A little help from my friends??

[Beauj]

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First off, I am sorry if I am in the wrong forum, as you can see i am a SDN virgin. I graduated in 2006 from RCSI (i am canadian but my late father was Irish and a grad there class of 1970). I moved to the states as I am a permenant res in July 07 after completing my intership there. I had planned on doing the steps and going through the match and then hopefully traviling for a few months, but along the way, I had some personal issues and my exam dates/apps were delayed. I am pleased to say that i am finally ECFMG certified and got a 94 and a 99 on step 1 and 2. Because of the delay and the %#()Q#*** CS i was withdrawn from the match and was not able to scramble. I am currently looking to start a resedence as I have only eneugh money to take one year off. I am very scared about the prospect of not being able to work for 2 years. I am a member of find a resedent/SDN classified, and I check it like every 6 mins or so praying for something to open up somewhere. I have had little luck and as time runs I dont really know what to do. I am desperate to work!! Does anyone out there have any tips. I am currently 26, living with my mom and unemployed. Not a spot that I thought I would be in. Please help.

 

[Winged Scapula]

Moving to General Residency Forum (this forum is for the posting of open positions only)...

 

[Blade28]

Just to clarify, you've passed the USMLE Step 1 and 2 CK but not 2 CS?

Virtually every program requires you to at least pass 1, 2 CK and 2 CS before residency starts...in addition, most programs are completing orientation NOW and will start by July 1st (at the latest - some programs have already started). So I think you likely won't be able to start until next July (2009) - if you apply for the Match this fall.

 

[Winged Scapula]

I think because the OP states that he/she is ECFMG certified that they *have* passed CS but couldn't get it done in time to register for this year's match.

Unfortunately, there is not centralized list of all open positions, and they would admittedly be few at this point in time. However, there are generally a few open and some that will open up in the next few months as people quit. The question is: would you rather work hard for a left over position that no one really wants (assuming something astounding doesn't come up) or apply fresh for next year's match?

SDN has a few posts of open positions and you may find some by checking websites of medical boards, contacting programs in areas you might consider doing residency in and telling everyone you know. Consider registering at Resident Swap;check the AMA Site and Find A Resident and Essential Medicine and Career MD

I'm not sure why you think you need to take 2 years off, because the next cycle of residency applications starts in September to start in July 2009...or 1 year from now (granted you have already been off 1 year, so perhaps that it what you are referring to).

At any rate, you will have to decide what you are willing to do (ie, take any position that comes along or take your chances in the match).

 

[Beauj]

Thanks for your help guys. I will do anything almost anywhere, i just want to work. I really want to get on with my life already and then move to cali, find a suga moma and then hit the beach. How does that work, eg, ppl quit/fired/pregos, eg in Sept and then there spot opens up, that needs filling. will these spots be advertised on find a res... In any case how hard is it to switch resedencys in july

 

[Winged Scapula]

Thanks for your help guys. I will do anything almost anywhere, i just want to work. I really want to get on with my life already and then move to cali, find a suga moma and then hit the beach. How does that work, eg, ppl quit/fired/pregos, eg in Sept and then there spot opens up, that needs filling.

Yep...that's pretty much it. People quit, get fired (although pretty unusual to get fired so soon), die, etc.

will these spots be advertised on find a res

Perhaps. Hard to say. Some programs would rather take someone mid year and will let the position go unfilled. They may or may not be advertised.

... In any case how hard is it to switch resedencys in july

You mean next year? It would be pretty hard because if you didn't start this year until, say September, you would not be finished with your year in July. So unless you don't care about credit for the year, then you can't switch in July. This is predicated on you going through the match this year in September.

At any rate, I think you need to find a Plan B because there are many other people in your position, so just because a position opens up doesn't mean:
1) you will hear about it
2) you will be eligible to start right away (ie, you might have to move)
3) you would get the position over someone else

Your best shot is to find some job for the year which allows some flexibility and to enter the match for next year. I see no sense in shortchanging yourself just to take any job, in any specialty when there are presumably many other options available to you. As for "getting on with your life", give me a break..you're 26. You have plenty of life left and are younger than the average US resident as it is.

 

[Beauj]

It is just that i have had such a hard year, worked really hard to get the scores and for the last few months have done abs nothing. I for some reason thought that every year, there were open spots... I have started a job as a sales rep for a lab company and am thinking about working for Kaplan, and doing extership just to stay as fresh as possible. Life just throws curve balls and things never seem to go as planned. I guess this is the life we have chosen.

 

[Winged Scapula]

It is just that i have had such a hard year, worked really hard to get the scores and for the last few months have done abs nothing. I for some reason thought that every year, there were open spots...

Sure there are but in general, these positions aren't filled for a reason and there is no formal way to find out about them. You could get lucky and find an open position which turns out to be a great job but in most cases, this doesn't turn out to be true. Hence, my recommendation to wait for the match so that you maximize your chances, get to interview and see programs close up and really make an intelligent decision about where you want to train as opposed to taking something because you are desparate.

I have started a job as a sales rep for a lab company and am thinking about working for Kaplan, and doing extership just to stay as fresh as possible. Life just throws curve balls and things never seem to go as planned. I guess this is the life we have chosen.

I know its frustrating but this is a short phase in your life and you have the choice and chance to turn it around.

Best of luck to you...

 

[Beauj]

Thanks guys for your help. Will keep you posted on this whole thing. I am starting to give up hope for a resedency this summer and am now focused on securing as many externships as i can get. Try and get those LOR...... Please pray for your BOY.

 

[Beauj]

Hey guys, one more thing, I found that FM 1800 number a few days back, and i thought that i wrote it down. I have been looking for it online for the last 30 mins or so and can not find it. Can u please give it to me. Cheers

 

[Beauj]

found it

 

[radonc]

Thanks for your help guys. I will do anything almost anywhere, i just want to work. I really want to get on with my life already and then move to cali, find a suga moma and then hit the beach. How does that work, eg, ppl quit/fired/pregos, eg in Sept and then there spot opens up, that needs filling. will these spots be advertised on find a res... In any case how hard is it to switch resedencys in july

if you are an FMG you dont need to go through the match and may apply directly for any possible openings that occur during the year.

 

[Winged Scapula]

if you are an FMG you dont need to go through the match and may apply directly for any possible openings that occur during the year.

For that matter, since he graduated in 2006, he doesn't need to use the match (although it offers the best chances of finding a position). Anyone who isn't a 4th year allopathic student is an Independent candidate and can sign a contract outside of the match.

 

[Beauj]

still hoping one pops up!!!!!! I am a member of find a res.... but not resswap. Does res swap get openinngs that find a res does not???

 

[Winged Scapula]

still hoping one pops up!!!!!! I am a member of find a res.... but not resswap. Does res swap get openinngs that find a res does not???

Presumably.