Getting out of a contract once you've signed

[canuck2006]

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I have a bit of dilemma. I've matched into an advanced program next July, but would no longer like to be at that specific hospital and instead would like to move to a different city, closer to some family.
Is it possible to get out of that contract? If so, do I re=apply through ERAS or directly to programs or? Can I legally swap programs?! Help! Am so confused,

 

[Winged Scapula]

I have a bit of dilemma. I've matched into an advanced program next July, but would no longer like to be at that specific hospital and instead would like to move to a different city, closer to some family.
Is it possible to get out of that contract? If so, do I re=apply through ERAS or directly to programs or? Can I legally swap programs?! Help! Am so confused,

Is it possible to break your residency contract.

However, according to the NRMP, you may be barred from participating in its match process - either for 1 year - or permanently. See http://www.nrmp.org/res_match/policies/map_main.html#match_commit for a description of the policies regarding match violations, which breaking your contract effectively is, as the program has offered you a position in good faith, and you are not accepting it.

You can "legally" swap programs if you have the support of your current/future PDs. You may find that by possibly being banned from using the NRMP to match (in which case you would be again applying for an advanced match, which puts you out another year), you have to apply to individual programs which have openings. Not suprising since the NRMP generally lists advanced matches - for two years in the future; you need a position for next year. So your PD is one of the best sources for possible openings at other programs.

 

[LADoc00]

I was curious what the legal recourse for the NRMP if people just started doing whatever they wanted...I always suspected the supposed contracts were never really enforceable.

 

[deleted4401]

Just ask.... that is what I did. I got out of a match contract and took another offer.

I believe I am now barred from entering the match again, but for me, it doesn't matter.

Most programs want a resident that wants to be there; as far as accepting a resignation - you need to have a good reason why you can't be there, a statement from them stating that they cannot offer something that you can get from somewhere else, and you should be free.

I had matched for rad-onc at X program in 2007. Another program offered me a postion in 2006. Program X could not offer me a position starting in 2006, nor could they offer me a full time job with benefits starting in 2006 that would last me until my residency started. Good enough reasons for them to let me go, and for me to accept an offer somewhere else.

If they don't let you go, you can try a legal recourse. That will be ugly, I'm sure. If you try this, make sure your future program will back you and you have a good reason to leave.

-S