General question re: applying to different programs

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I am really interested in two specialties, one is semi-competitive (though I hear it's getting pretty cut-throat now) and one isn't. Anesthesia and IM actually. The former is my first priority but the latter would be to stay on the safe side. I would be equally happy with both in the long run though.

What is the protocol in terms of applying to both programs at the same hospital? Do you even mention you're applying to both? What happens when you run into the one group when you're interviewing with the other? Is this a normal thing to do? Or do people usually apply to one specialty and then switch programs after their pgy-1 year?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Winged Scapula]

I am really interested in two specialties, one is semi-competitive (though I hear it's getting pretty cut-throat now) and one isn't. Anesthesia and IM actually. The former is my first priority but the latter would be to stay on the safe side. I would be equally happy with both in the long run though.

What is the protocol in terms of applying to both programs at the same hospital?

There is no protocol. Most advise against applying to different programs at the same hospital.

Do you even mention you're applying to both?

Not unless you want them to assume you are not committed to their specialty. If I were interviewing you for my specialty and you told me you were also applying for <insert specialty X>, I'd be loathe to rank you, knowing that if you changed your mind you'd be likely to bail on me as a PGY-2 (or whenever a position opened up).

What happens when you run into the one group when you're interviewing with the other?

Honestly hope they don't see you or recognize you.

Is this a normal thing to do?

Normal is subjective. It is done but as you might imagine it has the potential for backfiring and leaving you without a position.

Or do people usually apply to one specialty and then switch programs after their pgy-1 year?

Most people decide on 1 specialty or another. There are no guarantees about switching. If you match into one and then decide it was the wrong decision, then you can reenter the match the following year and hope to get a position or try and get a position outside of the match. Some are lucky and do so, some do not.

 

[DrJosephKim]

I did exactly that: applied to different specialties in different hospitals. This way, you can rank them based on your priorities (which may include geography, career, etc.)

Cast a wide net for the competitive specialty.