how to transfer to program as a PGY2?

[echelon29]

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I am currently in a general surgery program as a PGY1 categorical that I am unpleased with. I want to transfer to another program as a PGY2 but I don't know how to go about doing this. Can anyone out there that can give me some tips? Thanks.

 

[Winged Scapula]

I am currently in a general surgery program as a PGY1 categorical that I am unpleased with. I want to transfer to another program as a PGY2 but I don't know how to go about doing this. Can anyone out there that can give me some tips? Thanks.

First of all, you must know that you will be required to submit a letter from your current PD, generally stating that you are in good standing, etc. So don't burn any bridges, lie to them etc.

Secondly, there are places, like the APDS (http://www.apds.org) which post positions available. In addition, your current PD should get letters from other PDs looking for available PGY2 residents. Some surgical journals also post residency openings in the back (where they list job openings). Tell your friends at other programs, they may hear about interns who are leaving, opening up a position for you in their program next year.

This should give you a good start...if you have a good relationship with your current PD, they can be a great source of help if you've been honest and above board with them.

 

[Bismuth]

Thanks for the great advice Kimberli.

I am a pathology PGY-1 and am considering transferring to another program as a PGY-2. However, I have not yet totally made up my mind regarding transferring (so haven't talked to my PD about it or anything). Is there any kind of timetable for when this decision needs to be made?

 

[echelon29]

Kimberli, thanks for your tips. I find the program I'm in currently to be so disappointing at many levels. I expected a little unhappiness but not to this degree. The thing I find I hate the most is the trauma service, the way its run, the fact that you just can't avoid it. I won't disclose the name of the program but I'm very unhappy there.

Any suggestions on when I should I bring up my plan not to stay past internship with the PD? I think I have evaluations in December/January. Unfortunately, my PD is very very good. She cares about the resident's becoming good surgeons. The chairman on the other hand sucks.

I have already started keeping an eye out for open spots. Thanks again.

 

[Winged Scapula]

Thanks for the great advice Kimberli.

I am a pathology PGY-1 and am considering transferring to another program as a PGY-2. However, I have not yet totally made up my mind regarding transferring (so haven't talked to my PD about it or anything). Is there any kind of timetable for when this decision needs to be made?

In general, I would correlate my timetable with the match process. Your program will have the best chance to find a PGY2 (to replace you) before the match and/or scramble is up. By the end of the year, most people have found positions. Therefore, if you wait until April or so to tell them you are leaving, this places your current program in a bind, makes them much less likely to work with you and really just isn't fair to them.

So, the earlier the better, in most cases. However, if you truly believe that by telling your PD that you are considering transferring and/or leaving your current program that you will spend the rest of your year in purgatory, it might be prudent to hold of on informing them until you have some assuredness that you have a place to transfer to (ie, not burning any bridges). In addition, by telling them early, it looks like you aren't really giving them a chance (unless your reasons for transferring are family/spouse related, and unrelated to your current program).

When is the match deadline for Path? Does your program take or get apps for PGY2 spots? If the answer to the latter question is yes, then you would want to let your PD know before the deadline so that they can be thinking about finding someone to fill your spot next year.

 

[doughboy]

I transferred after my first year to another program. You have to find out what hospitals have openings which can be done by looking at websites or word of mouth. You need that letter from the PD stating you are in good standing. It was tough for me to ask for that one as the program I was in treated me well but just didn't have everything that I expected from them. I had a heart to heart talk with the PD and told her about my situation and why I wanted to transfer. I had valid points and she respected my decision which was fortunate for me. The other residents however were a little upset for me leaving, I did like q2-3 call for the last month and a half as they said they would be doing more call when I left. I interviewed in feb-march for a new spot. I worked june 30, flew out that night and started my new program july 1. My word of advice is to be sure that you want to leave b/c once you say you want to transfer they might not take you back or they will treat you differently. You will also need letters of recommendation so hopefully you have made some friends with attendings who can write you letters.

 

[beyond all hope]

Also transferred after PG-1.

Lots of surgery residents drop out after PGY-1. You should have lots of options. Make sure to go to the place you want to transfer and talk to the residents one on one in private to see if it's a place you want to be.

Remember that all surgery intern years suck, so that it might get better after your intern year is over.