Advice? Help?

[JetGreen]

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Hi everyone! Was hoping to get some suggestions and advice. I am a current intern in a stand-alone pediatrics program. I love kids but realize I have no desire to be a pediatrician. I dont think its intern blues either. At the end of 4th year, I did an anesthesiology rotation and loved it. However, I figured it was end of 4th year excitement. Looking back on that experience along with other considerations, I realize that anesthesiology is what I want to do.

I am considering switching specialities vs. completing pediatrics then entering an anesthesiology residency but dont want to make a impulsive move. Being at a stand-alone pediatrics program, there are limited opportunities to go to the OR. There are anesthesiology private groups and programs at neighboring hospitals. Is it a violation to shadow with these physicians to help me with my decision? I realize the importance of letters in the ERAS and think that I will need some sort of exposure to get a decent letter. Also is it a violation to express interest in outside anesthesiology programs? I realize that its impossible to slide into a position as of this year. What would you guys suggest?

Thanks!

 

[pd4emergence]

There are lots of people who switch. We all make a during third/fourth year of med school we all make a life changing decision based on limited information. Sometimes we get it right sometimes we don't. It's not disloyal to your program to be interested in another specialty. They don't own you and don't have to live your life after you finish. At this point, I would advise you to be sure that anesthesiology is what you want to do and the reason for the switch is not that you just don't want to pediatrics. I would advise you to be up front with your current program director, continue to work hard at your current program, and leave your current program and try to leave there under the best circumstances. There are some outside the match positions in anesthesia, but it's pretty late in the year to try to switch into a spot starting in July. I would advise staying in your current program next year and gaining some exposure to anesthesia during the interval time between now and when you have to apply for a spot next July. I don't know if you have any electives but if you do maybe they would allow you to do a Peds anesthesia or picu month at another place. I don't know if the anesthesia month would count but a picu month at a place that does a lot of pediatric surgery may allow you to get down to the or some and maybe get some letters.