Considering Anesthesia

[MNeb]

Does anyone have any advice? I am a 4th year med student who has already matched, and want to change to anesthesia. Does anyone know what I can do to apply outside the match? Or how applying outside of the match works? Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

 

[Lonestar]

I would e-mail all the PDs and ask for any open spots that may come up. I would also reappy for the next years match as a back up. That way you give yourself two shots at it. Just give it some effort and hopefully you will come out on top. meanwhile, enjoy the rest of your 4th year. Trust me it won't last for long. Good luck in your future endeavors.

 

[cchoukal]

Just curious what you matched in, and where, and why you aren't happy with it. Also, why anesthesiology as the next step? I probably won't be the only one who asks you this, so I suppose it pays to think about it hard now.

 

[CambieMD]

Does anyone have any advice? I am a 4th year med student who has already matched, and want to change to anesthesia. Does anyone know what I can do to apply outside the match? Or how applying outside of the match works? Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

Hi MNeb,

start your internship as planned and work hard. Maintain a good attitude and start contacting programs. You may be able to find a spot for 2006. Do not tell any of your colleagues about your plans. Most people cannot keep secrets. Strong letters from your program will be very helpful.

To apply outside of the match you have to contact the program directly. Some programs have applications for advanced applicants thatr can be printed from their website.Will be considered an advanced(S) applicant because you are seeking a position higher than pgy-1. You will by-pass ERAS. Many programs accept applicants outside of the match. Some programs require that all applicants apply through ERAS. The key to applying outside of the match is to apply early and follow-up your application with a call. Some programs will not offer you an interview if you do not call them.

You have seen the light at the right time. I completed an entire residency and practiced for a few years before I applied.

Good luck,

CambieMD

 

[YipMan]

Hi Cambie,

I am in a similar situation (doing a surgical prelim year starting this July and will also be applying to CA-1 positions outside the match for 2006). Thank you for your post it was very helpful. One question I had if you (or anyone) might know.. At this point is it realistic to be looking for a CA-1 position for 2006 or will those spots all be filled due to the match that just occured? Do programs actually leave spots open for for people to apply into over the course of this year outside the match (so they can start the CA-1 position in 2006) or should I be expecting to get a position for 2007 (which would leave a one year of blankness in between). thanks

 

[UTSouthwestern]

Hi Cambie,

I am in a similar situation (doing a surgical prelim year starting this July and will also be applying to CA-1 positions outside the match for 2006). Thank you for your post it was very helpful. One question I had if you (or anyone) might know.. At this point is it realistic to be looking for a CA-1 position for 2006 or will those spots all be filled due to the match that just occured? Do programs actually leave spots open for for people to apply into over the course of this year outside the match (so they can start the CA-1 position in 2006) or should I be expecting to get a position for 2007 (which would leave a one year of blankness in between). thanks

Many programs do, but these spots are already being handed out even now. Best to contact as many programs as you can to find out who will start accepting applications and when.

 

[CambieMD]

Start contacting programs now. UTSouthwestern is right. Some programs set spots aside for those who want to change specialties. There are several reasons why programs offer positions outside of the match.
You can probably find a position for 2006. The programs that offer positions outside of the match do so for applicants who have completed some training already. The requirement for a pgy-1 year has usally been taken care of . That will be the case with you. Programs like surgery people because they are accustomed to the OR already.

CambieMD

 

[TheSandMan]

Hi MNeb,

start your internship as planned and work hard. Maintain a good attitude and start contacting programs. You may be able to find a spot for 2006. Do not tell any of your colleagues about your plans. Most people cannot keep secrets. Strong letters from your program will be very helpful.

To apply outside of the match you have to contact the program directly. Some programs have applications for advanced applicants thatr can be printed from their website.Will be considered an advanced(S) applicant because you are seeking a position higher than pgy-1. You will by-pass ERAS. Many programs accept applicants outside of the match. Some programs require that all applicants apply through ERAS. The key to applying outside of the match is to apply early and follow-up your application with a call. Some programs will not offer you an interview if you do not call them.

You have seen the light at the right time. I completed an entire residency and practiced for a few years before I applied.

Good luck,

CambieMD

I'm in the same boat as MNeb and YipMan. Realized a little later than I would have liked that I want to do anesthesiology. I was just curious why I would not want my colleagues to know I was trying to get into an anesthesiology?

 

[YipMan]

THank you all for the great input. Does anyone have advice on when during my busy surgical intern year I should request my month vacation in order to leave some time open for hopefully interviewing at some programs for 2006 CA1 spots?