FM to Neurology...Possible?

[Leukocyte]

I am a FM resident (PGY-1), and currently I have been reconsidering my career options and choices. FM is OK, but I guess I am not "programed" to be in primary care. I do not like "general medicine". I want to be a specialist, who focuses on ONE organ system, and know it well. I want to be a consultant, rather than a PCP. I went into FM because of my STATS (see bellow), thinking that I will convince myself to like it...but every day in the clinic, and every rotation I do, is making me dislike FM more and more.

STATS:

-IMG
-USMLE (Average - with 2 attempts on step 2)
-No neurology rotation or reccomendation in medical school

I did not apply to Neurology last match cycle because:

-I was afraid to apply both a prelim year and neuro residency, and getting one but the other.
-I thought that my STATS are not good enough for Neurology.

But now I feel that I am shocking in FM residency. I really do not like dealing with all of my patient's problems. I just want to be a consultant/expert in a specific area. I have been interested (lately) in the neurology and psychiatry...and the field of Neuropsychiatry or behavioral Neurology.

What would you guys advise me to do?

-Apply to neurology programs without telling my PD, then tell him/her if I get accepted to a program?

-Inform my PD with my current sentiments, and risk being on his/her "bad side", which could result in me not getting a contract renewal for next year. That would really suck, especially if I do not receive any offers from Neurology programs.

-Tough it up, complete the 3 year FM residency, then apply for a second residency in Neurology.

I want to move into Neurology very badly, but I am very scared to take any steps at this time. I do not want to "anger" my PD, just in case no Neurology program accepts me. I do not want to make a stupid move, and lose my current residency...and end up with neither a FM nor a Neurology residency.

Any advise is appeciated.

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[buckley]

This "advice" is to be taken with a HUGE sack of salt, ok? I really don't know what to say.

You really have no neurology rotations in medical school? That would be a problem because how do you know you want to go into Neurology? I know it's not necessary, but I'm just curious.

I would talk to my PD--but you seem to be afraid and recognize a risk that your contract might not be renewed, so that to me is a danger sign that your PD may not be such a terrific guy. Should you decide to talk to him though, I think you can emphasize how you don't see yourself in primary care.

Quite a jump though. What made you go to FM in the first place, and not IM? I know of people who shifted into neuro from IM. Can't say Ive heard of anyone doing it from FM, but I can't say it's impossble either.

Good luck! Sorry I can't be much of a help

 

[Narcan1]

Maybe you would be better off sliding over to IM and then go on to fellowship. I think that might be more possible. Something like Pulm/CC might suit you better. I think you had posted that you like surgery before.

 

[sonicgirl]

Okay, so best case scenario you apply next year for neuro. You will have two years of family behind you by the time you start, and you will have pissed off your PD whom you may need a letter from.

My advice is to finish out family, do plenty of neuro electives to make sure this is really what you want (and not the product of a really tough intern year), and apply for neuro during your last year.

I also like narcan's idea of IM. This would give you lots of options.

Good luck!

 

[CarefreeCFC]

I'd agree w/ what others have said. You've got several strikes against you finding a spot: FMG status, average STEP's, and no real "proof" that you're truly interested in Neuro. It's a tough case to make just on the face of it.

If you're really dedicated to doing neuro, you'll have to prove it to any prospective program you apply to (Research, Electives, etc). We just filled a G2 spot in our program since we expanded for next year, and the applicants we interviewed were of a pretty high caliber...all US grads with high test scores, all in good standing with their programs (IM, Emergency Med and FM, I think). If anything, they were even MORE qualified than the average applicant in the regular match.

That said, it's certainly not impossible to find a way into Neuro. IM and then fellowship would seem a much easier road to becoming a 'specialist', though. There are simply more IM spots out there, and they may be more willing to accept FM residents. Best of luck in finding the right fit for your interests.

 

[parmiss]

Okay, so best case scenario you apply next year for neuro. You will have two years of family behind you by the time you start, and you will have pissed off your PD whom you may need a letter from.

My advice is to finish out family, do plenty of neuro electives to make sure this is really what you want (and not the product of a really tough intern year), and apply for neuro during your last year.

I also like narcan's idea of IM. This would give you lots of options.

Good luck!

Just remember, as a PGY-1 looking for a PGY-2 neurology spot you chances are better compared to some one who finishes the whole 3 years of FM residency!!! surprised? yes. The programs do not get reimbursed for the second residency, so you will have a hard time finding a spot.
Good luck