Wednesday, July 23, 2008           












Mechanics of the Matching System
 
Application Process:
 
The VIRMP acts as an agent in matching the student and the institution. The prospective intern or resident first considers the possible institutions offering the programs. In a general way, institutions which will interest the student are known to the student. By writing to the institution directly, consulting faculty, visiting the institution, etc., a final choice will be made. THE CANDIDATE SHOULD APPLY ONLY TO THE PROGRAMS WHICH HE OR SHE IS WILLING TO ACCEPT. Sending an application, without being willing to accept the position, negates the purpose and proper functioning of the system. The application to each institution must fulfill the requirements and criteria established by that institution.
 
PLEASE NOTE: THOSE PERSONS APPLYING FOR BOTH AN INTERNSHIP AND RESIDENCY MUST FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR BOTH THE INTERNSHIP MATCHING PROGRAM AND THE RESIDENCY MATCHING PROGRAM. THE RESIDENCY MATCHING PROGRAM WILL BE COMPLETED FIRST. THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN MATCHED WITH A RESIDENCY WILL BE ELIMINATED FROM THE INTERNSHIP MATCHING PROGRAM. THOSE WHO WERE UNSUCCESSFUL IN OBTAINING A RESIDENCY AND WHO ALSO APPLIED FOR AN INTERNSHIP WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE INTERNSHIP MATCHING PROGRAM.
 
Applying as a Couple:
 
The VIRMP provides an option for couples to be matched together.  Please contact the VIRMP Office at 614-358-0417 or mmckee@craiggroup.com for more information on this process.
 
Commitment Process:
 
One of the most important aspects of the system is the early commitment which has to be made by the applicant; that is, the applicant must agree to accept a position at any of the institutions to which he/she has applied. When creating an account, the applicant will electronically sign an agreement to this effect. This agreement must be completed online no later than January 18, 2008.
 
Ranking Process (Candidate):
 
At the same time (January 18, 2008), the candidate will rank the institutions applied to in order of preference. This is a confidential listing will also be completed online. The candidate is now committed to the program and should only rank the institutions which he/she will accept. For example, if the candidate chooses only one institution, only one institution is submitted to the VIRMP office.
 
Ranking Process (Institution):
 
The institution will also rank, in order of preference, all the candidates it is willing to accept as interns and residents. The institutional ranking of the candidates is also a confidential listing, and a commitment is made to accept any of the candidates if matched.
 
Starting Dates:
 
The AAVC recommends to the participating institutions that the starting date for residencies be no earlier than July 15, and that internship programs end no later than July 5.