If I wanted to change residencies what would I do...

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dorothyntoto

Family Medicine Resident
7+ Year Member
Joined
Jan 29, 2015
Messages
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Hi all
I'm happy in my residency & I love the people, but I've been thrown a few curve balls in life, and am wondering if moving closer to some important people is even possible/feasible.
I wouldn't even know the steps or how to even approach the situation...
Thanks in advance for your help


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Figure out which specialty, then which program, and keep everything down low prior to figuring out a good solid plan, and backup plan a b and c.
 
I already know what (FM) & where. I just don't know how to even approach the situation. I assume the other program would have to have an open spot? Idk? Would I have to apply through ERAS?


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In most cases, the best first step is to talk to your PD. They are there to help you. I have heard stories of PD's who care more about their programs than their residents -- and that is unfortunate. If you're in a program like that, then you're somewhat on your own.

It depends upon whether you're currently in an FM residency, or something else.

If you're in an FM residency, then you're looking for either an off cycle PGY-1 position for this year, or a PGY-2 position for next year. You can reach out to programs that you might be interested in to see if they have any anticipated openings, and to get on their radar for unanticipated openings. I would be very clear about why you are interested in the program/area, so they know you are not just fishing (? phishing) to bail from your current program. There is no need to go through ERAS.

If you're in some other field, then you'll need to start FM from the beginning. That usually requires applying via ERAS for a new position to start next July.
 
I'm in FM. I like my program & it has nothing to do with them or my fit. If anything I would actually feel horrible about leaving them short a resident, and would only leave if one of the two programs I'd be interested in could take me. Otherwise I wouldn't even consider leaving.


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Then you could contact those two programs, explain your situation, and ask them to contact you if they end up with an opening. I would also alert your PD, but that depends upon your level of comfort doing so.
 
What about scores? Is it better if I've already passed level 3?


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In most cases, the best first step is to talk to your PD. They are there to help you. .

absolutely listen to this advice... honestly PDs are not out there to screw you. I love my program with all my heart, however, I know for a fact she would bend over backwards just so that I can be happy. I've heard my share of stories of ppl going off on PDs who only care about the residency program. But I've heard more stories about how they're really there for you.

But to be fair, I'd have no idea how to even go about starting this process. The one thing I do know is that if I were to need to have the conversation with my PD about it, it would be extremely not awkward. I can see her dragging a bunch of faculty into her office to see what contacts they have. But then again, you know your PD then we do, so I would for sure take my time to think this out.
 
What about if you wonder if a place you interviewed at has an upcoming open spot for the next year? Having interviewed there and knowing they didn't fill all their spots and them knowing you matched elsewhere and didn't rank them higher does that screw you from ever being considered by them? For example, if you went back and forth on your rank list but put another prog higher and matched there.


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What about if you wonder if a place you interviewed at has an upcoming open spot for the next year? Having interviewed there and knowing they didn't fill all their spots and them knowing you matched elsewhere and didn't rank them higher does that screw you from ever being considered by them? For example, if you went back and forth on your rank list but put another prog higher and matched there.


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if you ranked that program above the one that you matched at and they went unfilled, then they didn't rank you...
 
What about if you wonder if a place you interviewed at has an upcoming open spot for the next year? Having interviewed there and knowing they didn't fill all their spots and them knowing you matched elsewhere and didn't rank them higher does that screw you from ever being considered by them? For example, if you went back and forth on your rank list but put another prog higher and matched there.

Many programs will not be insulted by this. You chose to go to another program. Happens all the time. Now you've decided that my program is much better than St Elsewhere. Makes me feel happy. They have likely filled empty spots, but you can certainly ask. Could work out just great -- they have an open spot and you transfer. You could also find a new spot and doscover that your old program was better.
 
I would definitely reach out to the programs you are interested in

If they do have an opening and are interested i would then discuss with your PD

This is absolutely not something you want to bring up prematurely
 
So what's the best way to find out if they have a spot open ? Just email the program coordinator ? Is that considered a match violation ?
I joined resident swap as well. I'm not sure if I should search for pgy1 or pgy2 spots as I'm currently a 1 but will be a 2 next year.


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Yes, the best solution is just to reach out and ask. They obviously have PGY-1 positions open for next year -- they are currently interviewing for them. If you are willing to repeat your PGY-1 and if they are willing to allow it, you could apply again via the match for a PGY-1 position. If you have a satisfactory performance in your current PGY-1, they might consider you for a pGY-2 position if they have one open. It's not a match violation to ask about PGY-2. If you want a PGY-1 for next year, you could ask them if they consider people who are repeating -- but in any case it's very late to submit an app at this point.
 
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