if you don't match into categorical Gsurg and do a prelim...

[Dire Straits]

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...and you want to transfer into the categorical track at that same program, is it better to do the prelim year at a smaller program (community) or a large university program with more residents per year? in other words which type of program will increase your chances of them letting you stay on as a cat. resident once the prelim year is over (even if they make you repeat PGY1 )?

 

[navysurgeon]

I trained at one of the major surgical training programs in the USA...we had several prelims move into categorical positions during the years I was training...by and large, they were exellent, deserving, and productive residents...one guy went from prelim to truama fellowship with one of the trauma 'gurus' in the US...there is so much turn-over in surgical programs these days, especially with the influx of women into programs (maternity leave) and the emphasis on lab time that a lot of programs continue to promote...a good prelim in a large program is in good shape for a categorical spot..my bias is this: train at the best possible place you can, it will only open more doors from you down the line.

 

[Dire Straits]

my bias is this: train at the best possible place you can, it will only open more doors from you down the line.

correct me if i'm wrong, so what you're saying is that if one must do a prelim then they should do it at the strongest program available regardless of the size of the program?

 

[Winged Scapula]

My thoughts are that at an academic program with people going in and out of the lab there may be more room for one extra rather than in a program without lab time where you're sort of betting on someone quitting, moving, taking extended leave.

 

[Pilot Doc]

Look for the program with the biggest number of lab residents. E.g. 4 categoricals * 2 years in the lab is better than 6 categoricals with 1 year in the lab. The lab is a great time for people to either 1) really love the lab and spend extra time or 2) realize they hated being a surgery resident and quit. Spots are always opening at programs where everyone goes into the lab.