changing programs post-match 2006

[lickshine]

---

Members don't see this ad.

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.

 

[penguins]

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.

I would switch after first year. It all depends on how serious your "family issue" is though. If it is truly that important than taking time for family is ultimately worth taking a career hit.

 

[Smurfette]

Hmm...the problem is that by entering and completing the match, you have a contract with NRMP that you will be at the program you matched at. Sometimes programs will be nice and "release" you if they want to, however, if they don't want to release you, you can be sued under the match agreement (regardless of whether you've signed the contract).

You need to talk with the program you matched into NOW and find out if you have any options. The realistic option is transferring programs after a year...you may not find a spot now.

 

[trkd]

I thought I read on the NRMP website about the conditions in which you could not go to your matched program. The reasons were significant hardship to the applicant blah, blah, blah. Check out the website to see if there is any truth to what I am saying but I am pretty sure there is some info on that. It is where applicant and program violations are listed.

Good luck.