changing residency

[dazednconfused]

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help me!!! i think i want to change residency. i am currently in a surgical subspecialty and think i want to do anesthesia. i don't necessarily care about repeating the pgy1 yr, but would rather not. what do i do? i don't want to stay at this program regardless. is it still an option for me to switch????? help!

 

[njbmd]

help me!!! i think i want to change residency. i am currently in a surgical subspecialty and think i want to do anesthesia. i don't necessarily care about repeating the pgy1 yr, but would rather not. what do i do? i don't want to stay at this program regardless. is it still an option for me to switch????? help!

Hi there,
You can switch to anesthesia but your problem is going to be that unless you can find a CA-1 slot that is open, you are going to have to repeat your PGY-1 year. While not ideal, this is an option for you.

You can go back into the Match this year (you are pretty late and this year's match is for CA-1 postions for next year) and see if you can get some interviews but you should have the support of your program director for making this change. This can backfire on you if your PD is a jerk so use some caution. Many programs will not look favorably on an independent applicant who does not have the support of their PD. You also have to find another prelim year either in medicine or surgery too.

If you have a good PD, they can greatly aid you with finding open CA-1 postions where you would not have to repeat anything. PDs are in touch with other programs and specialties especially if you are at a good program with a national reputation. They are able to make phone calls on your behalf too. Another resource for you is the PD for anesthesia at your program who might be able to steer you to an open position in another insitution.

Good luck
njbmd 🙂

 

[Leforte]

The OP would not have to repeat their internship year. A surgery internship will count for the requisite anestesia year, and if you go through the match this year, and match for a PGY2 CA-1 spot, you have the option to do absolutely nothing for a year, if that is what you desire and then pick up again as a CA-1 the following year.

During that year, you could always go overseas, moonlight (if you get your license) or whatever. Doing an extra internship would suck, and unless I was absolutely strapped for cash, I would pass it up.

You could always get an advanced degree (MBA?), too -