FAQ

Q: What about types of residencies not listed on the excel sheet?

A: If a type of residency is not listed on the excel spreadsheet it simply means no one has ever sent in information about any Shomer Shabbos Programs in that area (ex: General Surgery). I have no information besides that which is on the excel sheet.

Q: What if I have halachic questions?

A: I am not a Rabbi and will not be able to answer halachic questions. Please do not email me halachic questions. Please ask your local Rabbi.

Q: How often is the website updated?

A: After I collect several feedback emails I update the master excel spreadsheet and upload it to the website. This varies by time of year.

Q: When should I interview to get a Shomer Shabbos Spot?

A: You should try to have all of your interviews done by mid-January because some of the programs that have Shomer Shabbos spots are calling Shomer Shabbos applicants to feel out if they are really interested. You will sometimes be asked on the spot to "accept" a Shomer Shabbos spot, so be prepared with how you want to handle that situation. This is not really appropriate and you should probably tell them that you are not allowed to "accept" anything outside the match (for the AMGs out there) and that you are still considering your rank list and finishing up interviews. You should get to rank everyplace you want to and get into the best place you can get into without pressure. If programs put this illegal kind of pressure on you, especially in New York, you should not feel bad telling them exactly what they want to hear (even if untrue) like, "I plan to rank your program at the top of my list." Then do whatever you feel is best for you on your rank list.

Q: How is it allowed based on NRMP rules to have a Shomer Shabbos Spot?

A: Several programs have separate numbers that you can rank if you are interested in their Shomer Shabbos spot(s). Others programs say they will give the applicant the Shomer Shabbos scheduling if they match to their program through their regular match number. Then the program and applicant separately each "decide" to rank each other number one so that the desired outcome occurs.

Q: What should I do to let the program know I am interested in the Shomer Shabbos spot?

A: Do not bother them on the phone about it pre-interview day. When you get to the interview day, discreetly ask either the residency coordinator/administrator or program director. Even the person who is interviewing you is a bad person to ask as they will likely not know enough to tell you anyway and the fact that the Shomer Shabbos possibilities at the program is a draw to you may not come across as a positive to that interviewer. There are many program directors that do not want to hear about Shomer Shabbos spots and you can kill your overall chances at a spot there by asking, so know your audience.

Q: What information should I gather?

A: Ask about how they handle the major holidays and the minor holidays (don't be too hopeful on Channukah or Purim), Shabbos with regard to: call, night float, when winter comes and it starts early, kosher food, local synagogue (in hospital?), how the other residents feel about this different treatment etc. You would do well to point out that you want to work just as hard as anyone else in the program, and you want to be sure the other housestaff knows you are working hard as well.