FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellowship Match For the Academic Year 2012-2013The Pediatric Anesthesia Program Directors group, under the sponsorship of the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia, has agreed to use the NRMP Match process for the 2012 academic year. About 76% of fellowship positions are committed to the Match. The Match is offered in response to feedback from both trainees and programs.
Important Dates
Applicants may interview anytime, but should not accept offers to interview for match positions unless they intend to register for the match. Registration for residents will cost $50. Slots that are not filled on Match Day will be displayed in the NRMP web application. Unmatched applicants and the directors of unfilled programs can contact each other at that time. Registrants who accept a position outside the Match must withdraw from the Match, and should inform each program with which they have interviewed. We expect that most programs will list additional open positions on the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia website after Match Day. Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I go to learn more about the 2011 Pediatric Anesthesia Match?The NRMP has posted details about the Match, including a timeline, on its website. The Society for Pediatric Anesthesia (SPA), and Society for Academic Anesthesiology Associations (SAAA) websites will also have information and links. Your institution’s fellowship program director or core residency program director is another resource. http://www.nrmp.org/fellow/match_name/ped_anesth/about.html
Who is eligible to enter the new Fellowship Match, and when is this occurring?The Match is for current CA-2 trainees who will complete residency in 2012, and who will be ready to enter fellowship on or around* July 1, 2012 (the July 2012 to June 2013 academic cycle) *Note: some fellowships start their program August 1; others offer rolling start dates.
I am a month (or two, or three) off the academic cycle due to approved leave, so I will finish residency after June 30, 2012. Am I still eligible to participate in the 2012 Match?You can participate in the 2011 Match for 2012 appointments, but you must ask the individual programs where you apply about the availability of a delayed start date. A number of programs have a strict July 1 start, while others routinely start fellows in August or have rolling start dates. Keep in mind that NRMP policy is based on a July 1 start date; in the event you match to a program that starts training on July 1, the program can ask for and receive a waiver from the NRMP if you cannot begin training on time. Also, if you are off-schedule, the program must petition the RRC/ACGME for permission to increase fellowship slots to accommodate “overlapping” positions. Individual program policies will vary. It is best to inquire before interviewing if this is an issue for you.
When can I start interviewing?Residents can begin interviewing anytime a program offers a date. It is OK to interview for a Match position before registering with the NRMP in March-but if you accept such an invitation, you are expected to register once NRMP opens the R3 site. Residents who wish/need to secure a position outside the Match should not accept an interview if the program indicates that all available positions are within the Match, at least not without further discussion with the program. Program directors have agreed to keep all previously committed Match positions in the NRMP Match program in 2011.
How late can I wait to interview for a Match slot?The Match rank lists must be submitted by applicants and programs no later than June 8, 2011. You must have completed your interviews and your rank decisions by this date.
I really want (need) to have a decision before June 2011-what can I do?Some programs may have designated positions outside the Match to accommodate special circumstances-you need to inquire at each program. Program directors have agreed not to withdraw their committed spots from the Match-so all Match position applicants will receive notification of results on Match Day, which is June 22, 2011. Programs may be willing to tell you that they will “rank you to match”, although they are not permitted to require a response from you.
Why do we need a Match?Anesthesia residents (through the resident leadership sections of ASA and other governing bodies and program surveys) asked the subspecialty fellowship to create a Match process. This process will give residents the opportunity to interview at any programs they are interested in without pressure (or perceived pressure) from the programs to make a decision before they have had a chance to finish interviewing.
How were the Match calendar dates chosen?Setting a common calendar of opening and closing dates was a difficult compromise, and ultimately was chosen to allow sufficient time for state licensure for particularly “slow states.” In addition, we tried to balance the desire for an early decision by those who select pediatric anesthesia early on, and protecting slots for those residents whose exposure to pediatric anesthesia is later in the CA-2 year. It is possible that some positions will remain open following the Match, and this schedule allows plenty of time for a deliberative post-Match search. Programs are encouraged to post and update any open positions on the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia Website in the fellows section.
What are my costs for the Match?
The residents’ fee is $50. (Programs pay fees as well.)
Why can’t we use ERAS to distribute our applications like we did in medical school?ERAS timeline options were not flexible enough to meet our needs. Many programs are trialing a Common Application Form to simplify multiple applications. The common application is new. It is best to inquire with each program as website details may not yet be updated. The common application is available online at: Society for Pediatric Anesthesia in the fellows section: http://www.pedsanesthesia.org/fellowships_index.iphtml
Do I have to apply separately to each fellowship?Yes. We are not using ERAS. Some programs will accept the common application found online at: http://www.pedsanesthesia.org/fellowships_index.iphtml. Program instructions for letters of reference, need for a CV etc. may differ so check with each program. A list of fellowships and contacts is available online at the ACGME under the “search programs and sponsor” tab or via the link at the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia website.
What do I need to do to apply?Contact the individual programs regarding their application process. Most centers require an application form with personal statement (many will accept the new common application available online at http://www.pedsanesthesia.org/fellowships_index.iphtml). In addition, you may be asked to supply a CV, up to four letters of reference sent directly from the source, a photograph, or other documents. You may want to inquire about the timing of interviews, and ask how to follow up regarding the completion of your application file.
What happens if I register for the Match, but then accept a position outside the Match?If you decide to accept a position offered outside the Match, you can do so even if you have already registered for the Match. However, you MUST withdraw from the NRMP Match, and you should do so in a timely manner. You should also notify the programs where you interviewed about your decision. Remember, we are a small group of Program Directors!!!
What happens if I change my mind about the fellowship after the Match?The Match is a binding commitment. Accepting a spot makes the position unavailable to others, and a withdrawal creates significant problems for the fellowship program. If you do not intend to accept your matched position, you must request a waiver from the NRMP. If the waiver is denied and you do not accept the matched positions, the NRMP may apply sanctions, including barring you from match-participating programs for one year and barring you from future matches. In addition, you may not be considered an eligible applicant by other fellowship specialties, and your medical school may be notified and requested to keep a copy of your match violation on permanent file. If you change your mind, you MUST apply for a waiver from the NRMP, requesting to be released from your obligation. The Program Director of your Matched fellowship cannot release you from this commitment. Waiver requests must be submitted to and can be approved only by the NRMP.
I want to apply to other subspecialty fellowships (pain, critical care, and cardiac) as well; can I do this?You should not enter the Pediatric Anesthesia Match if you are undecided about your subspecialty interest. You will be unable to register for and participate in multiple pediatric subspecialty matches if those matches (e.g., pediatric surgery) run concurrent to the Pediatric Anesthesia Match. Also, the Match imposes a binding commitment to accept the position if you match to a program. Failure to obtain a waiver in order to pursue a different subspecialty constitutes a breach of contract and will be investigated by the NRMP. Such behavior is unfair to the fellowship program and other applicants.
Is there a “Couple’s Match”?Yes, but only if both partners are in the Pediatric Anesthesia Match. However, many Program Directors will work with you and your partner’s subspecialty Program Director to give you some advice. You should let programs know if you are trying to attain positions together in the same city.
What are my options if I decide on Pediatric Anesthesia late and miss the Match dates?You may find that there will be either unmatched slots or slots outside the Match that are still available. Most programs post these on the Society for Pediatric website in the fellowship section. Additionally, late vacancies do sometimes occur and are usually posted. Some programs offer mid-year starting positions. Your current residency program director or the pediatric fellowship director at your institution may have additional advice. http://www.pedsanesthesia.org/fellowships_index.iphtml
What happens if I commit in the Match to a July 1 position, then need a delayed start?You will need to speak with the Program Director. A delayed start may be possible within the academic year; however, one-year deferrals to the next academic year require waiver approval from the NRMP. It is important to communicate at the earliest possible time should this need arise. |
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