Chaney3 OSRR Junior Posts: 41 (12/5/01 9:21:04 pm) Reply Not Matching I know it's still very early, but i'm wondering if anyone is thinking of backup plans. It seems there are no guarantees in ortho and that you can go unmatched even if you have a lot of interviews (which I do NOT have by the way)...starting to get a little anxious. Not to raise anyone's BP, but i'm just curious to see what you all would do if you don't match. I haven't applied to any other specialties...a couple of my friends have applied to prelim surgery programs...something i wish now I had done. Have you guys applied to other fields or prelim programs? If not, what are your plans if you don't match? Ortho2002 OSRR Fellow Posts: 111 (12/5/01 10:02:40 pm) Reply plans i don't know what i will do, but it probably won't involve losing either of my testicles (that one is for you chaney3)!! seriously, i am trying to think postive and, if need be, scramble for a prelim. bonedoc2be OSRR Junior Posts: 41 (12/5/01 10:29:53 pm) Reply Probably prelim year I know a lot of places dont ever fill their prelim spots so it should not be hard to get one. Now getting one where you want it geographically may be another story. I have gotten asked the "what will you do if you dont match" question on every interview so far, and i think they just want to see your response. imnail OSRR Newbie Posts: 5 (12/6/01 6:40:17 pm) Reply Re: Probably prelim year Don't sweat getting a prelim surgery spot. Tons of programs across the US go unfilled every year. Going where you want geographically, or otherwise, should not be a problem. The only thing to keep in mind is that you need to find a program that will allow you to do some Ortho AND will be flexible with your interview schedule the following year. I would caution those thinking of applying to Ortho again the following year that prelim surgery might not be the best option, as it will likely do little to improve OR change your application. It may help with the program where you do the prelim year if you rotate on their service, but otherwise a year of Gen Surgery doesn't impress. I would suggest exploring the possibility of a year in Ortho research. For most applicants this will likely improve an already good application and it gives you a years worth of Ortho attending exposure. Approaching your home program is always a good option. Even if they don't have any openings they may be a ble to connect you with programs that do. I know of several applicants who have made this work and matched the following year. Good Luck!