Specialty change

greensock said:

I am switching specialties to FM from another specialty. I am in the 2nd year of my 3 year program. If I wanted to start a FM program this coming summer, I would need to apply via ERAS again correct?

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That is where you will find the bulk of positions, so yes. You'll need to register with ERAS and NRMP; you may also find off cycle positions outside of the match in trade journals, BBs, word of mouth, etc.

I ask because the deadline for applying is the end of November and it's almost November and I recently made the decision. I know I'll need letters of rec from my PD and others, but if I do this I need to step on it. Am I correct in my thinking?

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Sort of. The formal deadline to register with NRMP is 11/30/12 but you can register with a late fee up until the end of February. Individual programs may have different deadlines for applications. You will need LORs from your current faculty.

Also, if I do leave my specialty and am fortunate enough to get into a FM residency, I would essentially go unpaid until the new residency starts correct? Most people leave their residencies once they say they are leaving or give them a couple of months? Thanks for any help, I feel in the dark because I can't go to anyone with experience in this area. 🙁

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Preumably you signed a contract, oh around last April or so, for this year. Leaving before June 30 may put you in contract violation; the contract probably stipulates a timeframe (90-120 days would be standard) for which either party is required to give notice of intent to leave/not renew contract. Although it is discussed, it probably isn't worth your program's time to try and sue you for breach should you leave early.

As for what "most people" do - I think that's highly variable. If you have an alternative source of income and your program wants you to leave; then you do - bearing in mind that your loans may come due if you aren't in training and you won't have health insurance. Staying may mean being in an uncomfortable position but it could give you some additional leverage, as it makes you look like a decent guy for not leaving your program in a lurch, and allows you the use of internet, FAX, access to faculty, etc. which could come helpful if you need to participate in SOAP.

greensock said:

I am switching specialties to FM from another specialty. I am in the 2nd year of my 3 year program. If I wanted to start a FM program this coming summer, I would need to apply via ERAS again correct? I ask because the deadline for applying is the end of November and it's almost November and I recently made the decision. I know I'll need letters of rec from my PD and others, but if I do this I need to step on it. Am I correct in my thinking?

Also, if I do leave my specialty and am fortunate enough to get into a FM residency, I would essentially go unpaid until the new residency starts correct? Most people leave their residencies once they say they are leaving or give them a couple of months? Thanks for any help, I feel in the dark because I can't go to anyone with experience in this area. 🙁

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I think before you leave, make sure you have a program in hand that will definitely accept you if you leave ur current program. Otherwise you may be stuck. You may not get FP and then a PD would be mad that you even discussed leaving, whether it happens or not, especially if it is malignant program. if it isn't malignant and more benign then things may be better and you can be more open and honest. Programs easily reject a person with prior training, so think about that as well. I was in residency before and i try to get in again as a PGY1 again and it only looks like a red flag, even if the reason i left the program was illness or personal reasons, so keep that in mind. you don't want to lose everything in the process of leaving or to create gaps in ur training.

What specialty are you leaving? if you're leaving IM, u could get credits to use in FM. if you get credits maybe u could start at a PGY2 level--find that out too. then u can just find PGY2 instead of PGY1, although there are tons more PGY1 than PGY2.

good luck

docu said:

I think before you leave, make sure you have a program in hand that will definitely accept you if you leave ur current program. Otherwise you may be stuck. You may not get FP and then a PD would be mad that you even discussed leaving, whether it happens or not, especially if it is malignant program. if it isn't malignant and more benign then things may be better and you can be more open and honest. Programs easily reject a person with prior training, so think about that as well. I was in residency before and i try to get in again as a PGY1 again and it only looks like a red flag, even if the reason i left the program was illness or personal reasons, so keep that in mind. you don't want to lose everything in the process of leaving or to create gaps in ur training.

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From what I understand lining a program up to go to without telling your current PD about it ahead of time is pretty much impossible. Any program worth its salt that might even think of interviewing you will require a letter from your PD that says you're currently a resident in good standing.