How to Change Programs

[hallam]

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I am a PGY-1 resident in Family Practice, and have made the decision to switch my specialty to Psychiatry. I plan to participate in the upcoming Match, but I am not sure how to handle things with my current program.

I am currently on Academic Probation. I was behind in learning the hospital proceedures because I had really weak rotations during medical school and had a learning gap there. My reviews were all very positive in every other way (rapport with patients and staff and dedication/reliability in my job). I believe I am generally well liked and would be able to complete this program successfully if I stayed. I've just decided that FP isn't for me.


Questions...

1. How should I tell my Program Director that I will be applying to other programs? I assume he will be contacted and would find out.
2. Do you think he will allow me to complete this year in the FP program? I would like to continue.
3. How should I handle the issue with my Academic Probation during my Psych interview process?

Thanks very much for your help.

 

[tetris]

How confident are you that you'll match into psych? If you're an IMG, psych is not an easy field to match into (no field is), especially with your probation status.

The safest thing may be to stay where you are. As a family doc, it might be possible to have a practice with a focus on mental health.

 

[hallam]

How confident are you that you'll match into psych? If you're an IMG, psych is not an easy field to match into (no field is), especially with your probation status.

The safest thing may be to stay where you are. As a family doc, it might be possible to have a practice with a focus on mental health.

I had thought that psych was a fairly easy match. I would expect to go in as a PGY-1.

I have an undergrad degree in psychology and good Step 1 & 2 scores, which I thought might help. Also, I suspect that my PD will give me a good recommendation as far as my interactions with patients and staff.

 

[tetris]

It's one of the less competitive fields, but nowadays tons of IMGs apply, so for them it can be tough.

The programs want to see that you are truly interested in psych, not just as an alternative to what you really want. You should use your psychology degree to demonstrate this - i.e., discuss it in your personal statement and on interviews. But they'll ask you why you started FP; be prepared to explain.