Changing Specialties During Intern Year

[asdfvcxz1]

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MS4 here. I recently matched into a categorical position in the field that I applied for. However, during this past year, I was starting to doubt whether this was the right specialty for me, but stuck with it at the insistence of my advisor. The last 2 months, I've been doing electives related to the field I matched into, and I didn't enjoy them as much as I thought I would. And while I matched well, ever since Match Day I've been seriously doubting whether this specialty is right for me.

I am strongly considering reapplying through ERAS into a different specialty. I'd apply for pediatrics since I really enjoyed my peds rotation and I feel like peds is my real passion. My decision to choose my current specialty was driven by it having a substantially higher salary than peds, but I'm starting to think the higher salary might not be worth it if I'm unhappy with my current specialty.

Now obviously I will go to my program for intern year since I don't want to back out of a binding commitment. But I was wondering how feasible would it be to reapply through ERAS during intern year and match into pediatrics (and start the year after)? I don't mind repeating intern year. I was a strong candidate in med school (Step 1/2 > 250, top 1/4 of class, mix of honors and HP). Will my med school stats help me if I reapply? And is there anything else I could do once I start residency to help my chances with reapplying and matching into a strong peds program (like Step 3, scheduling my peds block in intern year early in the year, etc)? And lastly, how much would being an "Independent" applicant (as opposed to a U.S. senior) hurt me?

 

[NotAProgDirector]

As a quality US grad looking to switch into a low/mid competitive specialty, you won't have much trouble. The most important thing you can do is do well in your program. The biggest problems you will have are 1) scheduling interviews as internship is busy, and 2) the match happens late in the year, your program is likely going to want to fill your spot before you're certain you have matched to a new spot.

 

[mvenus929]

It'd actually be easiest if you spoke with the peds program at wherever your other program is, since it's going to be a bear to interview as an intern.

Also, you'll have to have the support of your program director to make the switch, and you may run into funding issues if your current program is less than 4 years. How much this matters will depend on the institution.

 

[operaman]

Totally doable and not that uncommon honestly. I've known people who have done this with similar numbers and they matched very well often into top programs. Some common themes:

1) They were absolutely stellar residents and hard workers
2) They discussed their plans with their PD early

If you're in a competitive field, your program will have no trouble filling your spot and your PD will appreciate the honesty. You might want to give it a little time to see if you find you actually do like your matched field -- sometimes the student and resident experience are drastically different. Regardless, you will need the strong support of your PD to do anything so make sure you work hard and give it your all.

 

[asdfvcxz1]

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[asdfvcxz1]

As a quality US grad looking to switch into a low/mid competitive specialty, you won't have much trouble. The most important thing you can do is do well in your program. The biggest problems you will have are 1) scheduling interviews as internship is busy, and 2) the match happens late in the year, your program is likely going to want to fill your spot before you're certain you have matched to a new spot.

I see. I was worried about getting dinged for applying as an intern as opposed to being classified as a US senior on ERAS applications, but I will definitely make sure to work hard once I get there.

I've heard about interns struggling to schedule interviews, but I think I may be able to schedule a relatively easier block during the winter months (or worst case, burn 2 vacation weeks then). I'd also try to interview mainly locally in order to reduce travel time. Given that intern year starts July 1 and ERAS is due Sep 15, should I wait until mid August to notify my PD?

It'd actually be easiest if you spoke with the peds program at wherever your other program is, since it's going to be a bear to interview as an intern.

Also, you'll have to have the support of your program director to make the switch, and you may run into funding issues if your current program is less than 4 years. How much this matters will depend on the institution.

I'll definitely be bringing this up to the PD when the time comes. Unfortunately this hospital doesn't have a peds residency itself (even though we do a peds floors block during our intern year), so I might have to look outside this hospital. As far as the funding, I'm currently in a 4 year program, so I'm assuming I should be fine if I transition to peds which is 3 years?

Totally doable and not that uncommon honestly. I've known people who have done this with similar numbers and they matched very well often into top programs. Some common themes:

1) They were absolutely stellar residents and hard workers
2) They discussed their plans with their PD early

If you're in a competitive field, your program will have no trouble filling your spot and your PD will appreciate the honesty. You might want to give it a little time to see if you find you actually do like your matched field -- sometimes the student and resident experience are drastically different. Regardless, you will need the strong support of your PD to do anything so make sure you work hard and give it your all.

Thank you for the advice. I was planning to wait at least until August to bring this up with the PD since I wanted to give it at least a month or two to make sure this wasn't just buyers remorse. Anyway, it's good to hear that people applying during residency can still get into a strong program (which I'm assuming might be important if I consider a fellowship after peds?)

 

[enalli]

As others have said, it will definitely be doable.

Which specialty are you starting? Is doing a pediatric subspecialty a possibility in your field, and is that something that you might like to do?

 

[rokshana]

I see. I was worried about getting dinged for applying as an intern as opposed to being classified as a US senior on ERAS applications, but I will definitely make sure to work hard once I get there.

I've heard about interns struggling to schedule interviews, but I think I may be able to schedule a relatively easier block during the winter months (or worst case, burn 2 vacation weeks then). I'd also try to interview mainly locally in order to reduce travel time. Given that intern year starts July 1 and ERAS is due Sep 15, should I wait until mid August to notify my PD?



I'll definitely be bringing this up to the PD when the time comes. Unfortunately this hospital doesn't have a peds residency itself (even though we do a peds floors block during our intern year), so I might have to look outside this hospital. As far as the funding, I'm currently in a 4 year program, so I'm assuming I should be fine if I transition to peds which is 3 years?



Thank you for the advice. I was planning to wait at least until August to bring this up with the PD since I wanted to give it at least a month or two to make sure this wasn't just buyers remorse. Anyway, it's good to hear that people applying during residency can still get into a strong program (which I'm assuming might be important if I consider a fellowship after peds?)

A program...I don’t think anyone said a strong program