EM to Plastics

[iish]

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How feasible is it to switch from EM to an integrated plastics program after 2nd year? How much of an emphasis is on prior Step 1 and Step 2 scores and how much on recs on clinical talent from residency?

 

[maxheadroom]

Very unlikely.

 

[Winged Scapula]

How feasible is it to switch from EM to an integrated plastics program after 2nd year? How much of an emphasis is on prior Step 1 and Step 2 scores and how much on recs on clinical talent from residency?

As noted above, very unlikely.

1) you'll have to start over as an intern; very few if any of your EM rotations will count toward the requirements of the ASPS

2) you will not have full funding

3) there are more 4th year qualified applicants than positions as it is

4) your Step 1/2 scores will count as will current recommendations from residency faculty

 

[plastic7]

I believe that according to the ACGME there is no more 'lateral' switching into PRS anyway, even from surgical specialties, except for in rare cases where there is a vacancy. you have to complete a 6 (7 w/ research) year or 3 year program, and the 3 year has to come after a completed neurosurg, ortho, gen surg, etc. (surgical specialty, not medical/EM). so if you want to do PRS you would just apply through the match like you did as a med student, and match as a PGY 1 integrated.

 

[ram006]

I believe that according to the ACGME there is no more 'lateral' switching into PRS anyway, even from surgical specialties, except for in rare cases where there is a vacancy. you have to complete a 6 (7 w/ research) year or 3 year program, and the 3 year has to come after a completed neurosurg, ortho, gen surg, etc. (surgical specialty, not medical/EM). so if you want to do PRS you would just apply through the match like you did as a med student, and match as a PGY 1 integrated.

Not entirely true about transfers from other surgical fields. Having tried it myself, I can tell you it is almost impossible, though, it does happen. Last year someone switched from GS in Houston to a PGY2 PRS position in Chicago.

Unfortunately for the OP, a transfer from EM is not possible. You are correct about that. He/She would have to enter the match.

As previously mentioned, funding becomes an issue. I'm not sure it starts over if you switch and I remember at some point hearing that the amount is determined by the length of your original program.

For example, someone who matched into EM would have 3 years of Medicare funding. If they switch to PRS after intern year, they would have 2 years of funding remaining. Thus, any program they switch in to would have to foot the bill for 4 years of training.

I'm not sure if that's true though. Given that independent applicants are still considered residents, it would seem it can't be true. Anybody know for sure?

Transfer Criteria for Integrated Programs Defined
Transfers into an integrated program will only be permitted as follows:
 Beginning PGY-2: a transfer is permitted after completion of internship in any surgical
specialty.
 Beginning PGY-3: only residents who have completed at least two years of general surgery, integrated thoracic surgery, or another integrated plastic surgery residency may transfer.
 Beginning PGY-4: only residents who have completed their graduate medical education in one of the traditional surgical pathways for the independent programs may transfer.

source: http://www.acgme.org/acgmeweb/Portals/0/PFAssets/ProgramResources/360_pathways.pdf