Changing residence to surgery

[Skm0520]

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Hi,
I am currently in an internal medicine program in Philadelphia but am very interested in transferring into surgery. I always had considered it in order to pursue a career in surgical oncology but at the last minute decided to go into medicine. Now in my first year on medicine I realize that I am not as happy as could be. Does any one have any experience or knowledge of how to switch into surgery? Thanks.

 

[Winged Scapula]

Hi,
I am currently in an internal medicine program in Philadelphia but am very interested in transferring into surgery. I always had considered it in order to pursue a career in surgical oncology but at the last minute decided to go into medicine. Now in my first year on medicine I realize that I am not as happy as could be. Does any one have any experience or knowledge of how to switch into surgery? Thanks.

1) you can apply through ERAS/NRMP as an independent candidate;

2) the Association of Program Directors in Surgery web site will post open positions (the newest ones are at the bottom);

3) your home program is probably your best bet

Applying for surgery is no different than switching to any other specialty except that most, if not none, of your IM year will count toward surgery and you will not have full funding for a GS residency (which *might* be a drawback depending on how competitive you are).

 

[filter07]

In addition to what WS said, you might consider applying to your med school's program as well, since you worked with them and might have impressed them during your medical school rotations. You can also identify faculty from your med school who might serve as your advisors as well, in addition to the ones at your residency's hospital. The key, once you really decide to go for it, is to let everyone know your intentions. Involve as many people as possible to help you. Increase your odds that someone you know, knows someone else, who knows of an open spot, etc.

 

[JackADeli]

1) you can apply through ERAS/NRMP as an independent candidate;

2) the Association of Program Directors in Surgery web site will post open positions (the newest ones are at the bottom);

3) your home program is probably your best bet

Applying for surgery is no different than switching to any other specialty except that most, if not none, of your IM year will count toward surgery and you will not have full funding for a GS residency (which *might* be a drawback depending on how competitive you are).

I think WS has pretty much hit the highpoints.

You will need to apply far and wide. You will need to apply through ERAS/NRMP for a PGY1 position. You will have to impress upon the folks you are willing and eager to endure a second internship. If your credentials are reasonable and you are willing to move/travel/relocate you should be able to get into a program.

The key is to be able to assure the programs that you are not a "flake". They are going to wonder about your last minute change to IM... and be concerned it was about laziness, etc... They will then wonder about your new found desire to be a surgeon. Long and short, they don't want a bipolar/borderline individual that is excited to do one thing for a couple of months and then thinks the grass is greener elsewhere.

As for funding, it probably is not as big a deal. The smaller community programs likely feel that funding squeeze issue more. However, numerous programs are globally underfunded for their positions and still fill. If your credentials are reasonable and they like you, they will rank you.

 

[treehorsio]

You might also want to search the "general residency issues" forum since there's a lot there on dropping out/switching.

Notably, one guy/girl did you want to do: switched from IM to surgery...and is now MISERABLE and wants to switch back.

Make sure you can enunciate WHY you hate medicine...if you drool when you patient gets wheeled to the OR and you are mad you can't scrub in...if you jump for all procedures...if rounding and clinic bore you.

If you hate dealing with patients, and writing notes, and being up late, and not having a life...then a switch to surgery won't help.

We had a guy at my hospital who finished IM and THEN switched to gen surg (actually, an integrated CT program). HOpefully he's happy.

 

[JackADeli]

...currently in an internal medicine program in Philadelphia but am very interested in transferring into surgery. ...Now in my first year on medicine I realize that I am not as happy as could be...

...Make sure you can enunciate WHY you hate medicine...if you drool when you patient gets wheeled to the OR and you are mad you can't scrub in...if you jump for all procedures...if rounding and clinic bore you.

If you hate dealing with patients, and writing notes, and being up late, and not having a life...then a switch to surgery won't help...

I would be very careful in using stereotype answers as to why you want to be a surgeon. Do not disregard your current medicine training or belittle it. I would encourage you to openly express that you have really dug in and learned alot during your medicine internship. Link your medicine internship as an experience and learning that will make you a better surgeon.

Then explain why surgery is a better fit for you, without getting into the specialty bashing stereotype explanations. Also, you should avoid using ~pathologic personality stereotypes as to why you think you should train and be a surgeon.

I think there are a few surgeons and subspecialty surgeons of good reputation that are dual boarded in IM and surgery....