changing programs post-match 2006

[lickshine]

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I matched at my first choice pediatric residency program and couldn't be more excited. Unfortunately, unforeseen family issues came up and I need to be close to home for them at this point and in the coming years. Residency is geographically far away from California, where home and family is. I have been struggling with the decision on whether to start and finish up my intern year where I have matched and then reapply for an R2 position closer to home, or try to find an open intern position in California at this point. Is anyone in a similar position as me; has anyone switched residency programs post-match, before signing the contract? Does anyone know if there are any open peds intern positions in California at this point for the upcoming year? Any advice on how I should go about doing this? Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[thos]

I thought that once the Match happened we were legally bound to go to that program (as a condition of the Match). Maybe I'm wrong, but I was always told we either go where we Match or sit out for the year. This is my understanding, not something I know for sure.

 

[thos]

I was curious about this, so I looked at the NRPM FAQ. This is what it says:

The Match Participation Agreement to which you affixed your password when you registered for the Match states that a match between an applicant and a program creates a binding commitment to accept or offer a position. A decision not to honor that commitment is a material breach of the Agreement and will be investigated by the NRMP in accordance with the Policies and Procedures for the Reporting, Investigation, and Disposition of Violations of NRMP Agreements. Penalties may be levied if a violation is confirmed.

Under certain limited circumstances, the NRMP may grant an applicant or program a waiver of the match commitment if honoring the Match outcome would result in undue hardship. Waivers must be requested from, and can be granted only by, the NRMP. Additional information on the waiver review process >>

Sounds like there might be a solution, good luck.

 

[dr. maybe]

Someone from my medical school has already gotten out of his general surgery residency for another position that will be opening at our medical school. There are definitely extenuating circumstances and it sounds like you might have one. I would talk to the program you have already been accepted to and the program you would like to get into and see if you can't work something out. Peds people tend to be a little more understanding.
Good luck and I hope your family is well.

 

[lickshine]

thanks thos and dr. maybe for your input. i'm set up with my program director for a meeting to discuss my options. in terms of current open peds intern positions in california at this point, it doesn't look too bright. i started calling program directors in california myself, particularly at the ones that were "recruiting" me during match season but no luck yet in terms of available slots. thanks again.

 

[a_ghaffar74]

HI,
I know this may sound a bit strange,but if u do get out of this program and get into someplace in California,it would be very helpful if u could tell me which program this is.
I am desperately looking for an open PGY 1 spot in peds.
Good Luck in your search and Thanks again
AG