Changing form IM to OBGYN

[Sheenkoshur]

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Hi,

Urgent response requested.

I have done a residency in OBGYN from my home country and initially, after coming to US, wanted to do the OBGYN residency again but did not match for a couple of years. Recently matched in an Internal medicine residency program. BTW I did like Internal Medicine a lot, even more that OBGYN, during my medical school but somehow was convinced by my attendings and seniors in medical school that I would make a good OBGYN so went on to do OBGYN. But now, after being in Inetrnal medicine for a couple of months, I have now come to realize that, considering my previous OBGYN experience, I would probably be more efficient and productive if I did OBGYN and, of course, I miss the surgical aspect of OBGYN. I am contemplating to apply for OBGYN position after i complete the IM PGY1 year.

Can any body advise me on how to tell my PD that I want to change the specialty? Will OBGYN programs give me some credit for the internship year that I will complete in IM. Also, if, for example, I do not get any OBGYN position for next year, what will be my status in the current program. I mean will they let me continues as a PGY2 if I donot get any OBGYN position?

I will highly appreciate if anyone could guide me on this issue.

 

[Global Disrobal]

Think about your decision carefully as often time when you move down the path of leaving a residency program for another (especially in a different specialty), you are traveling on a one-way road. Below are my recommendations/opinions regarding your questions:

1. In general, the earlier you tell your PD, the better. Often you'll need a letter of good standing from your current PD, as well as considerations for the time necessary to travel for interviews. On occasion, your PD may also be able to open doors for you with local programs in the specialty you wish to transition to. Lastly, this will also allow your PD adequate time to search for your replacement. As for the "how," honesty is the best policy. Be forthcoming about your reasons for leaving and do not try to beat around the issue.

2. The decision to give credit for your year in Medicine is at the discretion of the new program's PD and his/her communication with the board. Often, you'll get at least 6 months credit for the primary care/elective rotations (i.e. medicine, ER) but again this is up to the new program.

3. As for your last question, you should expect and plan to leave the program once you move down this path (unless you are in a preliminary spot). Your program will likely search for your replacement during the year as well, and unless they can justify the funding/clinical experience for an additional PGY-2, they will have to honor their commitment to the new resident hired.

Hope this helps with your decision. As I mentioned above, this is solely my opinion and based on my experience with the topic. Your case may very well be different based on your standing and relationship with your present program.

Best of luck!

 

[Sheenkoshur]

Thanks a lot. Your response is every encouraging and honest.