Question regarding switching GPR to Pedo Residency

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Dentsgirl

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Anyone know what would happen if you were non-matched to pedo, matched to gpr and then found a late post-non-match in pedo just a few weeks ago? I know there are strict rules about not going against the match in the match rules and what not. I've heard of people leaving gpr's to be in their speciality choice etc. Anyone know of any experiences from others of what could happen. I'm thinking of doing it but i feel really bad leaving the gpr so i may just give them notification right now. I spent over $2000 in applications and interview costs for pedo, for me to let the pedo go by would be foolish. I'm confused and need some advice. thanks people.

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Dentsgirl said:
Anyone know what would happen if you were non-matched to pedo, matched to gpr and then found a late post-non-match in pedo just a few weeks ago? I know there are strict rules about not going against the match in the match rules and what not. I've heard of people leaving gpr's to be in their speciality choice etc. Anyone know of any experiences from others of what could happen. I'm thinking of doing it but i feel really bad leaving the gpr so i may just give them notification right now. I spent over $2000 in applications and interview costs for pedo, for me to let the pedo go by would be foolish. I'm confused and need some advice. thanks people.


I wouldn't judge your decision based on 2000. If you are going to spend your career as a pediatric dentist to not waste 2 grand, you will be unhappy. If you truly want to be a pedo, I'd say do everything in your hands to get out of the gpr.
 
DcS said:
I wouldn't judge your decision based on 2000. If you are going to spend your career as a pediatric dentist to not waste 2 grand, you will be unhappy. If you truly want to be a pedo, I'd say do everything in your hands to get out of the gpr.
Sorry maybe i wasn't clear in what i wrote, I'm definitely sure about pedo, I was saying it would be a lot of money to lose this year since I was going to reapply again next year and again and again until i got in because pedo is what i want to do. The gpr was just a backup stepping stone for the current year...
 
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i think you are banned from using MATCH for a number of years if you do that.

but who cares, you won't need to use MATCH again, unless you drop out of your pedo residency and decide to apply to another residency program next year.


Dentsgirl said:
Anyone know what would happen if you were non-matched to pedo, matched to gpr and then found a late post-non-match in pedo just a few weeks ago? I know there are strict rules about not going against the match in the match rules and what not. I've heard of people leaving gpr's to be in their speciality choice etc. Anyone know of any experiences from others of what could happen. I'm thinking of doing it but i feel really bad leaving the gpr so i may just give them notification right now. I spent over $2000 in applications and interview costs for pedo, for me to let the pedo go by would be foolish. I'm confused and need some advice. thanks people.
 
Dentsgirl said:
Sorry maybe i wasn't clear in what i wrote, I'm definitely sure about pedo, I was saying it would be a lot of money to lose this year since I was going to reapply again next year and again and again until i got in because pedo is what i want to do. The gpr was just a backup stepping stone for the current year...

A year is LONG time to spend in a GPR if pedo is ultimately what you want to do. If I were in your shoes, I'd call the pedo program immediately and tell them you're coming - please send all paperwork ASAP. Once you have that piece of paper stating you are a 100% member of the new pedo class, call the GPR and tell them you're not coming. What Jone said about the match is really the worst case scenario of what happens if you don't go to the GPR. People drop out of GPRs all the time. Heck, if I didn't have the incentive of a certificate and threat of not being able to register for match this fall, I would have quit sometime last month. Sucks for the others in your program, but hey - it's your career and life.

Don't feel guilty about having to bow out of the GPR. If you don't take the open pedo spot, the next person they offer it to will (there were a lot of unmatched pedo applicants this year, as you probably know). And you are back at square one reapplying for pedo next year.

Take it from a re-reapplicant (is that even a word), square one blows. Good luck with pedo.
 
griffin04 said:
A year is LONG time to spend in a GPR if pedo is ultimately what you want to do. If I were in your shoes, I'd call the pedo program immediately and tell them you're coming - please send all paperwork ASAP. Once you have that piece of paper stating you are a 100% member of the new pedo class, call the GPR and tell them you're not coming. What Jone said about the match is really the worst case scenario of what happens if you don't go to the GPR. People drop out of GPRs all the time. Heck, if I didn't have the incentive of a certificate and threat of not being able to register for match this fall, I would have quit sometime last month. Sucks for the others in your program, but hey - it's your career and life.

Don't feel guilty about having to bow out of the GPR. If you don't take the open pedo spot, the next person they offer it to will (there were a lot of unmatched pedo applicants this year, as you probably know). And you are back at square one reapplying for pedo next year.

Take it from a re-reapplicant (is that even a word), square one blows. Good luck with pedo.
That's an excellent point, and i plan on giving them at least 1.5 months notification. They should be able to find someone else, and it's a good gpr, i'm sure they'll find a replacement quite quickly. I was just concered with legal issues (can they take any legal action)?, I did sign a gpr contract with the program. Also, can the pedo board ban me from licensure? Also, let's say i apply for fafsa for more government loans as a student, is there anyway for the gpr to find out about that pedo program and my existence there? Also, how would you tell the GPR that you're not coming, over the phone? a resignation letter? what kind of excuse would you use? truth? or just say you're not interested in doing a gpr or what? I know that's a lot of questions but i really make sure i leave everyone happy with this...
 
How did you find which pedo residencies still had spots available?
 
2thgirl said:
How did you find which pedo residencies still had spots available?
actually they found me! So i dont know how to answer your question, sorry.

Anyway, anyone?! i need some advice here....thnx in advance
 
The legal issues and the contract are concerning----but the way you present your situation will dictate how the gpr will act. Anything but professional and you risk possible legal problems depending on your contract. GPR's know that they are a source for people who are undecided on their careers or are simply looking to get more experience without the trouble of assoc. or self-employ.

Read your contract that you signed; contact your GPR head as soon as you are prepared on how to address this unique situation. Be honest and forthright with the fact that your goal is to become a pediatric dentist and the grueling application process is something you can't afford to endure (in more ways than one) again. The director should definitely understand your concerns let them know if there is anything you can do to help expedite the situation so all parties are satisfied----you're ready and willing. It would be extremely rare and a black-eye on the GPR to pursue any legal issues with you-----it's just not worth the time or money and what would they get in return?

In the end you have to do what is in your best interest. You might actually be surprised by the GPR's response-----they are there to help educate young dentists and they have chosen their line of work cuz they enjoy helping new dds. I can't imagine a program director not being reasonable about the fact that you are going to pursue you life's goal and contribute to dentistry as a specialist. It's just business nothing personal; the possibility of not matching next year is high and it's too competetive not to take the pedo seat NOW. Talk to anyone and everyone to help get the best information especially a faculty member.

Good luck and you aren't the first person to be in this situation just be professional and accomodating with the GPR and all will be fine.
 
Dr2b,
Thanks for putting things into perspective, i was afraid i would sound selfish and I really want to make sure everyone is happy: the GPR and myself. Heck, I'll even help the GPR find a replacement. As for talking to them, I am thinking of being totally honest BUT what if they dont take it well and ruin my chances at the pedo program by imposing sanctions or something like that where I wouldn't be able to start at the pedo program. That's what worries me. I was thinking of telling them that I think it would be more beneficial for me for my reapplication to pedo to work in a pediatric office as an associate and make some connections so I could apply again next year to pedo and match. what do you think of that?
 
Don't make up stories! The GPR would rather have you back out now instead of in the middle of your residency. Be honest with both parties, and I am sure things will work out. If you try to be deceitful things will only get confusing.
 
Dentsgirl-----it would be a mistake to lie or make-up a story. You're going to be a professional with a Dr. in front of your name and now is not a good time to start fibbing. There is nothing more intolerable than someone lying straight to your face---and nothing more embarrassing then getting caught in it :eek: Someone once said for every lie you speak you'll need another 7 to cover it up. Could you imagine just by chance that they ask to speak with the pedo office you claim to be going to :( You just never know their connections or who they know------I mean there is only 6 degrees of separation from Kevin Bacon to everyone in the US :laugh:

Back to being serious---
Just be honest with the GPR director----call a personal meeting with just him/her, sit down like two professionals and discuss the situation. People drop out of residencies for various reasons all the time, you happen to have an extremely good reason and one if presented correctly should make sense to anyone. This is an unfortunate situation and one you could not predict would happen------and now due to a unique opportunity things in your life have changed. Talk to any of your faculty or any department head at your school and ask them for their opinions-------talk to your dean of student affair------and as soon as you can ----talk with the GPR director. July 1 is rolling around the corner and they'll need any time you could give them. There are a host of GPR's that go unfilled every year.

In the end lying is the worst way to approach this issue beat only by not showing up July 1 :laugh: . If they'd let you go work in a Pedo office -----they sure heck would let you go be a pedo resident. Good luck-----btw----where would you be doing your pedo residency? I start in July. :D
 
Let me know how everything turns out !
 
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