Considering change from peds to psych- advice?

[PedsBroseph]

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Hello- I am currently a PGY1 peds resident and am (very) strongly considering a switch to psychiatry- reasons being, I'm realizing psych pathology and psych patients are the ones I find the most interesting, and are where my skills are the strongest- they're the people I'm finding myself wanting to work with the most.

I'm just hoping to get some feedback/opinions from people about my competitiveness as an applicant, especially coming from a peds background-

I'm primarily interested in programs in the Los Angeles area (USC, UCLA, Cedars- are there others?)

I really don't have a clue about how competitive psych programs in LA so any feedback would be appreciated-

My background and "stats", if they're relevant:
Psych/film major in undergrad, used to work as a behavioral therapist before medical school.
Allopathic, American grad
Step 1 217, Step 2 207
Got an "outstanding" (an "A") in my third year psych clerkship- but never did a psych 4th year sub-I, as I was peds-track back then.
Have strong letters of rec from both peds and psych attendings at my medical school.

 

[peppy]

Are you planning to look for a PGY-1 or PGY-2 spot? I believe that a peds internship can qualify you for a PGY-2 spot.
The west coast programs are always competitive, so I don't think anyone can promise you that you're a slam dunk for any given program out there (or really for any particular program at all since the match is so unpredictable). In general, though, I think you certainly would be able to find a spot somewhere in a solid program. If I were you I'd try to get Step III out of the way as soon as you can since that will also help.

 

[maranatha]

As stated above, it really depends on whether or not you're going for a PGYI or II as there are far fewer PGYII spots. Either way, as long as you interview well and have good letters, you should be a strong applicant with your background. Your background would be great if you're interested in Child psych.

 

[snarfer]

Hello- I am currently a PGY1 peds resident and am (very) strongly considering a switch to psychiatry- reasons being, I'm realizing psych pathology and psych patients are the ones I find the most interesting, and are where my skills are the strongest- they're the people I'm finding myself wanting to work with the most.

I'm just hoping to get some feedback/opinions from people about my competitiveness as an applicant, especially coming from a peds background-

I'm primarily interested in programs in the Los Angeles area (USC, UCLA, Cedars- are there others?)

I really don't have a clue about how competitive psych programs in LA so any feedback would be appreciated-

My background and "stats", if they're relevant:
Psych/film major in undergrad, used to work as a behavioral therapist before medical school.
Allopathic, American grad
Step 1 217, Step 2 207
Got an "outstanding" (an "A") in my third year psych clerkship- but never did a psych 4th year sub-I, as I was peds-track back then.
Have strong letters of rec from both peds and psych attendings at my medical school.

In september/october start emailing programs stating your interest. Usually by then alot of programs will know how many of their PGY 3s are applying to child and adol psychiatry as fast track applicants. Programs will want to fill the empty spots with transfers as PGY 2s. Good luck and I think you have made a very wise decision to transfer out of general pediatric.

 

[PedsBroseph]

thanks for the feedback guys- appreciate any and all advice

 

[Manicsleep]

I don't know if there are any "portal" programs in the SO-CAL area but you may want to consider finishing your residency and do a portal program where you can be triple certified in 6 years total.

3 years peds
3 years psych

You are eligible to sit for child and adolescent psych after your psychiatry residency (its a special, more intense residency).