Clue Me In!

[olivejuice]

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I've been avoiding all forums after the match... but it's time to get back on track, face reality- and take the next step... but i'm a bit clueless and in need of some help.

1) Licensing Issues:
- I wont get my diploma till the first week of June... and then the whole ECFMG certification process.... problem is, the state granting me my training license requires all documents by this Friday in order to start June 18th.
- What exactly does this mean for me?!?!?!
- What are the future implications/reprucussions if I have to "sit-out" this year because of this delay in paperwork?

2) Off-Cycle Positions:
- given the above situation, should i begin to consider off-cycle spots?
- where do I go about finding info on open positions etc.?

3) Residency Swap:
- I had no idea that people can swap residencies... how the heck does this work?

4) Sitting at home for a year:
- What do people typically do for this gap-year?
- Is it too late to find research spots?

This is so frustrating... since I'm not sure what's happening in regards to the timing of my paperwork/licensing/start of residency i'm stuck in quicksand. Can't exactly start planning for a move, much less looking into housing etc. if I'm not sure were I stand.

Thanks-

 

[mcl]

I've been avoiding all forums after the match... but it's time to get back on track, face reality- and take the next step... but i'm a bit clueless and in need of some help.

1) Licensing Issues:
- I wont get my diploma till the first week of June... and then the whole ECFMG certification process.... problem is, the state granting me my training license requires all documents by this Friday in order to start June 18th.
- What exactly does this mean for me?!?!?!
- What are the future implications/reprucussions if I have to "sit-out" this year because of this delay in paperwork?

2) Off-Cycle Positions:
- given the above situation, should i begin to consider off-cycle spots?
- where do I go about finding info on open positions etc.?

3) Residency Swap:
- I had no idea that people can swap residencies... how the heck does this work?

4) Sitting at home for a year:
- What do people typically do for this gap-year?
- Is it too late to find research spots?

This is so frustrating... since I'm not sure what's happening in regards to the timing of my paperwork/licensing/start of residency i'm stuck in quicksand. Can't exactly start planning for a move, much less looking into housing etc. if I'm not sure were I stand.

Thanks-

First: Don't Panic!

Licensing boards generally accept a letter from your dean's office saying that you are currently a student in good academic standing and are scheduled to graduate on whatever date in lieu of a diploma in order to get the process rolling. Your actual diploma and ECFMG certificate can be sent separately once you receive them.

In a worst-case scenario, your start date may be delayed slightly, but I doubt you'll need to sit out a year. If you have concerns, talk with your PC and/or PD--they have undoubtedly dealt with this issue before and may even have some contacts that can speed the licensing process.

 

[dragonfly99]

the AMA has a web site listing open residency spots... I did see at least one med/peds position on there...not sure about straight IM. It's free to look at on their web site.

You can also sign up for findaresident on the NRMP web site. There is a fee, but it's not that terrible.

Openspots/Findaresident is another site you have to pay for. I was on there briefly once a few years back, just wanting to see what was on there, but I wasn't that impressed. For PGY1, there will probably be some open spots on there, but they might just be the same ones on findaresident or the AMA's free site.

In your situation, I would consider going for an off-cycle spot. If you don't like the place after you interview, you can always wait for the match next year.

As far as it being a good time or not to look for a research spot, it's never really a bad time...if the lab has money. You just need to keep asking around, pound the payment, whatever. Somebody will probably hire you. I'd do it ASAP if you are going to though, as they'll want you to stay at least a year.

 

[olivejuice]

thanks for the replies.

so, an off-cycle position would be posted with all other open pgy-1 spots? do i specifically request an "off-cycle" position?

any news on swapping?

 

[dragonfly99]

I'm not sure why you are asking about swapping, because you can't swap since you don't have a current position to swap with someone.

I think if/when you find open PGY1 spots you are interested in, you just should contact the program and tell them when you would be ready to start (i.e. August or whatever).

 

[olivejuice]

i do have a pgy-1- i'm just afraid that I will not be able to start on time.

 

[gutonc]

i do have a pgy-1- i'm just afraid that I will not be able to start on time.

I assume by now you've contacted your new PD and asked for his/her advice/assistance on this problem. If you haven't, you've wasted 2 more days when you should have started this process the day you found out about the Friday deadline.