dilemma

[frog1]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Just trying to get some advice here. I am in the early stage of my intern year with so-so performance. I am improving but it seems it would take a couple of more months for me to get things under control and look like a pro.

The problem is I would like to transfer to a program in a different state where my family is for PGY-2 training and I just found out there are two programs which will have PGY-2 positions in the geographical location I would like to relocate to. Not only do they have PGY-2 positions, they may also start interviewing people in as early as October. I was told I have to have a letter of good standing from my current PD before I am considered as a transfer candidate. The dilemma is it does seem to be a good time for me to ask for such a letter now, as I have only finished 2 months of internship. On the other hand I do not want to pass up the opportunity either as PGY-2 slots can be filled quickly.

What is the best way to approach this? Anybody in the same boat?

 

[fistulitis]

From the sound of it, anyone should be able to get a "letter of good standing" as long as you didn't do something horrible. What exactly do you mean by "so-so performance"?

I would say that now is a great time to ask for the letter... because now is when you need it. The problem, I think, is that it will signal to the PD that you aren't 100% happy and may cause some awkwardness if your PD doesn't want you to leave, or if you don't end up getting the PGY-2 spot...

 

[erichaj]

I agree, ask for the letter, now is when you need it.

Even if the PD will know that you are not happy. You can tell him/her the truth, you need to be where your family is.

If you don't ask, you will be were you are now a year from now. Only with more experience.

My understanding of a letter of good standing for an intern means that you showed up and did the work and made a good effort to learn.

If you did something bad, and you PD won't give you a letter of good standing, that may mean that he/she may not want you around next year.

I'm not trying to scare you. but you really have nothing to lose.

 

[frog1]

Thank you for your valuable advices.

My so-so performance means I do not think I have impressed anyone here. The evaluations from attendings indicated I have some areas that need improvement but I will be fine with experience(per attending 1) and I will end up being one of the better resident (per attending 2). It was one of the residents who did not like me and left very bad evaluation. I do not have any work-ethics related negative records.

I am still very nervous about asking for such a letter. Frankly I have never been to the PD's office and never had the chance or the need to talk with PD personally.

How would you start the conversation?

 

[gwen]

just explain that you have "family" reasons (you better have a good reason, otherwise, they'll ask why you didn't go to the other state in the first place). i know our PD was super supportive of people who needed to leave for family reasons (like one female resident whose husband lived in another state and took care of their kids). she was sort of stuck at our hospital b/c she didn't match at her first choice. but its better to tell your prog direc. NOW so that they can find a replacement instead of hanging around and waiting.