10 and 15 is the 'magic' number for neurosurgery, so doing much more than that if you're really unlikely to go to that program is a waste of your time and potentially hurts someone else. When I applied to med school, I was accepted at 6 of my top choices within the first few months, what more could I ask for? I cancelled the rest of my interviews or withdrew my application anywhere else. I'd like to think that someone else got a look who deserved it as much or more than I did. It is hard to match in neurosurgery, no question, but program directors aren't interested in interviewing someone who is not genuinely interested in them, especially when there is a long line of folks who really want the spot. Good luck!

PS. On a personal note, I've gotten 8 invites, feeling good but of course would love to get up to 10. Thanks to anyone who cancels interviews in the Northeast or West Coast!

Wanted to ask for anyone who did a sub-I there. Had heard some things a few years ago about residents being very cutthroat with each other and fighting every day over who gets to scrub in the OR. Don't know if things have changed for the better since then, especially since they have a new PD.

What are programs that are used to having or taking in IMGs? Or ones that have a high number of IMGs do research fellowships and eventually match somewhere?

How good is this Chicago review course? Any good/bad reviews of those who actually attended it? Are 7 days of your time worth it? Is it interactive or just listening to those lectures?

What happens on these? Do you get to scrub cases? Take call? How does this work?

Anyone have the results from peds match today?

Just having a hard time with interviews this year. Its so hard to communicate through zoom. A little awkward and nervous, hard to hear at times, harder to think on the spot........
Anyone else?

I have 3/4 interviews that I really am indifferent to attending at this point. Excellent programs, but I am mentally exhausted with the interview process and feel like my interview quality is going down/feeling low energy. I am thinking it is better I save my energy for programs I am really really excited about/would rank higher. 

Several of these are top 20 programs, so I am thinking even if it’s really close to the date, someone would be excited to jump on the slot so it may be worth it to an applicant even if it’s annoying to the program. What do you guys think? Just go through with it or let them go and potentially irritate the PC but give another applicant a chance?

Interviews in question are happening this week and week after. I’m thinking anything before Wednesday is too late, but others maybe not?

Not sure how to judge other than looking at the residents page and counting number of women and POC. But I did notice that a place like UNC Chapel Hill is 6/14 female, which is very impressive. And strong programs in the Midwest like Mayo and WashU have very little POC. Anybody care to share their own experiences?