Hey All, I am currently a categorical anesthesia intern at a top tier university program. When I was deciding on residency, I was really on the fence between surgery and anesthesia, and chose the latter for primarily family related issues (married, etc). As I get deeper into my internship (we rotate through surgery) I think I may have made a mistake, and do not think I can go a full career behind the curtain watching others operate. How likely is it to make the switch? There are two community programs in my city (one of which is quite strong with great OR time from what I gather). Problem is, I do not know If I will realistically be competitive at the surgery program where I currently am, and I am reluctant to talk to anyone in the surgery department for obvious reasons. As it is now Nov 18, I don't know if getting ERAS application together is feasible. Any Advice??
Anes->Surgery Possible? Those in the Know, Help!
- Thread starter OffPiste
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It's totally possible. We currently have an anesthesia intern who switched into a prelim position in surgery. He did it pretty early, I think he just talked with our PD and chair (as well as those in anesthesia) and they pretty much just switched him into a prelim surgery intern position. He's going through the match, I believe...but I bet if we had an intern quit he would likely be able to stay in our surgery program.
I can't imagine why you would want to jeporidze your free time, though. As PGY3 I'm really starting to feel the impact on personal time and see more how it affects the attendings. (and I"m seriously considering switching the other way) And once you get used to operating it's not that cool anymore. But, if you are convinced you made the wrong choice, I'd talk to both PD's and see what they can do.
I can't imagine why you would want to jeporidze your free time, though. As PGY3 I'm really starting to feel the impact on personal time and see more how it affects the attendings. (and I"m seriously considering switching the other way) And once you get used to operating it's not that cool anymore. But, if you are convinced you made the wrong choice, I'd talk to both PD's and see what they can do.
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It depends on whether or not the program will offer you a spot outside of the match. The deadline for surgery applicants through ERAS was November 1st.
If they are willing to extend their deadline, you can apply to the programs via ERAS; otherwise you are eligible for a contract outside of the match (as an independent candidate), so could see if they were interested in that.
If you cannot obtain a Categorical intern position (you will only get credit for your Surgery month and perhaps a SICU or Trauma month, so likely will have to start from scratch), consider a non-designated Prelim position as a way "in".
If they are willing to extend their deadline, you can apply to the programs via ERAS; otherwise you are eligible for a contract outside of the match (as an independent candidate), so could see if they were interested in that.
If you cannot obtain a Categorical intern position (you will only get credit for your Surgery month and perhaps a SICU or Trauma month, so likely will have to start from scratch), consider a non-designated Prelim position as a way "in".
Thanks, appreciate the advice.
1. Can I submit an "outside the match" application while still a resident? I can't give up my current slot without having a slot to move into (the realities of family, mortgage, etc.).
2. Would you recommend letters from surgeons I will work with, or try and get something together from attendings I knew in medschool?
3. Is this a realistic thing to do at all? I'm pretty limited by geographics, with family and kids, it would be very difficult to move at this point. I think I should be able to get a prelim spot at one of the programs in town, but moving into a categorical spot concerns me much more (without having to do three internships! ugh.)
Gracias.
1. Can I submit an "outside the match" application while still a resident? I can't give up my current slot without having a slot to move into (the realities of family, mortgage, etc.).
2. Would you recommend letters from surgeons I will work with, or try and get something together from attendings I knew in medschool?
3. Is this a realistic thing to do at all? I'm pretty limited by geographics, with family and kids, it would be very difficult to move at this point. I think I should be able to get a prelim spot at one of the programs in town, but moving into a categorical spot concerns me much more (without having to do three internships! ugh.)
Gracias.
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There is no "application" for an outside of the match contract. This is simply something set up by you and the residency program of interest. It generally happens one of two ways:
1) you apply through the match, interview at a program and they offer you a position early - ie, essentially you take your chances, drop out of the macth and take the contract
2) you contact a program you are interested in and ask if they offer such contracts
Understandable you can't give up your current spot without another to go into; most cannot.
Generally, letters from people currently working with you as a resident are better than those from medical school. Your work ethic, etc. as a resident are much more important than your activities from med school a few years ago. Of course, they won't be able to comment on your surgical skills. You will need a letter from your current program director as well - almsot every program will require it, essentially a statement that you are in good standing, etc.
Realistic? Who knows? But you would hate to not try wouldn't you? what you are attempting is difficult - most people go the other way as you know (ie, Surgery to Anesthesia), and your best chances are probably at your home program. But if there are other programs in town, you may be able to get an interview on short notice and they may give you some lee-way, especially if your have your PD's support or even support frm your local surgery department who can put in a call for you, if they are willing to help.
And you need to have a Plan B - ie, if you don't match this year, what will you do, or if you get a Prelim spot but aren't offered a Categorical position after that. How long will you keep trying? Your family will want to know as well.
