Did I blow it for IR? (realistic pls)

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sqeeks

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So I LOVE IR... like really love it. I am an MS2 but am just starting a repeat year (so I am currently repeating). I could give you some reasons why I failed MS2 the first time around but I'll keep it brief for now unless someone would like specifics (I dont mind telling, I just know most people want to get to the point).
I know most people say your preferences change over time especially when you get to 3rd year. I get that, and maybe that will happen. Assuming though for a minute that my love of IR does NOT change what are the realistic chances I will be able to find my way into an IR residency? (from what I understand the transition will have mostly happened at that point).
I have a family (three kids 5 and under) and between family life and studying I realistically will only be able to do some marginal research and I'll be honest research is no love of mine. If there is a path ahead that avoids that particular EC than I'd be happy to hear it. I understand the need to jump through hoops for what you want (especially considering that my CV will have a repeated year on it) so if it is all but required I'd appreciate knowing that as well. I know I am not cut out for academic/research medicine. My heart has always been with my patients and all I want to do is serve them as a clinician.
Like before, I could go into why I feel so passionate about IR but to be brief I love the ability to make such a big impact on patient care through procedures that are so much less invasive than other treatment modalities.
Please, if anyone has any advice or wisdom I'd appreciate it. Thank you for your time and please feel free to be completely honest. I'd rather come to terms with reality now than put on blinders that end up with me trying to scramble at match time in two years. :)

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So I LOVE IR... like really love it. I am an MS2 but am just starting a repeat year (so I am currently repeating). I could give you some reasons why I failed MS2 the first time around but I'll keep it brief for now unless someone would like specifics (I dont mind telling, I just know most people want to get to the point).
I know most people say your preferences change over time especially when you get to 3rd year. I get that, and maybe that will happen. Assuming though for a minute that my love of IR does NOT change what are the realistic chances I will be able to find my way into an IR residency? (from what I understand the transition will have mostly happened at that point).
I have a family (three kids 5 and under) and between family life and studying I realistically will only be able to do some marginal research and I'll be honest research is no love of mine. If there is a path ahead that avoids that particular EC than I'd be happy to hear it. I understand the need to jump through hoops for what you want (especially considering that my CV will have a repeated year on it) so if it is all but required I'd appreciate knowing that as well. I know I am not cut out for academic/research medicine. My heart has always been with my patients and all I want to do is serve them as a clinician.
Like before, I could go into why I feel so passionate about IR but to be brief I love the ability to make such a big impact on patient care through procedures that are so much less invasive than other treatment modalities.
Please, if anyone has any advice or wisdom I'd appreciate it. Thank you for your time and please feel free to be completely honest. I'd rather come to terms with reality now than put on blinders that end up with me trying to scramble at match time in two years. :)

study hard rock boards and do some research in IR.
 
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I am not specialist (not even going to IR), but it is well known that a repeat year is a red flag, not just for IR, but pretty much any relatively competitive specialty. Things I would keep in mind these general thoughts (not IR specific)
1) Make sure to have some sort of reason. A failure per se is not disqualifying provided that you show what you learned and explained what happened.
2) I agree with above. One of your best shot is to connect with faculty member, do research, and hope they will support your application. A great way would be for them to make a call to a PD or something. This can go a very long way.

If you play your cards right, I am convinced you will make it.
 
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Also, keep in mind that there are 3 pathways into IR now (that I know of, at least): 1) match into an IR program directly like you said OR 2) internally transfer into IR from a DR program in PGY-1 or 2 OR 3) there is some sort of 2 year IR residency that works like a fellowship that you do after a DR residency. IR as a stand alone residency is brand new and there are only 42 programs this year, so competition is going to be fierce probably even in 2 years when you match. However, in the current DR climate you can probably get a residency even with a failed year granted your step scores and clinical grades are good. Then all you have to do is shine in residency and all med school blunders are probably forgotten.
 
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