How/When to Switch Residencies

[throwawayforme]

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I failed to match into obgyn, and SOAPed into IM instead. I am currently starting my Intern year. How and when can I switch into obgyn? I was hoping next year, if not then after finishing IM? And when (if at all) should I talk to my PD about this?

 

[IM2GI]

I failed to match into obgyn, and SOAPed into IM instead. I am currently starting my Intern year. How and when can I switch into obgyn? I was hoping next year, if not then after finishing IM? And when (if at all) should I talk to my PD about this?

Are you trying to stay internal or go to another institution?

Talk to your PD and the ob PD at your current program. Depending on the culture of your program, be prepared for them not to be thrilled.

 

[Gastrapathy]

You SOAPed into categorical or prelim? If the former, you have to have been asked if you were really ok with changing specialties right? If you start asking about OB now, expect them to be pissed. Pretty risky move.


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[throwawayforme]

Thanks for the replies. I kind of figured it wouldn't fly with my program - the wiser part of me thinks I'd better tough it out x 3 years and switch after.

 

[cerave23]

Does your IM program know you were interested in OB in the past? If not, just tell them you don't feel internal medicine is what you expected/want to do the rest of your life, and you'd have to say why you feel OB would be a better match, and hopefully they will work with you. Unless your program is tiny, then they will be mad about it.

 

[DermViser]

Does your IM program know you were interested in OB in the past? If not, just tell them you don't feel internal medicine is what you expected/want to do the rest of your life, and you'd have to say why you feel OB would be a better match, and hopefully they will work with you. Unless your program is tiny, then they will be mad about it.

Except he SOAPed into it. He didn't match into it.

 

[Ronin786]

It's definitely going to depend on your program and how nice they want to be. You could try spending a month or two in IM before approaching your PD, that way you can at least tell him you've given it a shot.

The fact that you SOAPed into the spot could actually be helpful because they likely know it wasn't your first choice.

 

[QofQuimica]

Thanks for the replies. I kind of figured it wouldn't fly with my program - the wiser part of me thinks I'd better tough it out x 3 years and switch after.

You're one week into your intern year, and you almost ended up with no residency at all. Why not take a breather from looking for greener grass elsewhere and give your current program a chance? I don't think you can say you definitely don't want to do IM after spending one week as an intern. Believe me, no one likes IM after their first week of intern year! In addition, IM is a very broad specialty with many possible niches, including some that may be of interest to you such as women's health or something that is more procedurally oriented like critical care. You should take some time to explore these options and consider whether you might be able to find a satisfying niche within IM.

If you make an honest effort for the next six months and still feel that you can't possibly be happy in IM even after researching all of your options within IM, then it makes sense to talk to your PD and the OB/gyn PD at your institution about trying to start in the OB/gyn program next year. You don't want to wait a lot longer than that because you want to give your PD a chance to fill your PGY2 slot if he can. But for sure plan on finishing out your intern year. One of the best ways to piss people off and make yourself a department full of enemies is to leave your colleagues high and dry mid-year.