Could use some advice

Started by kerplunk112
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kerplunk112

kerplunk112

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So I have had the unfortunate experiance of being let go of my program, and since I would out a few weeks before my PLIII year at this point I think its better for me to take a year off. I had a major life event that affected my performance. I was wondering if anyone has had any such similar experiance, or know what I can actually do with that time with just 2 years or residency (pediatrics). I'm be in houson, im also interested in international work having spent some time in haiti. Also am curious about finding a pl III position for next year, my program has assured me that they wont really say anything negative. I'm pretty open to going to any free standing peds hospital. Im coming from a top 5 gen peds program. Great usmle scores etc. I can prob piece together a few decent letters of rec. I've been trying to do research into all this but i'm in the PICU now and clearly free time has been an issue. Any advice is appreciated!
 
kerplunk112 said:
So I have had the unfortunate experiance of being let go of my program, and since I would out a few weeks before my PLIII year at this point I think its better for me to take a year off. I had a major life event that affected my performance. I was wondering if anyone has had any such similar experiance, or know what I can actually do with that time with just 2 years or residency (pediatrics). I'm be in houson, im also interested in international work having spent some time in haiti. Also am curious about finding a pl III position for next year, my program has assured me that they wont really say anything negative. I'm pretty open to going to any free standing peds hospital. Im coming from a top 5 gen peds program. Great usmle scores etc. I can prob piece together a few decent letters of rec. I've been trying to do research into all this but i'm in the PICU now and clearly free time has been an issue. Any advice is appreciated!
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Trying to find another spot should be a priority. Get as many letters that you feel you can get that will show you in a positive light. Be ready to explain what happened with other programs as they will want to know what happened. They are looking to take you on, they will want some sort of assurance that the problems that occurred at your program won't be repeated at theirs. Using an excuse of a major life event isn't really going to be sufficient and will likely be seen as just an excuse.

For a program that you are going to be looking at to land, I'm not sure that you can afford to be picky. A free standing peds hospital is nice, but you may not have that luxury. A quick google search shows that there are just a few PGY3 spots being advertised for starting in July. Who knows if they are still open and if you'd have a shot of getting one this quickly, but it would be worth a try.
 
Be as flexible as you can demographically and look as broadly as possible. Besides posts on this website, look at the following: openresidency, resident swap, etc. You will have to be honest and demonstrate how you have changed from your prior challenges.
 
You should also consider applying for PGY-2 positions. If you were let go from your residency due to performance issues and they were unwilling to promote you to the pGY-3, its less likely that some new program that doesn't know you will be willing to do so. If some other peds program has an open PGY-2, they might very well take you in, let you prove your skills, and then promote you to a PGY-3 early if warranted.
 
Also I am not sure if you can complete just your chief year (final year, I mean) at a particular program and still graduate. My understanding is that you have to have spent more than 12 months at the program at which you complete your training, regardless of the specialty. I think you should focus on finding a PGY-2 spot ASAP.
 
I would try Driscoll childrens' hospital in corpus christi, at least you would be close. I would also look at the Texas Tech program in Midland/Odessa/Lubbock. It's not that great but you would at least be able to graduate.
 
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