Applied for and chosen for Psych, but want to switch to Family Med

[Panama Red]

I was chosen for a GME spot in Psychiatry. I was initially happy, since this was the specialty I wanted. However, the last 2 months, I have worked in a family medicine clinic and LOVED it. I also realized that can have the psych component in FM and feel very satisfied. I have since decided that I want to do Family Medicine. Can the military force me to train in Psych? Can I request to be placed in Family Medicine? What should I do?

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[IgD]

We need more info about the situation. What branch are you in? When you say psych spot are you taking about a military internship, 1 year deferral for civilian internship or full deferral?

 

[Panama Red]

I am AF and I categorically matched into a military psych spot. I always expressed my interest in Family and Psych. I am intresting in psych and public health. I tried applying to dual programs but was told that I would not be approved to do it even if I received a civilian deferral. I was a bit pissed off by this. So I put psych as my choice. Unfortunately, I have some serious misgivings about psych. I am particularly turned off by untreatable psychopathology, unclear diagnostic guidelines, and feelings that I may be giving up clinical medicine if I proceed with psych. Nevertheless, I do LOVE Psych. It is very fascinating. And, one of the main reasons I like Family is because of the patient population with psych issues. Ultimately, my concern is that I want tangible results and clinical improvement in my patients. Besides all this, my main question is whether I can switch to Family from Psych if I desire to do so.

 

[IgD]

I suspect you could resign the position. You would be assigned a military internship and likely be forced into a GMO tour.