We have contact...

My friend last year got a call from Florida. I was standing right next to him when he got the call. He ended up ranking them number 1, and did not match there. He matched at another place, but the phone call wasn't what he thought it was. So I guess the matched really high and he just missed it.

Either way I'm pretty sure most places play by the rules and don't contact applicants. I didnt get any calls either if it makes you feel better.

Good Luck to all

FWIW, I agree that most programs likely don't contact applicants. However, I don't think it is against the match rules for them to do so, provided they do not ask for an intention of ranking from the applicant.

Well, the truth is regarding the nrmp guidelines is that they can only contact you to offer information, however they choose (ie say we're ranking you #1, etc.) but cannot ask for anything.. as you said above.

The phone call means jack, and is really only to persuade you to make your choice based on that, and that way, they get to have the ego trip that they didn't have to go far down their rank list.

For instance, F.Fu from pitt calls a lot of folks 40+ to find out how they feel about the program. Their response to you saying the greatest thing since sliced bread is their program is.. we'll look at you favorably.. or in some cases "we're going to rank you to match." But that phrase "rank to match" means may different things. It could mean that they typically go 10 down in the rank list.. but have only 5 spots.. and you could be #10.. or it could mean that they ranked you in the top 5. You never know.

I have heard of plenty of stories of people whom were "ranked to match" and put the place #1, and didn't match.

On the otherhand, some places ie HSS, are more reliable in their letters and phone calls and such... You know what that means there.


Bottom line is it doesn't mean jack.. and most programs don't call. And even if you don't get a call, doesn't mean you're not going to match. It maybe that they call the middle as opposed to the top. Strategically that strategy makes sense, if you consider that those people will be less confident (as opposed to grade A candidates with interviews at all the top places, which will rank more aptly to their own choice and not where they think they'll do best) and have their decisions more easily swayed.

Oh well, another 17 days and we know whether or not we'll be orthopaedists.. which truthfully, is what matters most.

To assuage some worries, I matched at a place that is traditionally known for contacting their top people, and I never got contacted by the program after the interview. And I know for a fact that the program matched well that year. So ther I was, worrying because I never heard from them, and it ended up being total BS.

So try to relax and just trust that you'll end up where you're meant to be one way or the other.

The end of fourth year is a great few months to celebrate what you've worked for and decompress before residency, so try to just enjoy yourselves (easier said than done, I know).

I am a resident at Pitt and I can assure you all that our Chairman Dr. Fu does not call 40+ people. If he calls you he is truely interested in you, and your response does not influence how you end up on the match list. There have been plenty of people whom matched at pitt without getting a phone call, however if Fu takes the time to call you it means something. It is not a guarentee you are going to match, but you certainly are on people minds.

For those of you whom have not gotten calls, contact ect... dont sweat it, not getting a call is not going to stop you from matching, I would assume the vast majority of residents a major programs where not contacted prior to there match. Good luck and god bless to you all.

I got a call from Dr. Fu last year. I did not match at Pitt, and I ranked them #1. For what it's worth...